On the approaches to Euston in the 80s John K Wells 2026-09-23 | On the approaches to Euston in the 80s
British Rail in the 1980s | Worcestershire Trains at Speed (1987) | Class 47, 50, 37 & HST John K Wells 2026-03-22 | British Rail in the 1980s comes to life in this rare 1987 footage from Worcestershire, featuring Class 47, 50, 37 and HST trains at speed.Filmed across iconic locations including Barnt Green and the Lickey Incline, this video captures classic diesel action in the spring of 1987.What makes this footage especially unique is its personal perspective: the cameraman is learning to use his video camera, experimenting with tracking and timing as powerful trains pass at speed. The result is an authentic and atmospheric glimpse into early railway filming—where every shot captures both the excitement of the trains and the challenge of keeping up with them.📍 Filming locations include:North of Ashchurch (within the Worcestershire boundary)Norton JunctionNear SpetchleyBarnt GreenThe legendary Lickey Incline🚆 Featured trains and traction:Class 47 diesel locomotives hauling passenger servicesClass 50s working through the regionInterCity High Speed Train (HST) at speedA standout closing sequence: a Class 37 battling the gradient of the Lickey Incline with a passenger trainFrom open countryside to one of Britain’s steepest mainline gradients, this video captures a snapshot of everyday railway life in the late 1980s—an era now gone, but fondly remembered by enthusiasts.Whether you’re interested in British Rail history, vintage diesel trains, or classic UK railway locations, this footage offers a genuine look back at a defining period of rail travel.👍 Enjoyed the video? Like, comment, and subscribe for more classic railway footage from across the UK.#BritishRail #Class47 #Trainspotting #DieselTrains #Class50 #1980s
Riding the Settle to Carlisle in 1986 | Vintage British Rail Journey John K Wells 2026-03-20 | In November 1986, the famous Settle to Carlisle railway faced an uncertain future. With the threat of closure hanging over the line, railway enthusiasts travelled from across the UK to experience and record this remarkable route while they still could.This film captures a journey along the Settle to Carlisle line from Settle to Carlisle, including two intermediate stops along the way. At the time, the route was still worked by locomotive-hauled passenger trains, something that was rapidly disappearing elsewhere on the British Rail network.The train featured traditional compartment coaching stock, a style of carriage once common across Britain but already becoming a nostalgic reminder of an earlier era of rail travel. These classic coaches, with their individual compartments and corridor connections, evoke the atmosphere of British railway journeys from decades past.Filmed during late autumn in 1986, this footage provides a snapshot of the line during one of the most important moments in its history—when its future was still undecided. Today the Settle to Carlisle is celebrated as one of Britain’s most scenic and historic railways, making these recordings a fascinating look back at a pivotal time.🚂 Route: Settle – Carlisle📅 Filmed: November 1986🚆 Train: Locomotive-hauled passenger service with compartment coachesIf you enjoy vintage railway footage, British Rail history, and classic train journeys, consider subscribing for more historic rail films.
1980s British Rail Action | Class 47, Class 50 & DMU Bubble Car | Coventry to Stratford-upon-Avon John K Wells 2026-03-18 | This video captures a short two-leg journey through the West Midlands during the British Rail era of the 1980s, travelling from Coventry to Stratford-upon-Avon using a West Midlands Rail Rover ticket.The trip begins at Coventry with a Class 47-hauled train departing for Leamington Spa. At Leamington Spa station we see a southbound freight train before the moment is interrupted by the arrival of a Northbound Class 50-hauled service into the platform.The journey then continues to Stratford-upon-Avon aboard a single-car DMU “bubble car” shuttle. After arriving at Stratford, the video shows some DMU shunting movements and the bubble car departing on the shuttle back towards Leamington.The final scenes are filmed while leaving Stratford for Birmingham from inside the first coach, with a brief look at Stratford signal box as the train departs.Filmed on a grey and overcast day, the footage reflects the typical atmosphere of British Rail in the 1980s – often drab and workmanlike, but full of character and fascination for railway enthusiasts.Thanks for watching.#BritishRail #Class47 #Class50 #Railways #Trainspotting #WestMidlands
RARE 1986 Cab Ride: Nuneaton to Coventry DMU | Passing Abandoned Stations Before Bedworth Reopened John K Wells 2026-03-15 | Experience a rare 1986 driver’s eye view cab ride aboard a British Rail DMU travelling from Nuneaton to Coventry before the reopening of Bedworth station.Filmed on a dull and overcast day, this journey captures the quiet and rather drab appearance of the line in the mid-1980s, passing the derelict remains of stations such as Chilvers Coton railway station and Coundon Road railway station, closed some twenty years earlier.
A Bout of Spring Snow in the East Midlands John K Wells 2026-03-13 | A late bout of snow overnight in 2001, which coincided oddly with the first day of spring, brought a filming opportunity in the East Midlands. The first visit that day was to Rectory Junction in Radcliffe on Trent, Nottingham, and the site of the old Colwick Sidings. As the snow persisted, the next location to the south was Rushcliffe, part of the old Great Central which, at that time, had not yet been incorporated into the northern section of the now heritage railway. This time, Freightliner Class 66 locos provided the traction for an arriving and departing service for the British Gypsum works, located in East Leake at the site of the former Rushcliffe passenger halt.
