Back down to the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway for the final two days of the Santa specials (21/22 Dec). Heavy snowfall overnight really transformed things and with the sun on Tuesday I got some memorable images. Due to the weather the passenger count was slightly down on last year but the final count for the year was over 9,300 smashing last years total. Roll on 2010.

Popped down on Sunday for some sun and snow, was able to spend too long there as a car fault meant I had to return home to get it fixed :0(

Popped down Sunday afternoon for the second weekend of the Pontypool and Blaenavon Santa Specials. A lot drier than last weekend, although a lot colder. Didn't stop the people turning up though which is good news.

First weekend of the 09 Santa Specials at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, the weather may have been rubbish but the trains and the fun weren't with passenger figures up again on last year. Also shots of the ongoing work at BHL and the landslide.

October 31st is Halloween and for the first time the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway ran a ghost train. What a fantastic night with almost 600 people turning up to enjoy the fun and ghastliness. Definatley must for 2010. Some shots of the pway work at BHL on the Sunday are here as well.

A David Williams charter at the Ecclesbourne Valley Railway with class 20 D8001. The morning was rather dull and very very damp but the afternoon more than compensated for it. An excellent day out.

A collection to document the restoration and return to service of RSH 0-6-0ST 7169. Originally built in 1944 and sold into preservation in 1973 7169 has been masquerading as 68005 since then. Once restoration has completed 7169 will return to service at it's new home, the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway in an authentic industrial livery.

On September the 14th the Compo Club held a photo charter at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway using their guest engine, panier tank 6435. Whilst the mornng was very dull the sun finally arrived in the afternoon and some stunning shots were finally obtained. A quick night shoot was tacked onto the end to round off a superb days photography.

September 12/13 2009 was the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railways anniversary gala celebrating 140 years since the line from Brynmawr to Blaenavon first opened in 1869. Guest star was pannier tank 6435 from the Bodmin and Wenford Railway and with No. 19 and Peckette 1555 (Ivor) the railway put on it's biggest show yet, and all with plenty of glorious sunshine for the camera.

August Bank Holiday is the the traditional time for the Pontypool and Blaebavon Railways annual transport rally. As always plenty of vintage vehicles, train and bus rides and despite the damp weather plenty of visitors.

Ivor the Engine came to the Pontypool and Blaenavon railway on August 15/16 for his annual holiday, this time joined by number 19. Everyone had a good time, the Green Meadow community farm brought Bluebell the Donkey and friends, there was face painting, a bouncy castle and plenty of smiling faces.

4 main line diesels, sunshine, showers, failures, resurrections, 2 namings, 2 rakes of stock, a birthday party and a hell of a lot of fun. Not your average diesel gala at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway.

Friday 17th and Saturday the 18th saw Spitfire Railtours take 37069 and 20302 to Fort William, Mallaig and Oban and there was no way I was going to miss this one. A very early start, a very late finish but what a tour, excellent company, superb thrash and the evening run to Mallaig was something else again. A big thanks to the DRS fitter who managed to get 302 working at Fort William so we could take it to Mallaig, saved our weekend.

A brilliant night out, a chance to relax and have a good time. A great laugh and already looking forward to next years.

The second annual 1960s weekend at the PBR, combined with the beer festival saw the 31 D5627 working its first public trains (before failing), the first train over the rebuilt bridge 13, more people than ever at the evening disco and a good time had by all. Shots of the disco are in the pasword protected file to spare everyones blushes (mine included).

37421 arrived at the PBR on the 1st July so a trip was in order to get he first images plus a update of latest development work

Sunday June 28th 2009 was the Garn Lakes country fair and for a change the sun shone, the ground was dry and it was oh so warm. This ensured we had a good day at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway with trains full and the tea room and buffet none stop all day. More days like this please.

June 6/7 was the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway's first ever little engines event. Sadly a very very wet and dismal day on the Saturday resulted in a very low turn out and whilst Sunday was the better the cancellation of a sponsored walk by the organisers (and not telling us) was a bitter dissapointment considering the work we had put in. Oh well, better luck next time.

