DMU Railtours
DMUs were surprisingly popular on railtours, particularly those that focused on the line travelled and not the motive power, as DMUs allowed access to many routes that a conventional loco-hauled tour couldn't easily manage.
This is not a definitive list of DMU railtours, simply a gallery of some of those tours. For a more detailed railtour site see the Six Bells Junction website.
Details of the regular "Quaintonian" trains that ran to the Buckingham Railway Centre have their own pages.
If you have any photographs that could be added here please get in touch.
1960s
15th September 1956 - The Little North Western
An joint RCTS / BR tour from Leeds City that visited Carnforth, Arnside, Penrith etc. using a 4-car Derby Lightweight set (79510 + 79326 + 79400 + 79153). It was the first RCTS tour using a DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
E79510 closest, taken at Tebay. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Arnside. Stuart Mackay Collection.
1958 - Lincolnshire Poacher
A tour with two Derby Heavyweight sets from Alford Town to Bowness-on-Windermere, out via Wakefield and Leeds and return via Lancaster, Preston and Accrington. Organised by enthusiast Mr. W. Woolhouse, it carried more than 250 passengers. Featured in the August 1958 Eastern Region staff magzazine.
The tour at Leeds Central station. British Railways.
30th May 1959 - Birmingham Area
A Stephenson Locomotive Society tour from Birmingham New Street, the first part used steam and the second part used two three-car Met-Camm sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Perry Barr North Junction. Michael Mensing.
11th July 1959 - South Wales Rail Tour
A 3-car Class 116 was used on this SLS tour from Cardiff General around various South Wales branches.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
During the stop at Waterloo Halt. Steve Davies Collection.
The participants shelter from the rain in Aberdare Low Level station. Steve Davies Collection.
At Fountain Bridge Halt. Steve Davies Collection.
12th September 1959 - West Midlands Rail Tour
A Stephenson Locomotive Society (Midland Area) tour originating at Stourbridge Junction using a Swindon Cross-Country DMU. Places it visited included Longville, Wellington, Coalport East, Minsterley, Coleham and Hartlebury.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Coalport East. Steve Davies Collection.
23rd April 1960 - Nottinghamshire & Derbyshire Area
A SLS tour from Derby using a three-car Cravens set.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At New Hucknall Colliery. Paul Redmond.
10/09/60 - Carlisle Goods Lines
A Railway Enthusiasts' Club tour from Carlisle Citadel using a two-car Derby Lightweight.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Carlisle area goods shed. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Carlisle area goods shed. Stuart Mackay Collection.
1st July 1961 - Tenth South Wales Rail Tour
An SLS tour from Port Talbot General with part of the journey on a Swindon Cross-Country DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Garth Tonmawr. Peter Brabham Collection.
September 1961 - Unknown
An excursion from Morpeth that traveled the Wansbeck Valley line to Reedsmouth, possibly further, using a four-car Derby and four-car Met-Camm sets.
At Reedsmouth. Kevin Lane Collection.
22nd October 1961 - Farewell to the Corwen Line
A Stephenson Locomotive Society (Midland Area) tour from Chester General using three two-car Class 108s.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Chester General. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Chester General. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Chester General Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Coed Talon. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Dyserth. Stuart Mackay Collection.
15th September 1962 - South Wales Rail Tour, Swansea Area No.1
A Stephenson Locomotive Society (Midland Area) tour that started at Aberavon Town. It took a Class 120 to Swansea Eastern Depot, Colbren Junction, Ynysygeinon Junction, Brynamman East and Upper Bank amongst other places.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Colbren Junction. Steve Davies Collection.
Waiting to leave Colbren Junction. Robert Thomas.
At Brynamman East. Robert Thomas.
At Upper Bank. Robert Thomas.
At Clydach-on-Tawe (Midland). Robert Thomas.
At Brynamman East. Stuart Mackay Collection.
29th September 1962 - Derbyshire Branch Lines
A RCTS tour that originated at Nottingham Victoria that toured branches in the area using a 2-car and 3-car Cravens set.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour in Wirksworth station. Stuart Mackay Collection.
21st September 1963 - Swansea District (Part 2) Rail Tour
A SLS (Midland Area) tour from Neath General using a three-car Swindon Cross-Country DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour at Garnant station. Norman Thomas courtesy S V Blencowe collection.
The stop at Gwaen Cae Gurwen. Norman Thomas courtesy S V Blencowe collection.
At Gwaun-Cae-Gurwen. It subsequently failed to gain traction on the gradient leading to Abernant Colliery despite the efforts of passengers to push. Robert Thomas.
At Garnant. Robert Thomas.
At Neath before the tour began. Stuart Mackay Collection.
6th September 1964 - West Riding Rail Tour
A tour organised by the West Riding branch of the R.C.T.S. that began at Bradford Exchange. Originally planned to be steam hauled, a three-car 110 and two-car 101 was used instead.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
E51499, thought to be taken at the stop at Meltham goods yard. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Bradford City Goods station, 51848 closest. Stuart Mackay Collection.
E51848 at Thornton. Walter Burt Collection.
26th September 1964 - Newport Area Tour
A SLS tour from Newport around local branches using a 3-car Class 120.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Blaenavon High Level. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Blaenavon High Level. Monmouthshire Railway Society.
At Newport Dock Street. Monmouthshire Railway Society.
10th October 1964 - Hull Docks Rail Tour
A RCTS tour from Hull Paragon using a four-car BRC&W unit.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Alexander Dock, Hull, with E50577 closest. 53A Models of Hull Collection.
The tour at Hull Victoria Crossing. Stuart Mackay Collection.
10th April 1965 - The North Eastern No.2 Rail Tour
A RCTS tour from Leeds that involved travel on both steam-hauled and DMU stock. Two four-car Derby Lightweight sets were used from Consett - Waskerley and return.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Waskerley. The KDH Archive.
11th July 1965 - Diesel Rail Tour
A Plymouth Railway Circle from Plymouth.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Weymouth. The KDH Archive.
At Newton Abbot. The KDH Archive.
18 September 1965 - The Bellingham Belle
A Gosforth Round Table organised tour running from Newcastle Central to West Woodburn on the old NB in England line from Morpeth to Reedsmouth Jcn. This ran fairly regularly each September to the Bellingham Agricultural Show, previously it had run through to Bellingham on the Border Counties line to Riccarton Jcn but by 1965 only the stretch from Morpeth to West Woodburn survived.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
A 4-car Met-Camm (probably 101) set with buffet car plus another Met-Camm at West Woodburn. Roy Lambeth.
Thought to be at West Woodburn Roy Lambeth.
14th May 1966 - Central Wales Scenic Tour
A RCTS tour from Worcester Shrub Hill / Gloucester (a Swindon Cross-Country set) and Bristol (a GRC&W Cross-Country set) which joined at Cardiff.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Llandovery. Norman Thomas courtesy S V Blencowe collection.
At Llanwrtyd Wells. Norman Thomas courtesy S V Blencowe collection.
At Llandeilo. Stuart Mackay Collection.
1st October 1966 - North Cornwall Lines Farewell
A Great Western Society tour from Plymouth using a Swindon Cross-Country DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Hallwill Junction. David Hawkings.
At Okehampton. Stuart Mackay Collection.
4th March 1967 - Farewell to the Midland
A SLS tour from Birmingham New Street using a Tyseley Class 116.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Chapel-en-le-Firth. Stuart Mackay Collection.
4th March 1967 - East Anglian Branch Farewell
A M&GNJRS tour from Marks Tey, ending in Cambridge, using a blue-liveried two-car Cravens unit (with ER style small yellow panels).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Somersham. John Clark / Adrian Sutterby Collection.
1st April 1967 - The Afon Llwyd
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Cardiff General using a Derby suburban set in blue with small yellow panels formed 50838 + 59376 + 50891.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The DMU next to Furnace Sidings signal box at Blaenavon. Monmouthshire Railway Society.
At Abersychan and Talywain. Robert Thomas.
At Hafodyrynys Colliery. Hugh Llewelyn.
At Abersychan and Talywain. Hugh Llewelyn.
2nd March 1968 - Unnamed
A tour around the Birmingham area using Met-Camm vehicles, organized by the Birmingham University Transport Society.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At the Redditch stop. Robert Chilton.
At Alveley Colliery. Stuart Mackay Collection.
23rd March 1968 - Farewell to the Honeybourne Cheltenham Line
The last train on the Stratford-on-Avon - Cheltenham GWR line. Started at Birmingham New Street and used Met-Camm set 400 (50303 and presumably 59114 + 50321).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The stop at Henley-in-Arden. Stuart Mackay Collection.
30th March 1968 - Educational Special No.2
A Gilks-Grenside tour that ran from Salisbury.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
This is though to be the tour, seen at Radstock West. Stuart Mackay Collection.
6th April 1968 - Thames & Avon Rail Tour
A RCTS tour with 4-car set 420 (a Class 117 with extra 101 centre car).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bradford-on-Avon. Stuart Mackay Collection.
4th May 1968 - Farewell to the G.N. Lines
Farewell to G.N. Branch Lines in Derbyshire & Nottinghamshire from Birmingham using two three-car 101s.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Nottingham Victoria. Kevin Lane Collection.
At Teversall East. Stuart Mackay Collection.
18th May 1968 - South Midlands Rail Tour
Organised by the RCTS West Midlands Branch using a three-car 101.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Seen at Higham Ferrers goods yard. Robert Chilton.
26th May 1968 - Ffestiniog Railway Railtour
A Ffestiniog Railway Railtour tour that took a Class 124 Trans-Pennine set from Leeds to Ffestiniog.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
In Blanaeu Ffestiniog station. Bob Lumb.
24th August 1968 - Makerfield Miner
A LCGB tour starting from Earlestown using Allerton Class 108 power twin 51930 + 52045.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Hulton's Sidings, just north of Chequerbent. Walter Burt.
Near Haydock Branch Junction. Robert Chilton.
Near Haydock Branch Junction, 52045 closest. Robert Chilton.
Near De Trafford Junction, 51930 closest. Robert Chilton.
1st September 1968 - (unnamed)
A Branch Line Society tour that took a 3-car Class 101 (in early blue livery with small yellow panels) to Mallaig.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
A stop at Ardlui on the outbound direction, probably waiting to pass a southbound service. Stuart Rankin.
14th September 1968 - Bicester & Thames Valley
A RCTS tour from St Pancras using a mixed-livery four-car Derby unit.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Witney. Stanley C Jenkins.
At Chinnor Cement Works. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Bicester. Stuart Mackay Collection.
5th October 1968 - South Wales Railtour No.3
A Class 120 unit was used on this Warwickshire Railway Society tour that ran from Newport High Street around various South Wales branches.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour during a stop at Blawa. Stuart Mackay Collection.
5th October 1968 - Doncaster Decoy
A 2-car Class 114 spent four and a half hours covering 64 miles taking in most of the freight lines in close proximity to Doncaster.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bullcroft Junction (on the old HB&GC Joint). John Law.
Seen at Doncaster York Road. Robert Chilton.
Doncaster Junction. John Law.
Doncaster York Road John Law.
Doncaster York Road. John Law.
At York Road curve, Doncaster Junction. John Law.
Coming off the York Rd branch at Doncaster Junction, John Law.
Reversing at Bullcroft Junction. John Law.
12th October 1968 - Unknown name
A Railway Society of Scotland tour - name unknown - that is believed to have run from Stirling to Menstrie, Dollar, Newburgh and Forfar. It was operated by a 2-car Class 100 (set 28, 51109 + 56308) both in rail blue, The DMBS with full yellow end and the DTC with just a small yellow panel. There seems to have been no headboard carried.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour seen at Forfar. Stuart Rankin.
During the stop at Menstrie. Stuart Rankin.
The Dollar station stop. Graham Johnston.
The Dollar station stop. www-railphotoprints-co-uk.
At Newburgh - between Perth & Ladybank. Stuart Rankin.
At Menstrie. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Newburgh. Stuart Mackay Collection.
17th November 1968 - Central Wales Tour
A Warwickshire Railway Society tour from Birmingham New Street using a two-car Swindon Cross-Country (in green) and a three-car Met-Camm (in blue).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At between Newcastle Emlyn and Llanyssul. Stuart Mackay Collection.
22nd March 1969 - Gloucestershire Railtour
A Branch Line Society tour of Gloucestershire branches from Bristol by a GRC&W Cross-Country DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
About to cross Tufts Bridge approaching Tufts Junction between Whitecroft and Norchard on the Dean Forest Railway. Walter Burt Collection.
At Sudbrook. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Mells on the Hempstead branch. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Mells. Stuart Mackay Collection.
22nd March 1969 - Educational Specials Numbers 4 & 5
A tour from Kingston, returning to Basingstoke, using two Class 120 twin DMUs.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Sutton Park. Stuart Mackay Collection.
19th April 1969 - The Forester
The 200th RCTS railtour, taking a 3-car Class 101 from Coventry to the Nottingham / Leicester area.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
AT Drakelow on the Leicester Goods Line. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Rugby Central. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd May 1969 - Manchester Terminals Farewell
A LCGB tour using DMC 52062 + DMBS 50778 / DMC 50516 + TS 59172 + DMBS 51931 which stopped at stopped as follows: Manchester Exchange, Kenyon Junction, Manchester Piccadilly, Stockport Edgeley, Northenden Junction, Cheadle Heath South Junction, Buxton No.1, Buxton LNW, Briggs Sidings, Droylesden Junction, Stalybridge, Godley Junction, Glazebrook Junction, Cheadle Heath and Manchester Central.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The Class 108 set NH132 during the 'photo-stop' at Stalybridge. Robert Chilton.
The train during the Stalybridge stop. Leonard Rogers.
At Stalybridge. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Buxton. Stuart Mackay Collection.
23rd August 1969 - Bulmer and Welsh Border Rail Tour
A RCTS tour from London Paddington using 4-car set 400 (117 with 101 centre car).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bulmers, 51376 closest. Stuart Mackay Collection.