1986 Trains in Coventry | Vintage British Rail Passenger & Freight Action (VHS Archive Footage) John K Wells 2026-03-11 | Vintage railway action filmed around Coventry in 1986, capturing British Rail passenger trains and freight traffic during the classic BR era.This archival VHS railway footage shows everyday operations in the West Midlands railway network during the 1980s.Delving back through the VHS archive tapes, a surprising amount of footage was discovered filmed around Coventry and the surrounding West Midlands railway network. These recordings date back to 1986, capturing both freight trains and passenger services during the early days of using a camcorder to document railway activity.Some of the shots are understandably a little shaky as the cameraman was still getting used to the new equipment. However, the footage provides a fascinating glimpse into 1980s British railways, showing a network that looked very different from today’s modern railway.This archival VHS railway footage captures everyday operations, train movements, and the atmosphere of the British Rail era, offering railway enthusiasts and historians a nostalgic look back at classic UK train operations, freight traffic, and passenger services in the 1980s.Topics covered in this video:British Rail trains in the 1980sFreight trains in the West MidlandsPassenger services at CoventryVintage VHS railway footageUK diesel and electric locomotivesWhether you're interested in vintage train footage, British Rail history, or classic railway scenes from the West Midlands, this archive recording from 1986 provides a unique window into the past.
Strathclyde’s Orange and Black Rail Livery: Scotland’s Bold Train Branding John K Wells 2026-03-09 | Long before the idea of rail privatisation began circulating, several regional authorities across Britain were already experimenting with their own unified transport branding. These early efforts saw local councils applying distinctive visual identities to both buses and trains, creating a strong regional presence. Among the most memorable of these schemes was the bold orange and black Strathclyde livery, which began appearing on trains as early as 1983—while the West Midlands had introduced its own regional branding even earlier, in the late 1970s.The Strathclyde Passenger Transport Executive (SPTE) created this eye-catching livery to clearly distinguish the rail services it funded within the Greater Glasgow area. Its purpose was to set these trains apart from the standard British Rail blue-and-grey colours. Although the official name for the main shade was “Strathclyde Red,” most people saw it as a vibrant orange, closely aligned with the colours used by Glasgow Corporation buses and the Glasgow Subway, both of which adopted bright orange branding in 1977.This striking orange-and-black identity remained a familiar sight until the late 1990s. Its retirement followed the 1996 abolition of Strathclyde Regional Council, after which a new carmine-and-cream colour scheme was introduced. The examples pictured here showcase this classic livery on several now-veteran EMUs and DMUs that once worked services to the east of the city.
From Abandonment to Revival: Birmingham’s Former GWR Line Became the West Midlands Metro John K Wells 2026-03-07 | For decades after 1972, the old Great Western Railway trackbed running north from Birmingham lay silent and unused, its purpose long forgotten. Snow Hill Station — once a proud and imposing gateway for rail travellers — had deteriorated into a shadow of its former self, serving merely as a car park while its grand history faded beneath layers of neglect. But from this decline emerged an unexpected rebirth. The West Midlands’ first modern tram system began to take shape, inspired by the successful revival of tram travel in cities like Sheffield and Manchester. What rose from the abandoned infrastructure was, in many ways, a phoenix: a renewed vision of urban transport breathing life back into the corridor.Snow Hill Station itself had already been rebuilt — not with the ornate architecture of its original incarnation, but as a stark, concrete structure serving national rail services. Tracks were laid alongside the existing mainline, preparing the way for a mode of transport the region had not seen in decades.On 30 May 1999, the first tram departed Snow Hill and travelled largely along the former GWR alignment all the way to Wolverhampton. The system quickly became a vital artery. A major extension opened in December 2015, pushing the line into the heart of Birmingham and connecting directly with the region’s busiest hub, Birmingham New Street. More expansions followed, including the line reaching Edgbaston Village in 2022.At the opposite end, a long-anticipated extension into Wolverhampton Station finally opened on 17 September 2023, completing the modern link between the two city centres.The footage here captures several tram stops north of Snow Hill as they appeared in the spring of 2001, just two years after the system first began operating and offers a glimpse into the early days of a transit network born from the remnants of a once-forgotten railway.
The Climb up Hatton Bank John K Wells 2026-03-05 | Long gone were the days of banking locomotives attaching to trains at Warwick Station to tackle the 1 in 100 climb for 2.5 miles. These days, trains climb the gradient with relative ease in all weathers. Nonetheless, it was a topic worth filming and two visits here in the late 1990s produced some watchable results, although 'Merlyn' looks on, suitable unimpressed at the sight of a Class 37 and casts little more than a casual glance.
Winter Dawn in Warwickshire - Kingsbury in the Freezing Cold Weather John K Wells 2026-03-03 | On a bitterly cold February morning in 2003, our intrepid cameraman was up at the crack of dawn, batteries charged and ready to captore some morning freight at Kingsbury. The sun shone brightly and managed to slowly ease melt away some of the snow that still lay from the previous night's flurry, making for splendid photography weather. It was the kind of morning that reminded him why he loved this work—why the early starts, the frozen fingers and the long waits were all worth it for those fleeting instants when the world aligned itself into a perfect picture.
