Taken at Oxford on the 08/10/2009.

A few shots from Okehampton and Slough in September and October 2009.

I spent 8 days in Devon and visited Dawlish for a walk along the sea wall.

Taken during an hour spell at the Esso garage at the West End olf the airport on 17/08/2009. First photo of a Qantas A380.

These were taken on the SDR on 13/08/2009.

We caught the last service train to Buckfastleigh before chartering the Bubble Car for a return run to Totnes.

Much thrash!

All taken around Slough (where I work) and the London end of the GWML during August 2009.

Taken at Slough when 60163 Tornado, the newest standard gauge steam locomotive in Britain passed today working 5Z27 Bristol to Gravesend.

On Friday 10th July, D1015 worked 5Z52 from Eastleigh to OOC in preparation for a charter service on the 11th to Minehead. The charter was for GBRF who were celebrating their 10th birthday. Here we have some pictures from both days when the train was in the Slough area.

Taken on the GWML in June 2009.

On Friday 12th June & travellers from Network Rail and FGW travelled down to Dawlish to sample the sea air and sunshine! We didn't see any sunshine. It is only the summer for goodness sake!

We took the train to Dawlish then walked back to Dawlish Warren got the train to Starcross. Next move was the ferry to Exmouth the train home. Pubs were visited in between and as you can expect there was a little banter during the day!

90019 on the rear of a Euston service at Birmingham International.

Taken at Punta Cana airport and on the beach at Bavaro. June 09.

I took the opportunity to travel on Virgins Loco hauled 11:43 Pendolino replacement service today form Euston to Birmingham. The ambience in a Mark 3 carriage compared to a Pendolino is fantastic. We were delayed at Camden for the driver to be cautioned for children on the line, but we got going arriving at Birmingham at 13:26. A very slick turn round at Birmingham meant we were on the way back after only 4 minutes, on time with the 13:30 departure back to the capital. Once back at Euston I photted a few units then headed back to Tring to get a phot of the 90 on the 15:43 to Brum. I also took a photo of a 350 from the new car park which gives pretty good views of the slow lines.

Apologies for the quality of the phots, the weather was difficult to say the least!

This will expand as and when our IECC headboard gets out!

On Friday 8th May, for the 3rd year running, I made the journey to Swanage to sample the beer on offer whilst enjoying various real ales! I had a few of these whilst enjoying some classic diesel traction. 20107, 26007, 31108, 33108, 33111, 45060 and 55022 were in use, all in BR blue except the 31. Another fabulous day out with glorious weather.

As an aside, Mick and I sampled the Lymington Branch which was being operated by 421497. These units are rumoured to be being replaced sometime this year so enjoy them while you can!

Bring on next year!

This was sent to me by a fotopic viewer. It is not me on the roof of the Panel!

Thanks to E D Mann for the photograph!

On the 22nd April I set off to Euston to travel on the loco hauled set of coached to Birmingham. I was stood on the ramp waiting for boarding to commence when the stock left. I was a bit peeved to have the set replaced by a 390 but still went to Birmingham on it. At Birmingham I transferred to a XC HST for the run to Bristol. This was my first run on a refurbished XC HST and was very impressed with it. It goes to show that refurbs can be done with passenger comfort in mind (FGW please note). Then a run from Bristol to Reading where I alighted with a headache as is usual on FGW HSTs. Dinner in Reading then 166 to Paddington and 350 to Tring.

These have appeared in various magazines. Details as shown on photo description.

I made my first rip to the MNR to sample some Type 5 haulage. This was also 56040s debut in preservation. DB Shencker (formally EWS) suppled 4 engines, 37425, 60059, 66144 and 67008. The weather was very changeable so not too many photos taken.

On Monday 23rd March, PSB, Mick and myself sampled some proper trains (traction could have been better). We travelled behind 67015 on the 12:17 Marylebone to Shrewsbury before transferring to a 158 for the trip to LLandudno Jn. We took a 175 to Llandudno for beer. Llandudno was basically shut and I fell over comically whilst running for the train back to LLandudno Jn. We stayed at the Old Station Hotel overnight (very cheap and you could tell why). We were on hand at LLandudno Jn for the 06:21 WAG express to Cardiff hauled by 57316. On arrival at Cardiff we did a pacer move to Cardiff Queen Street where we proceeded to do about 6 return trips on the Class 121 bubble car. This train used to ply the Greenford Line when I was at school in Acton in the late 80s so brought back some nice memories! We moved back to Central to sample FGWs 67 hauled 14:00 departure to Taunton. This was hauled by 67017 with 67016 on the rear.