18th October 1969 - (Unnamed)
A Railway Society of Scotland tour from Edinburgh Waverley around Central Scotland using a Class 101 (power cars in blue and centre car in green).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Calder station (Coatbridge) on the ex-LMS Airdrie Branch. Stuart Rankin.
The stations on the destination blinds are being checked out - including Errol, Glasgow Buchanan Street and Ballater - during this railtour stop at Glenboig level crossing. Stuart Rankin.
Stopped at the closed Denny station so its participants can explore. Stuart Rankin.
Stopped at Thorsk in Stirlingshire. Stuart Rankin.
In Alloa station. Stuart Rankin.
SC51467 at Denny Station. Anon.
22nd November 1969 - Reunion Rail Tour
An RCTS tour using a three-car Class 101 from Birmingham New Street and ending in Moor Street.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Leicester. Stuart Mackay Collection.
7th March 1970 - The East Anglian
A M. & G.N.J.R.S. tour from Stratford using a 3-car Class 111.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Felixstowe Town. Leslie Foster.
11th April 1970 - Thames & Cherwell Rail Tour
An RCTS tour using a three-car Class 101 (Tyseley set 406) from Birmingham New Street.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Chinnor. Stuart Mackay Collection.
25th April 1970 - Educational Special Numbers 7 & 8
A special organized by Gilks-Grenside using a Blue Pullman from Surbiton to Carmarthen (Special Number 7 - although noted as carrying No.8) to connect with Special Number 8 (a 2-car Class 120 / 3-car Class 119) to tour some Welsh branches.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Seen on the Newcastle Emlyn branch. Steve Davies Collection.
In the Llanpumpsaint area. Steve Davies Collection.
In the Llanpumpsaint area. Steve Davies Collection.
At Llanpumpsaint. Steve Davies Collection.
Seen on the Newcastle Emlyn branch. Steve Davies Collection.
Seen on the Newcastle Emlyn branch. Steve Davies Collection.
Seen on the Newcastle Emlyn branch. Steve Davies Collection.
Seen on the Newcastle Emlyn branch. Steve Davies Collection.
The Class 120 on the rear of the formation as it heads away from the camera at Llanpumpsaint. Steve Davies Collection.
The Class 120 leading at Llanpumpsaint. Steve Davies Collection.
The Class 119 leads the formation into Llanpumpsaint. Steve Davies Collection.
The 119 closest at Pentrecourt. Steve Davies Collection.
At Guildford. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Guildford. Stuart Mackay Collection.
2nd May 1970 - The Crigglestone Tour
A Branch Line Society tour from Sheffield using 51544 + 59532 + 59525 + 51555 visiting locations such as Wincobank Station Jn, Barnsley and Horbury.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
In Sheffield Midland after the tour, 51555 closest. Leonard Rogers.
29th August 1970 - Glasgow South Railtour
A BLS tour which took a 3-car Met-Camm (in mixed livery: DMBS in plain blue with normal yellow end, TC in green, and DMC in plain blue with yellow cab doors) from Glasgow Central around the south Glasgow area.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
During the layover at Newton. Stuart Rankin.
Seen in London Road Yard. Stuart Rankin.
During the reversal at Giffen. Stuart Rankin.
Believed to be at Bedlay Colliery Sidings, with the colliery off to the left. Stuart Rankin.
Taken at the Springburn layover. Stuart Rankin.
At Renfrew Wharf. Stuart Rankin.
12th September 1970 - Milk Branches Rail Tour
A Branch Line Society/Wirral Railway Circle tour from Cardiff General using a Swindon Cross-Country DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour at the Derry Ormond stop. Norman Thomas courtesy S V Blencowe collection.
At Derry Ormond. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Lampeter. Roger Geach Collection.
The headboards seen at Derry Ormond. Roger Geach Collection.
At Newcastle Emlyn. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd October 1970 - Exmoor Belle Rail Tour
A joint LCGB / RCTS / PRC tour from Exeter St Davids using a Class 118 set.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bideford. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Meeth. Stuart Mackay Collection.
17th October 1970 - Unnamed
An unnamed Railway Society of Scotland which took a 3-car Met-Camm (in mixed livery: DMBS in plain blue with normal yellow end, TC in green, and DMC in plain blue with yellow cab doors) from Edinburgh Waverley to branches in the Glasgow area.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Taken during a stop at Morningside in Lanarkshire. Stuart Rankin.
At Old Kilpatrick, the Erskine Bridge above is still under construction. Stuart Rankin.
The stop at Dalmuir Riverside. Stuart Rankin.
Partick Central. Stuart Rankin.
At Whiteinch (Riverside). Stuart Rankin.
At Yoker Yard. Stuart Rankin.
At Bathgate Lower station. Stuart Rankin.
24th October 1970 - Ouse & Aire Rail Tour
A Branch Line Society tour from Sheffield utilising 51845 + 59578 + 59048 + 51546 visiting places such as Poppleton, Rowntrees Halt and Pontefract Monkhill.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The train at Rowntree's Halt. Leonard Rogers.
31st October 1970 - The Witney Wanderer
A BR tour from Paddington with a nine-car 117/101 formation.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Witney. Stanley C Jenkins.
27th February 1971 - Somerset Rambler II
A tour organized by the Wirral Railway Circle / Great Western Society that ran from Bristol around Somerset using a Class 120 set.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Swindon Town. Stuart Mackay Collection.
27th March 1971 - Somerset Rambler III
A Great Western Society (Bristol Branch) / Wirral Railway Circle tour from Bristol Temple Meads using a Class 120.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Merehead Quarry. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Holt Junction. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd April 1971 - Durham Area Railtour
A Branch Line Society tour from Leeds utilising 50277 + 59532 + 50284, visiting place such as Port Clarence, Pelaw, South Hetton, Ryhope Grange, Seaton-on-Tees and Pesspool.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
E50284 at Port Clarence. Stuart Mackay Collection.
E50277 at Port Clarence. Stuart Mackay Collection.
E50277 at Leamside. Stuart Mackay Collection.
50284 + 59532 + 50277 at Leamside . Stuart Mackay Collection.
50284 + 59532 + 50277 at Leamside . Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Ryhope Grange Junction. Stuart Mackay Collection.
50284 at Leamside. Leonard Rogers.
24 April 1971 - Ayrshire Railtour
A Scottish Railway Preservation Society tour from Falkirk Grahamston using a three-car Met-Camm DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Waterside. Roger Geach Collection.
8th May 1971 - Eastern Valleys
A RCTS tour using a Class 120 set that ran from Bristol Temple Meads to various collieries.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Furnace Sidings, Blaenavon. John Horne Collection.
At Newport Dock Street. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Uskmouth. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Furnace Sidings, Blaenavon. Stuart Mackay Collection.
15th May 1971 - Tintern Rambler
A Great Western Society / Wirral Railway Circle tour from Cardiff General using a 3-car GRC&W Cross-Country set.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
W51088 probably at College Road yard to the east of Llandaff. Phil Deane Collection.
W51060 + unknown centre car + W51088 at Glascoed. Phil Deane Collection.
Seen at Sudbrook. Phil Deane Collection.
At Parkend, now part of the Dean Forest Railway. Phil Deane Collection.
At Barry Pier. Norman Thomas courtesy S V Blencowe collection.
3rd July 1971 - Dulais and Llynfi Valleys Railtour
A BLS tour using a Class 116 from Cardiff.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Maesteg Llynfi Junction. The KDH Archive.
Maesteg Llynfi Junction with the DMU at the far end. The KDH Archive.
The DMU at Bridgend. The KDH Archive.
The stop at Morriston. The KDH Archive.
At Craig-y-Nos Quarry. The KDH Archive.
Passing Brynteg near Seven Sisters. Hugh Llewelyn.
Passing Brynteg near Seven Sisters. Hugh Llewelyn.
At Bridgend. Doug Nicholls.
16th October 1971 - Edinburgh Railtour
A Railway Society of Scotland tour from Edinburgh Waverley using a three-car Class 101.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Leith South. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Leith East goods station. Stuart Mackay Collection.
On Leith Branch. Roger Geach Collection.
23rd October 1971 - Wellbeck Railtour
A Branch Line Society Tour from Sheffield using a four-car Met-Camm and a two-car Class 114.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Wellbeck Colliery. The KDH Archive.
At Lincoln. The KDH Archive.
At Lincoln. The KDH Archive.
At Lincoln. Stuart Mackay Collection.
A view from the tour on the curve between Boultham Junction and West Holmes Junction to the west of Lincoln, looking north east. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Wellbeck Colliery. Stuart Mackay Collection.
13th November 1971 - Boomerang No1
Organised by 'Rail Tours Syndicate" taking a Class 104 from London Liverpool Street around London.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Kensington Olympia. John Law.
Awaiting departure at Liverpool Street. John Law.
13th November 1971 - Berkshire Rambler
A Wirral Railway Circle / Great Western Society tour from Bristol Temple Meads using a Class 119 DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Morris Cowley. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Reading Low Level Goods. Stuart Mackay Collection.
5th February 1972 - Farewell to Caernarvon
A Wirral Railway Circle / North Wales Railway Circle from Crewe using a six-car DMU formation: a 103 DTC (56159) / 101 DMBS hybrid, 101 DTC / 108 DMBS hybrid, and two-car 101.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Arriving at Caernarvon. The KDH Archive.
At Caernarvon. The KDH Archive.
At Caernarvon. The KDH Archive.
At Caernarvon. The KDH Archive.
Ready to leave Caernarvon. The KDH Archive.
Leaving Caernarvon. The KDH Archive.
4th March 1972 - John Peel
A SRPS tour from Edinburgh Waverley using a three-car Class 101. It would be added to the service train on the last train to Keswick. The Six Bells Junction website notes the DMU failed on the way back to Scotland and was rescued by loco 5397.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Attached to the rear of the 12.10 Penrith to Keswick service between Threlkeld and Low Brierly Halt. The KDH Archive.
On the 13.15 Keswick-Penrith at Threlkeld. The KDH Archive.
Attached to the 14.15 Penrith to Keswick service at Threlkeld. The KDH Archive.
The 15.30 Keswick to Penrith service thought to be at Threlkeld. The KDH Archive.
Arriving into Keswick. George Woods.
At Penrith. George Woods.
18th March 1972 - Rhymney Rail Tour
An RCTS tour from Bristol Temple Meads using Swindon (B560) and GRC&W Cross-Country sets, at times hauled by locos.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Nantgawr. The KDH Archive.
At Ocean and Taff Merthyr Colliery. The KDH Archive.
At Nelson and Llancaiach. The KDH Archive.
At Nelson and Llancaiach. The KDH Archive.
At Bargoed with D6998 on the front/ The KDH Archive.
D6998 with the failed DMU at McLaren Colliery. The KDH Archive.
D6998 with the failed DMU at McLaren Colliery. The KDH Archive.
D6998 with the failed DMU at McLaren Colliery. The KDH Archive.
At Nelson and Llancaiach. Stuart Mackay Collection.
15th April 1972 - Kesteven Ironstone Branches Rail Tour
A RCTS tour from Grantham using a two-car Class 105.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Stainby Sidings. Stuart Mackay Collection.
15/04/72 - Unknown
A Wirral Railway Circle tour using a two-car Class 108 DMU, its route included iverpool Central to Gateacre service, this was the last day of that service.
At Helsby. Stuart Mackay Collection.
16th April 1972 - The Somerset Quarryman
A LCGB tour from London Paddington using Class 123 set L713.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At the old Swindon Town (M&SWJR) station. John Law.
Negotiating the SDJR - GWR connection at Radstock. John Law.
At Cranmore. John Law.
At Merehead. John Law.
At Ludgershall. John Law.
At Andover, 52093 closest. John Law.
At Ludgershall. John Law.
29th April 1972 - Sospan Fach Rail Tour
Organized by the Dean Forest Railway Preservation Society, the tour took Class 120 set C500 from Gloucester to Abernant Colliery.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At the entrance to Abernant Colliery. Walter Burt.
22nd July 1972 - Glamorgan Railtour
A BLS tour from Cardiff using a three-car Class 116 (set 353).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Tondu. Stuart Davies Collection.
At Tondu. Stuart Davies Collection.
At Tondu. Stuart Davies Collection.
At Bridgend and Coity Goods. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Cwm Llantwit. Stuart Mackay Collection.
26th August 1972 - Forth Man Railtour
A Branch Line Society tour from Edinburgh Waverley using a two-car Met-Camm and a two-car GRCW set. It visited places such as Throsk, Fouldubs Junction and Limpetness.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The stop at Limpetness. Stuart Mackay Collection.
09/09/72 - Taff Vale Tour
A Dean Forest Railway Preservation Society tour from Gloucester using Class 118 set B468.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Lady Windsor Colliery. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Hirwaun Pond. Stuart Mackay Collection.
14th October 1972 - Rhymney Railtour No.2
A RCTS tour from Bristol Temple Meads using two Class 119 sets (B576 & B580).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Pengam. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At McClaren Colliery. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Ogilvie Colliery. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Cwm Bargoed. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Penrhiwfelin Hengoed. Stuart Mackay Collection.
28th October 1972 - The Master Collier
A Branch Line Society tour from Sheffield using a four-car Class 104 DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Location unknown. Stuart Mackay Collection.
9/12/72 - Heart of Wales Land Cruise
A Wirral Railway Circle tour from Crewe loco-hauled to Carmarthen where the participants transferred to two Class 116s.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Newcastle Emlyn. Doug Nicholls.
7th April 1973 - Speyside Express
A Strathspey Railway Association tour that involved a Class 101 running from Edinburgh to Aviemore then operating the first passenger services on the Strathspey Line to Boat of Garten since 1965.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Aviemore, where the Strathspey line splits from the BR line. John McIntyre.
At the final destination, Boat of Garten. John McIntyre.
26th May 1973 - Buchan and Mearns
A SLS / SRA tour with a 3-car Class 101 that ran from Glasgow to the Brechin / Aberdeen area.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The Class 101 runs through Aberdeen station. John McIntyre.
The tour is piped into Aberdeen Waterloo station. It had ceased to be a passenger station over 100 years earlier but had continued as a freight depot. John McIntyre.