The Decline and Revival of the Kingsbury–Birch Coppice Railway Line John K Wells 2026-03-01 | Across Britain, a number of branch lines have managed to outlive the very purposes for which they were originally built. One such example is the former route from Kingsbury to Birch Coppice in Warwickshire. This line once left the main network at Kingsbury Junction, passed through Baddesley beyond Birch Coppice and continued to Baxterley, where it connected with another branch leading to the West Coast Main Line just north of Atherstone.As the region’s collieries closed, Birch Coppice shutting its doors in 1987, the line fell into disuse and lay derelict for nearly ten years. Its fortunes changed in 1997 when IM Properties purchased the corridor with the vision of transforming it into a modern industrial and distribution hub, now known as Birch Coppice Business Park.A key part of this redevelopment was the construction of a new £15 million freight rail link in 2005. Designed to meet the needs of contemporary logistics operations, the connection restored rail access to the site and now supports major businesses such as Ocado, UPS, and Euro Car Parts. Today, this modernised rail link is fully integrated into the active national infrastructure, ensuring the line continues to serve a new generation of industry. Here, the branch is seen with it's renewed purpose in 2005 with trains working to and from the new facility.
Rail Operations and Coal Traffic at East Usk Junction, Newport John K Wells 2026-02-27 | East Usk Junction, close to Newport Docks, was a useful location for setting up a camera, as it offered clear views of both main-line freight traffic and the various rail movements entering and leaving the docks complex. The range of workings passing through meant there was usually something of interest to record, providing plenty of opportunities for stills and video.One of the most notable flows was the coal traffic operating to and from the now-decommissioned Uskmouth power stations. Loaded trains heading toward the site and empties returning from it were regular features, and their predictable patterns made the junction a reliable place for documenting these operations as part of the wider freight activity in the area. This footage was recorded in December 2000.
The Thornbury Branch Line - The Return of a Historic Gloucestershire Rail Branch John K Wells 2026-02-25 | Tucked away in rural Gloucestershire is a short single-branch line running from Yate to the village of Tytherington. The route once continued all the way to Thornbury, but passenger services were withdrawn as far back as 1944. Even so, the line stayed open to serve the Tytherington quarry until 2013, when Network Rail officially designated it as “out of use.” Four years later, in 2017, the quarry reopened under Hanson’s management, giving the branch line renewed potential for the future.
All Change at Ashford - Eurostar Meets Historic Hand-Operated Gates John K Wells 2026-02-23 | In March 2001 at Ashford, the sight of high-speed Eurostar trains passing hand-operated wooden gates, created a striking contrast of old and new. This unusual scene was part of the Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) construction, now known as High Speed 1 (HS1), which was upgrading or removing manual level crossings to accommodate the new line.Section 1 of the CTRL, a 15.2 km stretch through Ashford connecting the Channel Tunnel to London, was then under construction. The hand-operated gates highlighted the stark difference between traditional railway infrastructure and the cutting-edge Eurostar trains.Significant upgrades were underway, including the installation of the UK’s largest single-span footbridge at the time, spanning eleven tracks west of Ashford station. Manual crossings were phased out to meet the safety and operational demands of high-speed rail, replaced by grade-separated bridges and tunnels to prevent conflicts with road and pedestrian traffic.For a brief moment, Ashford offered a memorable glimpse of Britain’s railway past intersecting with the high-speed future during a major transformation of the rail network.
Lineside at Llandevenny: Great Views of Newport’s Industrial Rail Corridor John K Wells 2026-02-21 | Just east of Newport in South Wales lies a sprawling industrial steelworks complex, positioned right alongside the busy South Wales Main Line. This stretch of railway sees a constant flow of traffic each day—heavy freight rumbling through and fast passenger services weaving between them. From the vantage point at Llandevenny, the scene opens up beautifully. A summer visit in 2002 offered an abundance of excellent photographic opportunities. Standing on the small road that crosses the four running lines, it was easy to capture trains heading both east and west, framed by the expanse of the steelworks and the rolling South Wales landscape.For enthusiasts considering a trip today, the location can be pinpointed using the following coordinates:51°34'44.6"N 2°51'03.0"W.
Rail Freight Either Side of the Humber Estuary John K Wells 2026-02-19 | The East-West corridors of railways that exist serving the ports of Grimsby and Hull form an important artery in the rail freight network. Although much scaled down over the years these lines are situated either side of the Humber Esturary and are busy with freight traffic. In this short series of clips taken in the late 1990s, two locations are seen - one south and one north of the river at Althorpe and Gilberdyke before finishing with shots taken at a point in between at Goole Docks.
The Transformation of Rugby Station - The Colour Revolution John K Wells 2026-02-17 | The modern appearance of Rugby Station began taking shape as early as 2003, marking the start of a substantial redevelopment that would not be fully completed until 2008. The project opened with the removal of the station’s iconic roof, which was replaced by a smaller, more contemporary canopy that stretched over the platforms. From that point onward, the entire station underwent a dramatic redesign, sweeping away the older layout in favour of a streamlined, modern environment built to accommodate the next generation of railway operations.During this period, many newly-formed rail companies were experiencing what felt like an identity shift of their own. They experimented with updated branding, introducing a wide array of fresh liveries and colours even on their older locomotives. For railway photographers, this era offered an exceptional variety of visual subjects and the day captured in this video at Rugby Station reflects the evolving landscape that was unfolding at that time.
