Location Unknown
Can you help to identify the locations of these images?
Class 117 DMU set L424 (presumably 51379 + 59489 + 51337) arrives into an unknown station, Reading on the destination blind. Circa early / mid-1970s. Stuart Mackay Collection.
A Class 108 for Morecambe is seen on 3 April 1982, location unknown. Stuart Mackay Collection.
A Met-Camm twin and a Cravens / Met-Camm twin. Location unknown, circa mid-1960s. Stuart Mackay Collection.
That ground disc is lower quadrant, so quite possibly somewhere that was GWR at one time. John McGrevey 10/11/24 16:11
Certainly GWR as the signal off for the train is lower quad, could the Cravens be one from the 50390-50394 batch when they were allocated to Chester for a period during 1966? Ian Hazlehurst 12/11/24 12:10
Class 101 DMSL SC51807. No other details are known, but the livery means it's no earlier than 1978. It's possibly on Works, the vehicle behind is a plain blue Class 101 DTSL. Image by http://www.the-transport-photo-interchange.co.uk. Stuart Mackay Collection.
That’s Mark 1 coaching stock on the left, which was still being used on the WHL and Dundee services out of Queen Street at that time. The only place I can think of that might match this is the carriage sidings at Cowlairs with the tenements on Springburn Road in the background, but I’m by no means certain. John McGrevey 8/11/24 18:10
Norwich allocated DMU set 101 (53150 and presumably 59118 + 53315) with Cambridge on the destination blind, location unknown, circa 1985/1986. Stuart Mackay Collection.
I've not worked out the location yet but suspect this may be 53150+59118+53315 making it 1986-1987. It can't be later as set 101 was a trailer brake set by then and earlier would have DMCL 53330 which still had its WM branding, which this doesn't. Ian Hazlehurst 3/11/24 22:06
Thanks Ian! 53150 it is, there's a mark on the yellow to the right of the drivers face which matches another image of 53150 (#16258). Caption updated, Stuart Mackay 3/11/24 23:29
Hi Stuart. Bit of a long shot, but am thinking the unit is approaching Kings Lynn, before electrification obviously, which matches the time span Ian has mentioned. Behind the fence the other side of the unit there appears to be a bit of a dumping ground, which may be the site of Extons Road sidings? Regards. Rob Paterson 12/11/24 16:15
Thanks Rob! I haven't been able to find any similar images at Kings Lynn - that tall signal is quite distinctive, but doesn't rule it out.. Stuart Mackay 13/11/24 03:03
That signal was a point I was looking for. Unable to 'post' (err, sorry for the pun!) here for copyright reasons, but have found a signalling diagram via an internet search using the term 'Kings Lynn Exton sidings', date of the diagram unknown, but does show two or three of those sidings still in situ and double track (as was, prior to it being singled). To my point, there is a single arm home signal (for Southbound trains) shown on this diagram, positioned as per the one in this photograph, opposite those sidings. Clutching at straws perhaps? Rob Paterson 13/11/24 09:16
Hi Stuart. Still a work in progress, but looking at this image there is a concrete fence end post lower right. Looking at G-Street view today, at about this area (if my hunch is correct) there is Park Avenue, which takes a 90 degree turn very near the railway. On that bend in the road there is what appears to be an open grassed passageway leading directly to the bottom of the railway embankment with no apparent fencing (this may be hidden in todays undergrowth of course?), but am wondering if this is the location of the above mentioned concrete post - possibly the site of a former foot crossing across the line, which would explain how the photographer was able to obtain this view? Food for thought..! Rob Paterson 20/11/24 09:08
No details were on this slide, showing a two-car Class 110 DMU with Morecambe on the destination blind sometime in the 1980s. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Two three-car Met-Camm DMUs, perhaps with a CCT on the rear. No real details came with the negative, there was a hint it could be drawing into Backworth station but looking at images from that era I would have expected a third rail for that location. With the yellow panel and no blue vehicles, the date will be circa mid-1960s. Stuart Mackay Collection.
No details with this slide, one of two showing a fire on a Class 117 DMS. The headcode is still in use so circa early/mid-1970s, possibly on the Berks & Hants line. Stuart Mackay Collection.
