Rick's Pics http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/ 102 rows en-gb 60 Dean Forest TSR and rusty scrap collection. http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1732188.html If you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big suprise. If you go down to the woods today you'd better go in disguise. Etc etc. Sunday 26 July 2009: If you go down to the woods today you're sure of a big suprise. If you go down to the woods today you'd better go in disguise. Etc etc.

Nothing screams quality railway preservation like a 3rd rail electric off the juice. What's wrong with this picture? (Clue: Where's Jim?) Change for where? There's nothing there! The overnight train to nowhere. Britain's worst preserved Gronks? Nice shed. If the first CIG unit didn't do it for you, how about this one with all the windows smashed out? Beautiful. Big lift. What is this box controling?

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]]> Sun Jul 26 2009 ELR Deltic http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1729090.html ELR Deltic Sunday 12 July 2009: ELR Deltic

55022 at Heywood. 55022 at Bury, could be anywhere on the ECML though... 55022 on the Money Shot bridge.

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]]> Sun Jul 12 2009 MHR Diesel Gala http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1727492.html MHR Diesel Gala Saturday 30 May 2009: MHR Diesel Gala

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]]> Sat May 30 2009 Durham http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1727488.html Durham Friday 1 May 2009: Durham

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]]> Fri May 1 2009 Eastleigh Works Open Day http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1727483.html Eastleigh Works Open Day Sunday 24 May 2009: Eastleigh Works Open Day

ye blud dem sheds iz old skool. Where do you think you're going?! Tidy looking M7. Bulleid line up. Rebuilt Light Pacifics. 20 line up. BEAST! 73 line up. Pedface on the diesel crane. Lordy lordy. 50026 'Dyson'. Unnnngh. Broadlands. Tasty Load Haul 50. Slammerz. 33002 and a Rat. Cheeky old dock shunter. Cheery newer dock shunter. Eastleigh Lakeside Railway's Lord Nelson going at the speed of sound. Coronation, which used to be at Syon Park. 850 going to bed. 4498.

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]]> Sun May 24 2009 Wasted Hour Railway Opening http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1688488.html Wasted Hour Railway Opening Tuesday 7 April 2009: Wasted Hour Railway Opening

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]]> Tue Apr 7 2009 Bo'ness Charter http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1688480.html Bo'ness Charter Friday 27 February 2009: Bo'ness Charter

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]]> Fri Feb 27 2009 Steam, Steel, Stars and all the Wrong Locos Gala. http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1688472.html Steam, Steel, Stars and all the Wrong Locos Gala. Saturday 25 April 2009: Steam, Steel, Stars and all the Wrong Locos Gala.

Bunker first action. The Auto Spit-Roast. The FRS running in the valley. FRS at Carrog. 5526 at Carrog. 5526 on the freight trough Berwyn. 44806 climbing towards Berwyn Tunnel. Are you lost? 9017 on the freight. 44806 and 'Royal not as good as Scots Guardsman' on the express set. 5526 with the Isabelle coaches. D49 at Llangollen. 6100 working the goods. Pannier Sandwich. 9017 on the Cambrian Coast Express. Pantastic. Trains in the Valleys. Another average shot of this cheeky train. 5526 heads light engine through Berwyn, heading for Llangollen. There's that Autotrain again! City of Truro, not going at 100mph today. Money Shot.

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]]> Sat Apr 25 2009 21st Feb 2009 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1659263.html Today brough one steam tour out of London and one going in within minutes of each other, then some easy chasing between Waterloo and Clapham. Saturday 21 February 2009: Today brough one steam tour out of London and one going in within minutes of each other, then some easy chasing between Waterloo and Clapham.

60065 at Barnes. 35028 at Putney with the VSOE. 34067 minutes later, also at Putney. 47787 mixing with a load of plastic. 47787 at Vauxhall with the ECS to Clapham Yard. 66016 at Clapham Junction. Tangmere simmering in Clapham Yard. Tangmere heads for Kensington Olympia. 47787 at Queens Town Road. Tangmere powering out of London at Vauxhall.

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]]> Sat Feb 21 2009 2009 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1652447.html Random photos from 2009. Thursday 1 January 2009: Random photos from 2009.

4-VEP 3417 heading for the Bluebell Railway, through Surbiton. 73109 in the back. 97304 John Tiley near Cosford. Clan line at Esher. 159 at Esher. Oliver Cromwell at Byfleet and New Haw. 37075 at Kingsley and Froghall 9691 working up to Parkend.