Chaddesden Sidings Derby : Days of Freight from the Branch Line John K Wells 2026-02-15 | Chaddesden Sidings was historically one of the region’s most important marshalling yards, a sprawling complex where vast numbers of freight wagons were carefully sorted, assembled, and dispatched to destinations across the country. In its early 20th-century heyday, the operation was a hive of activity: shunting engines busied themselves among the labyrinth of tracks, while teams of workers and even horses, helped manoeuvre individual wagons into the correct formations. Much of the traffic handled at that time consisted of general goods, reflecting the varied commercial demands of Derby and the wider Midlands. By 2002 Chaddesden was being used for engineering trains, aggregate moves and occasional coach/wagon storage. The name of Chadesden Sidings lives on and whilst still connected to the mainline, is now reduced to a few sidings behind Network Rail’s Mercia House on Chequers Road, while numerous retail outlets nowadays occupy a large portion of the land where the extensive reception and sorting sidings once stood.
Clipstone Colliery - Trains no More John K Wells 2026-02-13 | A stone's throw away from Center Park's Sherwood Forest complex and deep in the Nottinghamshire coalfield, Clipstone Colliery was one of many pits in the area but unlike its neighbours, actually remained open until 2003.Ten years earlier, British Coal, formerly NCB, had seen to its initial closure, only for it to reopen the following year in April 1994 in the hands of RJB Mining. This extended lease of life ensured the survival of the short branch line linking it to the system. Soon after the last remains of coal were removed, the line closed and the track was soon lifted. A visit here to record one of the last remaining trains was made in May 2003 and is seen here departing the colliery.
Special Delivery for the Strathspey Railway Freight at Aviemore John K Wells 2026-02-10 | Private railways have often been the beneficiary of supplies such as spent ballast, spoil and old sleepers particularly those with a rail connection or adjacent to the national network. Construction of the triangle on the West Somerset Railway using used materials was made possible with a large part of the ballast coming directly from the West Country track renewals program some years ago. Here in Scotland such an arrangement took place and deliveries were made of used timbers for use on the neighbouring Strathspey Railway alongside the main line station Aviemore. The exchange is filmed here as 66040 arrives with the used sleepers before shunting them over to the railway via the rail connection.
Runcorn’s Folly Lane Branch - Freight, Chemical Industry Change, and Rail Revival John K Wells 2026-02-08 | Nearly a decade had passed since the first visit to Runcorn in 1994, yet the freight branch to Folly Lane was, rather gratifyingly, still active, allowing further movements to be recorded. The line had originally been constructed to link the Runcorn docks with the main railway, but over time its purpose shifted, becoming a vital connection for the area’s chemical industries, including ICI. As demand from these industries declined towards the end of the 20th century, the outlook for rail traffic grew increasingly uncertain.That changed when Ineos Chlor, the new owners of ICI’s heavy chemicals division, invested in new infrastructure at Picow Farm Road, installing a caustic soda loading gantry and a container lift. With three trains per week running from the site, the branch suddenly appeared to have a more promising future.Further renewal came with the construction of a new power station on the former ICI Weston Workshops site. Designed to generate electricity from household waste, it opened in 2015 and was expected to process three trainloads per week. Alongside the power station’s development, significant upgrades were made to the permanent way, including new track and points, as well as the installation of a large unloading crane to handle the containers of domestic refuse.
Railways of South Wales: Active Shunting at Cardiff and Swansea Docks John K Wells 2026-02-06 | South Wales’ major ports are steeped in railway history, shaped by decades of heavy industry and maritime trade. Once threaded with vast networks of sidings and bustling dockside lines, much of that infrastructure has disappeared, yet the railways that survive remain active and significant.These shots taken in around 2002, take you on a journey through the surroundings of Swansea Docks and the ongoing shunting operations at Cardiff Tidal Docks. You’ll see how these remaining lines continue to play a vital role in moving freight each day, offering a glimpse of working railways set against the backdrop of their historic past. Despite being only a fraction of what they once were, these routes still carry the energy and character of South Wales’ industrial railway heritage.
Nuclear Flask Trains in Transition: Classic Traction at Berkeley, Gloucestershire John K Wells 2026-02-04 | After the breakup of British Rail, EWS inherited responsibility for a range of freight operations including nuclear flask traffic until a dedicated operator could be appointed. That role was ultimately taken on by Direct Rail Services (DRS), created as a wholly owned rail-freight subsidiary of BNFL and initially equipped with a small fleet of five Class 20/3 locomotives.In 1997, during the transition between EWS and DRS, some flask traffic continued to be handled by EWS. As a result, a variety of classic locomotive types could still be seen working trains from the nuclear facility at Berkeley, Gloucestershire. These shots presented here were taken during several visits and capture these operations in action.
