"The Black Hat" Photography Website

Hello all

Pictures here on the website from the York Railfest event: Black Hat Railway Pictures | York Railfest 2012

A detailed report and links to each of the areas of interest, for the tours, steam and diesels at Railfest is below;

Railtours: Black Hat Railway Pictures | Tours to Railfest

Unperturbed by the fact that the Western region already had some presence at the event, two charters were bound for the City of York and the National Railway Museum. First was a staff charter for First Great Western staff, still showing that the railway is more an extended family and there to serve both the public and reward its staff for such service. Led by 43002 ‘Isambard Kingdom Brunel’ with 43003 on the back the HST invaded York much with the same defiant presence as Brunel himself would have done in an area dominated by the dominion of Stephenson. Fact remains that the two were close friends and here the FGW charter sat smartly, but at ease amongst its other Northern Rail blue counterparts.

Modern Western power was not the only presence at York however, 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe, fast becoming Kettle of the Year, arrived head of schedule thanks to timings for a Hall rather than a Castle class locomotive. The engine with such power graced the York platforms and made an impressive sight. This engine is in fantastic condition and works like a steam powered metronome. Its departure left the modern equivalents standing in his (it is EARL of...) wake.

Also present was other Northern Units and a charter which brought 47580 and 45851 through York, on a working from Norwich.

Steam at Railfest: Black Hat Railway Pictures | Steam

Steam engines proved to be the big driving force behind the attractions at Railfest, but also tours to the event. At the event, held across the back of the museum, the engines brought in showed a mix of different styles and classes - many of which were holders of achievements or records during history.

Mallard and the almost complete Flying Scotsman were the headline acts for this, along with other speed machine City of Truro. Also present was Tornado, and Sir Nigel Gresley, but other regions machines were also present. It was a rare chance to see Duchess of Hamilton, now streamlined herself outdoors and a Jubilee class Bahamas made an appearance, almost in a nod to Her Magesties 60 years on the throne. Other engines off region and shown at York included a London Transport Pannier, one of the last standard gauge engines used on the network as a working engine, and Midland tank, and some Industrial machines.

Pictures in this gallery show the steam at the event that was Railfest 2012.

Diesel at Railfest: Black Hat Railway Pictures | Diesel

While steam was the main attraction for Joe Public because of the very nature of them wanting to see engines, the diesel element of the event certainly brought in the best that the rail industry has to offer at present, but also what has been before.

Of the attractions there, the diesel engine 'Courage' almost walked away with surprise of the weekend, being almost able to drown out the sound of D6700 when both were at work. The event was indeed a show case for the role that diesels had played in the way that railways move on. 55002 was proof of just that.

The rail event also brought in engines like 20312 and 37419, both still active on the railway and 56312 adored with Railfest markings for the run up to the event. The modern day machines of 57308, 57309 (now a DRS Machine) 66736 and 92032 as well as the shortened Voyager 221144 show cased a wealth of engines that ply their trade on the rails today and that the industry too takes pride in its role and lessons learned from the past.

Track plant in the shape of a Snow blower and Whindoff unit also brought the modern machinery to a conclusion, showing just the various roles engines work today to keep the rails clean, safe and open for trains to use.

Quite a array of substance for the event that was Railfest 2012.

The homepage for the website is here: Black Hat Railway Pictures now featuring a change in music for the slideshow on the homepage.

 

Hello all,

65 pictures uploaded to the site today featuring the Tour of the Olympic flame here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p872644537


46115 Scots Guardsman had the duty and the limelight for standing in for the yet-to-be-finished Flying Scotsman for the task of taking the Olympic flame from York to Thirsk by way of a cabride for the torchbarer. The train left early from York and was soon at Thrisk, being seen enroute.