In Aberdeen Waterloo station. John McIntyre.
7th July 1973 - South Wales Wanderer
A Branch Line Society tour from Cardiff Central using Class 116 set C338.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Barry. Doug Nicholls.
25th August 1973 - S&D Railtour
The BLS 'S&D Railtour' started in Edinburgh Waverley and ran to different branches in Central Scotland.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour at Dunfermline Townhill SSEB, 50342 closest. Stuart Mackay Collection.
06/10/73 - South Midlander
A Dean Forest Railway Preservation Society tour that ran from Cardiff using Class 120 set 502.
At Quainton Road. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd November 1973 - Lambourn Valley Farewell
This was four separate return trips from Newbury (at 09:45, 11:40, 13:40 and 15:40) to Welford Park MOD with different sets used on some trips.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Welford Park. Doug Nicholls.
10th November 1973 - London Branch Lines Tour
A BR Western Region tour that took a ten-car formation (three-car 118, three-car 117 and four-car 117 including 101 centre car) from London Paddington to places such as Morris Cowley.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
W59538 and W51407 During the stop at Morris Cowley. Hamish Stevenson.
51407 at the front during the Morris Cowley. Hamish Stevenson.
6th April 1974 - Ogmore and Llynfi Limited
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Newport using Class 116 DMU set C314.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Llynfi Junction. George Woods.
20th April 1974 - The Devon Rambler
A RCTS tour from Bristol Temple Meads using a Swindon Cross-Country DMU (set B559), with an additional set added for the return from Exeter to Barnstaple.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Meldon Quarry. David Batstone.
At Meeth. David Batstone.
At Heathfield. Stuart Mackay Collection.
04/05/74 - Taff-Bargoed Railtour
A Dean Forest RPS tour from Gloucester using Class 120 DMU set B559.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bargoed. Stuart Mackay Collection.
1st June 1974 - Buchan Belle
An Angus Railway Group railtour that took a Class 101 power / trailer set 51457 + 56392 from Perth to Fraserburgh.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51457 + 56392 at Fraserburgh goods yard. John McIntyre.
In platform 8 of Aberdeen station on the return journey from Fraserburgh to Perth. It carries a set number (62) in the cab window. John McIntyre.
At Fraserburgh. Gordon Thomson.
At Fraserburgh. Gordon Thomson.
Maud Junction. Gordon Thomson.
At Maud Junction. Gordon Thomson.
At Strichen. Gordon Thomson.
At Strichen. Gordon Thomson.
At Udny. Gordon Thomson.
At Udny. Gordon Thomson.
At Ellon. Gordon Thomson.
24th August 1974 - Clydesider
A Branch Line Society tour from Glasgow Central using a 101/107/107 hybrid.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Old Kilpatrick. Roger Geach Collection.
22nd September 1974 - Barrow Hill Depot Open Day Shuttle
A shuttle between Chesterfield station and Barrow Hill station (closed to passengers in 1954) for the depot open day.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Barrow Hill station. Ian Francis.
28th September 1974 - Somerset Quarryman
A RCTS / Dean Forest RPS tour from Birmingham using two three-car Class 101 sets, TY406 and TY407.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Cranmore. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd May 1975 - Dorset Dawdler
A Southern Electric Group tour which took DEMU 1131 from Southampton Central to Weymouth, Yeovil etc. During an almost three hour break at Maiden Newton, many tour participants traveled to Bridport on Class 117 B407 with 55033 attached, believed to be on a service train although it carried the tour headboard.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour participants on board 51387 as it leaves Toller. Graeme Phillips Collection.
The Maiden Newton - Bridport train arriving into Powerstock carrying the tour headboard. Nicholas T Smith.
At Maiden Newton. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Tour participants on the branch service at Bridport. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Bridport. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd August 1975 - South Wales Wanderer No.3
A Branch Line Society tour from Cardiff using ex-works Class 120 set C506.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Gorseinon Coal Yard. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Gorseinon Coal Yard. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. Stuart Mackay Collection.
23/08/75 - The Doon Hammer
A Branch Line Society tour from Glasgow Central using a Class 101 DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Ayr Harbour. Stuart Mackay Collection.
20/09/75 - Lincoln Imp
A RCTS tour from Peterborough using a two-car Class 114 DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Grantham. Ian Cuthbertson Collection.
21st February 1976 - The Cheshire Wanderer Railtour
A LCGB tour from Wrexham Exchange, returning to Chester, using a 101 and 108.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
In Wrexham Central. Stuart Mackay Collection.
1st May 1976 - Alston Farewell
A SLS railtour that ran from Newcastle to Alston. A 4-car 108 was the railtour set, which ran from Newcastle to Haltwhistle and was attached to the 4-car 101 (51436 + 59086 + 59066 + 51513) on the regular Haltwhistle - Alston service.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51513 nearest the camera at Alston. John Reddyhoff.
Railtour Caption: 51513 nearest the camera at Alston. Graeme Phillips Collection.
27/06/76 - Cornish Clay Railtour
A Branch Line Society tour from Plymouth using Class 119 set P577.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Nanpean Siding, Drinnick Mill. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Carne Point. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Nanprean Siding, Drinnick Mill. Stuart Mackay Collection.
28th August 1976 - Forth Fife Railtour
A 3-car Class 101 (set 225) operated this BLS tour from Edinburgh Waverley around Edinburgh and Fife branches.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour at Alloa Goods Yard. Alan Rintoul.
25 September 1976 - Bristol Area Branch Line Tour
An Oxford Railway Society tour from Reading using two Class 119 DMUs (L586 + L587).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At an unknown stop. Stuart Mackay Collection.
26th September 1976 - Bulmer's Railway Centre Open Day Shuttles
A shuttle using Class 119 and 120 Cross-Country sets between Hereford and Bulmer's Siding for an open day at the railway centre.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Hereford. Steve Davies Collection.
At Hereford. Steve Davies Collection.
At Hereford. Steve Davies Collection.
At Hereford. Steve Davies Collection.
At Bulmers, Hereford. Stuart Mackay Collection.
30th April 1977 - The Royal Duchy
A Lea Valley Railway Club tour, loco hauled from Paddington - Par and Plymouth - Paddington, in between it used two Met-Camm sets - B800 and B802.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Polbrock Bridge. Roger Geach.
Departing Bodmin Road. Roger Geach.
At Plymouth. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Wadebridge. Roger Geach.
At Respryn Bridge, near Bodmin Road. Roger Geach.
28/05/77 - Daucleddau and Dyfed Railtour
A Branch Line Society tour from Cardiff Central using Class 120 set C515.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Neath Canal Side. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Trecwn. Stuart Mackay Collection.
11th June 1977 - The Mid-Welshman
A tour using a three-car (C560) and a two-car Class 120 which ran Swansea-Hereford-Welshpool returning Welshpool-Llandrindod Wells-Swansea. It was organised by the Gwili Railway Preservation Society as a fundraising trip to buy 7820 Dinmore Manor from Barry.
At Welshpool. Robert Thomas.
27th August 1977 - Forth Clyde Wanderer
A BLS tour from Glasgow Central using refurbished Met-Camm set 188.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Gunnie. Graham Johnston.
At Plains. Graham Johnston.
At Bathgate. Alistair Ness.
At BSC Ravenscraig. Alistair Ness.
At Plains. Alistair Ness.
At Renfrew Wharf. Jeremy Chapter.
At Bathgate Upper. Jeremy Chapter.
At Polkemmett Colliery. Jeremy Chapter.
At Gunnie. Jeremy Chapter.
At Bilston Glen. Jeremy Chapter.
At Bathgate Upper. Murray Liston.
At Ravenscraig. Murray Liston.
8th January 1978 - Great Northern Outer Suburban
An RCTS tour from London Kings Cross to the Nene Valley Railway at Peterborough via Cambridge using two Class 105s.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51301 at the front at Kings Cross. Robert Chilton.
56431 during a photo-stop at Royston. Robert Chilton.
56431 seen at Hertford North. Robert Chilton.
At Royston. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Letchworth. Stuart Mackay Collection.
11th March 1978 - South Humberside Railtour
A four-car Class 108 and two-car Met-Camm on a BLS tour from Sheffield.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour at Retford, E50155 closest. Walter Burt.
E50155 at the end of the formation at Sheffield. Walter Burt.
At Barton-on-Humber. Alistair Ness.
At Barton-on-Humber. Alistair Ness.
At Carcroft Junction. Alistair Ness.
At Carcroft Junction. Alistair Ness.
At Louth. Alistair Ness.
At New Holland Pier. Alistair Ness.
At New Holland Pier. Alistair Ness.
On the Retford Curve. Alistair Ness.
On the Retford Curve. Alistair Ness.
At Retford. Alistair Ness.
At Retford. Alistair Ness.
At New Holland Pier. Alistair Ness.
At Lough. Alistair Ness.
At Barton-on-Humber. Jeremy Chapter.
At Louth. Jeremy Chapter.
At Barton-on-Humber. Murray Liston.
At New Holland Pier. Murray Liston.
At New Holland Pier. Murray Liston.
8th April 1978 - (Unnamed)
A six-car formation (three two-cars) used on two return trips from Norwich - Dereham organised by the Wymondham & Dereham Rail Action Committee (WyDRAC), Railway Invigoration (Development) Society (RDS) and LCGB.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
50346 closest at Norwich. Robert Chilton.
8th April 1978 - Tintern Thunderbolt
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Cardiff Central using a Class 120 (C507) and Class 118 (B467).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Trethomas. Jeremy Chapter.
At Oakdale Colliery. Jeremy Chapter.
22nd April 1978 - Swansea Valleys
A Branch Line Society railtour from Cardiff Central using Class 119 DMU set C590.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Craig-y-Nos. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Aberpergwm. Stuart Mackay Collection.
13th May 1978 - Midland Welshman No.2
AN RCTS tour from Cardiff to various branch lines using Class 120 set C506.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Nantgarw. Jeremy Chapter.
At Porth. Jeremy Chapter.
17th June 1978 - Un-named
The first Midland Railfans organized tour took 50317 + 59115 + 50327 from Birmingham New Street to a Doncaster Works open day and York depot.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Doncaster. Chris Lings.
24th June 1978 - Outing to Eastgate
A BR organised railtour from Darlington to Eastgate, several trips, using two Met-Camm / Craven hybrids.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Eastgate. Alistair Ness.
At Eastgate. Alistair Ness.
At Eastgate. Alistair Ness.
At Eastgate. Stuart Mackay Collection.
15th July 1978 - The Cider Rambler
A tour from Nottingham using a Class 120 to the Bulmer Railway Centre at Hereford. At Hereford it joined with a Class 104 on the BLS 'Hereford' tour from Manchester Piccadilly.
The tour at Barr Court Junction. Stuart Mackay Collection.
30th July 1978 - The Merry-Go-Round
A RPPR tour from London Paddington using two Class 117s (L402 and L404) with bubble 55020 in between.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51337 on the front after arrival at Staines West Ian Buck.
At Brentford Town. Ian Buck.
At the long gone Reading Goods the railtour paused for a while with 51337 of L402 leading. Ian Buck.
L402 pauses in the rain at Reading Goods. Ian Buck.
At the final extremity of the tour, the branch to Morris Cowley, which is the only branch visited that is still open today. L402 with 51337 leading. Ian Buck.
At Wallingford L402, 55020 and L405 traversed the line that has now become the Cholesey and Wallingford Railway. Ian Buck.
L402, 55020 and L405 have now made it to Abingdon. Ian Buck.
The freight branch to the Didcot Trading Centre was opened with high hopes but eventually came to nothing. L402, 55020 and L405 cleaned the rust from the rails. Ian Buck.
At Abingdon. Stuart Mackay Collection.
26th August 1978 - L & A Railtour
A BLS tour from Glasgow Central around Lanarkshire and Ayrshire using a 3-car Class 101 set (179).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Set 179 at Springburn station in the company of another 101 and a 303 EMU. Graeme Phillips Collection.
'Cluny Bridge' is on the destination blind during the Springburn stop. Graeme Phillips Collection.
During the Waterside stop. Alan Rintoul.
At Cairnhill in Airdrie, the very end of the Calder Branch. Alistair Ness.
At Cairnhill in Airdrie, the very end of the Calder Branch. Alistair Ness.
At Cairnhill in Airdrie, the very end of the Calder Branch. Alistair Ness.
At Provan Gas Works. Alistair Ness.
At Riccarton & Craigie. Alistair Ness.
At Riccarton & Craigie. Alistair Ness.
At Waterside. Alistair Ness.
At Waterside. Alistair Ness.
At Waterside. Alistair Ness.
28th August 1978 - The Fiddichburger
A BLS tour from Aberdeen that went to places such as Dufftown and Burghead using Class 122 55002.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
During the stop at Burghead. Norman Smart.
09/09/78 - Rail Journey into Yesteryear
British Rail Eastern Region organised a return trip from Darlington to Eastgate, as far as one could reach on the Bishop Auckland to Wearhead line, and which had lost its passenger service in 1953, using a four-car Met-Camm unit.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Eastgate. Jeremy Chapter.
16/09/78 - Unnamed
A BR-run excursion that visited Redmire with two Class 101s.
At Redmire. Stuart Mackay Collection.
23rd September 1978 - City of Hull Tour
A Humberside Loco Preservation Group tour from Hull Paragon around branches in the area.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour at Hull Paragon. Stuart Mackay Collection.
One of the photo stops on the tour. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Alexandra Dock, Hull. Jeremy Chapter.
23rd September 1978 - Fensman No. 3
An RCTS tour from Peterborough using Norwich set 77, a two-car Class 104/105 hybrid.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Wisbech. Stuart Mackay Collection.
28th October 1978 - Torksey Railtour
A RCTS tour with two Class 101 sets that ran from Derby to Torksey (Lincoln).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Torksey. John Law.
Looking across the River Trent at Torksey. John Law.
Stainforth and Hatfield station, thought to be taken from the tour. John Law.
Sprotborough Junction from a Met-Camm on a railtour in 1978, very probably the RCTS 'Torksey Railtour'. John Law.