MGRs in Southern Scotland - Coal in the Lowlands John K Wells 2026-02-02 | Across southern Scotland from West Lothian and Lanarkshire and on to Ayrshire, coal-filled MGR wagons still rolled across the counties. The colliery at Ravenstruther had become a facility for collection and distribution for a number of opencast pits throughout and wasn't without it's problems with regular enviromentalist protests being held. The Colliery’s former coal terminal ceased operations after Scottish Coal collapsed in 2013 and its coal-loading infrastructure was later demolished. In 2020, Cloburn Quarry Company leased the site with the intention of using it for stone and aggregate rail traffic, and in 2021 they purchased it outright, officially converting the site into a stone and rail-ballast terminal, which began operating around late 2021 to early 2022.
Ebbw Vale Steelworks and Its Railway John K Wells 2026-01-31 | In the 1990s, the Ebbw Vale steelworks remained a significant operation, though much reduced from its peak. The decade was marked by continued contraction and modernisation: primary iron- and steel-making had already been scaled back and the site increasingly specialised in finishing and tinplate production. Targeted investment helped parts of the works stay competitive, but global overcapacity and shifting markets kept the plant under constant financial strain. By the end of the decade, doubts about its long-term viability were growing, paving the way for the closure that followed in the early 2000s.After the works finally shut in 2002, rail traffic persisted only long enough to remove scrap and dismantled equipment. In the years that followed, regeneration plans for the valley once again placed rail at the forefront. Much of the former freight infrastructure was upgraded and repurposed for passenger services, restoring the Ebbw Valley Railway link to Newport and supporting the region’s post-steel economic recovery.
Trains at South Wigston - Changing Traction Four Years Apart John K Wells 2026-01-29 | The triangular layout at Wigston Junction is shown here from different vantage points and on two dates, four years apart, highlighting how the junction was used by traffic. Wigston once had three railway stations—Wigston South, Wigston Magna, and Glen Parva—all of which were closed by the 1960s. A new station, South Wigston, opened in 1986 to serve the area. These shots also capture movements over the south curve, a line that typically saw little freight or passenger traffic.
The Class 57 Bodysnatchers in the Midlands John K Wells 2026-01-27 | Following privatisation, Freightliner needed dependable locomotives but couldn’t justify the cost of buying new ones. The solution came through Brush Traction in Loughborough, which rebuilt redundant Class 47s with reconditioned EMD 12-cylinder engines and refurbished alternators. The result was the freight-only Class 57/0. The first unit entered service in 1998, prompting six more conversions before Freightliner eventually moved on to new Class 66 locomotives.The success of the 57/0 soon inspired passenger-sector variants. Virgin Trains introduced the 57/3 fleet from 2002, commissioning sixteen locomotives for rescue duties and for hauling non-electric trains. Named after characters and vehicles from Thunderbirds, they quickly became known by the same nickname. Around the same time, First Great Western added four ETH-equipped 57/6 locomotives in 2001 to work the Night Riviera sleeper service.As rail operators updated their fleets, Class 57s were gradually dispersed across the industry. They have since been used by Direct Rail Services, West Coast Railways, GB Railfreight, Locomotive Services Limited, and Great Western Railway, which continues to operate the 57/6s on the Night Riviera.Today, the Class 57s remain active on charter trains, sleeper services and other specialist duties—standing as a testament to how rebuilding ageing Class 47s delivered a cost-effective and highly reliable modern fleet.
Devon Branchlines : The Changing Fortunes of the Teign Valley Line John K Wells 2026-01-25 | Once part of the Teign Valley Line that stretched all the way to Moretonhampstead, the route saw passenger services withdrawn in 1959—several years before the Beeching cuts. A section of the line as far as Heathfield survived for a time, carrying small amounts of freight, but this too ended in 2009 when temporary stop blocks were installed 53 chains (1.1 km) from the Newton Abbot junction.The line experienced a brief revival in December 2011 when it was announced that the remaining section would reopen to transport timber from Heathfield to North Wales. That same month, a new timber siding was built at Teigngrace, just before the Exeter Road level crossing, to allow freight trains to be loaded. Because Teigngrace lacked a passing loop, trains had to continue up the line to Heathfield, where the locomotive could run around using the loop at the disused station before returning to the timber siding for loading.Today, several miles of the former line between Bovey and Lustleigh are being transformed by the council into a public cycle route known as the Wray Valley Trail, offering a new future for this historic railway corridor.
Classic EMUs on the Enfield Branch – Class 315s John K Wells 2026-01-23 | Introduced in the early 1980s, the Class 315s became a key part of suburban travel on the Lea Valley routes. The short journey along the Enfield line shows scenes of old-fashioned railway practices with manual gate operation and old station signs within the suburban backdrop of Enfield along with the now replaced Class 315 EMUs.
East Leake and the Gypsum Trade: Tracing a Century of Rail Transport John K Wells 2026-01-21 | Historically, freight trains transported gypsum to the British Gypsum works at East Leake. More recently, raw gypsum was imported via ship to Middlesbrough and then transported by rail to East Leake. In 2020, rail services were suspended after several line structures were found unsafe, including bridges. Repair work has since been carried out, including the replacement of key bridges, and heritage passenger services have resumed along part of the route. It remains uncertain if the gypsum freight trains will ever resume operation but in the meantime, the section of line is now run and occupied as the northern section of the heritage Great Central Railway with work underway to rejoin the southern section of the line at Loughborough.