For the tour of Vip's from York, Darlington etc, the train continued for a tour around the Locomotion: The National Railway Musuem at Shildon being seen at Northallerton. Here, the train shunted to allow the local service train, and 6 times a week Colas Coal train to pass. Finally the tour was dragged back to Eaglescliffe where it was seen again, departing early for York, and scuppering my plans to see it again further away near Yarm.

Certainly a tour that was a bit different, but for a special Olympic reason a one that wont happen again.

Other pictures here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/ (including new music for the slideshow!)

Enjoy,

Regards


David
aka The Black Hat
NER Groups Owner

 

Pictures here from the weekend at Wensleydale: Black Hat Railway Pictures | Wensleydale Diesel Weekend - June 2012

The Wensleydale Railway put together a special weekend for the return to operation of class 37, 37250. The machine had been in preservation for sometime, but its move to Leeming brought a resurrection and return to traffic. Despite looking worn externally, the engine was performing well, seen at various points along the route, dubbed by many the 'Cheese' line.

While the future looked brighter for the class 37, the same could not be said for the class 20 which suffered a broken spring and was withdrawn from traffic, dumped looking forlorn at Redmire. It made for an irronic photo with the pair next to each other, one having returned the other now expected to be withdrawn, stripped and subsequently scrapped. However, class 20s are at a premium for roles as shunters and needed for movements on the network. HNRC might decide otherwise, but given its condition it is unlikely.

Still, this leaves Wensleydale still with another 20 on the line, and now the class 37 to the delight of the crowds and passengers seen this weekend.

 

Hello all

Pictures here of the arrival of Wilbert, a J94/Hunslet Austerity Saddle tank onto the Weardale Railway. While many might be a little dismissive of another Austerity tank - this has a small claim to fame having been named by the Rev W. Awdry of Thomas the Tank fame after himself, even then later featuring in a story book penned by the authors son.

Pictures of the engine on the line are here: Black Hat Railway Pictures | Wilbert on Weardale

Wilbert, the Austerity (J94) type locomotive had been hired in at short notice from the Dean Forrest Railway, to cover as steam locomotive on the Weardale Railway as its own locomotive No. 40 is out of traffic needing an overhaul. It meant that the line returned to steam motive power, assisted by the class 33, which had also recently arrived (see here: Black Hat Railway Pictures | Class 33 on Weardale). Wilbert's first weekend was on the lines highly successful War Weekend, and is seen at various points, which are now becoming popular and well known. Meanwhile 33103 Swordfish, named after the WWII Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm aircraft was delivered to the Weardale railway and pressed straight into service, covering for the non availability of a steam locomotive, some weeks previously. As a result, the normally Southern Region assosiated engine was just the power needed to stand in for the weekend and brought a number of people from far and wide to travel on the railway behind the engine.

Pictures of this, and the Detlic on the Esk Valley, are here: Black Hat Railway Pictures

Enjoy,


David
aka The Black Hat
NER Group Owner

 

Hello all,

Pictures in this gallery Black Hat Railway Pictures | Whitby Deltic of Deltic 55022 Royal Scots Grey standing in for steam motive power on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

55022 had been hired in by the NYMR when the railway suffered a shortage of steam power capable of running over the Network Rail metals into the seaside town. It meant a rare treat to get Napier action along the Esk Valley. The Deltic class locomotive, Royal Scots Grey, is seen first at Grosmont and then on the line to Whitby. Other steam engines such as 4MT 80072 and 92214 Cock o' the North are also seen around Grosmont. The S15 was also running but I thought better to point the camera in that engines general direction for fear of cracking the lense.

Just to add, not everything goes according to plan, as some of the viaduct shots were a tad rushed, with settings on the camera still left on from the previous shot and needed changing when the loco was there. Having been left as they were due to me indulging in some fab Whitby fish and chips... which can be seen in one gallery on the website! Its nice to enjoy this hobby and not be to serious and fanatical about it!

Enjoy,

David
aka The Blackus Hatus
NER Group Owner

 

Hello all

48 Pictures today of Tornado on the Royal Train, conveying Prince Charles from Bishop Auckland, County Durham to Alnmouth in Northumberland.

