The Singing, Ringing Tree RailMon 2007-01-07 | Looking like the wreckage of an Alien space craft, this Futuristic Sculpture is Art Jim, but not as we know it. Commisioned by a forward thinking Burnley Council & designed by Tonkin Liu Architects www.tonkinliu.co.uk www.vimeo.com/tonkinliu/singing-ringing-tree www.vimeo.com/tonkinliu/singing-ringing-tree-animation. The collection of tubes makes the strangest sounds when the wind blows, which is often round the location at Crown Point, on the moorland overlooking Burnley. Seen in the background is Pendle Hill, famous for the PENDLE WITCHES. Maybe in the sculpture, the myth lives on. Let me know what YOU think.
Skye High on the Storr! RailMon 2013-04-18 | Take a 'virtual visit' to this ultra-spectacular place, absolutely unique in Europe.Situated on the southern end of the Trotternish Ridge, just north of Portree, this volcanic outcrop characterises the Island's fiery past. This 5 minute video doesn't really do justice to the beauty of the area, so go see for yourself!Railmon
Le Boreal Cruise ship off the coast of Skye RailMon 2013-03-17 | following a recent documentary on British TV, about this amazing cruise ships maiden voyage to Antarctica, I remembered seeing it off the beautiful coast of Skye, Scotland, UK.
70039, Sir Chistopher Wrenn Model Steam Loco RailMon 2013-01-12 | Constructed by a highly skilled model engineer over several years, this beautiful working model is loved by young & old as it gives rides on Southport model engineering club's outdoor layout. Based on a 'Britannia' class loco, see it progress to a complete, working model in this unique video.
71000. Duke of Gloucester goes to Newcastle RailMon 2013-01-01 | Like so many main line railtours, the Duke's' run from Manchester to Newcastle, England, in Feb 2002, turned into a mini adventure. The tour encountered hail, rain & snow, oh & a little sun. But something unexpected as well!Spectacular winter scenery helped make it a memorable run, especially over the bridges of Tyneside. Enjoy!Oh! & a very happy new year everyone.
71000, Duke of Gloucester at Toton. RailMon 2012-12-25 | March 2008 & 71000 paid a unique visit to Toton MPD. In its day, Toton was one of the largest coal train marshalling yards in the UK but now it is the main depot for EWS.I have to say that the staff at Toton were unbelievably friendly & helpful during our visit & I'd like to dedicate this video as a tribute to them. On arrival, we were met by almost the entire staff of the depot, including the depot manager. They extended their facilities to us, in an unprecedented manor.This vid is a brief record of the visit, which was a prelude to a mainline railtour from Leicester to Chester the following weekend.
71000, Duke of Gloucester slips up Dainton! RailMon 2012-12-22 | 3 back to back runs in 3 days meant the 'Duke's support crew were stretched to the limits. I've chosen this run because it was, to say the least, eventful as the vid shows.Starting at Bristol Temple Meads, 71000 was accompanied by 'Royal Sovereign' the Queens loco. Unfortunately when it was required to assist on the banks, it failed to power up. With the result that the 'Duke' slipped to a halt in a wild display of smoke, steam & sparks. See for yourself!Special thanks to Shirley, the 'FireBox Chaser' for her contribution to this video.Railmon.
71000, Duke of Gloucester at Shildon RM RailMon 2012-12-21 | Seen here, on the 'Dukes' only visit to this amazing rail museum, visitors were treated to a weekend of contrasts. With 71000 taking pride of place along side locos of an even older vintage. Many local rail volunteers got the treat of a lifetime when they were able to actually drive the 'Duke', including yours truly.Also my first visit to the Museum & I have to say, I was most impressed & would encourage anyone to go there for a feast of steam & diesel traction & rolling stock. Excellent.
Mayflower Power on the ELR RailMon 2012-10-24 | Blessed by uncharacteristically good weather, visitors to the East Lancs Autumn Gala were treated to some magic steam events, not least being the appearance of the recently rebuilt, B1 class loco, 'Mayflower'.It looked and sounded as sunny as the weather, in its apple green livery!If you have a surround sound system, give it a work out as Mayflower blasts over the ELR's 'hump'. The reflected sounds from the buildings on either side, adding to the spectacle.Enjoy.