Abandoned Rail Routes: Tondu Junction and the Lost Port Talbot Line John K Wells 2026-01-19 | Tondu developed as an important railway junction within the former Duffryn Llynvi & Porthcawl and Llynvi & Ogmore network. At its peak, it served as the convergence point for several branch lines—including routes to Maesteg, Bridgend, Porthcawl, Ogmore, Garw, and Port Talbot—and was home to extensive workshops and a locomotive shed.The Port Talbot Railway & Docks route, branches off from Tondu and heads south-west toward Margam and Port Talbot Docks. Historically, this line carried both passenger and freight traffic, providing critical links between local collieries and the docks.Although it has not been used regularly for some time, the route remains, albeit in a mothballed state.A notable moment in its more recent history was captured in July 2000, when the Class 58 Farewell railtour from Worksop travelled over various goods lines around Swansea before traversing this branch and continuing via the Maesteg to Bridgend route.Today, Tondu still retains some of its historic charm, with its semaphore signals, former signal box, and surviving passing loop. Though the layout is greatly reduced compared to its heyday, manual control is still present in parts—one of the reasons railway enthusiasts continue to visit to experience the now rare lower-quadrant semaphore signalling.
Boston Docks Rail Freight: Steel Traffic, Renewed Services and Swing-Bridge Operations in 1998 John K Wells 2026-01-17 | Freight trains continue to serve Boston Docks in the UK, primarily hauling steel coil, with the Victoria Group operating a daily service from the port to its West Midlands terminal. Rail freight gradually returned to the area after services resumed in 1997 following upgrades to track and loading facilities, and interest has since grown from other operators looking to use new or improved freight sites around Boston, including a rail-connected facility near Spalding Road. The footage shown here, filmed in October 1998, captures the distinctive swing-bridge operator’s frame and offers a brief glimpse into the shunting operations that once took place at the docks.
The Oldham Loop Railway: Lost Scenes Before the Metrolink Transformation John K Wells 2026-01-15 | Scenes filmed here in January 2003, before the arrival of the tram, have long since disappeared. The Oldham Loop was a suburban railway line in Greater Manchester, branching from the main line between Manchester and Rochdale. It passed through Newton Heath, Hollinwood, Oldham Werneth, Oldham Mumps, Derker, and Shaw & Crompton, before rejoining the main line at Rochdale—hence its name. When the tram network replaced the railway, much of the old trackbed was reused but a completely new alignment was created through Oldham town centre. The route then reconnects with the former railway formation north of Mumps.
Stranger Things The Quirky Side of Filming Trains John K Wells 2026-01-11 | Much of the time spent filming lineside tends to follow a familiar, almost rhythmic routine. Hours can pass with little more than the steady hum of passing traffic and the anticipation of the next scheduled working. Yet, scattered throughout those years were moments when the camera captured something other than the ordinary—unexpected scenes that became lasting memories, often appearing in the most unlikely places.Sometimes it was the sudden arrival of a newly introduced service or a surprisingly short train that broke the monotony. At other times, the events came in the form of unusual or experimental liveries, or locomotives caught mid-transformation, still wearing nothing but their primer coat. There were even occasions when engines appeared not on the rails at all, but strapped to the back of a lorry.These unexpected glimpses added a sense of excitement and discovery to the work, turning routine days into memorable ones. What follows are just a few examples of the more unusual and noteworthy sights captured along the way.
Gedling Colliery and the coal Trains of Nottinghamshire John K Wells 2026-01-09 | For much of the 20th century, a seemingly endless stream of coal powered Britain’s generating stations — a lifeline that continued well into the 1990s before the nation began its gradual shift away from fossil fuels. Gedling Colliery, one of Nottinghamshire’s most significant coal mines, operated from the early 1900s until its closure in November 1991. The pit was connected by the Great Northern Railway’s “Back Line” branch from Colwick, where extensive sidings handled vast volumes of coal destined for power stations across the country.Even after the mine ceased production, rail traffic continued throughout the 1990s as remaining stockpiles were cleared from the site. In this footage, one such post-closure train is captured travelling along the now-lifted branch line, passing Netherfield Station, where the train staff is exchanged before continuing toward the ever-hungry furnaces of Ratcliffe-on-Soar Power Station. Additional scenes show both loaded and empty coal trains navigating Trent Junction, offering a final glimpse of an era when Nottinghamshire’s railways pulsed with the rhythm of coal.
Old and New : Contrast on the Kent Coast John K Wells 2026-01-07 | Old meets new in this corner of the Kent coast. The Class 411 and 412 EMUs that were built in the late 1950s-1960s for the Kent Coast Electrification were still plying their trade some 40 years on. The slam-door stock couldn't have been more of a contrast with the sleek modern design of the Eurostar services wending their way towards to Channel Tunnel near Folkestone. A warm and bright summer's day started down at Deal witnessing the services come and go before taking a ride along the coast to Sandling near Hythe where glimpses of the future presented alongside their vintage counterparts.