No details with this slide, one of two showing a fire on a Class 117 DMS. The headcode is still in use so circa early/mid-1970s, possibly on the Berks & Hants line. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Probably on the Berks & Hants line Jonathan Horswell 17/11/24 14:57
Thanks Jonathan, now noted in caption! Stuart Mackay 20/11/24 02:52
A Met-Camm "Lightweight" DMU on a Norwich (City) - Melton Constable - Cromer service, location unknown, 4 October 1958. The number on the DMBS appears to read E79068. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Hi Stuart. This one has been puzzling me for a time, but noting the angle of the shadows, and using OS maps again to identify any location with an apparent one sided shallow cutting, I have found a possible location. Just outside Norwich City, where the line runs East-West, there was/is such a cutting. The track bed is now a cycle/walking route (Marriott's Way on Google Earth/streetview) and the immediate area still appears to have a rural feeling about it. I believe this may have been taken from a position just East of where todays A140 (Sweet Briar Road) passes over the line. Approximate grid ref TG 206099. Unable to locate any other photos of the line in this immediate area though, so will leave it to you... Rob Paterson 15/01/24 04:29
Thanks Rob! It does look like it could be a good option. I'll leave it in the unknown locations for now to see if we can get further confirmation... Stuart Mackay 18/01/24 01:50
The only details with this negative (with a blue square Derby Lightweight twin) were 'on Cheshire Lines'. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Class 119 DMU set L584. Location unknown, the slide process date was January 1978. The power cars were noted as 51070 and 51098, the centre car is presumably 59429. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Not an area I’m familiar with, but the lower building in the background bears some resemblance to one “wing” of the old Slough Panel Box. It would fit with the crossover move in progress. John McGrevey 23/08/23 22:41
Cardiff allocated Class 119 DMU set C596 (presumably 51076 + 59416 + 51099) circa 1978, location unknown. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Lifeboat station in the background? I’ve had a look at locations of lifeboat stations in South Wales and nothing seems to fit. That looks like an illuminated ’STOP’ sign with its back to us. John McGrevey 7/08/23 01:58
Could it possibly be Fishguard Harbour, the lifeboat station there has a barrel corrugated metal roof Stuart Prentice 9/08/23 19:51
I agree with Mr. Prentice re the roof. There’s no historical data regarding the track layout/signalling that I can find in the usual places, the branch now working on a “one in-one out” basis. John McGrevey 15/08/23 19:13
Former Class 121 unit 55035, renumbered into Departmental stock as ADB 975659, pictured at an unknown location in the 1980s. Curly42.
Significant signalling work going on going by the concrete troughs. Possibly Westbury? Several other pictures of this car there on the site. John McGrevey 10/07/23 04:53
A Class 127 parcel DMU with 55984 closest, location unknown, circa 1986. Paul Redmond.
This is probably the same location: https://www.flickr.com/photos/134227013@N08/48392838707/ - the Class 310 EMU has Milton Keynes on the blind. Stuart Mackay 16/05/23 06:49
That looks like Bletchley box in the background. John McGrevey 16/05/23 07:56
I agree there is some similarity with Bletchley Box, however there is no sign of the flyover which at that distance I would have thought would be in view. The flickr picture you mention is Harrow and Wealdstone and I don't think it is looking north there either. Stuart Prentice 17/05/23 21:38
Been having another look at this. Rugby looking north? The OHL gantry spanning an area without track would fit. John McGrevey 19/08/23 12:16
No details with this slide. It shows a four-car DMU - three BRC&W vehicles and a Met-Camm TBSL - so probably on the North Eastern Region, circa mid-1960s. Stuart Mackay Collection.
A BRC&W suburban triple (W51316 leads) with a Cross-Country set on the rear, date/location unknown. Stuart Mackay Collection.