Picture here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p749350246

With a full report, below:

There are times when you think just about the impossible has happened when watching Railways. Today was one such day. Should someone have said 15 years ago, that the Royal Train might visit Bishop Auckland again then you might have believed them. Should it be steam hauled and youd think they were dreaming. Should it then be by a class of engine that was extinct and has since returned - well youd have been censured and laughed out the room!

But today, thats exactly what happened...

60163, which is no stranger to grabbing the headlines made a return to Royal Train duties, hauling the Prince of Wales to Bishop Auckland to view paintings and a Castle recently sold by the Church of England to a local benefactor. Its last turn was something simialr but taking the Prince of Wales on to York having named Tornado at the former main station of the North Eastern Railway (see here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p430185612). It meant the Royal Train being hauled to Bishop Auckland, by steam, an event so rare that would have bankrupt Ladbrooks if a bet was placed a year ago. Tornado was watered and given some maintainance while there, before then being hauled by 67026 in Diamond Jubilee livery back to Darlington for the run north on the ECML.

This is not the easiest line to chase, it lends itself for the train to be able to run at speeds of 75mph at ease. Having been seen near Preston-le-Skerne (with some good company!) at speed, Tornado had a clear head start which took some catching up. The race was on and with seconds to spare it passed me on the approach to the King Edward Bridge as I was walking onto the Redheugh. There was no option but to sprint onto the Bridge, the drivers of traffic looking perplexed as to my need for expediency, unaware that they were about to drive over the bridge and miss the train as it came into view. Having run far enough, as still running would mean missing the approach shot, I clicked away to the best the vantage would give, yet it still brought good results.

It was time to stroll back to the car and head north once more. This time directions and my ususal good navigational skill deserted me, so much that I ambled around north of Morpeth trying to find the mainline. I stubled across Widdrington Station, when the barriers came down and you guessed it - a Peppercorn whistle blew in the distance. The shot was a right off, the angle useless, but you cant get it all right.

While Charles alighted at Alnmouth, it gave a chance to press northwards, and with Holy Island nearby I tried to find a vantage point that would get the sea and area in view. The road brought me to Beal, and having checked out nearby found that a vantage point for the ideal photo would be hard. So back to the crossing, the barriers came down and a 91 headed north, then they came down again, stayed down and given the warning it could be only one thing. The empty stock hove into view at speed, Tornado running well.

Sometimes the desire for that photo you want spurs you on to reach limits. Chasing it though Berwick brought nothing. The view obscured by angles and the knitting of the cables. The Scottish border seemed a good place to head for given I had come this far. I headed for somewhere I now know as Burnmouth, and planted myself in a field I saw someone else in too. Finally, the picture of the train, the steam and the sea.

Perhaps one of the longest chases that I have done. With some mixed results, some brilliant. But from a lad grown up in 51A area, that Royal Train chase started at Bishop - I still can't believe it!

Comments on the website and feedback are more than welcome!

Many thanks and hope you enjoy,


David
aka The Black Hat
NER Group Owner

 

Pictures here of the action on Saturday, when to much surprise 47739 was tasked with dragging errant 66847 and its empty coal train back to Wolsingham.

Black Hat Railway Pictures | Colas Coal Class 47

When 66847 failed at Toton with an AWS fault, Colas dispatched sulzer powered collegue 47739 Sir Robin of Templecombe to assist the train forward from Toton to Radcliffe power station, then following unloading to Derby Chaddesden sidings. Few thought that the train would see a return of 47739 but the faith placed by the Colas management in their veteran locomotive was warrented as it managed dilligently with the task of taking the coal train and its former charge of 66847 back to Wolsingham on the Weardale Railway.

The pictures in the collection show the train at various points of the line from Darlington. First near North Road, then at Shildon near Locomotion, Bishop Auckland (where it is seen with the Weardale Heritage Rail service - powered by a class 33), Witton Park viaduct and finally near Witton-le-Wear.