The Changing Face of British Rail: Post-Privatisation Liveries at Aldwarke Junction John K Wells 2026-01-05 | Post privitisation and a myriad of different company liveries and logos began to take hold. From the uniformity of standard BR blue applied to virtually every loco, this seemed a novel change to some. Others felt the railway they knew had lost its identity. Nonetheless, the march continued as these locos, some older ones too, were seen adopting their new corporate identities. Visiting Aldwarke Jcn and two neighbouring stations in the late 1990s made this very clear to see.
Birmingham’s Bullring Transformation: How a 21st-Century Rebuild Reshaped the City John K Wells 2026-01-03 | Britain’s second city, Birmingham, entered the new millennium amid one of the most ambitious urban regeneration projects in its history. This wasn’t a simple refresh—it was a complete reinvention of the city centre. As construction cranes filled the skyline, the old Bull Ring shopping centre and the surrounding Digbeth area were turned into a vast building site, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the city.The redevelopment formed part of a major strategy to modernize Birmingham’s core. Much of the dated 1960s concrete complex was demolished to make way for a contemporary retail and mixed-use destination that would later become the iconic Bullring, officially opening in 2003. This transformation followed closely on the heels of another major improvement: a new tramway, launched just two years earlier, reconnecting the once-derelict Snow Hill station with Wolverhampton. It signaled the arrival of a more forward-looking, better-connected Birmingham.Footage recorded during this era captures both the extensive construction underway and the early days of the city’s modern tram system—an inside look at the moment Birmingham began its bold leap into the 21st century.
Last Days of Freight in Stoke-on-Trent John K Wells 2026-01-01 | At the dawn of the new millennium, Stoke-on-Trent still hummed with pockets of freight activity, a reminder of its industrial past. Manually operated signal boxes quietly guided trains through the area, though their days were numbered. Both Grange Junction and Longport would remain under local control for just a little over two more years before everything shifted to the Stoke-on-Trent Signalling Centre.The rolling mill at the former Shelton Bar Steelworks had almost closed and much of the sprawling rail network there was dismantled or repurposed. Yet at Longport, the rails still carried life. Sidings still held aggregates, scrap metal, occasional steel shipments, and engineers’ trains hauling ballast and rail carriers. These flows too would soon fade but in the early years of 2000, the trackwork remained intact and in active use—a fleeting echo of Stoke-on-Trent’s industrial heartbeat.
Top Railfanning Locations on the Nuneaton–Birmingham Line for Diesel Freight Photography John K Wells 2025-12-30 | Several spots along the Nuneaton to Birmingham line have, over the years, proved to be excellent locations for photographing and filming a wide range of diesel-hauled freight services. At one time, they were just as good for passenger services too, with Class 31s working trains to and from the eastern counties — services that, sadly, have long since disappeared.Three locations in particular stand out: Water Orton, Whitacre Junction, and the foot crossing at Daw Mill Colliery. Scenes from all three appear here, with most of the footage captured in February 1999.
In Search of Slam Door Stock - Echoes of Slam-Door Era on the Southern Region John K Wells 2025-12-28 | The gradual fading of traditional slam-door stock from the Southern Region of Britain’s railways marked the end of an era that had shaped commuting life for generations. For decades, these distinctive units with their manually operated doors, compartment layouts, and unmistakable clatter offered a tactile, almost ritualistic travelling experience: the weighty slam of a door signaling departure, the draughty windows that could be dropped just a fraction too far, and the gentle sway of aging suspension as the train gathered speed. Their interiors carried the patina of long service, a mixture of worn upholstery, sun-faded paint and the faint echo of countless daily routines played out between London and the southern counties. Yet as safety standards tightened and modern expectations shifted toward quieter, sleeker and more efficient rolling stock, the old units found themselves increasingly out of place. One by one, they vanished from diagrams, replaced by modern electric multiple units with sealed doors, automated announcements, and smooth acceleration that felt worlds away from the charm of their predecessors. Enthusiasts chased the final working sets across the network, documenting last journeys and preserving memories that seemed to evaporate almost as soon as the trains left service. Their disappearance wasn’t merely a technical upgrade; it represented a cultural shift, the quiet erasure of a familiar rhythm from daily life, leaving the Southern Region subtly transformed as it moved into a new railway age.
Loco-Hauled at Shrewsbury in the 90s John K Wells 2025-12-26 | As the decade marched on towards the millennium, traditional loco-hauled passenger trains were becoming increasingly hard to find. On a warm summer's morning in August of 1999 there was a small respite however in the form of two loco-hauled charters seen at Shrewsbury. Ten years previously neither class of loco that day would have raised much more of an eyebrow but in the last year of the decade, it had become far more of an attraction.
A Day Trip to Anglesey John K Wells 2025-12-24 | In the summer of 1998, a brief hop over the Menai Straits takes us from Llandudno Junction to the well-known Llanfairpwllgwyngyll — or simply “PG,” as it’s affectionately called. The station was a quiet, charming stop, complete with a quaint crossing box that perfectly captured the feel of a rural halt, despite the steady flow of through trains. The journey was made all the more enjoyable thanks to the cameraman’s vantage point, filming through the window directly behind the DMU driver, providing an excellent forward view for both the outward and return trips.