No event, no special trains, just a normal running day at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway with 73128 doing the honours and so much sun how could I not make a quick trip?

late May bank holiday and stunning weather for the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway's Cowboys 'n' Engiones weekend. Plenty of sun, plenty of people and loads of fun.

A great Sunday out at the Welshpool and Llanfair with the Shropshire Railway Society to celebrate their 40th Anniversary. Thanks for the invite guys.

Action from the Swindon and Cricklade, Pontypool and Blaenavon and Margam Park railways over the May bank holiday. Featuring the most OTT teddy going!

A Sunday day out to the Chinnor & Princes Risbrough Railway to enjoy the delights of their diesel gala. Plenty of action, plenty of sunshine and of course those lovely red kites.

A Sunday trip to the Telford Steam Railway for D3429 wiht a side order of WSMR and a quick move to scoop in 67002

It's Easter and that means the 2009 season of the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway has begun. 73128 and Number 19 sharing the duties, lots of sunshine and lots of passengers made it an excellent weekend. The Easter Bunnies breaking all records for the railway, lets hope the rest of the year continues in the same vein.

Plenty of progress on the winter work at the Pontypool and Blaenavon railway, especially good news is the completion of bridge 16, only 3 more to go!

Recently purchased from the VoGR is Hunslet 8526 Bill Caddick, a 1986 rebuild of Hudswell Clarke D1186. Should be put straight into use at the PBRs Easter Saturday.

Popped down to Stourbridge Junction and came across the first public runs of 139002. The first train being the 10:08 from Stourbridge Junction. train was only booked to work until about 11:30 before 153371 replaced it for the rest of the day.

Following delays in the comissioning of the class 139 Parry People Movers and after 3 months of bustitution London Midland have returned a 153 to the Stourbridge Town Branch. Couldn't resist the chance to pop back and pleased to find refurbished 153333 doing the honours. Then popped over to Shirley for some spring semaphore action.

Whilst there maybe no public trains running the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway is still a hive of activity as work is carried out on the new extension. Bridgework, track work and rebuilding Blaenavon High Level as well as general maintenance eork make it a very busy place even in the off season.

The heavy snowfalls put paid to any PWay work at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway over the weekend. But with there being plenty of sun around there was still work for the photographer to enjoy.

Saturday 24th January and the track was removed from bridges 13 and 14 on the Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway until work is completed on all 4 bridges no trains will run to Blaenavon High Level

Another excellent EMRPS night shoot, this time at the Oakammor Quarry Loader on the Churnet Valley Railway. Featured locomotives were 37075, 25322 and Brightside industrial shunter. A cracking if cold night.

Back at the Pontypool and Blaenavon railway for the final Saturday of the 2008 season. Very cold and very frosty, sadly this put paid to the Thumpers batteries and it refused to start so no service today, but 104 did so the PWAY gand was able to work at Blaenavon High Level as planned.

Well the sun was conspicous by its abscence but the passengers weren't. Again the trains were packed and busy with the volunteers working hard and smiling all the time. A superb end to a superb year.

Wns weekend of the Santa Specials the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway and again the rain stayed away with the sun shone on the Sunday. Like last week the people came in droves with our best Santa day ever on the Sunday. HAPPY CHRISTMAS indeed.

The first weekend of Santa Specials at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway and unilke last year we we're blessed with unbroken sun on both days. It was a great weekend and thanks to the boys who let me off mince pie and sherry duties so I could go wander the fields!

Shots of the work involved in getting the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway back to Blaenavon High level. Also includes 31203 (D5627) working its first trains in preservation. Also includes shots by Andy Knock

A wet Sunday at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway as the Pway gang really go for it replacing 84 sleepers (against a planned 60) in rather miserable conditions.

Some shots of the 323s on London Midlands Soho Depot as seen from the canal during a pleasant sunday afternoon walk.

Just a day wandering around the North West visiting some places I've not done in a while. just a nice day out.