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]]> Thu Jan 1 2009 The Van http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1652421.html My British Rail Bedford HA 110 van. Friday 30 January 2009: My British Rail Bedford HA 110 van.

On the rented trailer, the day after Bob and I went to get it from South Wales. Spending a lot the summer in my bosses garden. On the back of Steve's recovery truck. Back at work, ready for the main work to start. Rubbing shoulders with the greats Pt 1: The shitty Dispatch. Riding the blue fork truck (beast). A sign of things to come... The only wheelie that van'll ever do! A final photo in green. Ready for grey primer. Going grey. Gav spraying the primer. All finished in grey. Now time for the yellow. The bonnet. Yes, it is VERY yellow! Gav finishing off. Petrol cap. The back doors on. Finished in yellow. Rubbing shoulders with the greats Pt 2: Gav's Passion Wagon. Posed 1. Posed 2. Posed 3. Posed 4. Snow, River Severn in the background. Snow More snow.

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]]> Fri Jan 30 2009 Half Term http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1605300.html Half Term Saturday 1 November 2008: Half Term

44806 storming up Berwyn Bank. Through Berwyn Station. 46443 hits the bottom of Eardington Bank in fine style. Becca giving a Great Western 'Green Tender Engine Class' loco a right pasting! The Ivatt arriving at Highley. Another poor atmept at a pan shot.

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]]> Sat Nov 1 2008 GCR Diesel Gala http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1605237.html GCR Diesel Gala Sunday 14 September 2008: GCR Diesel Gala

Lineside Vegetation. What a little beauty! VEG! I LOVE that childish graffiti! Pedface. Tit.

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]]> Sun Sep 14 2008 Children's Hellfire http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1605205.html Children's Hellfire Friday 10 October 2008: Children's Hellfire

Transport to London for the weeked. Proper train. Look out Thomas! Oh look Lewis, a tram. Why don't you try and crash it? Lego Hydraulic. Lego Desiro. Lego LT Pannier! Lego kettle. Lego HST. Lego 37411! My Lords! Lego Bone. The Lego Eurostar heads for the Lego French Alps. Lego Waterloo. Lego Grid! Lego on track plant for Gibbo! Lego Boner! Lego Satlash bridge. Lego Headless Chicken. Lego London Underground. I wonder if there's a Lego suicide bomber in there? Lego Bog Unit. Get in. Drayton Manor: Thomas Land! Cheeky! Bit of tunnel thrash. WIDE IT! Very troublesome trucks.

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]]> Fri Oct 10 2008 August 08 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1605101.html August 08 Friday 1 August 2008: August 08

76079 getting away from Harlech. Black 5s on the Fifteen Guinea Pigs Special. The 5s start from Appleby. Dennis Norden Rail wiesel unit on the S&C. The Cambrian climbing away from Penrhyn. 76079 at Criccieth Blanche pulling out of TYB - thanks to Gibbo and Kev for the swearing... The Countess climbing Golfa Bank. The Countess puffering along. Everyone's bestest... ...just before Rich broke it!

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]]> Fri Aug 1 2008 Carnforth http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1551633.html Carnforth Saturday 26 July 2008: Carnforth

'30s flashback, 5690 'Leander' is cleaned on shed.

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]]> Sat Jul 26 2008 KWVR Wiesel Gala http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1525032.html Yet another Diesel Gala and a my new camera's first proper test. Saturday 7 June 2008: Yet another Diesel Gala and a my new camera's first proper test.

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]]> Sat Jun 7 2008 May http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1522733.html Some of the first photos with my new camera and some of my most average photography taken on my phone's camera. All in one glorious album for your 37 viewing pleasures. Monday 26 May 2008: Some of the first photos with my new camera and some of my most average photography taken on my phone's camera. All in one glorious album for your 37 viewing pleasures.

37417 'Richard Trevithick' rolls into Minffordd. 37417 at Pwllheli 37417 running round its stock. 37417 climbing the bank into Criccieth. 37417 climbing out of Minffordd. 37401 waiting at Machynlleth. 37417 heads into Machynlleth after being checked at the signals. 37401 and 37417 thrashing up Talerddig Bank. 37401 heads 'The Welsh Mountaineer' tour with 37417 at Stafford. Brilliantly average photo, I think you'll agree. However, this picture isn't as average as the one Al took of the Ped in the section behind us at Burton! 37417 in the platform at Stafford, if Richard Trevithick could see the state of the loco named after him, he'd probably roll over in his grave and stick two fingers up at EWS! 'Bobby Terrific' at The Junction. The 37s run round at Blaenau. Two Cass 37s and The Square in one place. I was a mess. Mmmmmm, that's average. We'll call it a record shot. I bet they never saw 'that' coming! The tour's leary driver is about to ruin us all with a thrashtastic run-round at Llandudno Junction. We're all about it. Seminar Shot from Al's camera.