It looks like Campden (Mickleton) Bank on the North Cotswold Line south of Honeybourne but I can't be certain. Peter TANDY 30/03/24 14:09
A Cravens DMU with DTCL E56438 closest. Date/location unknown, Cambridge is displayed on the destination blind which was its home depot from new until moving to Finsbury Park in April 1966. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Hi Stuart. Not an answer as such to the location question, but possibly a clue for those with more historical knowledge than I - the loco hauled coach to the right appears to be E86208E, which was part of Gresley quad-art set 78, allocated to Kings Cross suburban services. This loco hauled vehicle was withdrawn October 1965, tantalisingly close to the date the unit was transferred to FP. Don't know if that might help at all? Rob Paterson 24/01/24 16:18
Thanks Rob - hopefully it will help with someone narrow down where their two paths would cross. Date wise, the latest picture on here of a Cravens still with whiskers is July 1964, so this is very likely before its move to FP. Stuart Mackay 25/01/24 01:53
A Cravens DMU with DMBS E51276 closest, date / location unknown - possibly near Shireoaks East Junction, looking west towards Worksop. Paul Redmond.
The surrounding negative numbers in Paul's photostream are at Worksop. Image 26675 is at the same location, this is a reverse shot at the same location: https://www.flickr.com/photos/134227013@N08/51714756971/. Stuart Mackay 11/02/23 20:28
Class 117 DMU set L428 (presumably 51408 + 59518 + 51366), date/location unknown. The slide process date is January 1987. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Hi Stuart. Been loathe to mention my thoughts about this one, because I'm far from convinced myself, for a number of reasons, as follows: Your image shows a London allocated unit, so I am thinking North Downs, with a date of Jan 87 latest. Have a look at my (far from perfect image) of 51354 leading the 0820 Reading to Gatwick near Brook Crossing in October 93, six years later. Here are my problems with this as a location for your image: The low level bank (right) is extremely overgrown (height wise) in my view of Brook Crossing, and in your image the near line clearly has concrete sleepers, whereas in mine this line appears to have wooden sleepers (six years later!). The background curve in your view appears on the face of it to be further away, than that in my view. In my defence I have no idea how fast nature can effect such scenes, if allowed to grow uncontrolled, and looking at other views of this part of the North Downs, it appears there was a mix of wooden and concrete sleep Rob Paterson 11/06/24 11:15
Thanks Rob! Comparing the two images, there is a lot more height to the bank on the right which would rule out Brook Crossing. Stuart Mackay 17/06/24 16:55
Hi Stuart. Thanks for checking this one out. As said, it was a VERY long shot on my part, but thought it better to pose an answer (on the off chance it might be correct?) rather than say now't. But I do agree with your thoughts, so back to the drawing board....all the best.. Rob Paterson 27/06/24 19:16
Not a great quality image but the content is of great interest showing a burnt out Class 113 DMCL. It is likely 51770 - a victim of a fire on board the 7.58am Skipton to Manchester train at Shoe Mill, Baxenden, on 12 March 1964 which moved to Doncaster Works for cutting. Michael Boot Collection.
The shed doesn’t match Currock. See https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5290478 John McGrevey 13/06/23 06:11
Thanks John - reference to Currock and 51763 removed! Stuart Mackay 22/06/23 20:24
A Class 101/108/101 hybrid DMU - date/location unknown. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Class 108 DMU set T062 (51948 + 52039), location unknown, circa 1991. Stuart Mackay Collection.
The Oxford Railway Society Bristol Area Branch Line Tour at an unknown stop. The tour began in Reading and was operated by Class 119 sets L586 + L587, the vehicles visible here are presumably 51077 + 59420. Stuart Mackay Collection.
A two-car Met-Camm DMU with M54356 closest, date/location unknown, circa mid-1980s. The vehicle was based at Chester until late 1985 when it moved to Cardiff and shortly after placed in store. It moved to Haymarket then further north to become the Kyle observation saloon 6300. Stuart Mackay Collection.
The single line and shape of the river valley makes me think possibly the lower section of the Conwy Valley Line, maybe near Dolgarrog? This would tie in with the unit being based out of Chester in the early 80s. Seb Barrow 29/04/24 13:05
Thanks Seb - It does have a Conway Valley feel to it. I had a good look up and down the Valley and have yet been able to find a matching place with the minor road turning into the trees round the base of a cottage. Stuart Mackay 29/04/24 16:54
A very long shot, and I don't think we'll get a definitive id on it, but could this be in the vicinity of Pont y Pant looking across the Afon Lledr towards the A470 in the background. If the road has been widened in the intervening years there is a white building on a gentler curve which 'may' be the cottage in the distance. My other thought on this initially was the Dyfi Valley somewhere around Machynlleth but I can't find a match there either. Ian Hazlehurst 8/05/24 22:09
A London Midland Region publicity (negative Y743-622 2) image showing a Class 105 power twin DMU - date / location unknown. British Rail.