Spectacular views on the West Pennines RailMon 2012-10-13 | With lots of fog developing over parts of Lancashire, it was likelooking out over a bright sea from Winter Hill.
71000 Hauls ELR Troop Train RailMon 2012-10-03 | During a 1940's war weekend on the East Lancashire Railway, the famous steam loco 71000, 'Duke of Gloucester' hauled a real troop filled with troops from local regiments.This video shows scenes on the railway, in the run up to the actual troop train's departure from 'Ramsdown' and shows the crowds that came to see and take part in the event. Much of this footage is unique and hasn't been seen before.
Highland Fling on a Scottish mountain RailMon 2012-07-20 | Young MacBackpackers learn to fling it on the Quiraing, a mountain on the Hebridean Island of Skye.Their tour guide teaches them to 'Strip the willow!' with hilarious results. A local lady said she'd never seen such 'goings on' on the Quiraing. LoL.The backdrop is the Scottish mainland and the volcanic pinnacles of the Trotternish Ridge.If this type of activity appeals to you, contact 'mackbackpackers.com'I have absolutly no connection with this company, honest!Railmon.
Hang-gliding over the Quiraing, on Skye RailMon 2012-07-18 | A hang-glider pilots eye view of one of the most spectacular places in Britain, The Quiraing!Dont watch if you suffer from vertigo as there is spinning motion, Etc.There are no tastefully tuned tones on this video, so as not to infringe possible copyrights, The background sounds are those of the flight, the wind, the variometer & a minimum of ripe language, LoL. The camera, a Sony Bloggie, is attached to the glider, not to a helmet. At less than a third of the price of a Go Pro or Contour, the Bloggie aquits its self quite well and its swivelling lens system lends itself readily to this type of activity.The Quiraing, because of its remote location, isn't flown very often, but, I promise the adverturous, an experience never to be forgotten. It has easy access to a car park and take off from the edge of the car park. Even a catering van with some suprisingly exotic food like, Like Bison and other similar sandwiches. All from sustainable sources.The best wind direction for soaring flight is East to SE. Skye has just enjoyed 4 months of unprecedented good weather, while the rest of the U.K. has been swimming.
71000 Steam Trials 2004 RailMon 2012-05-31 | Following a complete rebuild between 1996 & 2004, on the East Lancashire railway, the 'Duke of Gloucester' steam locomotive is seen in this clip being trialed, prior to its return to mainline service. Apologies for the sound quality on the clip and note it was shot in 4/3 format.
Sun,Sea & Skye! RailMon 2012-05-24 | If you are planning a trip to this beautiful Hebridean island, or you just love Skye,take a look at this mini travelogue to get a flavor of what this island, with its volcanic origins, has to offer. The spectacular cruise ship, Le Boreal is seen close in to the Trotternish coast of Skye & there are Dinosaur footprints in the beach rock near Staffin.The coast line is an absolutely amazing adventure of natural arches, sea caves & stacks.
Manchester Modelling Exhibition RailMon 2012-03-08 | The Manchester Modelling Exbibition was held for the first time at Event City on Trafford Park and the scale of it was breathtaking. As was the skill & inguinuity of those who brought along the hundreds of superb models, exhibits & display. Outstanding models included the 'Air Atlantic' Dakota, a large scale flying replica of a Vulcan Bomber, powered by 2 jet turbine engines and what must have been a half scale model of a sleek, modern, sail plane. My video shows only a small proportion of the exhibits but the show, I believe, is scheduled to be held here next year as well, when there is every likelyhood it will be even larger, judging by the crowds that came on the first of 3 days.
The Beauty of Rivington & Anglezarke RailMon 2012-02-12 | Lancshire's scenic gems, these areas attract thousands of visitors to enjoy the delights of stunning views and amazing wildlife. Everthing from Deer, foxes and squirrels to a huge variety of birds. I've featured some of them here. Freezing temperatures bring contact with normally shy birds, as you can see, when I tempt Robins to feed from my hand.