At Sykes Junction. John Law.
Passing Thorpe Marsh power station. John Law.
At Torksey. John Law.
Rounding the curve from Skellow jcn towards Doncaster. John Law.
At Torksey. Roger Geach Collection.
25th November 1978 - Reunion Railtour
A RCTS (West Midlands Branch) tour from Birmingham New Street using a three-car refurbished Met-Camm set.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Hafodyrynys. Jeremy Chapter.
24/03/79 - Gwaun Cae Gurwen Growler
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Newport using Class 118 set B466 and Class 120 C501.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Gwuan-Cae-Gurwen. Stuart Mackay Collection.
7th April 1979 - The Fensman No 4
A RCTS tour from Cambridge to Fen Drayton using a hybrid 105/104 set. The same set (55, 51265 + 56189) was also used on the BLS Ferryman tour the same day.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Histon. Jeremy Chapter.
At Oakington. Roger Geach Collection.
16th April 1979 - Waterloo & Buchan Tour
Class 122 55007 (set 178) worked a BLS tour from Aberdeen to Kittybrewster, Waterloo and Fraseburgh.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Aberdeen Waterloo Goods Station. Mike Cooper.
Maud station taken from 55007. Mike Cooper.
55007 in Maud station. Mike Cooper.
Photo time at Strichen station. Mike Cooper.
SC55007 sits in Fraserburgh station. Mike Cooper.
In Fraseburgh station. Mike Cooper.
Sc55007 in Maud station. Mike Cooper.
At Aberdeen Waterloo. Jeremy Chapter.
At the Strichen photo stop. Jeremy Chapter.
At the Maud photo stop. Jeremy Chapter.
Sc55007 at Ellon. Jeremy Chapter.
At Aberdeen Waterloo. Jeremy Chapter.
21st April 1979 - Fakenham Flyer
Organised by the Wymondham, Dereham & Fakenham Railway Action Committee (WyDRAC), the Railway Development Society (RDS) and the newly-formed Fakenham and Dereham Railway Society using two Cravens sets. It ran Norwich - Wymondham - Dereham - Fakenham and then operating a shuttle service to Ryburgh, County School, North Elmham and back to Dereham and Fakenham. The vehicles were 56132 presumably with 51259, and 51277 + 56125.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
56132 has the headboard attached at Norwich. Robert Chilton.
At Yaxham. Jeremy Chapter.
At Fakenham. Jeremy Chapter.
The train at its destination of Fakenham. Jeremy Chapter.
28th April 1979 - North Eastern No.4
An RCTS tour from Leeds using a Class 110 and Class 111.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Saltburn, E51826 closest. Jeremy Chapter.
19th May 1979 - Unnamed
A special organized by WAMRAC (the Wisbech & March Railway Action Committee) taking two Cravens sets (33 and 44) from Wisbech to Cambridge.
At Wisbech Goods, E50377 closest. Gerard Fletcher.
2nd June 1979 - London and Thames Haven
An RCTS tour from London Fenchurch Street using a Class 116 DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Stratford Low Level. Alistair Ness.
At North Woolwich. Alistair Ness.
At Thames Haven. Alistair Ness.
21st July 1979 - Marchwood Volunteer No.2
An RCTS / SEG tour using Class 117 set L416 from London Waterloo to Marchwood.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
In Waterloo station. Hamish Stevenson.
At Bedenham Siding. Jeremy Chapter.
At Bedenham Siding. Jeremy Chapter.
At Marchwood. Jeremy Chapter.
At Fareham. Jeremy Chapter.
25th August 1979 - The Clydeside Wanderer
A tour around Glasgow branches using a three-car Met-Camm departing from Queen Street and terminating at Central.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Dumbarton Central. Jeremy Chapter.
At Dumbarton Central aloongside 'Blue Trains' 303044 and 303029. Jeremy Chapter.
At Partick West. Alistair Ness.
At Old Kilpatrick. Alistair Ness.
At Greenock (Union Street) Tunnel. Alistair Ness.
At General Terminus. Roger Geach Collection.
At Old Kilpatrick. Stuart Mackay Collection.
26th August 1979 - Tayside Railtour
A Branch Line Society tour from Dundee to Brechin using Met-Camm set 199.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Brechin. Jeremy Chapter.
At Brechin. Jeremy Chapter.
At Brechin. Alistair Ness.
At Brechin. Alistair Ness.
27th August 1979 - The Fiddichburger No.2
A Branch Line Society tour from Aberdeen using Class 122 Sc55002.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Burghead. Jeremy Chapter.
At Dufftown. Jeremy Chapter.
At Burghead. Jeremy Chapter.
At Keith. Jeremy Chapter.
At Keith Junction. Jeremy Chapter.
At Forres Goods loading dock. Jeremy Chapter.
15th September 1979 - South Wales Wanderer No.4
A Branch Line Society tour from Cardiff Central using Class 119 set C592.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Barry. Jeremy Chapter.
At Abertillery. Jeremy Chapter.
At Newport Docks. Jeremy Chapter.
At Abertillery. Jeremy Chapter.
At Newport Docks West Side. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Woodhams, Barry. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Tyndall Street, Cardiff. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Woodhams, Barry. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Cardiff Docks. Stuart Mackay Collection.
20th October 1979 - Deep Duffryn Diddler
Organised by the Monmouthshire Railway Society running from Newport using a Class 116 and Class 120 (C612). A tour of the Mountain Ash system was done on steam hauled wagons.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Mountain Ash. Ian Buck.
At Aberdare. Ian Buck.
50666 at Penmawr Colliery . Ian Buck.
20th October 1979 - Deep Duffryn Diddler
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Newport using Class 120 set C612 and Class 116 set C312.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Mountain Ash. Ian Buck.
At Aberdare. Ian Buck.
At Penmawr Colliery. Ian Buck.
05/01/80 - The Woodhead Wanderer
A South Yorkshire Transport Society tour that ran on the 10th anniversary of the end of through passenger services on the Woodhead route using two Class 114s. It ran from Sheffield via Brightside Junction to Tinsley Yard and then to Piccadilly, returning via the Hope Valley.
At Penistone Goods. Andrew Walker.
15th March 1980 - Caerwent Cannonball
A joint Monmouthshire Railway Society / RCTS tour from Cardiff using Class 101 set B803 and Class 116 set B462.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Norchard. Jeremy Chapter.
At Blaenavon. Jeremy Chapter.
29th March 1980 - West Norfolk Freight Lines
A Fakenham & Dereham Railway Society tour from Ely using two Class 105s.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Middleton Towers. Roger Geach Collection.
On the Kings Lynn Dock Branch. Roger Geach Collection.
3rd May 1980 - The Valley Basher
This loco hauled tour from London Paddington used two Class 118 DMUs (sets B468 + B471) from Newport-Newport Docks and return.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Newport Docks. Robert Thomas.
At Newport Docks. Robert Thomas.
At Newport Docks. Jeremy Chapter.
10th May 1980 - South Devon
A Branch Line Society tour from Bristol Temple Meads. It started with Class 101 set B812 until a broken spring took it out of action at Newton Abbott. A loco and coaches took the participants to Plymouth North Road where Class 119 set C596 took over.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
On Cattewater Branch. Jeremy Chapter.
22nd June 1980 - Churnetrail Scenic Cruise Train
BR ran a series of 'Rail-Cruises' over the freight only Churnet Valley lines during the early 1980s, this one from Crewe featuring a 103, 108 and 103 formation.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Approaching Leebrook tunnel. Paul Bettany.
Cheddleton. Paul Bettany.
Cheddleton. Paul Bettany.
Cheddleton. Paul Bettany.
Cheddleton. Paul Bettany.
12th July 1980 - The Forth Valley Wanderer
A tour organised by the Edinburgh City Transport Welfare Association from Edinburgh Waverley around the Edinburgh area with a 105/101/105 hybrid set.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51474 at Grangemouth No.3. Hamish Stevenson.
The tour at North Berwick, SC51480 closest. Hamish Stevenson.
51474 + 59047 + 51480 in North Berwick station. Hamish Stevenson.
At Fouldubs Junction, between Grangemouth and Falkirk. Hamish Stevenson.
At Bilston Glen Colliery. Alistair Ness.
At Granton Oil Terminal. Alistair Ness.
At Leith South. Alistair Ness.
At Newington. Alistair Ness.
North Berwick. Alistair Ness.
Approaching Trinity. Murray Liston.
Approaching the tunnel under East Trinity Road, with Trinity Junction immediately afterwards. Murray Liston.
At Alloa. Murray Liston.
10th August 1980 - Cambrian Special
A BSRS tour using loco-hauled stock from Bristol. 47 185 took it to Shrewsbury then 25 056 + 25 327 on to Machynlleth. At Machynlleth passengers transferred to an eight-car DMU to reach Towyn.
M56156 at Machynlleth on the outward journey. Nicholas T Smith.
M56357 leads the return working into Towyn. Nicholas T Smith.
23rd August 1980 - Lothian and Fife Wanderer
A Branch Line Society tour from Edinburgh using a three-car Met-Camm.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Cameron Bridge. Alistair Ness.
At Granton Oil Terminal. Alistair Ness.
At Granton Oil Terminal. Alistair Ness.
At Leven Kirkland Yard. Alistair Ness.
At Leven Kirkland Yard. Alistair Ness.
At Cameron Bridge. Jeremy Chapter.
At Dunfermline Upper. Jeremy Chapter.
At Dunfermline Upper. Jeremy Chapter.
At Leven. Jeremy Chapter.
At Abbeyhill. Murray Liston.
At Trinity Junction. Murray Liston.
At Trinity Tunnel. Murray Liston.
At West Granton. Murray Liston.
West Granton. Murray Liston.
At West Granton. Murray Liston.
At Granton. Murray Liston.
At Leith Walk. Murray Liston.
At Newington. Murray Liston.
24th August 1980 - Forfar Railtour
A BLS tour from Perth to Forfar using a Class 101. Arriving at Forfar early, the unit then did a photo-run out of the station and back in.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
During the photo run after arrival at Forfar. Jeremy Chapter.
At Forfar. Jeremy Chapter.
At Forfar. Jeremy Chapter.
At Forfar. Jeremy Chapter.
At Coupar Angus. Alistair Ness.
At Coupar Angus. Alistair Ness.
At Dewars Sidings, Perth. Alistair Ness.
At Dewars Sidings, Perth. Alistair Ness.
At Dewars Sidings, Perth. Alistair Ness.
At Forfar. Alistair Ness.
At Forfar. Alistair Ness.
At Forfar. Alistair Ness.
At Forfar. Alistair Ness.
At Forfar. Alistair Ness.
At Dewars Siding, Perth. Jeremy Chapter.
At Forfar. Jeremy Chapter.
6th September 1980 - GE/GN Joint Freight Lines Railtour
A Fakenham & Dereham Railway Society tour from March using two Class 105 sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Wisbech Goods. Jeremy Chapter.
At March. Jeremy Chapter.
At Barndley. Jeremy Chapter.
At Postland. Phil Bevan.
27th September 1980 - North Eastern No.5 Rail Tour
A RCTS tour from Leeds around the North East, using a 3-car Class 111 and a 2-car Class 108.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
During the stop at Kelloe Bank Foot, County Durham. Graeme Phillips Collection.
At Consett. Alistair Ness.
At Kelloe Bank Foot. Jeremy Chapter.
11th October 1980 - Devon Rambler
A Great Western Society tour from Cardiff using Class 101 DMU set B820.
At Yeovil Junction. Graeme Phillips Collection.
At Meeth. Stuart Mackay Collection.
12th October 1980 - The Mayflower
The final tour by organisers RPPR was a Class 50 from Paddington to Newton Abbot then P470 (51313 + 59509 + 51328) and P480 (51312 + 51327) on a branch line tour. At times the DMU carried the 'Hoover' logo as well as the headboard.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Plymouth Cattewater. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Marsh Mill Curve. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Bull Point. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Plymstock. Stuart Mackay Collection.
14th February 1981 - Rossendale Farewell
A railtour organized by David Isherwood, it was billed as the last passenger train up the Rossendale Valley (what is now the East Lancashire Railway). The tour originated from Manchester Victoria and ran to Rawtenstall by way of Cheetham Hill and a reversal in Castleton Station and the east to west curve at Castleton Jn. It returned to Manchester Victoria by using the west to south curve at Castleton Jn. and then the Cheetham Hill line as outward.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bury Bolton Street, formed of M50794 (105 DMC), M59207 (104 TS), M50761 (105 DMBS) and M50453 (104 DMBS), M59161 (104 TC), M50505 (104 DMC). Andy Pullar.
At Ramsbottom. Martyn Hilbert.
M50505 at Ramsbottom. Martyn Hilbert.
50794 at Rawtenstall. Martyn Hilbert.
M50505 leading the six-car DMU formation slowly crossing over Bridge Street at Ramsbottom. Martyn Hilbert.
The view from the level crossing at Ramsbottom while awaiting the train crew to return from the signal box, having operated the gates and the rudimentary signals on this much rationalised railway. Martyn Hilbert.
At Rawtenstall, M50794 closest. Jeremy Chapter.
M50794 at the rear of the train at Bridge Street, Ramsbottom. Martyn Hilbert.
M50505 at Rawtenstall. Jeremy Chapter.
M50794 closest at Bury Bolton Street. Jeremy Chapter.
The lunch stop at Bury Bolton Street. Alistair Ness.
At Ramsbottom. Alistair Ness.
At Rawtenstall. Alistair Ness.
At Rawtenstall. Alistair Ness.
At Bury Bolton Street. Jeremy Chapter.
At Ramsbottom. Martyn Hilbert.
At Bury Bolton Street. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Bury Knowsley Street. Harvey Scowcroft / Nigel Valentine Collection.
At Bury Bolton Street. Harvey Scowcroft / Nigel Valentine Collection.
At Ramsbottom. Harvey Scowcroft / Nigel Valentine Collection.
At Rawtenstall. Harvey Scowcroft / Nigel Valentine Collection.