Comments and feedback on the website is welcome.

Many thanks

David
aka The Black Hat

 

Hello all,

Pictures here Black Hat Railway Pictures | Class 20s to Weardale from the tour today of two DRS class 20s to Stanhope, which set off from Shrewsbury in the early hours and should be returning back there sometime this evening.

The tour had been announced for sometime, and the very fact that instead this was to be a tour featuring class 20s soon added to the excitement for a lot of enthusiasts out there. Many took advantage of offers from the Tour promoter for a ride to Stanhope from York or Darlington to savour the traction, given the weather. This was rather a large factor in the proceedings for the day. While the tour might have enjoyed the basking sunshire of late summer on its journey north, its arrival at Weardale brought the usual cue for British continual soft drizzle. This made photographing a little tricky, though not impossible, the light being grey and mellow, rather than clear and allowing pannoramic colour. Still, with such a rare tour and rare traction for the Bishop Auckland line and Weardale Branch, as class 20s were not a type synonimous with the line - it was worth the challenge to photograph the event.

The tour is seen at Bishop Auckland, passing under the main network bridge, which is truely a short distance from the network to Weardale. It then passes Bishop Auckland West, the heritage station for the line to Stanhope, being seen on the line at Etherley viaduct, Witton-le-Wear, approaching Wolsingham, Parsons Byers, and finally at Stanhope itself. The return saw the tour near Frosterley, Wolsingham, the main A68, Escomb and Shildon.

Thanks to those that have made this afternoon interesting and enjoyable for the company, particularly Martin Taylor, Chris, Neil, Barry, John Asquith, Martin and others.

Feedback and comments on the website are welcome.

Thanks

David
aka the Black Hat

 

Hello all,
Pictures here of the A4s at Shildon, with 18 being of Union of South Africa and 36 of the line up with the repatriated pair – Dwight D. Eisenhower and Dominion of Canada.
Pictures at:

Union of South Africa: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p623546696
Line-up of “8,9 and 10”: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p656648099

Report:

Occasionally, there are a few moments when you stand back and admire the view before you. Yesterday evening was one such moment. Through the viewfinder was a selection of engines that would have landed you in the asylum if you thought they would be together. This is namely because two were on another continent until around two months ago. Now, before me at Shildon, in the very birthplace of the railways the reunion of classmates Dwight D. Eisenhower, Union of South Africaand Dominion of Canada was something enthusiasts dreamed of seeing back together. There were reasons why it was more special. Firstly, all three A4 engines remained in BR Green Late crest livery, albeit with Dominion still somehow wearing its faded livery from the 1960s. This made the second reason all the more interesting. The engine’s, thus became 60008, 60009 and 60010 in sequence. Three A4’s; in the same livery, in the same sequence in the same place – almost seeing this in BR days as a line up of A4s is the closest anyone like me could hope to be near. Guests attended this unique event included some from the Railway magazine press, but a very notable gentleman in the form of none other than Mr. Pete Townsend, former shed master of Top Shed, graced those there with his presence, wit and comments on all matters related to the very engines now before us that once were under his care.
While the event and line up made for a rare and marvellous experience, thanks should also be made to the staff at Locomotion and the organising team for their hard work. Staff at Locomotion valiantly worked to ensure a friendly, welcoming and safe environment for everyone there. Tremendous thanks should also go to Martin Creese for organising the event and Jason Cross for assisting on the Saturday evening. Finally, a debt of gratitude by all their and thanks is owed to Mr John Cameron for the agreement to move his own engine to the event to attend the photo shoot and visit on the weekend, supported in this by WCRC.