ELR Steam Gala 2012 RailMon 2012-02-04 | With 7 locos in steam over the gala weekend, we were treated to plenty of spectacular action. Chris Beet's little Peckett on freight duty, made a welcome sight between the large locos 3 train running. Locos were mixed and matched to give good photo opportunities. This lead to one or two unusual pairings, like the 'Duke' piloting 'Lord Nelson', which would have been highly unlikely in steam days. Unless you know different!
Lets Rushup & Fly RailMon 2012-01-29 | These amazing scenes were filmed at Rushup Edge in England's Peak District. I've reduced the volume levels in preference to adding ten tones of tastefully tuned background music, because I didn't want to deprive you of the esoteric sounds of rustling canvas, ribald conversations & my heavy breathing as I clamber up the hill. Well I'm no spring chicken you know. Anyway, if it gets on yer puddin a bit, you can always turn it off. So, welcome to 12 minutes of mayhem & magic in the Peaks. With estimates of a hundred + flyers here today, it makes for a very colorful scene.
Scotland. Skye Drive! RailMon 2012-01-10 | This is a travelog of a section of a trip from England to the Western Highlands and features some of the most spectacular scenery Scotland has to offer. I've done this trip many times and each time, theres something new. Wether its the scenery, wildlife, people, or just the sheer exhileration of being there
L&Y A Class loco on the ELR RailMon 2011-12-29 | This beautifully restored locomotive appeared briefly in the East Lancs Railway's stable, before disaster struck and a severe boiler accident caused its demise. Heres hoping its not terminal Thru its first steamings we follow the loco into sucessful operation. Visitors from the town where it was built were more than impressed with the standard of restoration, down to owner, Andy Booth and his team of engineers.
Ghost Riders played on Yamaha SY99 RailMon 2011-07-16 | Probably one of he best synths ever made, the SY99 put the ultimate creative power in the hands of musicians. For some strange reason, Yamaha didn't sing its praises as loudly as it should. Perhaps relying on the SY to do it for them. Im only an inexperienced amateur but judge for yourself. By the way the synth is for sale. Drop me a line for details if interested.
Sea King SAR Excersize RailMon 2011-06-21 | I'd just landed the hangy when a man asks me if my wing is secure as a SAR heli is due any minute to take part in Kirby Stephen's Mountain Rescue Teams excersize and they dont want me to blow away. He kindly invites me to join them to witness the event and I do actually get blown off my feet by the amazing Sea King helicopter. But its all in the best possible taste! LoL.
Scenes at the ELR 1940s weekend RailMon 2011-06-09 | This event never fails to surprise the thousands of visitors who arrive from all over Britain to take part or just enjoy the sheer spectacle of this bi-annual gathering. There are battle re-enactments, tribute singers, troop trains, spectacular parades and much much more. You've got to see it to believe it.
Taffy, the singing dog? RailMon 2011-05-22 | Watch this dog problem solving in a local beauty spot. Its hilarious!
Class 66s in Scotland. RailMon 2011-05-21 | Yes I know I'm letting the side down, being a steam mon, but who could object to this highly scenic vid. Class 66s seen in beautiful surroundings in Scotland. The steep incline at Beattock shows off the first hard working loco. Then the famous Horseshoe Curve is the backdrop as the lightly loaded train negotiates this feature on the West Highland line. The loco is hauling empties from Fort William to Grangemouth, after replenishing supplies for the lines service trains.
Flying Scotsman & Mallard RailMon 2010-12-21 | Seen at Doncaster Loco works, Flying Scotsman & Mallard in a host of good company during a family weekend in 2003. Scotsman had recently been acquired for the national collection by the National Railway Museaum and looks stunning in its apple green livery. Not so sure about the 'Blinkers'. Nice to see 'Mallard' being given an airing.
Skye High RailMon 2010-11-14 | October 2010 and a chance conversation with another avid flyer led to a 3 man, 500 mile trip to the Hebridean Island of Skye. This led to some absolutely amazing hang-glider/para-glider flying on a spectacular area known as Cuith Raing. It is situated on the largest active land slip in Europe, The Trotternish Ridge. We were joined by 3 Scottish flyers. We cannot wait to return. The night skys, clear of any light polution, gave us views of fantastic Star fields.