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]]> Mon May 26 2008 Swanage Raaailway Wiesel Gala and Real Ale Twat Fest http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1522278.html Swanage Raaailway Wiesel Gala and Real Ale Twat Fest Friday 9 May 2008: Swanage Raaailway Wiesel Gala and Real Ale Twat Fest

Our mainline move, 50049 from Weymouth to Wareham. 37906 clags up on the bank towards Harmans Cross. Dusk closing in as the beerex charges towards Corfe Castle. 37906 at Corfe Castle. D6515 at Corfe Castle. BR(S) moment at Corfe. Spoon Goon. Diesels and beer, Lewis is in heaven. Lewis, about to topple a Mk1 coach over. Drunken night stoatography. Lweis is so damn cool. He's happy because he knows that this idiot's about to empty his wallet in exchange for a bin-liner full of donner meat! Bob feeling worse for wear on Saturday morning. A train named after a beer. Jon having the best trip of his life behind the 66. Fuzzy Drunken Seminar.

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]]> Fri May 9 2008 2008 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1501529.html Half decent photos from 2008 that don't really fit into any other collections. Monday 29 December 2008: Half decent photos from 2008 that don't really fit into any other collections.

221109 'Marco Polo', at Bagillt, 25/01/08. 37401 on the 6D19 Warrington Arpley - Holyhead RTZ, seen at Bagillt, 25/01/08. 37401 in the yard at Llandudno Junction, this was it's last day in Royal Scotsman Maroon livery, 25/01/08. 37401 powers towards Penmaenmawr, 25/01/08. Merddin Emrys at Pen Cob on the Ffestiniog Railway. Merddin on Cei Mawr, Ffestiniog Railway. Prairie 4566 climbing Eardington Bank on the Severn Valley Railway. 45110 arriving at Hampton Loade on the Severn Valley Railway, 26/04/08. 45110 departing Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway, 26/04/08. Snowdon Mountain Railway 37422 powering through Fflint. Duchess of Southerland coasting through Holywell Junction 37401 at Shifnal

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]]> Mon Dec 29 2008 Severn Valley Diesel Gala http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1501520.html Big Wiesels take over the SVR. Friday 25 April 2008: Big Wiesels take over the SVR.

20... The train for Specials. The 20 departing Hampton Blow-My Loade. 37906 and 37901 blast out of the Tunnel. 50049 at Bewdly (check out the framing with a lamp post). Tunnel Thrash on tap. A Big loco. The train for Fruits. He loves those Wiesels. Look at that Log! Alex having the best trip of his life. Two Vacs in one place and there's Al again! The Lawnmower at Bewdly. A happy bunch with 50044. I rate that! Dave the Warship. The Slugs at Kidderminster. SR lover. Treat of the weekend! Still no tea. *Cough cough* That loco is hard! D1013 Western Loser. ED the diesel at Arley. Slug 6 at Bewdly. The /9s meet at Bewdly. 37901 arriving at Bewdly. D1013. Great. Alex was so pleased when he read the roster and saw he was to be my Second Man! Hi Kiev. You art in the cob of D444, or another Class 50. Tim.

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]]> Fri Apr 25 2008 Easter 08 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1497990.html Another Easter at the FR. Friday 21 March 2008: Another Easter at the FR.

The collection of people who needed a bit of Square in their lives. Monkey gets ready. The Square's first turn in Green. Berks! Beer-Past at Dduallt. Monkey tops up the tanks from the woeful tower at Blaenau. He's happy! Yuppie Invasion. Lilla looking mean with with no cab. Tim with the fixometer. Liiiiiiiilla. Nice. Oh dear. I'm never one to miss a photo. Lewis is SO professional, eating off a plate while firing! That's better! Me loving 37240 at Llangollen!

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]]> Fri Mar 21 2008 Previously Unpublished Filth from 2007 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1497957.html A load of old toss I couldn't be bothered to publish for months and months. Some go back to the Summer. Monday 31 December 2007: A load of old toss I couldn't be bothered to publish for months and months. Some go back to the Summer.