A busy wey wednesday morning at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway as Philmor Rail were completing testign of a road/rail crane and Indus were filming for an episode of Coalhouse at War. We provided the train for the evacuee children

A glorious warm Autumn Sunday at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway that really belonged to the summer. lots of work going on as well, the station platform at Blaenavon High Level was being rebuilt, sleepers were being dropped ready for the relying of the extension and our brand new steam engine was being tested. A cracking day all round

With a lull in the proceedings at the SR gala I took a walk along the trackbed to Waunavon to have a look at where the PBR has aspirations of going.

The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railways first ever Southern Region gala on the 27/28 was blessed with a lovely hot and cloudless day on the Saturday. Unfortunatley 73128 failed at the start of the day giving a 3 hour gap in the timetable so pictures were somewhat limited. However a works train to BHL at the end of the day more than comepensated.

The PBR 25th Anniversary Gala Weekend was a superb affair but it needs the likes of these people to keep it running. And what a brilliant job everyone did despite the odd hiccup (or two).

After the excellent PBR 25t anniversary gala we had 2 days of Photo Charters with some excellent opportunities and a real good laugh.

The 13th and 14th of September 2008 was the 25th Anniversary Gala for the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway with guest engine 5619 and what a weekend. The first sunny weekend for 6 weekends and superb TV coverage by the BBC and S4C saw us pass all expectations. The firgures have only been topped by Thomas events. What a weekend.

On the 13th/14th September the Pontpool and Blaenavon Railway held its 25th Anniversary Gala. On Friday the 12th preparations were in full swing imcluding steaming 5619, loaded test runs and filming by S4C and the BBC

The EMRPS was invited along to Hope on the Thursday before there open weekend, a chance I could not refuse. Despit the deluge of the morning the sun finally came out and provided us with some memorable images

31203 (D5627) is the latest addition to the PBRs fleet arriving on the 5th September and started for the first time on the 6th. The paint job is superb inside and out and we all look forward to seeing it in action.

The 6th annual transport rally at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. Another excellent weekend and we even had some sun this time.

Ivor the Engine visited the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway on the 9th and 10th of August and what a wet weekend it was. Not as many people as last year but still good fum amd this year Bluebell the Donkey paid a visit as well.

What a weekend for the PBRs 2008 diesel gala, roasting hot sun, two mainline diesels, first time a service train had a loco on the north end only, first time for push pull operation, first time with two rakes of hauled stock etc etc. A cracking weekend and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

0n the 12/13 July the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway held it's first Country and Western Weekend. Unfortunately Carnivals everywhere, a major C&W event in Ross on Wye and poor weather on the Saturday meant it was quieter than hoped. Still we had a good time and plenty of ideas arose for next year. Yee haaa!

Whilst the Country and Western Weekend was going on there was still work to do down the line and the emus in their new home looked great when the sun shone.

Class 20 D8154 is paying a short visit to the Foxfield Light Railway and was in action during the June diesel gala. Attended the Sunday and thanks to the assistance of the crew managed to get the wee beastie in sun on the bank. Cheers lads.

The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway held it's first 1960s weekend and beer festival on the 7/8 June and what a weekend. The sun shone, the beer flowed and everyone had a good time. And as for the evening disco...well that's in the password protected collection to spare some blushes.

What a brilliant night, a real laugh and a good time had by all. Password protected to protect the innocent.

Friday 30/05 and an evening photo shoot down the GWR with the 4f 44422. Not much sun around but just enough to play with, the crew put on a great show and it sounded lovely.

Saturday May 3rd and the lovely GWR 5619 was in action for a Compo Club charter at the Telford Steam Railway. A great day with great company and we even got some PBR publicity shots as well.

11th May 2008, a very hot very sunny day at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, lots going on and successful test runs with 3CEP 1198 to round the day off in gloriuos evening light. Lovely

The 2008 Teddy Bears Picnic and a lot going on at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway includeing the launch of the Cheese companies new cheeses and the new Mountain Bikes for hire. Just a shame about the lack of sun, still it was warm and dry.

Over the weekend of the 25/26th April the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway gained 3 new box vans from Gloucester Docks and 03141 from the Swansea Vale Railway. Depite the poor weather I chased the 03 and Lorry from the SVR to the PBR - a rather leisurely one at that.