Events like this are also memorable for the company and experience. Many enthusiasts there had travelled the country to see this. It was a great night and great event thanks to the banter, manners and co-operation of all those present.
Union of South Africa’s arrival prior to the weekend brought out massive crowds, so much so that Shildon was awash again with enthusiasts and public alike meeting to see the arrival of No. 9 under her own power. Again over the weekend , various people tried to see the engine at work, although this was hauling goods vans to the delights of those that managed to experience this rare occasion behind an A4, and certainly one still at home hauling expresses at 75mph.

Enjoy the gallery, comments are welcome and appreciated on the website.
Thanks

David
aka the Black Hat
NER Group Owner

 

Hello all

Pictures here of the K4 to Boulby: Black Hat Railway Pictures | K4 Tour

Report:

What with 60009 getting at lot of attention reuniting with its brethren from the Americas, John Cameron’s other engine K4, 61994 the Great Marquess was roistered to work a charter to Stanhope on Saturday 20[SUP]th[/SUP] October and seemed determined not to be outdone. The train itself had already been beset by difficulties. The engine previously allocated was 70013 Oliver Cromwell, but this was changed. So to was the route and now instead of visiting Stanhope and Weardale first before then going to the Blyth and Tyne system it now was to work to Boulby before being dragged back to Stanhope for the run south to York. The train was first seen at Yarm, crossing the picturesque viaduct. Yarm fair made traffic a nightmare as chase ensued and with seconds to spare forcing a 400 yard dash cross country over water bogged grass I made it to Huntcliffe catching the K4 rounding the headland. It was again seen at Easington, now being dragged before then seen away from Crag Hall, were the K4 assisted the 37 to reach the top! North Skelton was the next encounter before then high tailing it to North Preston, near Eaglescliffe. Finally, it was seen at Shildon, and the K4 stopped and posed alongside 60009 on the other side of the fence at Locomotion. While the tour headed for the dale and Stanhope in the fading light, my attention turned to Union with Dwight and Dom and the spectacle that awaited.

Enjoy the gallery, comments and feedback on the website is welcome.

David
aka the Black Hat
NER Group Owner

 

Hello all,

Pictures of the return of B1 61264 can be seen here: The Black Hat | NYMR Spring Season

61264. A B1. At one time something quite ordinary. Not any more.

The return to traffic of the Thompson B1 locomotive No. 61264 marked a return of a design much derided by some for its assosiation to its designer. In fact a lot of the history is known to many enthusiasts of the Gresley vs Thompson debate and a lot of it is inaccurately recycled. Today the evidence spoke for itself. 61264 was looking splendid and running like a metronome, the two cylinder's marking the gorgeous rhythmn of a steam engine as it echoed along the Esk Valley, under Larpool viaduct and past Slieghts. The sure footed departure from Goathland also a testiment to driving as much as the engines ability to grip and pull.

61264 has become something special. Its escape from Barry making it one and unique in the only Eastern region engine to share the same fortune as the vast examples of Western and Southern engines that enjoyed the same fate. Now, its an ambassador for a designer that perhaps should be given greater credit, and with the NER style smokebox still in place, it shows a pedigree of the Northern end of the LNER system that marked out standardisation and reliability over tinkering and complexity. Get the job done and simply do it right.

How nice to see an engine that embodies that return - rather than the hype and legacy afforded to some. Simply put.... Welcome back.

Pictures from the Winter Season and commentry in the gallery can be found here: The Black Hat | Winter Season

Feedback and comments to the site are more than welcome.

Enjoy...

 

Hello all,

Pictures here from the NYMR 40th Anniversary Gala last weekend...

Day 1: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p1066966718

Day 2: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p1067901090

Report:

The NYMR celebrated its 40th Year of operating with a splenid gala featuring a wonderful mix of mainly Eastern region traction. Guest star of the weekened was B1, 61306 Mayflower, running in its well known Apple Green but with British Railways lettering and number.