76079 heading to Porthmadog. A 158 heads leaves Porthmadog. Blanche at Pen Cob. 76079 climbing away from Penrhyn. 76079 crossing the river before Penrhyn. 76079 comes off the the speed restriction on the bridge. Blanche at Blaenau, that bucket's cool as fuck! The Square at 100mph Straight. 37410 at Euston. 50049 at Euston. D8188 at Kidderminster. 45110 at Safari Curve on the SVR.

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]]> Mon Dec 31 2007 The Deltic Pioneer http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1464382.html The greatest day of our lives! Liverpool to Edinburgh and our first time on a Dronex, we loved every minute; right from the alarms going off at 04:30, the taxi at 05:00, the late departure from Liverpool Lime Street at 06:55 to the end back at Manchester Victoria. Saturday 23 February 2008: The greatest day of our lives! Liverpool to Edinburgh and our first time on a Dronex, we loved every minute; right from the alarms going off at 04:30, the taxi at 05:00, the late departure from Liverpool Lime Street at 06:55 to the end back at Manchester Victoria.

55022 ready to depart Edinburgh. Me drinking my quality wine. Jeff and Zontar. Thumbs up for Monkey. Zontar's Dad. The Ops Neds came and invaided our coach. Team foto with Zontar. The mascots. We love RMBs. RSG at Manc Vic. The Spoon Goons get what they came out for! It's all over, for now.

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]]> Sat Feb 23 2008 Photos taken from a Birdseye view http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1442666.html Aerial photography is cool, but I can't afford to go up in a plane. So, here's some photos taken for a Birdseye view. Wednesday 16 January 2008: Aerial photography is cool, but I can't afford to go up in a plane. So, here's some photos taken for a Birdseye view.

Happy in the box. This isn't so bad. Oh, that doesn't looks so good. Great pain. Oh God, what's that?! HELP US! Game over.

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]]> Wed Jan 16 2008 Llangollen Raaailway Wiesel Gala http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1385667.html A great day at Llangollen, the weather was good and top thrash was in hand. Rick and Simon turned up and there was even a spot of topless flailing... Sunday 7 October 2007: A great day at Llangollen, the weather was good and top thrash was in hand. Rick and Simon turned up and there was even a spot of topless flailing...

I wanted my car to look it's best for the big day, so I've gone for my own take on BR Crimson and Cream livery. We do like those 'framed by a signal' shots. D1566 'Orion' departs Llangollen with the first proper train of the day. The Duff running on to the coaches at Carrog. Crossing the River Dee. You can't blame them for wanting to hide the Spoon at Llangollen. D8142 at Llangollen Goods Junction with a freight train. Look at that! A genuine, bellowing, Eastfield Scottie Dog. That's a Hellfire pet! 03162 at Carrog. 46010 heads along the valley floor to Glyndyfrdwy. The Bomb hauls the Freight. A Wardrobe on a Freight is such a treat that I had to take several pictures of it. The Moose heads for Carrog. That's Racid! D5401 was a bit of a let down to be honest, but it looks good on the Freight at Money Shot Curve. The Chopper is seen again, heading out of Carrog. The 20 featuring in my latest 'going away' shot. The biggest loco on the line, 37240; heading for Carog in a rare burst of sunshine. Simon's doing the honors with the flailing. That loco is sex on twelve wheels. What's this?! Two of them? I don't know where to look. If you leave a loco stood about for too long, Lineside Vegetation will inevitably grow on it. 37901, ready to go to Corwen... Check out those fivers on the bridge! Hellfire thrash from 37240 as it accelerates out of Carrog, look at Rick giving it 'all that'! The Cheeky Peaky arriving at Carrog with the Freight, look at all the Wagon Wankers in the leading Brake Van. Slug 1 ready to take over the Freight. That Peak is happy because it's resting in a platform. Bombs away. The /9 leaving Glyndyfrdwy.

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]]> Sun Oct 7 2007 Models http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1367518.html Models Sunday 9 September 2007: Models

STOAT!