4th April 1981 - Knotty Rambler
A David Isherwood tour Bury / Manchester Piccadilly using two class 104 triple sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Cheddleton. Alistair Ness.
At Cheddleton. Alistair Ness.
At Cheddleton. Alistair Ness.
At Cheddleton. Stuart Mackay Collection.
2nd May 1981 - Last Train to Brechin
Organised by Douglas Blades, this tour used a Class 101 (50239 + 59053 + 50245) set from Edinburgh. Class 122 55000 was added at Dundee for the trip to Brechin.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Seen on the outskirts of Brechin. Hamish Stevenson.
55000 closest when seen on the Bridge of Dun - Brechin section. Hamish Stevenson.
50245 leading on the outskirts of Brechin. Hamish Stevenson.
50245 closest near Brechin. Hamish Stevenson.
50245 at the stops in Brechin station. S Saunders.
55000 and 50239 in Brechin station. S Saunders.
31st May 1981 - Farewell to the Wallingford Branch
Organised by BR, running from London Paddington with two Class 117 sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Wallingford. Brian Daniels.
At Wallingford. Brian Daniels.
At Wallingford. Brian Daniels.
Waiting to leave London Paddington. Brian Daniels.
4th July 1981 - The Fenbasher
Organised by Hertfordshire Railtours taking a Class 115 from St Pancras to the Kings Lynn area. It was re-run on July 25th 1981.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Seen at Abbey and West Dereham in Norfolk. Jeremy Chapter.
At Middleton Towers. Jeremy Chapter.
At Middleton Towers. Jeremy Chapter.
Possibly on the Kings Lynn Docks branch. Jeremy Chapter.
Unknown location. Jeremy Chapter.
At Abbey and West Dereham. Jeremy Chapter.
At Peterborough. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Middleton Towers. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Kings Lynn Docks Gates. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Kings Lynn Docks Gates. Stuart Mackay Collection.
11/07/81 - Morris Man
A Branch Line Society tour from Paddington using Class 117 DMU set L416.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Fisker Swindon. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Fisker Swindon. Stuart Mackay Collection.
25th July 1981 - Strathmore Berry Picker
A tour that ran from Edinburgh Waverley - Forfar using set 378 (a 105/101/105 hybrid) with a Class 122 attached.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
In Forfar station. Mike Cooper.
The Class 122 leads the train at Glamis. Mike Cooper.
25th July 1981 - Wilts & Somerset
A joint RCTS / Southern Electric Group tour from Paddington using Class 117 set L416.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Cranmore, 51395 closest. Jeremy Chapter.
29th August 1981 - Ayrshire Wanderer
Day one of a two separate outings, this one covering Ayrshire branches using Class 107 set 428 starting / ending at Glasgow Central.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Hunterston Low Level Sidings. Jeremy Chapter.
At Ardrossan Harbour. Jeremy Chapter.
At Kilmarnock. Alistair Ness.
At Ayr Harbour. Alistair Ness.
At Ayr Harbour. Alistair Ness.
At the old Giffen station. Alistair Ness.
At Killoch Colliery. Alistair Ness.
Reflection at Hunterston Iron Ore Terminal. Alistair Ness.
A reflection of 52013 at Hunterston Iron Ore Terminal. Alistair Ness.
At Riccarton Oil Terminal in Kilmarnock. Alistair Ness.
At Shieldhall. Alistair Ness.
At Stevenston. Alistair Ness.
At Hunterston Ore Terminal. Jeremy Chapter.
At Hunterston Ore Terminal. Jeremy Chapter.
At Ayr Harbour. Jeremy Chapter.
30th August 1981 - Ayr & Stranraer
Day two of the Branch Line Society two day 'Scottish Weekend' was also known as 'Ayr and Stranraer', and took a 101/120 hybrid set from Glasgow Central to Stranraer.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Pinwherry. Jeremy Chapter.
At Girvan Goods. Alistair Ness.
Waiting to head south at Girvan. Alistair Ness.
At Barrhill. Alistair Ness.
At Glenwhilly. Alistair Ness.
At Stranraer Harbour. Alistair Ness.
At Girvan Goods. Jeremy Chapter.
At Stranraer Harbour. John Horne Collection.
04/10/81 - The Doncaster Double
A National Railway Enthusiasts Association loco-hauled tour from London Euston that included a visit to Doncaster Works and an open day at Barrow Hill. A Class 114 was photographed with the headboard in Chesterfield station - it is unclear of its involvement, possibly providing a shuttle into the depot?
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Chesterfield. David Slack.
24/10/81 - Mid-Anglia Rambler
A Fakenham & Dereham Railway Society tour from Ely / Cambridge using three-car Class 101 set 93.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Barnwell Junction. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Near the end of the Sizewell branch at Leiston. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Near the end of the Sizewell branch at Leiston. Stuart Mackay Collection.
9th - 10th April 1982 - The Ayr Restorer
A Hertfordshire Rail Tours special that ran from London Euston for an overnight loco-hauled journey to Kilmarnock. There the passengers transferred to two Class 107 sets (429 + 434) to visit Ayrshire branches and then to Carlisle, there they swapped back to the loco-hauled set for the return to London.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Passengers disembark at Giffen. Gordon Thomson.
Set 434 at Giffen. Gordon Thomson.
At ICI Cargenbridge. Gordon Thomson.
At Waterside on the former Ayr - Dalmellington branch. Gordon Thomson.
At Ayr. Stuart Mackay Collection.
13th April 1982 - The Bevercotes Collier
An RCTS (West Midlands Branch) tour taking a 4-car Class 123/4 Trans-Pennine set and 2-car 101 from Doncaster to Bevercotes Colliery.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51952 sits at the front at Bevercotes Colliery. Shayne Lewis.
At Bevercotes Colliery, formed 51952, 59819, 59837, 52099 and 50218, 56407. Shayne Lewis.
Another view at Bevercotes Colliery. Shayne Lewis.
51952 at the head of the train at Bevercotes Colliery. Chris Lings.
During the Bevercotes Colliery stop. Chris Lings.
Class 124 DMC 51952 at Bevercotes Colliery. Chris Lings.
At Bevercotes Colliery. Jeremy Chapter.
At Bevercotes Colliery. Alistair Ness.
At Bevercotes Colliery. Murray Liston.
At Bevercotes Colliery. Murray Liston.
At Bevercotes Colliery. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Bevercotes Colliery. Stuart Mackay Collection.
6th June 1982 - The Dalesrailwayman
Organised by the Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust, taking a Class 111 set from Skipton to Swinden Spencers Quarry.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The view from E50274 at Swinden Quarry, near Grassington, the end of the BR owned track. John Carter.
E20287 leads through a disused part of Skipton station. John Carter.
Attaching the headboard to E50287 at Skipton. John Carter.
Rylestone level crossing and station remains from E50274. John Carter.
19th June 1982 - Witchfinder General
A Hertfordshire Rail Tours special from Watford Junction using three Class 117 sets (L405 + L410 + L423) to places in East Anglia such as the Felixstowe Docks Branch and Ipswich Docks.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Sizewell Sidings. John Law Collection.
At Sizewell Sidings, 51340 closest. John Law Collection.
At Ipswich Griffin Wharf. John Law Collection.
At Ipswich Lower Yard. John Law Collection.
At Ipswich Lower Yard. John Law Collection.
At Ipswich Lower Yard, 51361 closest. John Law Collection.
At Thames Haven Yard. John Law.
Taken from 59513 and looking towards 51361 at Harwich Town Quay. John Law Collection.
On the Felixstowe Docks branch, 51340 at the front. John Law Collection.
On the Felixstowe Docks branch, internal Class 08 shunter 'Colonel Tomline'. John Law Collection.
51361 leads the tour into Stratford John Law.
51361 at Fenchurch Street. John Law Collection.
8th August 1982 - The Yorkham's Flying Banger
A Class 108 (50599 + 50635) made three return trips from Skipton to Embsay on the Yorkshire Dales Railway. This was possible because the main line track was slewed to connect on this day. The trains were sponsored by Yorkhams of Blubberhouses in connection with a "real food" festival at Embsay.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The train at Skipton. Jeremy Chapter.
28th August 1982 - Lanarkshire & Lothian Wanderer
A BLS tour that took a 101/107 hybrid set from Glasgow Central around branches in the Central Belt.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
On the Crombie Branch. Mike McDonald.
At Grangemouth. Stuart Mackay Collection.
9th October 1982 - Ayrshire Wanderer
Organised by the Swindon Preservation Society as part of their fundraising to purchase a Class 126 unit, this tour took two sets around Ayrshire.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour at the Hunterston stop, SC51017 closest. Ian MacDonald.
The tour at the Hunterston stop, SC51017 closest. Ian MacDonald.
During the lunch stop at Largs. alicia hartman.
Sc51026 at the buffer stops at Ardrossan Harbour (Winton Pier). alicia hartman.
51043 and 51036 at Hunterston Ore Terminal. Alistair Ness.
Sc51026 leads the train into Paisley Gilmour Street on the outward journey. Alistair Ness.
Sc51017 at Hunterston Ore Terminal. Alistair Ness.
Sc51036 and a Met-Camm at Largs. Alistair Ness.
At Largs. Alistair Ness.
At Benbain on the Waterside branch. Alistair Ness.
At Benbain on the Waterside branch. Alistair Ness.
Sc51043 at Benbain. Alistair Ness.
At Hunterston Ore Terminal. Alistair Ness.
Sc51017 Hunterston Ore Terminal. Alistair Ness.
Sc51036 and 51043 reflected in the mud at Hunterston Ore Terminal. Alistair Ness.
Sc51043 and 51036 reflected in the mud at Hunterston Ore Terminal. Alistair Ness.
The two Class 126 sets at Hunterston Ore Terminal. Alistair Ness.
The stop at Killoch Colliery. Alistair Ness.
Sc51043 at Largs. Alistair Ness.
At Largs. alicia hartman.
At Ardrossan Harbour. John Horne.
At Ardrossan Harbour. John Horne.
At Ardrossan Harbour. John Horne.
At Hunterston Ore Terminal. John Horne.
SC59404 at Hunterston Ore Terminal. John Horne.
Leaving Hunterston. John Horne.
During the lunchtime break at Largs, the two units now having swapped ends. John Horne.
At Killoch Colliery. John Horne.
23/10/82 - Rod Mill Rattler
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Newport using two Class 117s (B425 + B434).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Splott Junction. Stuart Mackay Collection.
13th November 1982 - Hyde and Peak
A Manchester Reunion Railway Society tour from Manchester Piccadilly using a Class 108 DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At United Football Ground Halt. Robert Thomas.
27 November 1982 - GN/GE Joint Farewell
A Fakenham & Dereham Railway Society tour taking what was to be the last ever train over the Joint line from Cambridge to Skegness.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At French Drove. Phil Bevan.
27th November 1982 - Unknown
A tour that included the Lincoln avoiding lines on the last day before they closed using an Etches Park Class 120 DMU. No further details about the tour (name or organiser), if you can help please get in touch!
At Lincoln Central. Roger Geach Collection.
19th February 1983 - The Blue Dragon
A Branch Line Society tour from Cardiff Central using three-car Class 117 DMU set L416.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
On Bridgend Ford Branch. Alistair Ness.
On Bridgend Ford Branch. Alistair Ness.
At Coed Ely. Alistair Ness.
At Coed Ely. Alistair Ness.
At Coed Ely. Alistair Ness.
At Nantyfllon. Alistair Ness.
At Nantyfllon. Alistair Ness.
At Nantyfllon. Alistair Ness.
At Oakdale. Alistair Ness.
At Oakdale. Alistair Ness.
At Oakdale. Alistair Ness.
At Oakdale Colliery. Stuart Mackay Collection.
12th March 1983 - Class 127 D.M.U. Farewell
Commerating the end of the Bedpan units working out of St Pancras. Running on its home route to Bedford, it then ran via Bletchley and Oxford to the Buckingham Railway Centre at Quainton Road, and then ran on Class 115 territory from Aylesbury into London Marylebone. It returned to St Pancras via Neasden South Junction, Ealing Broadway, Slough and Acton.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Ready for departure from St Pancras. Chris Lings.
During the Oxford stop, running over 30 mins late due to problems after leaving Bedford. Chris Lings.
The participants were able to visit the Buckingham Railway Centre during a stop at Quainton Road. Chris Lings.
At Quainton Road, museum staff helped repair an air leak on 51592, thought to have occurred when the drive shaft nudged an air pipe on the tight curve on the Bedford St. Johns avoiding line. Chris Lings.
51618 at the front ready for the departure from Quainton Road. Chris Lings.
During the 10 minute stop at Wembley Complex. Chris Lings.
Marylebone - normally home the very similar looking Class 115s. Chris Lings.
At Stewarby, M51618 closest. Stuart Pearce.
At Wembley Complex, 51592 closest. Stuart Pearce.
At Quainton Road, 51618 closest. Stuart Pearce.
The Buckingham Railway Centre staff helping to fix the damaged air pipe on M51592 at Quainton Road. Stuart Pearce.
At Stewartby, M51618 closest. Stuart Pearce.
At Stewartby on the Bedford to Bletchley line. Jeremy Chapter.
At Oxford. Alistair Ness.
At Oxford. Alistair Ness.
M51618 At Stewartby. Alistair Ness.
At Stewartby. Alistair Ness.
At Quainton Road. Alistair Ness.
Repairs to M51592 at Quainton Road. Alistair Ness.
M51618 at Quainton Road. Alistair Ness.
At Quainton Road. Murray Liston.
At Quainton Road. Murray Liston.
At Stewartby. Murray Liston.
At Quainton Road. Murray Liston.
At Saunderton. Murray Liston.
At Saunderton. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Saunderton. Stuart Mackay Collection.
23rd April 1983 - Wyvern Express
A Branch Line Society tour from Leicester using two Class 120 sets, one with a Met-Camm centre car.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
During the lunch stop at Nottingham station. Jeremy Chapter.
At Sinfin Central. Jeremy Chapter.
53656 closest in Butterley station. Jeremy Chapter.