Spitfire Railtours Wey-farer railtour to Weymouth. Top motive power and excellent company , just a shame about the state of the coach (no heat or lights) and the weather , wet and cold.

Oh the joys of operating at 1200 feet above sea level. Thick mist / low cloud for day 2 of the PBRs first DMU gala which was an improvement of sorts on the torrential rain of the Saturday. Still at least everything ran as planned.

A Compo Club photo charter at the Severn Valley Railway with black five 45110 now in the last months of it's boiler ticket. It looked bad to start with due to torrential rain but that gave way to some stunning light leading to some cracking shots. Another excellent day all round.

Trundled down to the GWR for the Saturday of their diesel gala, the weather precluded much linesiding so I settled for enjoying some tractor and 27 thrash. Did manage a couple fo sunny shots during the day though. Top day out as always.

Well it was Big Pits 25th Birthday bash and there was a free bus running but it looks like the FA cup final and the weather forecast which predicted the end of the world conspired to keep people away. Still it was a good day, lots going on and sun with black skies to keep yours truly happy.

First running day for 2008 at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway and it's our 25th year of operation. Free cakes, the naming of 73128 by the leader of Tofean BC, biting winds, snow and sunshine. A cracking start to the year.

Easter Sunday and the Easter Bunny was at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, lot's of peoplr, lots of sun and yes lots and lots of bitter wind. Same as usual then.

Last day to go before the 2008 season starts at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. 73128 was giving another test run or two and then a good clean. Various people on site despite the biting wind and snowy squalls.

An EMRPS night shoot with 37215 and 324 at Toddington on the GWR. Porceedings were somewhat hampered by the constant and at times torrential rain. An excellent venue and set up but I cut things short and left at half 9 as I was soaked through to the skin.

73128 arrived at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway today, it's home for the next two years at least. Despite the best efforts of the weather I got some sunny shots and we took the Ruston 48DS for a spin in the afternoon scooping in some new trackage in the process.

A trip down to South Wales on a rather damp weekend. Called in at the Pontypool and Blaenavon to check the latest goings on before scopping in the Ebbw Vale branch. Sunday was spent at the Gwili helping to retrieve a GWR Toad brake van.

On Saturday Feb 9th the reopening of the Severn valley railway began following the floods that shut most of the line in June 2007. 4566 provided the hounours working Bridgnorth - Hampton Loade services. Meanwhile 46443 was working Kidderminster - Bewdley.

The first EMRPS night shoot of 2008 and a rather soggy Llangollen station featuring 25313 and the 108 DMU. Still it was good fun as always despite the difficult conditions.

The PBRs first all day photo charter and what a day. 813 on a superb matching set of wagons and sun most of the time. And what a night shoot, superb day, superb team effort by the PBR gang and the "Compo Club" scores another hit.

Last running day of the 2007 season and despite the lack of sun at least it wasn't too cold. Quite a few passengers turned up which was good news and the thumper performed faultlessly. Here's to an even bigger and better 2008.

After an abscence of a few years the GWR 0-6-0ST 813 has returned to the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway for their Christmas Santa Specials. It arrived on a typically dank Blaenavon day which seemed to set the tone for most of the santa season but that didn't dampen the spirits and the last sunday was a corker

A trip to the Forest of Dean to visit the incredible railway workshop at the Flour Mill and then to Coleford to see the GWR museum there.

On the weekend of the 2nd - 4th November the NYMR held a mixed traction gala in aid of the SVR flood appeal. One attraction was 50049 which workde Esk Valley Services on the Saturday and Sunday and became the first 50 ever to reach the seaside town. An excellent weekend, but then again so is any weekend at Whitby.

A Simon Hopkins organised Compo Club photo charter with the lovely Ivatt 2-6-0 46443 at the SVR, some lovely Autumn tints and a couple of extras rounded up to make a great day and a fantastic night shoot.

The first members day at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway and the first chance for a lot of people to see how things will be when the new extension opens. Despite the weather an excellent time was had by all.