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]]> Sun Sep 9 2007 Crich Tramway Museum http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1362807.html Crich Tramway Museum Saturday 1 September 2007: Crich Tramway Museum

Glasgow Corporation No.22 and Leeds City Transport No.180 at the end of the line at Crich. Lewis has done a bit of an Audio-tour in the workshop viewing gallery. We listened to it and it went something like this - Liverpool 869 in the workshop at Crich. Grimsby and Immingham Electric Raaailway Carr No.14 - a tram owned by BR!!! Probably the most Hellfire Tram in the world! It's just a shame it has to live at the back of the museum. London Transport No.1622, a Big EE of a tram. Metropolitan Electric Tramways No.331, quite a beast. This is the loco Lewis used to twat another tram with and get himself banned from driving - or something like that! Get on that! Supertram. Steam Tram and Trailer. Glasgow 1282. Becca and Sandra having a drink. 180 passes the deopt. Leeds 180 and Leeds 345. Chesterfield Corporation No.7 and Southampton Corporation Tramways No.45 on wedding duties at Crich. 180 about to leave for another circuit. Paisley Dirstrict Tramways 68 passing the Red Lion pub. The view of Derbyshire from the window of 180. The deopt and museum at Crich.

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]]> Sat Sep 1 2007 Midland Railway Centre http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1361736.html Midland Railway Centre Sunday 2 September 2007: Midland Railway Centre

Ha ha, one for you Tom! Not all the 141s got sent to Iran, the really naughty one got sent to the Midland Railway Centre! I'd have a grumpy face if I had to live at the Midland Railway Centre. Oh and someone'd painted me maroon... Wooden push-along seminar! Now then, that's the sort of Big EE that I can really get on the back of. Shame there's nowhere to run it... Get on that! Peekys of the Cheeky variety. Battered Ped and chips please. Kirtley would turn over in his grave if he could see this 'museum'. Woodheadtastic. That Jinty needed my love. Maggie. This 5 Inch Brit was the most rateable kettle we saw all day. Quality. What a toy. Scale Hellfire. Nice bit of Tunnel Thrash. Why?! The MRC has more splitter groups than you can shake a stick at, one of which is a religious sect... I think it must be so the volunteers can go and pray for their sins. 'This' however, is just stupid. The Golden Shower Railway's (another splitter group) loco looks quite inadequate! For some unknown reason there's a load of architect's models on display in the woeful shop at Swanick, this one made me laugh as it's 'protective case' has colapsed and destroyed it! While we were in the terrible signal box display (none of the levers worked, not because they were locked - just because they were fucked) Roger found this toy gun and tried to kill himself with it. I say with no pride that this is the Midland Railway Centre Money Shot... 73129 clags as it's fireman overdoes it again. It looks like there'some railway out there, but it actually ends by the signal box. 73129's crew - quite literally 'all dressed up with nowhere to go'!

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]]> Sun Sep 2 2007 Telford Steam Raaailway Centre of Excellence http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1336088.html I've never laughed so much at a Preserved 'Railway'! Sunday 29 July 2007: I've never laughed so much at a Preserved 'Railway'!

The sign says it all really Terry LOVES that Leyland Demonstrator! Aaah, so THIS is where the Nightstar ended it's days... Every self respecting preserved railway should have a fireless engine! I must admit I was suprised and disappointed that there wasn't the rusting hulk of a Bulleid Pacific anywhere to be seen. Get on that! A BR rail car. I risked getting my head torn off to take this shot out the window. The Cheeky Peckett gets a drink after the slog. Here's the model 31 that made Tom and I piss ourselves! It has a camera on board and we were lucky enough to see footage of it colliding with the back of it's own train - in a tunnel! He loves those trains. Stoat! Industrial. This picture is just to show you what the TSR don't want you to realise. The two 'ends' of the 'railway' are actually spitting distance apart! On the left by the good shed is 'Spring Village' and on the right by the sign is 'Horsehay and Dawley'. The Peckett getting a thrashing it'll never forget! I guess that's the TSR Money Shot! Every good Railway has a narrow gauge splitter group, Telford's one features a 2ft Steam Tram, which was terrifying! The Tram. I take back what I said, this is the Money Shot. Tom trying his best not to laugh in the cab of 'Rocket'. Driver's eye view of some track you're not allowed on! Why wouldn't I be happy?! Grotty DMU I quite liked. 'Special' is the right word to use! The most rateable thing there. Fucking Zero! Hellfire model Western. The only proper engine you'll see at the TSR! Had to be done.