At Nottingham, M53656. Jeremy Chapter.
During the lunch stop at Nottingham. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Sinfin Central. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Sinfin Central. Stuart Mackay Collection.
5th June 1983 - Unnamed
A shuttle run by BR between Leicester and Burton calling at Coalville for the open day.
At Coalville depot. Chris Lings.
5th June 1983 - The Coal-ton Flyer
The tour carried two headboards, one with the name and the other '1Z30 St Christopher's Appeal Tour'. The formation is believed to be two 3-car Class 120s, and it ran to the Coalville depot open day.
51575 at the head of the tour at Coalville. Chris Lings.
23rd July 1983 - Warcop Wanderer
A tour that ran from Manchester Victoria around the north west.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51901 at the front at Barrow-in-Furness. Chris Lings.
51901 closest at Warcop. Chris Lings.
51901 closest at Warcop. Chris Lings.
circa 08/83 - The Great Eastern
A tour from London Liverpool Street using a Cravens Class 105 DMU.
At Liverpool Street. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Needham Market. Stuart Mackay Collection.
14th August 1983 - The Dalesrailwayman
A 2-car Met-Camm special that made multiple runs from Skipton - Rylstone. In 1983 this train ran on June 12th, July 17th, July 31st and August 14th.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
53207 closest at Skipton on 14/08/83. Chris Lings.
27th August 1983 - Strathclyde Wanderer
A BLS tour from Glasgow Central using Class 101 trailer brake three-car set 101 365.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
53239 closest at General Terminus. Hamish Stevenson.
53245 closest at General Terminus. Hamish Stevenson.
Waiting at Barrhead before proceeding to Kilmarnock. Hamish Stevenson.
At Hunterston H.L. Hamish Stevenson.
30th August 1983 - West Midlands Runabout
A BR organized tour in the West Midlands with a 101 / 120.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Stratford-upon-Avon. Walter Burt.
At Stratford-upon-Avon. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd September 1983 - Unnamed
101 312 ran from Dundee - Aberdeen - Keith Junction - Dufftown and return.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
53138 at Dufftown. Norman Smart.
51237 leads at Keith Junction. Mike Cooper Collection.
3rd September 1983 - Ardingley 100
Organised by the Bluebell Railway to commemorate the centenary of the now freight line between Haywards Heath and Ardingly. Class 119 set L582 was used for five round trips between 10:55 and 14:55
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Approaching Haywards Heath. Nigel Menzies.
Approaching Haywards Heath. Nigel Menzies.
At Haywards Heath. Nigel Menzies.
At Haywards Heath. Nigel Menzies.
Copyhold Junction. Nigel Menzies.
Copyhold Junction. Nigel Menzies.
Copyhold Junction. Nigel Menzies.
Copyhold Junction. Nigel Menzies.
8th October 1983 - Coed Bach Connection
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Newport using Class 117 sets L406 and L416.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Llanelli. Jeremy Chapter.
15/10/83 - Unknown
Metropolitan Cammell sets 101 328 + 101 364 worked 1Z44 from Motherwell to Crianlarich.
Crossing onto the West Highland Line at Craigendoran Junction. Spannerman37025.
22nd October 1983 - Double Dragon (Y Ddraig Dbwl)
This Branch Line Society tour ran from Cardiff to Maerdy, Tower and Abercynon Collieries using Class 117 set L400.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Set L400 (51374, 59484 and 51332) arriving at Maerdy. PJ Evans.
5th November 1983 - The Glamorgan Freighter
Hertfordshire Railtours from Paddington, loco-hauled then DMU from Port Talbot around various branches and back to Cardiff, then loco-hauled stock Cardiff back to London.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Pantyffynon, 51348 leading set B439 with 59479 behind. Chris Lings.
The headboard gets added to 55020 at Abernant Colliery. Chris Lings.
55020 at the end of the long formation at Swansea East Depot. Chris Lings.
The tour at Onllywn. Chris Lings.
The tour at Onllywn. Chris Lings.
51348 closest at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. Chris Lings.
A busy scene at Gwaun-cae-Gurwen. Chris Lings.
A view from the tour as it passes through Ammanford station. Chris Lings.
During its stop at Swansea East Depot. Chris Lings.
Stopped at Onllwyn. Chris Lings.
At Onllwyn. The vehicles visible are 51348, 59479 and 51390. Chris Lings.
At Onllwyn. The visible vehicle from left to right are 51341, 51390, 59479 and 51348. Chris Lings.
12th November 1983 - The Cannock Chaser
This Staffordshire Railtours train rail from Birmingham New Street to various lines in the Cannock and Birmingham area, formed of Class 101s 53330 + 59130 + 53313 and 53325 + 59528 + 53306.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
This is believed to be the tour at Stafford. Andrew McConnell.
53330 waiting to depart from Birmingham New Street. Chris Lings.
53330 During a stop at Stourbridge Junction. Chris Lings.
26th November 1983 - The Mersey Mariner
A RCTS tour from Liverpool Lime Street using a 108/104/108 hybrid, a 100/105 hybrid and 2-car 108.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Unknown, LMR. Stuart Mackay Collection.
30th December 1983 - West Midlands Roundabout No.2
A BR tour from Birmingham New Street using two three-car sets, a Met-Camm and a 116/Met-Camm hybrid.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
During a short break at Burton. Lewis Bevan.
During the Burton-on-Trent break. Jeremy Chapter.
4th February 1984 - Norseman 1
A Hertfordshire Railtours outing from London Kings Cross, loco-hauled to Darlington then a seven-car (2+2+3) Class 101 formation. This was an addition 'relief' tour after the exceptional demand for the 18/2/84 tour.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Redmire. Stuart Mackay Collection.
From 53171 at Bedale. Rob Paterson.
Looking back from 53171 at Bedale. Rob Paterson.
Looking out from 59085 at Redmire. Rob Paterson.
18th February 1984 - Norseman 2
Organised by Hertfortshire Rail Tours, this originated at Kings Cross and was loco and coaches to Darlington. Passengers then transferred to a 7-car Class 101 formation to Redmire and Eastgate.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bedale, 53244 closest. Chris Lings.
The train in Bedale. Chris Lings.
51219 at the rear of the formation at Bedale. Chris Lings.
53244 at the front of the train at Redmire. Chris Lings.
The full 7-car formation seen at Redmire. Chris Lings.
53244 at the rear of the train at Eastgate. Chris Lings.
51219 seen through the trees at Eastgate. Chris Lings.
53244 preparing to depart Eastgate for Darlington. Chris Lings.
The headboard being added or removed from 53244 at Redmire. Jeremy Chapter.
10th March 1984 - The Staffordshire Ranger
This LCGB tour ran from Liverpool Lime Street formed of a Class 108 and Class 120.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51586 at the end of the formation seen at Cheddleton. Chris Lings.
51934 in Cheddleton station. Chris Lings.
51934 at the front at Helsby station. Chris Lings.
At Cheddleton. Jeremy Chapter.
31st March 1984 - Coed Ely Coupling
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Newport using Class 117s L400, L415 and bubble L121.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Nantymoel. David Mant.
At Swansea Docks. David Mant.
At Aberpergwm. Robert Thomas.
At Coed Ely. Robert Thomas.
At Aberpergwm. Robert Thomas.
At Neath Riverside. Robert Thomas.
At Nantymoel. Robert Thomas.
At Coed Ely. Robert Thomas.
At Swansea Docks. Robert Thomas.
At Swansea Docks. Robert Thomas.
At Nantymoel. David Mant.
22nd April 1984 - Brentford Branch Special
A Class 121 bubble car hired by the GWR Preservation Group for shuttles from Southall along the freight only Brentford line.
Seen at Southall Railway Centre. Chris Lings.
At Brentford. Chris McKee.
At Southall. Chris McKee.
19th May 1984 - Day Excursion
A Chiltern Trains day excursion which took two Class 116 sets from Bicester to Hastings.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Hastings, 53116 closest. Adrian Nicholls.
29/05/84 - Blyth & Tyne
A Branch Line Society tour from Leeds using a four-car Class 108 DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Newcastle. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Newcastle. Stuart Mackay Collection.
9th June 1984 - The Ruddington Requiem
This BR organized tour ran from Derby to Ruddington traversing many other lines too. It used a 9-car 116/101 formation - 53910 + 59130 + 53857 / 53055 + 59611 + 53116 / 53318 + 59114 + 53328.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
During a stop at Lawfield. Chris Lings.
Plenty of admirers at Ruddington. Chris Lings.
53910 at the bufferstops at Ruddington. Chris Lings.
53910 at the bufferstops at Ruddington. Phil Deane Collection.
53328 leads at East Leake. Mel Smith.
53318 + 59114 + 53328 at East Leake. Mel Smith.
The nine-car formation heads away from the camera at East Leake. Mel Smith.
At Derby. Alistair Ness.
At Ruddington. Alistair Ness.
At Ruddington. Alistair Ness.
16th June 1984 - The Tay-Forth Venturer (A Grice of Fife)
A D.E.D. Blades / Swindon Preservation Society organized railtour that took 107 444 from Edinburgh Waverley to Perth and around many Fife branches.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Waiting to leave Edinburgh Waverley. Chris Lings.
The Stirling stop. Chris Lings.
Participants enjoying the view near Menstrie. Chris Lings.
The stop at Markinch. Chris Lings.
At Cameron Bridge. Chris Lings.
107 444 at Cameron Bridge, 52005 closest. Chris Lings.
107444 and 101325 at Rosyth Dockyard. Chris Lings.
The stop at Oakley (Fife). Chris Lings.
52005 closest at Oakley. Chris Lings.
Dunfermline Upper, now the site of a retail park. Chris Lings.
Wandering around the closed Dunfermline Upper station. Chris Lings.
Lots of tour participants exploring Markinch station. The large light coloured shed on the right was once the home of 60009 Union of South Africa. Hamish Stevenson.
At Cameron Bridge. Hamish Stevenson.
Rosyth Dockyard. Hamish Stevenson.
Rosyth Dockyard, the 101 on the left is on open day shuttle duties. Hamish Stevenson.
Oakley. Hamish Stevenson.
Dunfermline Upper. Hamish Stevenson.
After finishing at Edinburgh Waverley. Hamish Stevenson.
At Cameron Bridge. alicia hartman.
52005 closest at Cameron Bridge. alicia hartman.
At Cameron Bridge station en-route to Methil. alicia hartman.
At Rosyth Dockyard. Mike McDonald.
At Perth. Alistair Ness.
At Stirling. Alistair Ness.
23/06/84 - Dyfed Dragon
A Branch Line Society tour from Cardiff using Class 117 set L404.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Fishguard Harbour. Stuart Mackay Collection.
24/06/84 - Unknown
A Branch Line Society tour using two Class 116 DMUs, C300 and C303.
C300 at Treherbert, the second set in the distance. Stuart Mackay Collection.
C300 at Treherbert. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Rhymney. Stuart Mackay Collection.
30th June 1984 - Farewell Abingdon
The Oxford University Railway Society organised three shuttles from Radley to Abingdon to mark the closure of the branch using Class 119 set L585. It carried a homemade poster 'Farewell Abingdon 1856 - 1984' in the centre cab window.
At Abingdon. Brian Daniels.
At Abingdon. Brian Daniels.
At Abingdon. Brian Daniels.
At Abingdon. Brian Daniels.
At Oxford. Brian Daniels.
14th July 1984 - The Bucks & Oxon Freighter
A Fakenham & Derham Railway Society tour that took a 4-car Class 115 (including DMBS 51875) unit around branches in Bucks and Oxon.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The Little Kimble stop, with 51875 at the rear. Chris Lings.
51875 at the rear at Winslow. Chris Lings.
Swanbourne, 51875 carrying the headboard. Chris Lings.
Swanbourne, with 51875 on the left. Chris Lings.
At Little Kimble. Adrian Nicholls.
At Winslow. Adrian Nicholls.
The tour at Oxford. Adrian Nicholls.
After terminating at Broad Street. Adrian Nicholls.
At Quainton Road. Adrian Nicholls.
Ready to set of at London Marylebone. Adrian Nicholls.
25th August 1984 - Fifeshire
A BLS tour from Glasgow Central using Class 107 set 107444.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At the limit of travel permitted on the Markinch to Auchmuty, described as the A92 road bridge. Jeremy Chapter.
26th August 1984 - The Coupler
A shuttle from Southall to Brentford using bubbles 55020 and 55029.
Between Southall and Brentford. The KDH Archive.
22nd September 1984 - The Crewe Independent
A BLS organised tour originating from Preston that ran around the Crewe area and Chester / Shrewsbury / Manchester.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
54224 during the stop at Shrewsbury. Chris Lings.
27th October 1984 - The Dockland Dawdler
A Monmouthshire Railway Society that originated at Newport and was formed of two 3-car 117 sets L402 and L415.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Oakdale Colliery with L402 headed by 51377. Chris Lings.
At Newport East Docks with 51393 heading L415. Chris Lings.
The view from 51393 at Newport Docks. Chris Lings.
L415 at Newport East Docks. Chris Lings.
51393 at Trethomas (Bedwas branch). Chris Lings.
Bedwas Chris Lings.
Oakdale Colliery. Chris Lings.
At Maerdy. Chris Lings.
51393 at Maerdy. Chris Lings.
51393 at Glascoed. Chris Lings.
8th December 1984 - Whitehall Mandarin
A Branch Line Society tour from Sheffield Midland using a Class 114 and Class 110.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Deepcar. Stuart Mackay Collection.
circa early 1985 - Cranmore Flyer
This was possibly a shuttle from Westbury, at least one run with B472 and another with B472 with B126 attached.
B472 arriving at Cranmore. Stuart Mackay Collection.
In Cranmore station. Stuart Mackay Collection.
In Cranmore station. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Departing Cranmore. Stuart Mackay Collection.
20th April 1985 - The Maerdy Gras
Organised by the Monmouthshire Railway Society this tour started at Newport and visited various branches in the area, formed of two Class 117 sets (L413 + L407) with bubble 55021 in the centre.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Blaengarw. Chris Lings.