ELR, Steam Railway Wonderland RailMon 2010-11-13 | With several very high profile locos visiting, including Tornado, the East Lancs Railway enjoyed huge crowds at its October steam gala. Highlights were the double heading of Tornado and 71000 and 71000 with the only other Caprotti valved loco. Leander made a welcome return and Sutty's superb Black 5, fresh from a lengthy rebuild performed brilliantly to make this a very memorable weekend for us anoraks!
Skye, Where Eagles Fly RailMon 2010-06-18 | On a recent vacation in Scotland, I was able to capture footage of Golden Eagles & Sea Eagles. This young Buzzard was hunting so close, I could almost hear the wind in its feathers. Normally only seen at a distance, the bird hunted small prey as if I wasn't there, giving me these amazing pictures. Then the following day, I took a short boat trip from Portree Harbour and captured some more amazing footage. This time, of Sea Eagles etc. I cant recomend this trip enough and you 'dont pay the ferryman' if you dont see the eagles. On the trip you will most likely see leaping salmon, seals and variety of sea birds.
Falcons, Families & fun RailMon 2010-05-17 | What a lovely way to introduce children to this most ancient of traditions. Few have ever experienced Falconry but as a DOE registered falconer, I am very pleased to see dedicated people bringing their beautiful birds to this family fun day near Manchester.
Beattock Freight Trains. Real Heavy Metal RailMon 2010-05-11 | Heavy Freight trains on the West Coast mainline at Beattock. A spectacular location in beautiful Scotland, to say the least.
Great Marquess on the Inverness to Kyle line RailMon 2010-04-19 | Filmed at Loch Carron and Kyle of Lochalsh in Scotland during the 'Great Briton III' steam rail tour. A rather wheezy 'Great Marquis' nevertheless looks spectacular weaving in and out of the bays along Scotlands most beautiful Loch. Steam on this amazing line is now extremely rare, so its every credit to the Railway Touring Company for organising this brilliant rail tour. Incidentally I saw the 'Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) above the Loch the night before. Scotland is so Beautiful.
70013 Cromwell at Beattock on The North Briton III RailMon 2010-04-17 | Seen in spectacular action on the climb up the infamous Beattock incline in Scotland, this powerful steam loco didn't disappoint the many fans watching on the 9-4-2010. The loco's powerful beat even heard above the constant roar of the motorway. There was a bonus of 2 Black Fives following shortly after, with far less effort but no less spectacle. Apologies for the unintended musical background to the latter track..
Cromwell & the Duke 71000 in the snow RailMon 2010-03-14 | The second day of the recent East Lancs Railway steam gala saw near white-out conditions, with the stars of the show, Oliver Cromwell, 71000 & Sir Lamiel performing brilliantly in the snow. On crew change-over a footplate man on 'Sir Lamiel' greeted the new crew with the words: 'Welcome to Iceland'. It wasn't much fun for the crews, especially when working tender first in the arctic conditions. Yet in steam days this would be quite normal on many of the earlier locos. The men were tough as old boots. The conditions did provide many spectacular smoke & steam effects for the few hardy souls who made it to the railway that day. For those that didn't, you dont know what you missed. But here is a taster.
Deer in Rivington, Lancashire. RailMon 2010-02-07 | There can be few sights nicer than wildlife on your doorstep and increasingly Fallow Deer are being seen in the Rivington & Anglezarke areas of Lancashire, England. These elegant & agile creatures are extremely timid yet curious. They will investigate anything that gets their attention. I have been surprised on a number of occasions by just how curious, giving me lovely opportunities to film them.
71000, The Duke On the move. RailMon 2010-01-14 | A rare event as 71000 the 'Duke of Gloucester' is loaded for transportation by road from its home on the East Lancashire Railway, to the Severn Valley railway in March 2009. It is likely that this is only the third time this amazing and unique loco has ever been moved by road.
Spectacular MicroLite Flight. RailMon 2010-01-03 | A friend takes Railmon on a magical mystery microlite flight with some amazing views. Please fasten your seat belts its going to be a little bumpy.