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]]> Sun Jul 29 2007 End of Southern Steam 40th Anniversary http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1326475.html End of Southern Steam 40th Anniversary Monday 9 July 2007: End of Southern Steam 40th Anniversary

34016 heads downbank to Ropley. 41312 on a local. 35008 climbing away from Ropley. 34007 'Wadebridge' being powered up the bank by the Shredder! 73029 arriving at Meadstead and Four Marks. The Ivatt on a cheeky freight. The D6Fiver on an Engineers Train. Monster. 35008 climbing the Alps. 34007 at Alton. 35008 at Alton. Bulleid pacifics together at Alton. 35008 gets ready to depart with a breakdown train. The Breakdown train climbing towards Four Marks. 34007 with the Cunarder. I should really call this something like Southern Steam Sunset... But I wont! Train crossing at Harmans Cross. Pissed-up night photography rules! There's nowhere else I'd prefer to be on a Saturday night. A proper 'Steam Railway Gallery' picture! 34081 '92 Squadron' heading towards Corfe Castle. 30053 pauses at Corfe Castle. The M7 heads for Swanage with Corfe Castle in the background. A Standard Tank and a Light Pacific pass at Corfe Castle. 73129 on a Waterloo Express. 80104 working away from Norden. 80078 on the blocks at Swanage. 80104 heading for Swanage. 80078 pilots 34081 with an London bound express. This was common on the Swanage Branch to save on paths for light engine moves. Crompton, cop! The M7 at Harmans Cross. 30053 shunting. 80078 crossing the arch bridge at Corfe Castle. 73129 accelerating off the 5mph slack on the climb away from Swanage. It was epic! 73129 heading for Corfe Castle. 30053 gasping towards Harmans Cross. 80104 arriving at Corfe Castle. 76079 departing Corfe Castle. 34081 climbing away from Swanage. The Money Shot! Pan shot of 80104.

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]]> Mon Jul 9 2007 P Party! http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1326409.html P Party! Saturday 14 July 2007: P Party!

Finishing touches being added at Sam's. The walk of shame through town. Non, Pebbles. Cerys, Posidon. Phoebe, Pineapple. Percy at Port. MC Pimp. Bonks, Playboy Bunny. Rimmer, Psycho. Aidan, Presley. Pete, Paris Hilton. Lewis, Phantom of the Opera. Tom, Prisoner. Panda, Popeye. Sam, Penny Crayon. Ann, Penelope Pitstop. Linda, Pixie. Becca, Peacock. Percy at TYB. Percy doesn't know where to look! Pimpin' big stylee. Sam, Pensioner. Roger, Pinl Panther. Yes! There's always time for a quick Seminar! Who's that? Primate. Beth, Pregnant (very realistic)! Bruce, Politician. No idea who took this but it wasn't me because I'm in it! Look at Bruce, I think he's been at the Big EEs again! Geoff's going mental! Bruce having a good old flail. Monkey, Policeman (plus my wig). Cerys making a visit to the floor. MC - you're cool! Aah look, it's what appears to be a politician falling out with a prostitute! Sam, you're awful.

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]]> Sat Jul 14 2007 Week in Port http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1326392.html A week off work spent in Wales. God my bank balance hates me! Tuesday 10 July 2007: A week off work spent in Wales. God my bank balance hates me!

Rolley Polley Terry. Hungover Swingers! Group shot at Dduallt, just before Guesthouse tried to kill RSJ! Yes, the World Famous is a good place to come for a sleep! BBQ at No1. Karaoke night in the Aussie. They love that 150! I think Tom's face here sums up our oppinion of the Wetherspoons in Llandudno. Jules and Emily missing the tram. Going up the Orme. Oh yes, this Tramwaaaay is powered by EE! Cez 'driving' the tram. Goats for Shagging. No, Smoking, ok. No Standing Up, ok. No Flailing?! I think not! Tom taking his life in his hands for that Flail. Golfists. Tim, that's going to cost you a few shots! We kicked that golf courses back door in. The worst bar in the world at the top of the Orme. The scariest childs playground in the world. What a 5! A better pub in Llandudno. Emily passed out - lightwieght! Cerys - what the hell are you? He's happy, who wouldn't be, at the Spooners Quiz? Rabbat - he loves drinking. New Rave Nick. Sam, those answers just aren't coming - no matter how much you stare at the questions!

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]]> Tue Jul 10 2007 The GREAT John Orme Tramway Raaaailway http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1326365.html The GREAT John Orme Tramway Raaaailway Thursday 12 July 2007: The GREAT John Orme Tramway Raaaailway

The view from the bottom end of the tram on the bottom section. The works at the middle station. Tram No6 arriving at the middle station. The Great Orme Money Shot! Trams pass on the top section. Tram No4 ready to depart for the bottom. Tram No5 climbing away fron Llandudno. Trams pass on the bottom section.

