Exclusive!

Ok here's a first!

I've just returned from a late night jaunt to Newcastle Central Station to see for the first time ever a Class 390 Pendolino visit the North East. No. 390 055 entered the station at 23:45 and departed 6 minutes later to head south to Kings Cross after beginning its journey at Edinburgh Waverley on a trial run on the ECML.

One of the best looking Trains in the world and at last I've seen one at my home station! Without further ado, heres the pictures from just an hour ago...

Thunderbird Class 57 awaits what we've all come to see...

Class 390 Pendolino no. 390 055 stands for the first time in Newcastle
Central Station

Under the wires of the ECML on its first trial run

Me!

After 6 minutes inside of Central Station the Pendolino now ready
to head south to London Kings Cross

I've seen some wonderful sights past and present in this grand old station I'm proud to call my home, but I must admit this was a massive highlight. I was joined by a few other photographers but I can say I was there that night and one of the first to see what hopefully becomes a more regular visitor to the ECML.

Until next time....

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