On arrival at Taunton Mick decided to have the audacity to walk down the Platform to take a pictures of the old Minehead platforms. Whilst he was walking, a member of FGW staff proceeded to blow his whistle and shout at him much to the disbelief of the 'normal' travelling public who were looking on asking what was wrong with taking a few pictures.

Anyway, a pleasant 2 days out not spoiled by FGWs Taunton station staff as all the others were very friendly.

Taken during a 90 minutes spell at the petrol station at the west end of the airport by the threshold of 09L on Sayurday 21st March 2009.

All taken around Slough (where I work) and the London end of the GWML during March and April 2009.

Taken on my first foray out to Tamworth. This station has a high level and low level line and invariably I was on the wrong bit when anything interesting came passed! Missed a 37 and 56 today!

On the night of Thursday/Friday 26 and 27th February 2009, I was lucky enough to be the Slough IECC liason for 1Q18 (the Mentor test train) This train was used to test all electrified lines between Paddington and Heathrow. and was formed from the London end of DRS locomotives 37259, 37611, test coach 975091 (Mentor) and 37069. The phots were taken at various operational stops and reversing points. A superb night out!

All taken around Slough (where I work) and the London end of the GWML during January and February 2009.

Taken around and about the London end on the WCML and Chiltern Line during January and February 2009.

Taken whilst 66157 was waiting to depart from Bicester MOD on 09/01/2009. This train was waiting a passenger service to leave the Single Line at Oxford North Junction.

Taken during a morning spell at the garage at the west end of Heathrow on the 29th October 2008.

Taken during a 2 hour spell at Hanwell station in West London on the 21st October 2008.

These were taken at the West end of Heathrow. I went to get a picture of the A380 departing but it left as I was parking.....

Taken around and about the London end of the WCML and the Chiltern Line during September and October 2008.

Taken at OOC, whilst hoovering out 37308s noses and cleaning its batteries!

Taken during a quick visit to a wet Luton on 09/09/2008.

A superb night out in Totnes followed by the Airshow at Dawlish. Think I need a longer lens as 340mm wasn't enough! Enjoy!

Taken from Myrtle Avenue on t he approach to 27L on the 12th August 2008. Highlights included my first sighting of Wunula Dreaming, an Iran Air 747-200 and a special Swiss livery. Managed to get back to the car just before the torrential rain started!

All taken around Slough (where I work) and the London end of the GWML during July and August 2008.

Taken during a trip to Manor Farm, Cholsey and Didcot East Jn on the 24th June 2008. 47245 was a bonus and goes to show that in this 'Shed' day and age, you can still be surprised!

All these taken during a 2 hour spell at Luton on the 17th June 2008. It was quite sad to see the three Silverjet 767's parked up.

All taken at Slough (where I work) or the London end of the GWML during May and June 2008.

On Friday 16th May 2008, the Golden Rabbit visited Slough IECC. This chav bunny tours the country on a period by period basis being awarded to the best performing area. We at Slough IECC were honoured by his presence, but were very concerned about his lack of answering telephone ability! He also took a liking to Probins' lettuce! Probins even took the time to write a training report for the trainee rabbit!

TRAINING REPORT

TRAINEE NAME: Golden Rabbit
LOCATION: Slough IECC Workstation 2
DATE: 16th May 2008

The Golden Rabbit spent this morning training on Workstation 2.
Given that he had inspired the entire Thames Valley area to the best performance in the country recently, I was expecting a little more than him just sitting there, watching, doing nothing and allowing ARS to run things. I had to constantly give reminders to carry out tasks, which he then failed to do.
Although an attentive listener, he did not speak a great deal. I suspect that a communications course may well be of benefit to him.
His lettuce and carrot eating was first rate – and perhaps he would be more suited to a role in vegetation clearance.

In fact in many respects, although the rabbit did more, he reminds me of Knoxy!



Paul Robinson

A visit to Manor Farm, Cholsey on this sunny but breezy day.