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]]> Thu Jul 12 2007 Steam in Liverpool http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1299992.html Tom and I set out to Love 45407 up Lime Street Bank. It turned out to be one of those days where everything came up Rick and Terry. Sunday 10 June 2007: Tom and I set out to Love 45407 up Lime Street Bank. It turned out to be one of those days where everything came up Rick and Terry.

47851 brings the train into Lime Street. The Spoon's D number. Terry berking 45407 on his phone. 45407 at Lime Street. Why?! It's not a go-faster edition, having a name wont make it steam any better. It's just pointless and it looks shit! AAAAAARHG! Permission to look unimpressed... Ready to get it's back door kicked in. Smelly Treat. The 5 tanking through Edge Hill. 45407 at Earlstown. Ready for the Duff Drag back to Liverpool. Being a Kettlex, the people on this train were neglecting 1648 somewhat. I thought it only right that I show it some love. I heart Spoons. 45407 during a cheeky shunt for water. Scouse Berk wearing his best Cow Fucking boots. After all, it gets very muddy at Liverpool Lime Street Station... 45407 heads the last shuttle of the day.

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]]> Sun Jun 10 2007 May Bank http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1290724.html I think the only way to describe our activities over this weekend is as follows: "We went out and got shitted up, with a golf theme". Oh yes, I also managed to LOVE some trains. Saturday 26 May 2007: I think the only way to describe our activities over this weekend is as follows: "We went out and got shitted up, with a golf theme". Oh yes, I also managed to LOVE some trains.

Monkey's top machine at Rhiw Plas. DLG on Tylers Curve. Blanche at Tro Keepers. Merddin in Cai Valley. Sam lines up another winning shot! Cerys being uncharacteristically good at Crazy Golf... Playerz. We are so golfy! Post play drinks in the 'Club House'. The Pub Golf kicks off. Sam get's the evening's first hole in one! The game rolls through the station. Aiden getting a hole in one the hard way. It should be illegal to be this drunk while it's still light outside! WEEEEEEEDGE! The game finds us back in the Club House, Monkey doesn't look impressed! MC gets them in. Pen Cob. DLG at Rhiw Goch. Aaah, yet another cheeky line-up! Pawl getting down wid it. ARTHUR! Geoff doing his DJ harrasment bit. Nice hat! Hellfire dancing. More Dancing. You'll never guess which country Geoff's in?! Becca also harassing Lewis (he bloody needs it!). Bruce B. What can I say? That lad is absolutely ripped up to the tits on BIG EEs! Cezman makes a trip to the floor after the party. MC seminar! Eric on the Longshed Pit. Hi Kiev. You are on the Britomart or another engine on the railway. Tim. Kev doing a Monkey on the Cob.

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]]> Sat May 26 2007 Inactive Weekend http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1274035.html Another event at the World Famous, I had a star turn in the form of Second Manning the Moel Hebog on the Saturday - hence all the 'Three Quater View from the Groundfame' shots... Saturday 5 May 2007: Another event at the World Famous, I had a star turn in the form of Second Manning the Moel Hebog on the Saturday - hence all the 'Three Quater View from the Groundfame' shots...

First, here's some pics from a few weeks ago that I've downloaded off my phone. You really do find some great stuff in the rag bin! Roland wearing Shiela's old trousers... On his HEAD! Tribute. Left to Right, Sam, Ted, Aiden, Roland, Nick, Terry, Panda, Lee, Roger, Me, Rob, Bob and Robco. Treat at Minffordd. DLG makes a characteristically un-hellfire departure from Port with Terry at the controls. I rate this however, it's a big train! The almost inevetable going-away shot. Merddin by the Custom House. Vintageness at Port. A cheeky line-up. Membaar digs in as Merddin departs. Tal makes it's exit. How many drivers does Velinheli need? Four apparently. He is happy because he is firing the DLG. Oh Sir, I take my hat off to you, that is a SPLENDID bit of Knitwear. Ted learing out of the Eric. Velinhellfire! I must admit, I never saw this cheeky move coming! MONSTER! My Old Dutch. Trainspotting Lamb. Five! Filthy Hunslut. Knitwear mark two. That's a UP Challenger knitted into that jumper - special. Tez and Cez on the Cob. Party People. They're happy. Tom, what are you doing? Mad for it. Beautiful. Hi Bankers. Nick, you are a treat. Taking the job seriously at Rhiw Goch. The Depravity Train at Rhiw Goch. Ted finally gave in to his Skat cravings on Sunday night, filth. Eric at Dduallt. 'Miller Loves Men', says it all really.