A beautiful sunny Sunday and the suoerb 37219 in action, how could I not resist the Chasewater 2007 diesel gala.

Nothing special as the weather refused to play ball, just a few shots off the beaten track whilst out and about with the camera.

Sunday 23rd September and the EMRPS had a photo charter with D7629 at the Foxfield Light Railway. A great day out, plenty of thrash up the bank and another top job by the lighting crew. Thanks also to the Foxfield Volunteers for the hard work and patience.

The weekend of the 15/16 September offered plenty of diesle preservation action in the Midlands. Eschewing the bigger events I went for the diesel events at the Foxfield and the Telford Steam Railway with a night shoot at Bewdley and a quick visit to the Cambrian Railways trust at Lynclys thrown in for good measure.

Well the forecast fibbed again but at least it was dry, the North British Shunter was running for the first time in 20 years and the 0-6-0ST Wimblebury looked cracking on the coal train. Also used the in camera monochrome option on a few shots as well and why not.

Despite a dull start the 2007 transport rally turned out better than ever. Packed trains, a packed site and loads of sunshiine.

Started off a long bank holiday weekend by popping into the Barry Island Railway for their diesel gala. Photographed the 37's on the mainline bus they're on slide you'll just hace to wait.

With the sun shining at last and 37216 on the transport rally passenger service I took a walk up the Coity Mountain and just check out the views. Is there any railway more scenic?

On the weekend of the 11th and 12th of August 2007 the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway held its first ever Ivor the Engine weekend and what a weekend. The sun shone, the people came, the trains were packed and Ivor, well what can I say. The little engine stole evereybodys hearts and whilst he can't take 3 coaches up the bank unaided (yes we did try) what he lacks in power he more than makes up for in noise sounding like something far bigger. A great time was had be all and no doubt he'll back again next year.

At long last the rains abated and the sun shone. Just in time for D8048 working it's first trains at the GCR(N) in a few years. And a few other East Midlands goings on as well.

Over the weekend of July 28/29 2007 the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway held their biggest gala ever with star engine 37216 which had only arrived from the scrapyard a week before. Everything ran smoothly, the 37 was loud and even the weather behaved. Thanks to all who came, we hope you had a good time and enjoyed yourselves. Picture comments to follow when or if I have the time.

Celebrating 50 years of the class 20's Barrow Hilll held a superb diesel gala over the weekend of the 14/15 July. Coupled with the EMRPS photo charter on the 12th and lots of lovely sun on 2 of the three days it was an event not to be missed.

A warm sunday in the Dee Valley and a chance for the DMU's to shine at the annual Llangollen DMU gala. An excellent day out and you just got to love that railbus. Thanks to everyone for making it a great day.

50 years of the class 20's and also the class 31s. Celebrated in fine style at the MRB courtesy of the CTLS and A1A group.

A enjoyable day spent with 37219 on the GWR on an EMRPS charter. Whilst it was sunny (on and off) in the morning the afternoon was anything but. Big thanks to Laurence for the lift.

The first EMRPS DMU photo charter, held at the friendly Chasewater Light Railway. An excellent day out and what glorious weather - this is April??

Well it's that time of year, 3 days of the excellent NYMR diesel gala. Sadly 20 227 couldn't make it, although I did fine one in operation and the weather was manky most of the time. But 40145 on the Esk Valley Whitby - Battersby runs was something else, I hope it does some more. There's a couple of sunny shots of 145 coming into Whitby to add when I get the slides back.

Suddenly the clouds parted around Saturday dinner time so I grabbed the camera (well my new digi toy) and took it down to Stourbridge Junction for a spin.

A new arrival at Cadbury World, Bournville. Cadbury No. 14 transferred in from Moreton. Big thanks to Chris Y for the heads up.

The 2007 season at the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway. Several collections merged into one except for a couple that are stand alone

Some shots taken of the local trains during the recent snow falls. Bournville, Shirley and Birmingham Moor Street all feature.

I seem to be spending a lot more time in South Wales these days so I thought I'd build up a collection on the net.