Hello yes, on Friday 9th May, 5 intrepid adventurers travelled west to sample the Swanage Railways diesel gala and Beer festival. Mick and I travelled from North London via the Watford to Clapham service and got the SWT service from Clapham to Wareham. The guard very kindly told us to sit in 1st Class which was nice. Alan got on our train at Basingstoke but we didn't know until Wareham. Probins got on at Hamworthy and immediately showed us his diesel hating T-Shirt! Steve travelled down from Swindon via Reading and arrived 20 minutes after us. Our first working took us to Swanage then back to Harman's Cross and the beer tent where 2 different beers and a Cheeseburger were consumed. More runs were interspersed with trips to the beer tent. We got the Slough IECC headboard on 37275 from Swanage to Norden (cheers Cozzy, owner of 37275) and 37906 from Swanage to Corfe Castle (cheers Midi) It was also placed on 20096 for the photo. All in all, an enjoyable day out. Here's to next year!

Taken around the Southern end of the WCML and the Chiltern Line in May and June 2008.

On Friday 25th April 2008, I travelled from Princes Risborough to Kidderminster to sample preserved diesel traction on the Seven Valley Railway. This line was nearly destroyed by flooding last summer, but thanks to something in the region of £3 million worth of repairs, the line is open again. The event seemed to be very well attended and I thoroughly enjoyed the thrash on offer.

I travelled via Chiltern Trains and London Midland. On the SVR, I travelled behind the DMU, D8188, 37901, D444, 50049 and D1013. I am saving 37906 for the Swanage event in May.

All taken at Slough (where I work) or the London end of the GWML during April 2008.

Charter train 1Z30 from Crewe to Weymouth taken at Kings Sutton on the 19th April 2007. Full grey and drizzle I'm afraid but you don't often see EE type 1's at full thrash on a passenger train.

After attempting to do this trip on Thursday the 6th, I re-attempted on Friday 7th March.

I travelled to Kings Cross where I caught the 09:00 departure to York. I treated myself to Breakfast in the restaurant car and it was very nice, well served and pretty good value. I got to York, wandered around for 30 minutes and then caught the 11:39 TPE service to Liverpool operated by 185131. This was my first ride on a 185, and I have to say, they are quite nice. On arrival at Liverpool Lime Street, I had about 20 minutes to wait and managed to get a photo of the Network Rail DBSO and 31105 on a test train of some sort. I then travelled on 390008 on the 14:15 departure to Milton Keynes. Unfortunately, some slow running in the Colwich area saw me arrive at Milton Keynes just as the 16:15 local service departure was leaving. This meant I had a 50 minute wait for the next Tring service.I was fuming as you might imagine, however Mrs Jimmy was on hand having finished work for the day to pick me up in Milton Keynes, thus instead of a 321 to Tring, I had a bit of Ford Focus thrash instead. I didn't take many pictures, as my Eos is away for a sensor clean and I had reverted to my old Fujifilm Finepix A303.

So I have returned from my trip around New Zew Zealand and Hawaii and here we have approx 200 images.

My flight details were as follows;

28/12/07 London to Sydney on Qantas B747 VH-OJT
02/01/08 Sydney to Auckland on Qantas B767 VH ? (Forgot to write it down)
20/01/08 Wanaka to Milford Sound on a Wanaka Sightseeing Cessna ZK-RLM and return
21/01/08 Mount Cook Glacier Flight on a Mount Cook Pilatus ZK-MCK
28/01/08 Christchurch to Sydney on Qantas B767 VH-OGJ
28/01/08 Sydney to Honolulu on Jetstar A330 VH-EBF
04/02/08 Honolulu to LA on American B767 N372AA
05/02/08 LA to London on BA B747 G-BNLE

American Airlines are tight, no free food on the 5 hour flight between HNL and LAX, like easyJet, only much dearer!

We travelled around NZ in a Fiat Ducato campervan which was very well equipped.

We also travelled from Christchurch to Greymouth on the TranzAlpine Express over the mountains (the former Midland Line). This freight line just has 1 passenger train a day each way, this is also the case on the West Coute route between Picton and Christchurch.

Taken around the Southern end of the WCML and the Chiltern Line in December 2007.

A spell at each end of the Airport.

All taken at Slough (where I work) or the London end of the GWML during December 2007.

I travelled to Brighton, Bedford and St Pancras on the 28th November. St Pancras station is truly amazing! The Champagne Bar is superb, if a little pricey for a long night out!

My second visit to Manor Farm at Cholsey. A very cold day spent here with two other hardy people who were here as well, (one from about 07:30!)

These were taken in November 2007 alongside the Seawall and at Meldon. The weather at Meldon wasn't good and most stuff was hidden behind coaching stock. Unfortunately, I was scuppered every time I went to photograph the Meldon stone traffic, still, I will try again!