A GRC&W image showing a new Cross-Country set circa February 1959. Gloucester Railway Carriage And Wagon.
A Met-Camm publicity image that was used in several of their trade adverts such as celebrating 300, 500 and 600 diesel railcars supplied. It shows an Eastern Region Met-Camm Lightweight set with Lowestoft on the destination blind, location unknown, circa early 1956. It seems to be a posed shot (and so not necessarily in East Anglia) - there are no passengers on board and unless the track in the foreground is out of use it is on the wrong line for the driver to be at this end. The colour of the seats can be clearly seen in the DTS(L), maroon moquette and tan vinyl. Metropolitan Cammell.
A Midland Pullman set - date / location unknown. AndrewHA Collection.
A Class 101 / 108 hybrid set, date / location unknown. Walter Burt Collection.
A Met-Camm Lightweight DMU heads away from the camera, date unknown. Location is just given as 'Colne Valley'. Steve Davies Collection.
Not an area I’m familiar with at all, but from some online research it looks as though closure of Colne Valley to passengers predates this livery, so the location might be open to question? John McGrevey 23/03/21 05:46
Class 101 set C801 (presumably 51446 + 51517), date / location unknown. Walter Burt.
A two-car Class 101 set, date and location unknown. Walter Burt.
Possibly Kirkham on the York-Scarborough line; looks very familiar Mel Holley 16/03/21 03:46
This may be near Kirkham Abbey level crossing. See https://earth.app.goo.gl/2aqqDf John McGrevey 23/03/21 05:57
Thanks Mel and John. I had a look at Kirkham Abbey Level crossing and, assuming the DMU is heading away from the crossing, one side is heavily curved. The other side (with the crossing) looks straight, but there seems to be a slight bent to the right in this image. This image - https://www.flickr.com/photos/90474967@N05/17068811131 - seems to be taken from the crossing and there seems to be a bank on the right, not evident in the 101 picture. Also the signal has a support wire in the 101 image absent from the 185 image. Stuart Mackay 24/03/21 06:35
The Ultrasonic Test Train - 975008 + 975007 - location / date unknown. Walter Burt.
A Cravens set date / location unknown; probably East Anglia. Steve Davies Collection.
Met-Camm set TY402 - which at this time would probably be 50323 + 59116 + 50305 - working with a Derby suburban set in the Birmingham area, circa 1970. Stuart Mackay Collection.
A four-car Met-Camm set heading for Leeds in 1963. Steve Davies Collection.
A Cravens set heads away from the camera, Norwich on the destination blind. Date / location unknown. Image taken by John Vaughan. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Could be the north end of Diss station, looking north-east towards Norwich, see the background of photo 3886. Kenneth Leiper 15/05/18 18:17
Thanks Kenneth, it seems to be a match. Added to caption! Stuart Mackay 16/05/18 07:42
It appears to me to be a single line, Diss is double, also the telegraph poles at Diss have 8 arms, as per 3886, here we only have 5, add to that the signal posts at Diss are tubular steel, where we have a wooden one, so I feel it probably isn't Diss. Stuart Prentice 17/05/18 13:55
Good points Stuart. I'll put it back on the unknown list for further comment. Stuart Mackay 18/05/18 07:34
Hi Stuart (and Stuart/Kenneth). Have been working through my OS old maps/Gigly Earth looking for anywhere resembling this location, albeit without luck thus far. I did locate somewhere (running N-S) that looked promising but can't now find it, although the upshot was that the bridge parapets ruled my 'find' out completely (it is part of the Marriets Way walking route I think), as they were (at track level) only just wide enough for a single track. In this unknown view, it would appear the parapets and the associated bridge have been built with a double track in mind, so I do understand the Diss thinking. I also understand the 'single line' connection, as the signal post base appears to be far too close for a double track scenario. A work in progress! Rob Paterson 7/10/24 17:13
A three-car Class 108 set led by 53926 on August 7, 1987. Location unknown, the vehicle was allocated to Swansea Landore depot at the time. Steve Davies Collection.
