My favourite ‘spot’ for spotting!

One of my favourite places to photograph trains, passenger and freight, can be found in Lamesley, a small village setting which is overshadowed by a huge Railway Marshalling Area, Tyne Yard which I have lived near to for most of my 28 years. It is currently owned by DB Shenker, but was an EWS Yard during the time shortly following privatisation and a busy BR Yard previous to that. 
Once a bustling, busy, noisy Yard, it’s now a shadow of its former state, only seeing a few freight movements per day but it is visited by CrossCountry Trains Class 220/221 'Voyager' units whilst stabling overnight, and sees a fair bit of Charter Services stopping by on their steam hauled way via Newcastle for coal and water top-ups.
Not only that but as a bonus, the ECML runs right alongside its full length making it a decent place for a good photo opportunity.
Although it brings back many memories every time I stop of watching the trains go by with both my Grandad and Great-Grandad, I can’t help wonder just how many Loco’s, Freight Trains and Shunters hustled and bustled all day and all night! It must of been quite a place to see heyday!
There was recent talk about the site being shortlisted as the place to build the new Hitachi Super Express, however a new site was found further off into the Durham Countryside….shame, it could have seen the re-emergence of Tyne Yard as a busy bustling place once more! If I ever get to build a large model railway layout, I’d love to base it on this, my favourite spot.

		Tyne Yard VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

New Blog Title

Here is my logo for this Blog which was chosen by me to represent a Engine's name and shed plates. I cannot say it was created by me but a man I call the magician, my friend and colleague John Boundy. He works as a digital artist creating all sorts of fantastic imagery for use in card making, digital stamping and even tattoo ideas. It just so happens I work with him and he kindly created this especially for this blog!

You can see his other work at www.justinklined.com

New East Coast Livery

My favourite livery of any Privatised TOC was the wonderful Blue/Red combo with those large Gold lettering announcing that a GNER train set has just turned up!

However, gone are the days of GNER, the hugely popular owners of the ECML stock and we were left with, first, National Express’s largely unchanged white stripe technique and now Government owned East Coast Trains logos being added. Imaginative to say the least!

So it was a relief to see the choice for a total rethink (and repaint) was the strikingly bold Silver and Purple ensemble that I caught speeding along the stretch of line between Tyne Yard and Lamesley Junction.

Here are a few shots I found on a google search of the new livery which I think could be a good replacement for the iconic GNER colours.
 

Charity

My good deed for 2010 was finally achieved around 10th December after one of the things I had wanted to do all year was to donate to a charity!

After much deliberation I found one I really believe in....the 'Steam Our Scotsman' appeal by the National Railway Museum in York (I know, I know it's not a 'charity' as such!).

It's a request from the NRM for donations towards getting the most famous locomotive in the world, and my personal favourite No.4472, Class A3 'Flying Scotsman' back in steam and running mainline duties.

I cannot wait until this day happens!

Anyway, I donated in double figures to them and here is my lovely certificate for my kind act:

I'm now part of the 4472 club and am to recieve newsletters on the progress of the 'Flying Scotsman' restoration. My name will appear on the SOS Wall of Fame too, nice little touch.

If you'd like to donate or want to know more about the cause please visit http://www.flyingscotsman.org.uk/sos.aspx and give genorously!

Goodies Found!

Whilst telling to my work colleague and good friend Jak today about my new blog, she told me about her Husband, Chris who is currently adding scenery and buildings to his loft layout and is using a company called Scale Scenes. 

So whilst I'm on my lunch hour here, I've been over to their website which is fantastic for DIY Kits. Why not have a quick look by clicking on the link here Scale Scenes. I'm really interested in the Rail Depot and also the inspection pits for inside it, some great detail. I've always envisioned a depot scene on any future layout.

Locomotive Stock

After deciding to get my Loco Stock out of it’s storage state of well over a year, I held a test track session which was enjoyable to see my collection in full working order. It also allowed me to see which ones were good runners and highlight those with any squeaks or squeals.
So after cleaning a few of the motors up and brushing off any remnants of dust here is my current Loco Stock. There is no drive behind the Loco’s here seen; just simply some of my favourite classes together. I am hoping to give them a more solid surrounding by building a layout…..once I’ve decided what I want and finding the bloody room! Enjoy

Steam Loco’s VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Diesel Loco’s VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Electric Loco’s VIEW SLIDE SHOW DOWNLOAD ALL

Until next time……..

Welcome!

Welcome to Craig's Model Trains and Railway Adventures. I have created this blog to keep a diary of my current rolling stock and my visits to many railway locations, be it mainline, heritage or museum. I'll be photographing as much as possible, including model railway exhibitions and sharing them with you. I also hope to begin planning my own layout and will document any progress I make. So here goes, I'll begin by uploading images of my collection of Loco's and Rolling Stock. 

Hope you enjoy your visit! Now where's that camera?