We've not even reached the end of January and I've managed a 33 and a 57 into Birmingham from Derby, the latter on a service train. 33103 (with 31454) on the Lancashire Witch and 57307 on the 18:21 Newcastle - Birmingham vice voyager.

37240 and 901 feature in another excellent night shoot by the EMRPS. This time at the superb Llangollen Station.

101685 "Daisy" celebrates her 50th birthday at the Chasewater Light Railway on December 16th.

The PBR's first diesel gala, a chance to sample all the fleet in one day and the majority of Blaenavon weather at the same time! Thanks to all who came along, good fun and plenty of running. Lets hope for a bigger attendance next year.

The Pontypool and Blaenavon in 2006. Notable for the arrival of 73133 which was a welcome addition to the family. A mix of weather as always from roasting hot to damo and cold and foggy - check out the Santa specials. The diesel gala is on a separate collection.

Took the long drive down to Swanage on Saturday to sample the delights of 20188's return to service on theis cracking little railway. Weather forecast said game over by lunch time but it was anything but. Blue skies and plenty of action , I love this line.

A round up of some of the preservation stuff I did in 2006.

Dug out some old slighty battered negatives from my early days. First time I've seen these in years, can't believe how it's all changed now. More will be added when I can be bothered.

On the mainline - 2006
Some of the shots taken on the big railway during 2006, when I scan them in!

An excellent day out with the EVRA seeing what the Wirksworth branch has to offer and what the future holds. Sure to have a bright and exciting future ahead if all goes to plan.

On Friday the 16 August 2005, I was privaliged to be part of a photo charter taken place at the Hope Cement Works of Lafage. With four 20's, some great light, stunning skies , a wonderful industrial backdrop and the usual excellent company it was a brilliant afternoon. Many thanks go to Lafarge, HNRC, Mervyn Allcock and James (the loco driver) for enabling this and allowing us the opportunity of a lifetime.

The Pontypool and Blaenavon 2005 Transport Gala, bigger an better than last year. A thumper, a DMU, a Loco hauled service, shunting operations, cars, buses, landrovers and a warm welcome. Oh and the Sharkbite - well you just had to be there.

A collection of shots taken during 2005 that didn't fit in elsewhere

A nice sunny two hours on Friday afternoon with 1498 on the Lymington branch. Just a shame it wasn't the blue and grey one, maybe next time.

Preserved diesel action in 2005, see also GWR and Barrow Hill collections

Action at the Pontypool and blaenavon in 2005 starting off with a dull Easter Bunny day.Fathers day on the 19th June and the Garn Lakes day the following Sunday were two hot sunny days. Plenty to do, plenty to photograph including an early morning wander round the ironworks. Oh and extended tea breaks and chats in the buffet of course

Who could resist the chance to play with the Gorgeous 6430 at the friendly and delightfully quirky Telford Steam railway.

A trip down to the Pontypool and Bleanavon for the last day of the Santa Specials. A warm welcome and mother nature put on a stunning show. Somedays it just goes right

Britains last working roundhouse. A superb place which just oozes atmosphere. A remarkable place and rightly deserving of the awards it has won.

Windswept fun in the welsh valleys. A small but very friendly and enjoyable line with an exciting future in prospect.

Pilot scheme engines still going strong. Simple, reliable and I own one!

One of my favourite lines, great scenery, great diesels and a real friendly.

Diesels on the West Somerset Railway

Shot's from various trips to Canada and the USA with not a desert or double stack in sight!

Narrow gauge steam in the former East germany, my favourite after UK/US diesels and more will be added

A beautifuly scenic line along the Welsh Borders, currently benefitting (as are we enthusiasts) from the use of Cardiff's Millennium Stadium for major sporting events.

Superb machines and one of my favourites. I will be sad to see them go.

I'm a big fan of B&W and these are a mixture of some of my earliest shots (taken with an Halina 35x - gorgeous little camera) and my later work. The early negs have been somewhat knocked around so please excuse the quality.

Situated in the heart of the Costwolds. One of my favourite preserved lines, pro diesel, very scenic and very friendly. New Pictures added 16/11/04