Other engines added the interest and spectacle that the NYMR can create. Sister B1, 61264, fresh from overhaul was disguised as B1 61002 'Impala' (though ran with its new smokebox door rather than its NER style as would be correct). 62005, my personal favouirte, also returned to run on the NYMR its regular stamping ground in the early stages of preservation, while A4 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley returned to traffic as well. 69023, another engine like the K1 from NELPG was seen working some shuttles with the Saloon from KWVR. The other engines that made up the roster included Ian Rileys pair of Black 5s, and the S15, which did fail during the gala replaced by BR standard 4MT 75029 The Green Knight, the lines resident workhorse.

Pictures include two days at the line, featuring some from the railway nearer Pickering and Levisham away from the busy growds at Grosmont, before heading north and spending time at Goathland and Thomasson Foss on Sunday.

Enjoy

David
aka the Black Hat

 

Hello all,

Pictures here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p357840468

Report:

Union of South Africa this week has certainly proved itself to be one of those engines that can lay claim to being the most reliable performer on the mainline. Having stood in for a failed Tornado with brake issues the A4 had rescued the DBS operated tour for Steam Dreams and hauled it almost circumnavigating England. Despite having baring issues that were repaired, the A4 still managed to be on fine form with the tour to Carlisle and Hexham. Tuesday gave the chance for the passengers to enjoy rare north east warmth and sunshine, but meant a positioning move from Tyne Yard to Stanhope in Weardale to position the stock and engine ready for the tour come Wednesday.

Its often said that really, steam engines are something not to be photographed going backwards. While the rule is often true, today had to be an exception with an A4 to Bishop Auckland and beyond up Weardale, this being the first time an A4 had managed to traverse the line and reach Stanhope. As such a chase ensued between Darlington and the trains destination at Stanhope. This was thrown into doubt when having passed Newton Aycliffe Station the A4 struck either a goose or swan which then damaged the air break pipe, causing the breaks to apply. With this Achillies heel, the train was brought to an abrupt halt mid section. While the crew valiantly carried our repairs to get the train underway, I ended up on a wild goose chase of my own trying to find a vantage point to see what happened.

With the A4 underway, the trip brought in the views of Weardale before being seen around Stanhope and the surroundings there, before I then had to dash back and resume Akela duties with the Cub Section back in Bishop.

Hope you all enjoy,

David
aka the Black Hat

 

Hello all,

Pictures here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p340977118

Report here;

Come and see the North East and its sights and scenery! See the Weardale and Wensleydale valleys with their gorgeous vales and panoramic views. You can imagine the brouchure of the Cathedrals Express saying something akin to that when the tour was announced but this was a tour beset with issues and hardships. Union of South Africa had already become the engine to salvage a programme from the tour, with the Cumbrian coast sacrificed for Steam haulage to Carlisle as the consequence, but with the K4 still under repair, and the Britannia sharing the same fate Union, filling in for another failed engine Tornado, was left to convey the passengers from Weardale and onwards. At least that was the plan. Sadly though Sunderland Railway stations equipment and alarms brought added missery for the planners with steam banned from there and under the lower Metro system wires. It meant a trip into the not quite so scenic Tees Yard, at least not now Thornaby depot has been demolished and for 66016 to become the engine of choice to haul the train around the Durham coast.

The weather didnt help. Union set off for Tees Yard from Stanhope in the glorious northern weather of continual perpetual drizzle, spoiling views and flooding lenses with water for those hardly souls brave enough to attempt to capture the A4 streaking eastwards. While the A4 battled the rain and slippery rails, those giving chased dodged puddles, streams on roads and spray from lorries making it like the North Atlantic - my morning not helped by the need to get a flat tire repaired.

With the A4 seen at Wolsingham alongside the rare sight of a Frieghtliner 66 on the coal train, it was time to chase. It was seen close to Harperley, before then at Witton-le-wear Crossing, Etherley viaduct and Shildon where it stopped and took on water. Then onwards for Heighington, the site where Locomotion No. 1 took to rails for the first time, and then Tees Yard. While the tour sped off being the GM powered 66, Union waited for it to return and the rain to clear.