At Aberpergwm. Chris Lings.
In Llanelli station. Chris Lings.
At Blaengarw. Adrian Nicholls.
51349 at Onllwyn. Adrian Nicholls.
51342 closest at Onllwyn. Adrian Nicholls.
At Aberpergwm. Adrian Nicholls.
22nd June 1985 - The Cotswold Lion
A BLS tour that started in Paddington formed of Class 117 L428 and bubble L128.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Long Marston, formed 51358, 59510 51400 and bubble 55028. Chris Lings.
25th August 1985 - The Coupler
A shuttle from Southall to South Ruislip organised by the Great Western Society using Class 117 set L407.
At Northolt Waste Transfer Terminal. Robert28194.
26th August 1985 - Unknown
A Chiltern Trains tour from Bicester to Hastings using a Class 115.
At East Croydon. Andy Prime.
13th October 1985 - Un-named day excursion
A BR organised day excursion from Derby to the likes of Buxton, Long Eaton and Edale, formed of a Class 116 and 120.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour at Buxton. Chris Lings.
19th October 1985 - Wear and Wendley Dalesman
A Hertfordshire Railtours special which originated at London Kings Cross using loco-hauled stock with two Class 31s. At Darlington passengers transferred to three two-car Class 101s.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Seen at Stanhope. Graeme Phillips Collection.
In Stanhope. Graeme Phillips Collection.
The tour at Stanhope. Adrian Nicholls.
At Stanhope. Adrian Nicholls.
26th October 1985 - Sharpness Shunter
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour that started in Cardiff.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Sharpness. Chris Lings.
At Gloucester Docks, 51319 closest. Chris Lings.
At Gloucester Docks, 51397 closest. Chris Lings.
23rd November 1985 - The Anglian Vibrator
Run by Hertfordshire Rail Tours and originated in Kings Cross, consisted of two 117 sets (L412 and L411) with a 121 bubble (55021) inbetween.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
L412 at Wisbech. Chris Lings.
L411 at Wisbech. Chris Lings.
51389 at North Elmham Chris Lings.
51346 and 59498 at North Elmham Chris Lings.
At March after traversing the freight only branch to Wisbech. Adrian Nicholls.
At North Elmham. Adrian Nicholls.
At Dereham. Adrian Nicholls.
At Wisbech. Rob Paterson.
At Hardingham. Rob Paterson.
At North Elmham. Rob Paterson.
At March Whitemoor Junction. Phil Bevan.
22nd March 1986 - The Don & Tees
The BLS organised tour originated at Sheffield and visited the Darlington and Middlesborough areas.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
54192 at Darlington. Chris Lings.
54199 at Boulby Mine. Chris Lings.
At the Cleveland Potash Mine, Boulby, 54192 closest. Stuart Mackay Collection.
22/03/86 - The Wiltshire Wanderer
A BR tour that did two trips from Andover using a Class 117 (set L427).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The tour at Dinton. Adrian Nicholls.
At Andover. Robert Thomas.
At Dinton. Stuart Mackay Collection.
Departing Andover. Stuart Mackay Collection.
30th March 1986 - Highland Fling 2
Organised by Hertfordshire Rail Tours this was a loco hauled long weekend tour with an optional DMU tour on the Sunday from Edinburgh using a 116 and 101.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
AT Longannet signal box. Adrian Nicholls.
5th April 1986 - The Risca Cuckoo
Originating from Newport, this Monmouthshire Railway Society tour was formed of three 3-car sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Newport Dock Street. Shayne Lewis.
At Oakdale Colliery. Shayne Lewis.
At Rose Heyworth Colliery. Shayne Lewis.
26/04/86 - Plymouth Railway Circle
A Plymouth Railway Circle with two Class 118 DMUs.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
On the Saltash Bridge. Keith Miller.
The two sets at Laira depot. Keith Miller.
03/05/86 - The Mayflower
A Branch Line Society tour from Plymouth using the British Telecom liveried Class 118 DMU (also used the next day on the BLS Cornishman tour).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Gunnislake. Stuart Mackay Collection.
04/05/86 - Cornishman
A Branch Line Society tour from Plymouth using the British Telecom liveried Class 118 (also used the day before on the BLS Mayflower tour).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At St Ives. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Parkandillack. Stuart Mackay Collection.
1986 - Brentford Branch Special
Bubble 55020 was hired by the GWR Preservation Group for shuttles along the frieght only Brentford line. Exact date unknown...
55020 carrying a large 'Brentford Branch Special' headboard. Chris Adams.
21st June 1986 - The Vectis Velocipede
Organised by Hertfordshire Rail Tours, taking two Class 105s from Stevenage to Portsmouth. The two sets switched order for the return journey, the green set was leading on both legs (53359 at the front on the outward journey and 54122 on the return).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
In Surrey, as the tour heads through Epsom station. Iain Reid.
Heading away from Epsom station towards Ashtead. Iain Reid.
Passing through Warnham station. Iain Reid.
E51284 tails passing through Warnham (between Horsham and Dorking). Iain Reid.
54122 at Portsmouth Harbour. Dave Warby.
53359 faces 54442 at Portsmouth Harbour. Dave Warby.
51284 at Portsmouth Harbour ready for the return journey. Dave Warby.
54122 at Portsmouth. Dave Warby.
At Epsom. Dave Warby.
At Willesden Junction High Level. Dave Warby.
At Clapham Junction. Dave Warby.
Inside 54442. Dave Warby.
54442 at Portsmouth Harbour after the arrival of the outward leg. Dave Warby.
53359 at Portsmouth Harbour after the arrival of the outward leg. Dave Warby.
At Alexandra Palace. Dave Warby.
At Chichester. Lewis Bevan.
28th June 1986 - The Thame Phoenix
Organised by Hertfordshire Railtours, these were a series of shuttles between High Wycombe and Thame that ran on Sat 28th and Sun 29th. Two bubble cars were in use - 55006 and 55033 on the Saturday but the first trip was operated by a Class 115.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
The two bubbles at High Wycombe prior to working the shuttles. Robert28194.
55033, having arrived from Thame, waits to cross to the down side to form the 12.50 departure to Thame. Robert28194.
29th June 1986 - The Thame Phoenix
Organised by Hertfordshire Railtours, these were a series of shuttles between High Wycombe and Thame that ran on Sat 28th and Sun 29th. Two bubble cars were in use - 55006 and 55033, one operated five returns the other four.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
55006 approaching the station and crossing at Bledlow. Julian Heard.
55006 passing the former station at Bledlow. Julian Heard.
55006 about to cross the crossing beside the former station at Bledlow. Julian Heard.
55033 in Thame station. Julian Heard.
55033 in Thame station. Julian Heard.
55033 departing from Thame. Julian Heard.
55006 at High Wycombe. Julian Heard.
M55006 passing through Princes Risborough. Julian Heard.
M55006 passes the signal box at Princes Risborough. Julian Heard.
M55006 at High Wycombe. Alistair Ness.
M55006 at High Wycombe. Alistair Ness.
55033 in Thame station. Alistair Ness.
55033 at Thame. Alistair Ness.
At High Wycombe. Dave Warby.
At . Dave Warby.
At High Wycombe. Dave Warby.
At High Wycombe. Dave Warby.
At Interior. Dave Warby.
At Detail. Dave Warby.
The 12.35 To High Wycombe at Thame. Dave Warby.
The 12.50 ex-High Wycombe arrives at Thame. Dave Warby.
55033 with the 13.35 to High Wycombe at Thame. Dave Warby.
The 12.35 To High Wycombe at Thame. Dave Warby.
The 12.35 To High Wycombe at Thame. Dave Warby.
55033 at Saunderton heading towards Princes Risborough. Dave Warby.
12th July 1986 - Fen Tiger
A Hertfordshire Railtours / Southern Electric Group tour starting from Reading with two Class 117 sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Seen at South Lynn, 51404 (L424) closest. Chris Lings.
At Kings Lynn, 51389 at the front. Chris Lings.
51404 closest at Kings Lynn Bentinck Dock. Adrian Nicholls.
At Wisbech. The KDH Archive.
At Whitemoor. Phil Bevan.
23rd August 1986 - The Clyde Forth
A Branch Line Society tour that ran from Glasgow Central around branches in the Glasgow and Edinburgh areas with 116/120 and 120/101 hybrid sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At South Leith, the train running about an hour late at this time. Alan Rintoul.
At Menstrie Sidings. Adrian Nicholls.
Approaching Old Kilpatrick on the remains of the Caledonian's Lanarkshire & Dunbartonshire route. alicia hartman.
Crawling round to Old Kilptrick. alicia hartman.
Between Dalmuir Riverside and Old Kilpatrick. alicia hartman.
On the Caledonian L & D overbridge spanning Dumbarton Road in Clydebank. alicia hartman.
At Hawkhead. Brian Ward.
At Milngavie. Brian Ward.
At Milngavie. Brian Ward.
At Milngavie. Brian Ward.
At Clydebank. Brian Ward.
between Clydebank and Old Kilpatrick. Brian Ward.
At Old Kilpatrick. Brian Ward.
At Old Kilpatrick. Brian Ward.
At Clydebank. Brian Ward.
At Menstrie. Brian Ward.
At Menstrie. Brian Ward.
An unknown stop. Brian Ward.
At an unknown stop. Brian Ward.
At Old Kilpatrick. alicia hartman.
30th August 1986 - The Mancunian Railtour
A RCTS tour from Leeds around the Manchester area, formed of 101 and half engine 111 power twins 53171 + 51222 / 78720 + 78970.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Buxton, 53171 in the company of 52060 and 53636. Andrew J Crowther.
E51222 and E53171 at Penistone during a 40 minute wait for a late running Hudderfield service. Andrew J Crowther.
E53171 and E51222 at Penistone during a 40 minute wait for a late running Huddersfield service. Andrew J Crowther.
Passing Blackwell Mills. Andrew J Crowther.
Passing Hazel Grove High Level. Andrew J Crowther.
New Mills Viaduct. Andrew J Crowther.
25th October 1986 - The Cynheidre Curler
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Cardiff using two Class 117 sets (L402 + L414).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Clydach-on-Tawe. Adrian Nicholls.
17th January 1987 - The Chiltern Chariot
This Hertfordshire Railtours tour took two Class 115 units from Marylebone to Gospel Oak, Dunstable, Bedford etc.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Dunstable. Chris Lings.
At Dunstable. Chris Lings.
At Dunstable. Jonathan Hazan.
Awaiting departure at Kensington Olympia. Jonathan Hazan.
At Bedford. Jonathan Hazan.
M51652 closest at Dunstable. Jonathan Hazan.
21st February 1987 - Chiltern Chariot II
A Hertfordshire Railtours tour from London Maylebone using two Class 115 DMUs.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At London Marylebone. Robert28194.
21st March 1987 - The Thames and Trent Railtour
Three Class 115/108 hybrids operated this BLS tour from Marylebone to branches in the Nottingham area.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Nottingham station. Chris Lings.
28th March 1987 - The Mickleover Hypothesis
Organised by Hertfordshire Railtours and starting from London Marylebone using two Class 115 sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Derby. Jonathan Hazan.
Waiting to set off from Marylebone. Jonathan Hazan.
At Marylebone. Jonathan Hazan.
At Nuneaton, 51659 closest. Jonathan Hazan.
At Nuneaton. Jonathan Hazan.
At Derby with 51659 closest. Jonathan Hazan.
The stop at Derby. Jonathan Hazan.
At Mickleover. Jonathan Hazan.
At Mickleover. Jonathan Hazan.
At Derby. Rob Paterson.
11th April 1987 - The Tower Toad
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour that started at Newport.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
C480 heads C465 at Mwyndy Jtn., Llantrisant and past the photographer's house. Mac Winfield.
At Tower Colliery. Chris Lings.
51307 at Tower Colliery Chris Lings.
At Ynysbul, 51307 closest. Chris Lings.
51312 at Nantgarw. Chris Lings.
At Nantgarw Colliery. Chris Lings.
At Cwm Llantwit. Stuart Mackay Collection.
11th April 1987 - Rowntree Requiem
A Industrial Railway Society tour run during their AGM weekend at York taking a Class 101 on the short journey from York to Rowntree's Halt and back.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Rowantree's Halt. Adrian Nicholls.
4th May 1987 - Mendip Meanderer
Organized by Black Eight Tours and ran from Birmingham New Street to the East Somerset Railway.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Seen near Merehead, led by 55993. Tom Clift.
30th May 1987 - The Northumbrian
A BLS tour that took two Class 110 sets from Bradford FS to Carlisle.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bradford FS. Chris Lings.
51813 at Bradford FS. Chris Lings.
51813 after arrival at Carlisle. Chris Lings.
circa Summer 1987 - Unknown
This tour took Class 107 DMU set 107444 to Oban.
At Garelochhead. Brian Ward.
At Garelochhead. Brian Ward.
At Arrochar and Tarbet. Brian Ward.
At Arrochar and Tarbet. Brian Ward.
At Oban. Brian Ward.
At Oban. Brian Ward.
At Crainlarich. Brian Ward.
A loose jumper connection box being investigated at Dumbarton Central. Brian Ward.
29th August 1987 - The Fife Coast Explorer
A tour from Glasgow Central around Fife with two Strathclyde liveried DMUs a Class 101 and a Class 107.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
53160 at Cameron Bridge. Chris Lings.
53160 at Cameron Bridge. Adrian Nicholls.
Heading to Longannet. Brian Ward.
Passing Longannet signal box. Brian Ward.
At Methil power station. Brian Ward.
At Cameron Bridge. Brian Ward.
At Cameron Bridge. Brian Ward.
At Cameron Bridge. Brian Ward.
At Cameron Bridge. Brian Ward.
At Cameron Bridge. Brian Ward.
At Cameron Bridge. Brian Ward.
At Meadowbank. Brian Ward.
At Edinburgh Waverley. Brian Ward.
30th August 1987 - The Firth of Lorne
A Branch Line Society tour from Glasgow to Oban using 101388 and 107440.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
On the outward leg at Glasgow Queen Street Low Level. Stuart Mackay Collection.