D1015 Western Champion Returns to Britain’s Main Lines After 25 Years! John K Wells 2025-12-23 | A quarter of a century had passed - to some a lifetime, since a Western ran on Britain's main lines but in February 2002, D1015 Western Champion finally reemerged back onto the national network. Much had changed since those halycon days of the 1970s most noteably the fact that 'British Rail' was now but a memory to most. The Western, now back wearing its original colours, was the new star attraction and much in demand for a number of charter trains. It's second era had begun. But first however, she had to prove herself on reliability and meet new compliance rules to be allowed to venture back onto the infrastructure. To that end, various runs occurred - both acompanied and solo to ensure things were all in order. Featured here are a few short clips from that time of the resplendent machine from the past in more modern surroundings than the ones it left back in the 1970s.
Bentinck Colliery: A Historic Nottinghamshire Coal Mine That Powered the Region John K Wells 2025-12-22 | Originally opened in the 1890s, Bentinck Colliery—named after the family of the Dukes of Portland, quickly became one of the most significant mining operations in Nottinghamshire. Initially owned by the New Hucknall Colliery Company, the site transitioned to public ownership in 1947 when it joined the National Coal Board following the nationalisation of the coal industry.In the late 1980s, Bentinck merged administratively with neighbouring Annesley Colliery, forming the combined mining complex known as Annesley-Bentinck. At its peak, the colliery employed 2,029 full members of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM), highlighting its vital role in the region’s economy.Despite a decline in output during the latter part of the 20th century, coal production continued right up to the end of the century. Rail-connected routes remained active, transporting stockpiled coal, and site visits as late as 1999, confirmed that operations were still ongoing.
Main Line Loco haulage in the 21st Century John K Wells 2025-12-20 | The increasingly difficult task of bagging locomotive haulage at the turn of the millennium was becoming something of a real task and a real bonus to find one in corporate blue livery. That said, opportunity presented itself courtesy of Virgin Cross Country who, to acknowledge their contribution to the railway, decided to paint six of their locomotives in 'retro' colours.The repaints were 47826 into InterCity Swallow, 47840 into BR blue, 47847 into large logo blue, 47851 into BR two-tone green and 47853 into XP64 blue with red cab sides. In addition to these 47829 was repainted in police livery.After a days filming at Bristol, 47840 produced on the route back to Birmingham and is shown here as it arrived and departed from Bristol Parkway.
The Fawley Branch and Winfrith Nuclear Power Facility John K Wells 2025-12-18 | The adjacent counties of Hampshire and Dorset in the south of England were once home to two major energy-related industrial sites—one being the largest oil refinery in the United Kingdom, and the other a significant facility operated by the UK Atomic Energy Authority. Both of these strategically important locations were directly connected by dedicated rail freight branches, forming an essential part of Britain’s industrial logistics network.A visit to the region during the late 1990s reveals a fascinating snapshot of this era in rail operations. Freight traffic on both branch lines was handled by the iconic British Rail Class 37 locomotives, known for their distinctive sound, reliability, and versatility. These locomotives played a crucial role in transporting refinery products and nuclear-related materials, showcasing the importance of rail transport in supporting the UK’s energy infrastructure.Today, this period stands as an interesting chapter in British railway history, reflecting the intersection of heavy industry, regional infrastructure, and classic diesel traction.
The Longbridge Car Works: The Rail Connection and the Decline of Industrial Rail Traffic John K Wells 2025-12-16 | Founded in 1905 by Herbert Austin, the Longbridge car works grew into a vast industrial complex that eventually spanned both sides of the Bristol Road. At its peak, the site functioned almost as a self-contained town, complete with its own power station, test track, foundry, and internal transport network.For most of its operational life, rail traffic played a vital role in keeping Longbridge running. The factory had an extensive railway infrastructure that connected directly to the national network, linking into the Halesowen/Lickey route of the Midland Railway near Longbridge station—today part of the Cross-City Line between Birmingham, Redditch, and Bromsgrove. By the late 1960s through the 1980s, the rise of road haulage began to replace many of the traditional rail movements. Finished vehicles increasingly left the plant on transporter lorries, and as production methods changed and the works contracted, many of the once-busy sidings were closed or removed.A visit to the site in 1998 captured the final remnants of rail activity in and around the factory, including a brief look inside the signal box that once controlled traffic within the sprawling works complex.
Washwood Heath Rail Action in 1998 – Classic Freight Traffic Near Birmingham John K Wells 2025-12-14 | East of Birmingham city centre lies a spot that has long delivered constant lineside excitement, where railway routes intersect from north to south and east to west. Washwood Heath has long been known for its busy sidings, with locomotives tirelessly shunting heavy freight wagons just a stone’s throw from the iconic Saltley locomotive depot. It’s a location cherished by rail enthusiasts across generations.Featured here is a snapshot of those operations, captured in 1998.
Old and New : Life on the Bedford to Bletchley Line John K Wells 2025-12-11 | Railway modernisation has rarely followed a straight path—especially during the 1990s, when the upheaval of privatisation and shifts in government policy created uneven progress across the network. The Bletchley to Bedford branch line serves as a prime example of this stop-start evolution. Now known as the “Marston Line,” it offered a striking contrast between old and new, vividly captured in these late-1990s scenes.