From Tees Yard it was seen near the A19 from the Newport bridge, then at Nunthorpe and finally Battersby. Here 61264 was waiting for passengers to convey them to Whitby, disguised as 61002 Impala a regular North Eastern area B1. The two steam engines were seen alongside each other, more than a rare sight, more so at Battersby a station and junction litterally in the middle-of-nowhere.

While the A4 retired back to Darlington helped by 66016 the B1 shunted the stock over, ran round and then left for Whitby.

All in all, a memorable day for a number of reasons and it was delightful to see many freinds and enthusiasts around for the tour. A thanks to Geoff Longdon, Steve Campbell, Sam Woods and Terry Newman for the feedback and convo.

Hope you all enjoy,


David
aka the Black Hat

 

Hello all,

Pictures here from the Wensleydale Diesel Gala 2013 which saw a wide variety of traction and something to appeal to the diesel fans. Everything from the roar of class 37s, the hum of Deltic Napiers and the ying of GM 66's brought several audiable tones to the line as the engines powered the various workings. Again the line's staff and volunteers provided welcome and pleasant service to everyone visiting. They really are a credit to the line and others out there would be well to see how freindly and helpful they can be.

Pictures of the weekend can be seen here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p841567353

Meanwhile, my own back collection for the line is now online. Here pictures from 2007 to the present can be seen showing the lines development into a brilliant heritage railway today. The link for this collection is here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/f324107869 while other galleries for other locations have been added and more will be so in the coming weeks.

Enjoy,

David
aka the Black Hat
NER Group Owner

 

Hello all,

As part of the update to the website I have, the archive of something interesting has been loaded recently.

In 2008 the newly starting Grand Central Open Access operator found itself with an aging HST fleet, and some power cars that were not quite as overhauled as had been expected. The result was failures and cancellations, even whether the company could continue was brought into question. The answer was for a refit of the fleet and quickly. This however would cause difficulties in maintaining the service. It was calculated that locomotives with coaching stock could easily match the timings on the runs north of York where the slow lines were 75mph and the lines to Sunderland from Northallerton even less.

As part of the efforts to ensure the HSTs were running in service, Grand Central drafted in 43166 from Cross Country, wearing former Midland Mainline livery. This brought something different to the front of the black HST sets and caused a sensation as the company tried to sort its issues out with its HST fleet. Shortly after the hire in, the company would resort to Locomotive Haulage on a shuttle service.

Stock came in from a number of sources, owing to some strange rule that unless a contract and service was awarded the same locomotives could not be used for more than 28 days. This then brought a number of different forms of motive power. Riveria class 47s made up the first trench of power, before class 57s were used. Even 67s were used on the service as well bringing a choice of motive power at the hieght of summer not seen since or doubtless will be again...

Pictures of the locomotive hauled sets are here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p49636166

Pictures of 43166 is here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p341131866

Enjoy,

David
aka the Black Hat

 

Hello all,

A milestone for my website has been the recent uploaded of pictures from a backlog of ones taken since 2006. As a result of this and other recent trips, the website has passed the impressive milestone of having more 10,000 pictures on it for viewing. A lot of these are focused on areas of the North East of England where I am from, but others creep in from areas like Leicester, Sheffield, Derby and the capital London. Pictures of a tour of the country by rail are in the gallery of the UK tour in 2008, when I visited just about every corner of the United Kingdom mainland.

I really enjoy the hobby, and the fact that it gets me out and able to meet many likeminded and freindly people, eager to share in their enjoyment, rather than seem to compete. A list of those on my travels who I have met features in the 'freinds of the Black Hat', who one day might end up with some kind of mug or T-shirt for the privilage of being on that list! Who knows...