Taken on my first visit to this location, inspired by Kestrel!

Superb spot and I will be returning soon!

86101 undertook a Light Engine move from Doncaster to Crewe via the ECML and the WCML.

Here are pictures of it at Sandy and Cheddington.

Taken around the Southern end of the WCML and the Chiltern Line in October and November 2007.

Taken from the usual spot at Luton in between showers!

All taken at Slough (where I work) or the London end of the GWML during October and November 2007.

Taken around the Southern end of the WCML and the Chiltern Line in September 2007.

These were taken at Greenford Signalbox on the 8th September 2007. Full sun gave way to Full dull about 5 minutes before arrival!

On the night of 1st/2nd September, I took advantage of the No booked Service period at Slough and spent an hour or so on the tamper siding at Slough to record the Up Relief being lifted prior to relaying. I was aided considerably by the massive arc lights!

On Friday 24th August, two intrepid travellers (PSB and me) transported themselves to Minehead, me via the 07:30 Padd and PSB's Pug 207 and PSB by the same Pug 207, to sample the trial Minehead to Bristol run operated by Victa Westlink. A superb day out. Breakfast in the Mk 3 restaurant car at Minehead followed by a return trip to Bristol (for £5.50 priv rate). We bumped into Rich Gray from Reading PSB. Lots of ale consumed by me, tea by PSB as he was driving. I hope this has been the success it should be and runs again next year then we can have a group outing Michael!

I went out on the 13th of August to photograph the GC training runs at a footbridge North of Sandy on the ECML. Unfortunately, due to late running caused by thieves stealing the cable in the Durham area, the train was terminated just South of Peterborough. Still the train is running for about a month, so I will try again.

Hello yes. Only the 3 of us as Inspector Brightmore couldn't make it at the last moment. The trip started the previous evening with a Curry in the Gaylord at Twyford (I kid you not, it really is called that!) followed by Beers in O'Neills, the bugle and finally the Novotel Reading where we were staying. Needless to say we didn't get to bed till about 01:30 and had to be up at 05:30 for the 06:09 departure from Reading. Still it was a good day out, even though Alex didn't shut up all day as usual! Food was good and both PSB and I won prizes in the raffle. Shame the hitler like central trains staff and security at Skegness would only allow access to a platform where you could not get a clear photo of 47847, but there you go! Gestapo Britain

All taken at Slough (where I work) or the London end of the GWML during August and September 2007.

Taken around the southern end of the WCML and the Chiltern Line during July and August 2007.

All of these taken in the Slough area during June and July 2007.

On the night of the 6th/7th June, Network Rail's 86902 was used for Load testing of the OHLE to Terminal 5. Freightliner 66's were utilised to haul the 86 whilst down the tunnel. I wasn't allowed to alight at Terminal 5, so I lent my camera to someone who was! These were taken down the tunnel on that night. Enjoy.

No Michael this year! On Friday 8th June, I drove to Devon to visit the SDR again. Much Corona consumed sitting in front of the Stars Hotel. Phil was unwell overnight! I only did two round trips this time round as I wanted to take lineside picture as well. Enjoy the pictures, the weather was beautiful. This really is a fantastic little Railway.

Taken under the approach to 09L on my way to work on the 5th June 2007.

These were taken from a field near to East Hyde after a trip to Luton Airport on the 23rd may 2007. First Capital Connect certainly has an interesting collection of liveries!

Taken during a short spell at Luton on the 23rd May 2007.

Hello yes,

Michael and I travelled down to the Swanage Railway on Friday 11th May 2007 for the Diesel Gala and Beer Festival. We met at Watford Junction and travelled on the 07:17 to Clapham Junction before making use of SWT to Wareham, changing at Brockenhurst to hopefully view the Cig unit on the Lymington Branch. We had a superb day out sampling many different beers and traction, my favorite being in the 4 Vep that SWT had loaned being propelled by a 73 on the rear. Unfortunately, I misread the bus timetable and we were an hour and a half late getting home. Superb idea to spread the weekend to include the Friday as it meant it wasn't too busy and we could go where we wanted.

This will be updated as and when I get round to going out taking photos of signalling equipment.

Taken at the Southern End of the WCML in May and June 2007.

Taken during a short spell on the A3044 under the approach to 09L.

Taken at the Southern end of the WCML in March and April 2007.

Taken around Slough in March and April 2007.

These were taken flying in from Mexico on the 19th March 2007 and then on Gatwick station waiting a train home. I particularly like the Pink Contrails, taken from the back row of a Thomas Cook Airbus A330.