Cambridge bound Class 105/101 hybrid set 74 presumably somewhere in East Anglia. Exact location and date and unknown. Steve Davies Collection.
A refurbished Class 108 set passing a Plasser Theurer tamping machine. Date / location unknown. Steve Davies Collection.
Sadly no details with this image, so the date and location are unknown. It's formed of two Class 114 DMBSs back to back, and a 4-car Class 104. Possibly a railtour or excursion? Stuart Mackay Collection.
That's Skelton Tower between Goathland and Levisham. John Freear 28/03/20 02:32
Thanks John. It had a look at the track layout around the tower on google maps, and the curves all seem to be of the opposite hand to that in the image when trying to view the tower behind the train. Stuart Mackay 28/03/20 05:34
Probably a Class 118 - taken at speed - date / location unknown. Phil Deane Collection.
Just taking another look at this one. The background has a very "West of Scotland council housing" look to it, although assuming it's a 118, that presumably wouldn't add up! John McGrevey 2/02/17 07:02
Again assuming 118, and looking like a 4 track section (Up/Down/Up/Down) could it be between Newport and Cardiff? Can't see any housing to match on today's google earth, but given this image (BR blue) likely taken over 40 years ago, many estates as pictured will have long since been rebuilt, but I do 'get' the Scottish angle. Rob Paterson 19/10/23 20:16
A Derby Works image (58-299) of 50400 and presumably 56155 circa April 1958. Location unknown. British Railways.
Three 2-car Met-Camm Lightweights, the leading in car in blue livery with just a small yellow panel. Location / date unknown (late '60s), but they are ER vehicles and perhaps the catch points sign may be a clue as to where? Steve Davies Collection.
The route concerned is also fitted with Track Circuits (white diamond on the signal post). How common was this on ER routes in the 60's, I have no idea? Rob Paterson 19/10/23 20:31
A four-car Derby Lightweight set - date and location unknown. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Appears to be Single Line Working. John McGrevey 16/11/17 00:56
I know it doesn't help with identifying the location, but this looks to me like a four car unit. There is no sign of a brake an in either driving car but there does appear to be one at the leading end of the third car, which would make this one of the Newcastle-Middlesbourgh units, but not necessarily seen in the north-east. Stuart Prentice 2/01/21 18:52
Thanks Stuart. Yes, it appears to be a four-car - caption updated! Stuart Mackay 3/01/21 08:31
I bought a better scanner so I've been able to scan the full large format negative - this might give more clues to the location! Stuart Mackay 25/01/23 21:08
Looking at the new image, that sign with its back to us may well be a “Whistle” board, so we might be near a crossing. Its positioning reinforces the impression that there’s some Single Line Working in progress. Another observation is that this is a rather wide formation, so might we be in former broad gauge territory? John McGrevey 26/02/23 06:17
Recently Solved Locations
Two three-car sets, a 104 and a 104/5 hybrid, seen with Blackpool North on the destination blind just north of Chorley on 16 May 1981. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Could be north of Chorley, looking south towards the station with the buildings of Springs Road in the background. Kenneth Leiper 19/11/24 18:55
The second vehicle with the window bars and roof vents looks like it is an ex North Eastern trailer second. Newton Heath at this point having 59188, 59206 & 59207. As it still has roof vents it seems it hasn't been asbestos stripped. Ian Hazlehurst 19/11/24 19:29
Concur with Kenneth. The gable end of the end house in Bannerman Terrace is obscured by the tree above the drivers cab window, whilst that of Garfield Terrace is clearly visible. The street level access gate to the steps (left) being opposite the end of Milton Terrace. Rob Paterson 19/11/24 20:52
Thank you all - location added to caption! Ian, 59207 was fairly well photographed on the Rossendale Farewell tour that February and the number was higher than this one, so it can likely be ruled out (unless repainted before this image). There are no formations for 59188 listed during its time at NH so it maybe never worked while there, and it was W in Nov. 81. So 59206 seems likely, which was running with white-striper DMSL 50528 around this time. The DMBS in the set has the vents removed. Stuart Mackay 20/11/24 03:59
Stuart I did wonder if it was 50528 as that had no first class stripe, if we could find a picture of the drivers side it may confirm, most of the other white stripe vehicles seem to have the Private on the drivers door above the white stripe, this one is below. Ian Hazlehurst 20/11/24 11:33
Class 116 DMU set C303 (presumably 53129 + 59037 + 53087) arrives into Ynyswen station with a Treherbert to Barry Island service on 29 July 1986. Stuart Mackay Collection.