The site features something for everyone, photographs of workhorses like class 66, and 142, or 156, to staged photoshoots or chasing after tours on the mainline. The mix is quite vaired and I would like to think the photography is too, rather than every single photograph being the tedious standard 35-45 degree approach shot. I know others have taken the time to add comments and if you like what you see (or not) your more than welcome to give feedback and opinions. The photographs over time have got better as my camera equipment has progressed, and I have added more to the range of things I can use, hence early 2006 photos occasionally are too bright, but this is all a learning curve.

The site only has a few areas to add, like Middlesbrough and Stockton of all places. Photos of 56301 to Weardale should appear over the weekend...

http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/

Hope you enjoy...

 

Hello all,

There was action to be seen when class 66, 66848 failed with its coal train today and 37402 was sent from York to assist. Pictures can be seen here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p224159887

To be fair Colas Coal working class 66s had been very reliable, but such reliability was bound to fail sooner or later and on July 1st, it happened thankfully in somewhere easier to deal with. Stopping short of the signal at parkgate junction near Darlington was a shrewd move from the driver who stopped his train a locomotive lengths short of the protecting signal for Darlington north junction. Rather than take his class 66 and freight onto the mainline he failed it with lack of power. He summoned help, knowing that doing so he was blocking the line to Bishop Auckland. While Northern scrambeled buses to replace the Pacers normally running the service, DRS responded to the call for help with stelwart locomotive 37402, recently returned to traffic following an overhaul by HNRC. The latters work soon was evident when the English Electric powered machine arrived to rescue the GM successor of sorts. 37402 was atached to the train and then seen later at Snipe Lane, Darlington powering away with some flamboyance as much as tenacity to take the stricken 66 in tow and drag its train to York.

Enjoy

 

Hello all,

Being a younger photographer I didnt have the luxuary of my forebearers in seeing the twilight of steam on the national network, or the transition period now so feverishly modelled by young and old alike. I have, however, seen glimses with places and events showing a little insight into how things could, or maybe should have been. Doubtless a lot of the engines in the photographs I have are far too clean, or that these workhorses are maybe seen in areas that might have brought suprise to some but they give the feel and image of a time gone by.

The photographs in this collection are others I have already taken, the only difference is that the colour has been removed and they are all shown in black and white. While some feature preserved railways as the backdrop, others on the mainline can still be noticed given the obligitory headlamp. I have tried to use photographs that show life as it was, with no modern fencing, or people holding the wrong type of cameras. Still, one or two might just sneek through, but by and large they for the great majority look as if taken 50 years ago.

What with record breakers and steam grabbing the headlines its right to remember the last of these leviathans at work in the time of year when the end came on many networks years ago.

So, pictures can be seen here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/f350232522

All I need now is my hat, screwdriver and a blue police box.

David
aka the Black Hat

 

Hello all,

We all knew it was going to happen. Ever since the A4's 'Dwight' and 'Dom' arrived at Shildon (see here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/f475977003) it was just a matter of marking down the days on the calender until July 2013. 75 years after Mallard, the flying Duck, charged down stoke bank at 126.5mph (recorded by a more than nice NER dynometer car) the A4s still carry the status of legend. This much was evident when the crowds surged through the museum at York, enduring the heat in the Great Hall caused by the scorching sun outside. As the rays broke through the glass and lit up the various engines, they stood before the crowds a testament of design, majesty and power. People clicked away, various people getting close, children running up and touching the engines - it all made for a special occasion. While some enthusiasts had patience tested, others enjoyed the banter and delight of sharing a hobby waiting for the split-second chance to grab that photograph. Outside, the engines of the current scene worked about ferrying passengers back and forth, some for shopping, some for drinking, others for the NRM: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p743463331

It all made for a brilliant occasion, something Im glad that the public got more out of than enthusiasts, for these are the people that pay the fares and visit the attractions that keeps our hobby and industry alive. What a great gathering it was, not of engines, actually, the people.

Pictures can be seen here: http://www.blackhatrailwaypictures.co.uk/p718273101

Enjoy,

David
aka the Black Hat
NER Groups Owner