Narrow gauge industrial railways had a certain charm – the trackwork would invariably be a bit “wonky”, and they used locomotives which the Americans call “critters” (a pretty fair description, I have to say). They were just another part of the railway scene 20 or 30 years ago, now they’ve all but disappeared. Here are some clay-pit railways in Yorkshire more than 20 years ago – visit “Yorkshire Mud-‘oles” on “Geoff’s Rail Dairies”

 A pre-Christmas “shortie” – to satisfy my friend’s desire to grice any remaining Peaks and 50s, and an excuse (if one was needed) to avoid the endless Christmas shopping. West Mid Wandering, 23 December 1986 (how things have changed in 20 years!) published to Geoff’s Rail Diaries

Published “52044” to “Geoff’s Rail Diaries“. Photos of a trip to the Worth Valley over 30 years ago – when, in addition to the normal service trains operated by 41241, a special ran up the line in the hands of ex-L&Y “Ironclad” no. 957, in its BR guise of 52044.

“Carlisle & Leeds“, 6 August 1986, published to “Geoff’s Rail Diaries“. A rainy morning in the border city, and a brighter afternoon in West Yorkshire. Rail blue diesel and electric – and a red interloper…

“Titley Junction“, 24 September 2006, published to “Geoff’s Rail Diaries“. Photos and video of “The longest private railway in Herefordshire”.

Published “SVR – a glance at the gala“, 23 September 2006, to “Geoff’s Rail Diaries“. Action on Eardington bank (including video) and night photography at Bridgnorth.

…is the home of one of our newest preserved railways – a good ¾ mile of standard gauge in deepest rural Herefordshire. It’s a strictly private setup – but today was an open day, largely, I think, to satisfy the curiosity of the Kington locals, if overheard conversations are anything to go by. I spotted it on the internet, on Kington Tourist Centre’s “What’s On in Kington” page, and decided a visit was called for. We had a pleasant ride down the line – and one cannot see Percy’s face from the train…
A “Rail Diaries” entry will follow in due course.

A quick look at the Severn Valley’s “Autumn Steam Gala” – with a glimpse of visitor “Super D” 49395 and a closer look at 6233 “Duchess of Sutherland”, also “just visiting”. The Duchess was accompanied by 6201 “Princess Elizabeth”, which arrived at Bridgnorth just as we were leaving, after an hour or so of night photography and a pint of Hobson’s “Manor Ale”…

   

A “Rail Diaries” page will probably appear in a day or two – in the meantime, this afternoon we’re off to Titley Junction – watch this space…

30 April 1983 – a trip to Southampton and Portsmouth, with a little added interest. Thumpers, a 47, a 33 and a 73, an EMU or two – and something out of the ordinary… Visit Southampton and the ghost train on Geoff’s Rail Diaries

Main line steam ended in August 1968. Only one locomotive was allowed to run on the tracks of British Rail – Alan Pegler’s 4472 “Flying Scotsman” – until, in late ’69, it went to the USA – no more main line steam until the “Return to Steam” in October 1971. Have a look at this record of 4472’s Grand Tour of the North – published today to Geoff’s Rail Diaries