These were taken on a trip to sample 86101's return to the Mainline. I travelled up to Carlisle on Friday and met Michael, Ian and Kevin who had been traipsing around the old Kingmoor Yard. The evening involved consuming beer and the following morning was a 06:33 start from the border city. Beer was consumed from 08:00 on account of the fact that we had to stop by about 14:00 as some of us were working on the Sunday! A superb day out was had. Go to this site to find out more about the AC Loco group. http://www.aclocogroup.co.uk

These were taken on an 'all inclusive' holiday in Cuba 2004. The photos of a railway nature were at a tourist railway the others were on a day trip to Havana.

Went to Cheddington on Wednesday 28th February 2007 to get a picture of 5Z47. Beautiful sunshine until 5Z47 turned up and then rain! Also Secondman appears to have a tongue!

This was a grand day out! Kevin, Mick and myself went around the NLL to North Woolwich before the line closed, then on the ferry to the South Side of the Thames before walking back through Brunels tunnel. Train back to Stratford then to Romford where Andrew joined us. Over the single line to Upminster where we got a C2C train to Barking. At Barking the others went to the pub, I didn't! Headboard attached to the 150 unit but wouldn't go on properly as it was too big. Over to Gospel Oak for a NLL train to Camden Road and a taxi to Euston for beer. Lots of it! Needless to say I was quite pi**ed by the end of the night along with almost everyone else there! I think I had a Pasty on the way home from The Pasty shop on Euston station but I can't really remember!

Taken from Myrtle Avenue on the 23rd November 2006.

Taken at Luton Airport before a quick stop at East Hyde on the MML.

Taken at Slough in January and February 2007.

The reason primarily to go out today was to try and get some photos of the Chiltern Railhead Treatment Train.

This is Cow Roast, just South of Tring. Strange name.......

These were all taken at Slough in the last 3 months of the year.

Taken on a visit to the Swanage on the 13th and 14th October 2006.

These were taken just North of Kings Sutton on the Oxford to Banbury Line today, 07/02/2007 between 12:00 and 14:00. It was flicking cold I tell you!

These were taken at Heathrow today. I parked near The Rising Sun at the end of 27L to get the departure shots and then at 15:00 moved to Myrtle Avenue after the runway change. It was very cold today, but lovely and bright. Enjoy the photos.

A few photos taken at Slough in September 2006.

A very long day out on 30th August 2006 starting on the 05:30 from Aylesbury! Going to Paddington via the joint line, then to Cardiff via Swindon and Gloucester. Fishguard and back with 50031. A quick trip to Cardiff Bay then Cardiff to Caerphilly with 37425 then back to Tring via Birmingham. Bells. Nippy the Kung foo hamster had a great day out flailing and singing........

40145 spent a couple of days on the Western Region in August 2006. The images shown are of the light engine move from Bury on 25th August 2006 and then 1Z40 on the 28th August 2006. This was the first time I had seen a 40, what a beast!

These were taken on the 24 and 25th July 2006. No photos of the Kayaking, these can be found at http://www.psbellamy.com/kayak_2006.html

Taken at Luton on 18th July 2006.

These were taken on a short visit to the Chiltern Line whilst my car was being washed in Friars Gate car park in Aylesbury!

A small selection from around the Tring area in July 2006.

Taken on a day trip to York on the 18th July 2006 to go to the NRM and to have a ride on the York Wheel.

These were taken on two visits to the New Forest in July 2006.

A selection of photographs aroung Slough in June and July 2006.

The area day built into the roster is designed to allow those of us normally confined to the Signal Box to get out and meet the customer. On the 15th January 2006, the customer in question was EWS where a day out was arranged by the Operations Manager at Acton yard. It was arranged for me to spend time looking around Acton Yard, seeing what they do there and then to travel to Colnbrook on a stone train with materials for Heathrow Terminal 5 and to return on the empty aviation fuel train from West Drayton back to Acton Yard. A thoroughly enjoyable day out was had and it was good to 'step outside the box' and see a different side of railway operations. My thanks to EWS and to Steve, Gavin and Bob for their help. The following images are from the day. Mostly by me, but some from Bob Fraser.

These were taken on a holiday in Yorkshire in June 2006. We were on holiday for our 3rd wedding anniversary, and I spent a little time taken pictures on the Settle - Carlisle Line. We also did a trip from Skipton to Carlisle whilst on holiday and visited the Castle. It was rubbish!