I think that this is probably Ynyswen on the Treherbert line looking towards Treherbert. The station opened during 1986 which fits with it looking very new and the fact that in the 1986 timetable weekday Rhymney trains ran to Penarth where as Treherbert services served Barry Island. Ian Hazlehurst 19/11/24 15:29
Ian has just beaten me to it, lol ! My OS map is dated before this station opened, so missed it completely at first. It's the only one in all the valleys that matches, ie: straight track, access slope behind the fence in relation to the shelter and road to right, and the shape of the distant hill tops, which match Google streetview as seen from said road. Rob Paterson 19/11/24 15:40
Thanks Ian and Rob, now added! A Treherbert services why I could not find an obvious match on every station on the Rhymney line I searched for... Stuart Mackay 20/11/24 03:33
The Fisons weedkiller train with converted Class 100 FA99900 (ex-E56315) closest at Haughley Junction on the Great Eastern Main Line. Date unknown, the cleanliness suggests circa mid-1975. A Class 31 is at the far end. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Haughley Junction on the Great Eastern Main Line, looking north, see image 5575 and others. Kenneth Leiper 12/11/24 08:05
Thanks Kenneth - added to caption! Stuart Mackay 13/11/24 02:42
A Swindon Cross Country DMU, the closest car recorded as W50710, at Droitwich circa 1960. Birmingham Snow Hill is on the destination blind. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Droitwich, looking south west towards the station. See map here: https://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=18.0&lat=52.27071&lon=-2.15457&layers=173&b=ESRIWorld&o=100 and later photo here: https://www.simsig.co.uk/Media/Attachments/193/Droitwich_Spa_signalbox_September_1985.jpg Kenneth Leiper 29/10/24 09:43
Thank you Kenneth - added to caption! Stuart Mackay 30/10/24 04:46
A three-car Class 123 DMU led by E52104 is seen to the west of New Mills Central, looking north west with Hague Bar Road up on the right, circa 1980. Stuart Mackay Collection.
To the west of New Mills Central, looking north west with Hague Bar Road up on the right. This photo is looking the opposite direction further west and shows the telegraph poles: https://www.flickr.com/photos/26690797@N02/7515978854 Kenneth Leiper 27/10/24 08:44
Thanks Kenneth - added to caption! Stuart Mackay 27/10/24 21:27
Two Met-Camm twins head away from Snettisham on the Hunstanton branch, circa mid-1960s. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Possibly Snettisham on the Hunstanton branch, looking east. See photos here: http://www.wolfertonroyalstation.co.uk/snettisham/ Kenneth Leiper 25/10/24 16:31
Kenneth/Stuart - I would tentatively agree. My initial thought was East Anglia - just a gut feeling, I can say no more - but a couple of internet images I have come across match the station building/signal box grouping as seen. Also a view I found showing a raised dock platform behind the signal box, which would appear to mirror the above where a car can be seen sitting on same? The larger building further left with the green doors was, I thought, the goods shed, but have noted elsewhere that there was a two road loco shed in this position at Snettisham in its original days. Rob Paterson 25/10/24 17:29
Just to finish - ran out of space: the two road original loco shed I mentioned, matches the design of the building in this view, as far as I can tell. Rob Paterson 25/10/24 17:35
Stuart/Kenneth. Have just acquainted myself with a copy of the Oakwood Press book, 'The Lynn and Hunstanton Railway' and although I am unable to copy and paste any pictures from same for obvious reasons, the few contained in this book will confirm (as far as I can tell) that this image is Snettisham. Rob Paterson 27/10/24 13:44
Thanks Kenneth and Rob - added to caotion! Stuart Mackay 27/10/24 21:23