The tour at Dalmally where it crossed with the 'Mexican Bean' on an Oban - Crainlarich shuttle. Adrian Nicholls.
About to pass through Garscadden. Brian Ward.
At Garscadden. Brian Ward.
13/09/87 - The Cornish Clayliner
A Branch Line Society tour from Plymouth using Class 117 DMU set B439.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Fowey Docks. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Nanpean. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Bugle. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Plymouth Friary. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd October 1987 - The Cumbrian Ranger
A BLS tour that originated at Preston and used the retro-green 108 53964 + 54247.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Heysham. Chris Lings.
At Sellafield. Chris Lings.
At Whitehaven. Chris Lings.
At Whitehaven. Chris Lings.
14th November 1987 - The Irwell and Mersey Rambler
A BLS tour that began in Crewe.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
52060 at Bury. Chris Lings.
05/03/88 - Tame & Avon
A Branch Line Society tour from Birmingham New Street using GWR-liveried Class 117 set T305. May have run on Sunday 6th, not Saturday 5th.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Birmingham Railway Museum, Tyseley. Stuart Mackay Collection.
26th March 1988 - The Usk and Severn Rambler
A Branch Line Society tour from Bristol Temple Meads with 51369 + 59521 + 51411.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
T306 at Sudbrook. Chris Lings.
At Sudbrook. Chris Lings.
At Westerleigh. Chris Lings.
On the Barrow Road branch in Bristol. Chris Lings.
2nd May 1988 - The Brickfield Rambler
Black Eight Railtours ran this from Birmingham New Street to the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre at Quainton.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
T305 (51410 + 59520 + 51368) at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
At Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
T305 at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
59520 and 51368 at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
At London Marylebone. Stephen Burdett.
At Quainton Road. Andrew Malloy.
02/05/88 - Rail Rambler
A BR tour Advertised as a six-car DMU from Middlesbrough - Redmire, Redmire - Darlington, Darlington - Redmire, Redmire - Middlesbrough.
This is believed to be the tour, seen passing Leyburn station. Stuart Mackay Collection.
9th July 1988 - Chinnor Tonic
A Hertfordshire Rail Tours trip from London Marylebone using two Class 108/115 hybrids, the first of three tours with the same name.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
M51654 closest at Quainton Road. Robert28194.
6th August 1988 - Chinnor Tonic
Organised by Hertfordshire Railtours and started in Marylebone, it ran again on 3/9/88.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Class 108 DTC 54224 on the tour at Quainton. Robert Frise.
Class 108 DTC 54213 on the tour at Quainton. Robert Frise.
Class 115 DMBS 51895 at Quainton. Robert Frise.
At Quainton Road, from left to right is 54224 + 51893 + 51895 + 54213. Robert Frise.
At Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
27th August 1988 - Irvine and Ayr Wanderer
A Branch Line Society tour from Glasgow Central.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Auchinleck. Robert Forsythe.
3rd September 1988 - Chinnor Tonic
The third Hertfordshire Railtours train of this name (the first was 9/7/88 the second 6/8/88). Ran from Marylebone with two Class 108/115 hybrid sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
An unknown 108 DTC at the end of the tour formation at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
Class 115 DMBS 51893 at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
An unknown 115 DMBS in the tour formation at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
Class 108 DTC 54499 at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
Arriving at Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
At Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
At Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
At Quainton Road. Robert Frise.
22nd October 1988 - Mendip 88
An RCTS tour from Plymouth using a two-car Class 108 DMU.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bradford-on-Avon. Michael Mensing.
Near Bradford-on-Avon. Michael Mensing.
On the Whatley Quarry line. Michael Mensing.
At Whatley Quarry line. Michael Mensing.
At summit of Merehead line. Michael Mensing.
At Merehead. Michael Mensing.
On Merehead line. Michael Mensing.
At Merehead. Michael Mensing.
At Unknown. Stuart Mackay Collection.
4th December 1988 - Scottish Christmas Dash
A Transport 2000 organised Middlesbrough - Edinburgh charter.
After arrival at Edinburgh Waverley. John Carter.
Arriving into Thornaby, 53182 leading. John Carter.
15th April 1989 - The Orwell Docker
A BLS tour from Cambridge using two two-car Class 101 sets. The tour was repeated in May and December.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
54351 closest at Ipswich Docks. Adrian Nicholls.
54405 closest at Felixstowe Container Terminal. Adrian Nicholls.
At Fen Drayton. Adrian Nicholls.
At Felixstowe Beach station. Adrian Nicholls.
At Ipswich Dock sidings. Walter Burt.
23rd April 1989 - Notts & North Derbyshire Railtour
Organised by The Institution of Mining Engineers, this tour from Derby used an eight-car formation using a Class 114 (T227), 116 (T319) and 117 (T303).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
53019 leads at Welbeck Colliery. Robert Chilton.
At Derby. Andrew Walker.
13th May 1989 - The Bronte Flyer
A CMRC (Chester Model Railway Club?) charter from Chester to Keighley using two two-car sets, one being Class 108 CH256.
After arrival at Keighley. On Tour With The Class 13 Army.
20th August 1989 - The Trawsfynydd Flyer
Organised by Hertfordshire Rail Tours, this was a loco-hauled tour from Euston that switched to a seven-car DMU at Chester due to weight restrictions on the Conway Valley line and Trawsfynydd branch.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Bleanau Ffestiniog on the return working. Adrian Nicholls.
Waiting to leave Llandudno Junction on the outward journey. Robert Thomas.
8th October 1989 - The North Yorkshire Railtour
An Institute of Mining Engineers tour from Sheffield Midland using Class 114 set T023 and two suburban sets.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Preparing for departure at Sheffield Midland. Adrian Nicholls.
14th October 1989 - The Robeston Rumbler
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Newport using two Class 108s (S942 + S945).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Haverfordwest, 52044 closest. Adrian Nicholls.
At Haverfordwest, 53643 closest. Adrian Nicholls.
At Cynheidre, 53643 closest. Rob Paterson.
At Fishguard Harbour. Rob Paterson.
15/10/89 - South Yorkshire Railtour
A Institute of Mining Engineers from Sheffield using a Class 114 (T027) and two Class 117s (T309 + T304).
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Sheffield. Stuart Mackay Collection.
26/11/89 - North Midland Railtour
An Institute of Mining Engineers tour from Derby using 4-car set T410 and 3-car T315.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Avenue Coking Plant. Rob Paterson.
24th March 1990 - (no name)
A Railway Development Society tour from Cambridge to Staveley on the former St Ives line using Class 101s L220 and L223. There seems to have been three return trips made.
near Swavesey Nicholas Youngman.
Arriving at Long Stanton. Nicholas Youngman.
Arriving into Long Stanton. Roger Geach Collection.
In Long Stanton station. Roger Geach Collection.
Waiting to depart from Long Stanton. Roger Geach Collection.
28th April 1990 - China Clay Rambler
A Monmouthshire Railway Society tour from Penzance using two Class 108s. For a detailed look at the tour see http://www.cornwallrailwaysociety.org.uk/diesel-railtours-in-cornwall--devon-part-2-1990-onwards.html
On the Par Harbour branch. Adrian Nicholls.
At Pontsmill. Adrian Nicholls.
At Fowey Docks. Adrian Nicholls.
At Bugle. Adrian Nicholls.
At Gaverigan Tip Sidings. Adrian Nicholls.
12th May 1990 - The Caerwent Cannonball 2
A Monmouthshire Railway Society from Newport using a three-car Class 116/108 hybrid and a two-car Class 118.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Newport South Docks. Adrian Nicholls.
At Uskmouth. Adrian Nicholls.
Near the start of the Oakdale Colliery branch. Peter Tandy.
On the Oakdale Colliery branch. Peter Tandy.
On Oakdale Colliery branch. Peter Tandy.
On the Oakdale Colliery branch, the return journey. Peter Tandy.
About to enter Penar Tunnel. Peter Tandy.
On the Oakdale Colliery branch, heading back to Newport. Peter Tandy.
On the Oakdale Colliery branch, heading back to Newport. Peter Tandy.
2nd November 1991 - Fletton Avoider
A Badger Railtours tour from London Liverpool Street, returning to London Fenchurch Street using two different three-car Class 101 DMUs, starting with set L700 and switching to set L830 at Cambridge.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Duxford Ciba-Geigy Works. Adrian Nicholls.
30/11/91 - Orwell & Lea Rambler
A Branch Line Society tour from Cambridge using NSE-liveried Class 101 DMU set L831.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Liverpool Street. Stuart Mackay Collection.
29/12/91 - Stour Valley Steamer
A Network SouthEast & East Anglian Railway Museum tour using N7 steam loco 69621 with Class 101 set L837 between Marks Tey and Great Cornard. These also operated on the 22nd.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
at Mount Bures crossing. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd June 1992 - Lein Amlwch 125 Years On
Organised by 'Isle of Anglesey Railways Ltd.' it used 101 657 to travel on multiple trips between Bangor and Amlwch.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Seen at Rhosgoch with 54085 leading. The short spur leading off to the right which can just be seen through the bushes served a oil storage depot built in the 70's but its use was short lived. Andrew J Crowther.
Seen heading away from the camera at Rhosgoch. Andrew J Crowther.
Heading up towards Rhosgoch, 54085 closest. Andrew J Crowther.
At Rhosgoch, 53211 leading. Andrew J Crowther.
22nd August 1992 - Freight Lines (West Area)
A Black Cat Railtours special taking three-car 101692 in Regional Railways livery on a tour of freight lines from Glasgow Central.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
During the Largs stop. Kenneth Leiper.
26th September 1992 - DMU Demise
A Cardiff Valley farewell tour organized by the Monmouthshire Railway Society that originated at Newport. It used two 2-car Class 116s - C392 (51134 + 51147) and C395 (51153 + 51140). A video of the tour can be found on YouTube.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51134 on the rear of the tour as it heads through the Garw Valley. Mac Winfield.
Heading for Neath Mac Winfield.
51140 leads the tour at Pontycymer in the Garw Valley. Mac Winfield.
Taken on-board 51134 at Waterton. Robert Thomas.
At Swansea Burrows Sidings. Robert Thomas.
At Onllwyn. Robert Thomas.
At Onllwyn. Robert Thomas.
At Onllwyn. Robert Thomas.
At Swansea Docks. Robert Thomas.
At Swansea Docks. Adrian Nicholls.
At Burrows Sidings, Swanea. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Onllwyn. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Pontycymer. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Swanea Docks. Stuart Mackay Collection.
28th November 1992 - Tay-Forth Wanderer
A Branch Line Society tour which visited places such as Leith South, Kincardine and Westfield using 101693.
At Edinburgh Waverley. Kenneth Leiper.
24/04/93 - Unknown
A tour organised by the Bedford Bletchley Rail User's Association to celebrate the end of the long service of the 2-car DMU sets on the Bedford to Bletchley line.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Wilmcote. Peter Tandy.
2nd May 1993 - The Severn Slaps
This was a series of mini-tours organised by Pathfinder Tours in conjunction with the Worcester Rail Day with 20 138 and 20 066 using two 4-car DMU sets (T404 + T412) as the hauled stock.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
53116 at Worcester behind 20138 and 20066. Lewis Bevan.
At Stoke Prior. Peter Tandy.
At Ashchurch. Peter Tandy.
At Stoke Edith. Peter Tandy.
At Stoke Edith. Peter Tandy.
11th December 1993 - The Clitheronian
A Ribble Valley Railway organized Santa Special tour using 101s.
101676 (51803 + 51205) + 101683 (53269 + 51177) at Preston. Kevin Dowd.
19th February 1994 - Radlett Roundabout
A tour using Class 117s L703 + L722 from London Liverpool Street to the Leicester area.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
51345 at Braunston Gate. John Law Collection.
The train during the stop at Braunston Gate. John Law Collection.
At London Liverpool Street. John Law.
At Kettering. John Law Collection.
At Bedford. John Law.
At Braunstone Gate Sidings. Adrian Nicholls.
At Kettering. Stuart Mackay Collection.
At Kettering. Stuart Mackay Collection.
29th May 1994 - The Devonport Docker
A Branch Line Society tour from Plymouth using GWR-liveried 117305.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
Running ECS through Liskeard Goods Yard. Adrian Nicholls.
7th May 2000 - Ringway Requiem
A BLS organised tour from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport Stone Terminal using the retro-green 101 685.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
53164 & 53160 on the Runway 2 Branch. Andrew J Crowther.
On the Manchester Airport Branch. Andrew J Crowther.
13/05/01 - Castleton and One
A Branch Line Society tour from Manchester Victoria using 101691 and 101693.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
At Hadfield. Stuart Mackay Collection.
21st December 2003 - Class 101 Farewell
Organised by First North Western this tour took 101676 (Regional Railways), 101693 (Strathclyde) and 101685 (green) from Manchester Piccadilly to Buxton, Morecambe, Heysham Port and Barrow in Furness.
The tour on Six Bells Junction website.
53164 on the rear at Manchester Piccadilly. Stuart Mackay.
The Daisy plate. Taken in Manchester Piccadilly before departure. Stuart Mackay.
51205 in Manchester Piccadilly. Stuart Mackay.
On board, before departing from Manchester Piccadilly. Stuart Mackay.
Taken from 51205 departing from Manchester Piccadilly. Stuart Mackay.
51205 at Buxton. Stuart Mackay.
53164 at Buxton. Stuart Mackay.
The train in Buxton station. Stuart Mackay.
The Buxton stop. Stuart Mackay.
51205 in Preston station. Stuart Mackay.
51205 in Preston. Stuart Mackay.
The train in Preston station on the outward leg. Stuart Mackay.
During the Preston stop. Stuart Mackay.
Inside 51205 on the rear of the train on the WCML between Preston and Lancaster. Stuart Mackay.
53164 at Morecambe. Stuart Mackay.
53164 at Morecambe. Stuart Mackay.
At Heysham. Stuart Mackay.
53164 at Barrow in Furness. Stuart Mackay.
Leaving Stockport. Ian Cuthbertson.