T-Rex/Hughes 500E RailMon 2009-12-30 | Simple video featuring T-Rex mechanics fitted in a FunKey Hughes 500E Body.
8F Steam Locomotive at Arnside RailMon 2009-07-10 | At a beautiful location in Morecambe Bay a steam train is due to cross the famous viaduct at Arnside But before the train arrives, a strong tidal bore brings millions of gallons of water up the Kent channel into the Leven estuary. The train is then seen passing over furiously paddling canoists on its way to Sellafield in April 2004. Unfortunately a video cant capture the full atmosphere and sound of this spectacular event but I hope you enjoy it.
Singing Ringing Kilt Rock, Skye. RailMon 2009-06-20 | Another wind driven art form. This time on a site on the beautiful Hebridean Island of Skye. Not as obvious as the 'Singing Ringing Tree' near Burnley in Lancashire, England. The source of the sound here often mystifies visitors and tourists because it is often so subtle. I found it difficult to record above the seascape sounds and the wind, but the video will give you some idea of the not unpleasant 'music' to be heard at this popular tourist site. Mermaid song? Thats what some have named it. 'Digging for dynamite' on Skye? Well perhaps not, but the explanation is intriguing nontheless. See the video.
Skye, The beautiful Island. The Quirang RailMon 2009-06-18 | Take a virtual tour of the Quirang, a hill walkers & climbers paradise on the Hebridean Island of Skye. Difficult to do true justice in a video to the sheer breathtaking beauty of this Island, but see what you think as you walk amongst the volcanic pinnacles, rock faces, and grassy tables and hills of this area. Situated at the northern end of the Trotternish Ridge, the largest landslip in Europe, the Quirang offers a wide range of climbs & walks. From the easy to the extremely difficult amidst the most exhilerating seascape & landscape scenery. Oh and let me know what YOU think. Railmon.
The DREAM on Merseyside. RailMon 2009-05-18 | Another stunning sculture in the North of England. On the site of the former Sutton Manor Colliery, the 'DREAM' commemorates the thousands of men who worked the mine before its closure. Situated at the side of the M62 motorway on the outskirts of ST Helens in Lancashire, England, this sculpture is a must see. It was a tremendous WOW! factor when you first see it in a clearing in the woodland covering the former colliery site, especially around noon on a sunny day.
Winter Hang Gliding RailMon 2009-01-08 | Spectacular Hang Gliding with a wintery backdrop. The soundtrack is a little dodgy but the video justifies the upload. The location is Pendle Hill, near Clitheroe in Lancashire, England. The pilot, a british hang gliding champion on numerous occasions in the 1980's
Beyer-Garrett Model. RailMon 2008-12-02 | Seen on this highly detailed layout at a recent model show in Rawtenstall, Lancashire, England, This proffesionally built 00 guage Beyer-Garrett model 69999, looks the part along with the other beautifully weathered locos in this remarkable layout. The Beyer-Garrett is for sale so leave me a message if you would like to acquire this rare model.
71000 The INSIDER Collection. RailMon 2008-11-21 | 10 minute trailer for this video from the 'Duke of Gloucester' TrustBrilliant
Scots Guardsman Steam Loco RailMon 2008-10-13 | Its Fifty years since I last saw this loco in steam, so its great to see it back in full service againand working well
LIVERPOOL TALL SHIPS Prt2 RailMon 2008-07-25 | More views of this fantastic event. Towards the end of the parade, looking towards the mouth of the river, it was easy to imagine what the very busy river looked like a hundred years ago
LIVERPOOL TALL SHIPS Prt1 RailMon 2008-07-24 | One of the city's Capitol of Culture highlights, the PARADE OF TALL SHIPS was a fantastic event and was watched by over a million people in beautiful, if windy weather.
ANTHONY GORMLEYS ANOTHER PLACE RailMon 2008-03-19 | A large number of wrought iron figures ranged along the beach at Crosby, near Liverpool, England, help make this a magic and intriguing place. The Mersey estuary seascape providing the backdrop for the sculptured figures, modeled on the sculpters own body.
LIFE WAS HARD INT MILLS. Secret Policemans Ball RailMon 2008-03-11 | Monty Python Team explain to the youth of today what life was all about years ago.