These were taken form Myrtle Avenue on the occasion of the first visit of the Airbus A380 to LHR. Myrtle was absolutley rammed that day. Police and people everywhere. The A380 stayed overnight at Heathrow and departed early the next day. I took some photos, but it was dark and wet when she left.

A selection taken on the Aylesbury to Princes Risborough Line before moving on Cheddington on the 12th May 2006.

A selection of images in the Slough and OOC area in May 2006.

All these taken during a brief spell at the Crash Gate at the West End of Gatwick Airport on 04th April 2006.

A selection of images taken at Slough during March 2006.

A few photos taken at Didcot Yard. The Class 37's were en-route to Bescot.

These were all taken at Luton airport on the 26th January 2006.

A day out to Holyhead on 25th January 2006 to sample the Virgin 57/3 hauled Arriva service from Manchester to Holyhead. Superb day out. but an early start was required. 05:45 off of Slough!

A day out after my Ipswich trip to make the most of my Priv box. Down to Paignton for a pint or two and then home to Slough.

These were taken on a day out to sample 90 haulage on the GE mainline out of Liverpool Street on 23rd January 2006. Obviously the 165 photo at the end is at Slough on my journey home.

Another selection from Myrtle Avenue on the approach to 27L on 21st January 2006

Taken at Slough with the IECC in the backgroung 37405 and 37425 hauling additional waste traffic, returning with the empty train. Unfortunately, 37405 had failed with a generator problem and 37425 was doing all the work, loudly!

4 images taken in the Slough area on the 17th & 19th November 2005.

I was acting as the Network Rail liason on the Mentor Test Train on the night of 12th and 13th January 2006. I parked at Acton Yard and caught the Greenford Car to Paddington to meet the train. After going to West Drayton, we made our way to the Heathrow Airport Branch where we spent an hour and a bit going over all the lines in the tunnel. These images are from that trip.

A brief visit made to Heathrow Airport on 16th November 2005. Taken form Myrtle Avenue on the approach to 27L.

Taken whilst on shift at Slough on the 15th and 19th October 2006

A selection at Heathrow taken on 10/11/06, the day the first Boeing 777-200LR visited.

These were taken at a variety of locations around West London on the 18th and 20th October 2005.

On the 27th September 2005, I travelled overnight on the Euston to Fort William sleeper with the aim of getting some tractor haulage from Edinburgh to Fort William before the 'newer, more reliable' class 67's took over. Also while in Fort William a trip to Mallaig was undertaken using the daily steam hauled train, (The Jacobite). It rained almost all day and when I left Fort William on the sleepers it was still raining!

Here we have D1015 calling at Slough in July 2005. Kevin Davis was on this tour, and Mick was on hand to video it departing Slough.

This weekend in june 2005, saw me and Mikey join Phil and Alex in Devon for the SDR diesel gala. we met up on the Friday eventually after Mick went from Milton Keynes to Totnes via London and Manchester. I went via the Southern! Much beverage was consumed in the evening in Torquay, pictures of this can be found at:

www.psbellamy.com/torquay_100605.html

Compare the images of 37037 from last years gala to see the superb restoration carried out on it.

All in all another great couple of days out.

Jimmy

This was an out and back trip to sample some tractor thrash over the Settle Carlisle line. Myself, Alex, Phil and the Pikeh went. staying in Knaresborough. The locals thought I was a cockney! I upset them by asking where ther whippets were and drinking much G&T.

This is a selection of shots from the SDR diesle gala in June 2004. My wife came with me, and got bored after 4 round trips so we went Living Coasts down in Torquay to see penguins. All in all a fantastic little line and a very well organised weekend.

Young Mick Knox and myself visited the Rhymney Branch on Saturday 07/05/05 between two nights shifts. Our meticulous planning was superb until we got back to Cardiff at around 3pm for our retuen to Slough and our 19:00 shift start time. There were no trains running due to a suicidal women on the bridge immediatly outside Newport station. We eventually got a train, getting Swindon Control to arrange a stop order for Slough, and arrived at work at 20:55. It was a superb day out apart from the last bit. Jimmy

This was my second trip to Switzerland, and a smaller group than last year. Last year was bright sunshine most of the wek, this year was snow showers most of the week. Enjoy the photos. Jimmy

These photos were taken whilst I was 'passed out' to work Greenford signalbox. Dates as shown on image description.

These were all taken on a boys trip to Switzerland toboggoning at Zermatt in 2005.