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]]> Sat May 5 2007 Weekend Dahn Saaarf: Sunday http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1262873.html Cezman's big day. We went to support her, which meant drinking at shouting at her when she ran past. Sunday 22 April 2007: Cezman's big day. We went to support her, which meant drinking at shouting at her when she ran past.

Terry, he's happy because he's on a refurbished 455. Me having a Marathon of my own - oh wait, they renamed it to Snickers. Drinking in Green-wich Park at ten in the morning, we are classy people. The Landan Skyline. A magic moment as I twat Tom with my Holiday Inn inflateable noise maker. Organic breakfast. A Rihno doing the Marathon. A very crowded train between Greenwhich and London Bridge. Super cool building. Super cool bridge. The Gerkin. Tom looking moody. Happy burger face. Terry and Emily waiting for Cerys. Phoebe and Rimmer also waiting. A Camel doing the Marathon. Lyneth, Rimmer and Phoebe in a prime location. HMS Belfast. It's all over now. Terry dressed as a giant Kit Kat. I love Iced Tea, but not as much as I LOVE Trains. Outside the Queens Head in Hammersmith, Terry is a happy little boy. Two phlids who came for breakfast in Teddinton on Monday morning. What are they?

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]]> Sun Apr 22 2007 Weekend Dahn Saaarf: Saturday http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1262849.html Terry and I hit the Bluebell Raaailway in a tourist stylee. That involves riding their trains, buying crap in their shop, eating in their cafe, taking shit pictures from their platforms and drinking in their bars... Saturday 21 April 2007: Terry and I hit the Bluebell Raaailway in a tourist stylee. That involves riding their trains, buying crap in their shop, eating in their cafe, taking shit pictures from their platforms and drinking in their bars...

455 Electric Multiple Orgasm no5874 arrives at Wandsworth Town - we were there to love Clan Line. The end of the NR line at East Grinsted. Socks and Sandals - a truely British Berk trait. Kingscote Station with 80151 in the background. 80151 ready to depart Kingscote. Kingscote 1955? Stepney I LOVE Standards! Me and my new best friend - the driver of a Standard 4 Tank. The 'other' Fenchurch T-Shirt. 32473 arrives at Sheffield Park. Berk Grove. 1638 32473 Heads for Horsted Keynes. 80151 arrives back at Sheffield Park. 80151 up close. MK1 RMB - a cool coach. 'Fucking Lout'. 32472 at Horsted Keynes. I love a Superfine Shag. Driving Sharpthorne is almost as scary as driving Fire Fly. He he he! Not sure if I'd love a Full Flavour Nosegay... 80151 arriving at Horsted Keynes. Another quality 'End of the platform' shot - PJ would be proud. 80151 at Horsted Keynes. Cheeky flail with 377125. Carlsberg and an EMU - I'm in Flavour Country (Not Nosegay Flavour). Cezman getting the Pizzas in at Lynman's flat. A bit of MCR on the TV caught my camera's eye.

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]]> Sat Apr 21 2007 Emo Night! http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1257713.html From the people that brought you Chav and Rap night... It's EMO NIGHT!!! Piercings, eye-liner, skinney jeans, belts that aren't even looped in and miserable, MISERABLE faces! We hate our parents! Friday 6 April 2007: From the people that brought you Chav and Rap night... It's EMO NIGHT!!! Piercings, eye-liner, skinney jeans, belts that aren't even looped in and miserable, MISERABLE faces! We hate our parents!

Rimmer and Dani Filth - uncanny! Helen and Amy Lee from Evanescence. Cerys and Avril Lavigne. Tom and Benji Madden from Good Charlotte. Me and Gerard from My Chemical Romance. Benji, who's belt is looking a bit sorry for it's self... Cezril, stealing some money off those facist bloodhounds. Bax - looking pretty damn scary! Benji, just come out of the toilets. He was probably either doing graffiti or crying about something. Emos at the bar. Emo arses. Fackin Goff Wankars. Aaah, Emos in their natural habitat, on a bench in a shelter of some description. Nick doesn't even have to try! Oh deeeeear. Sharp Emos. Don't fear us - we're just like you. Emos getting their claws into Monkey. Pierced lip Emos. Tom's got the sad Emo face down to an art! 'Normals'. Gerard belting out one of MCR's hits. Drunk Emos.

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]]> Fri Apr 6 2007 Easter http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1256818.html Ag ag ag! Thursday 5 April 2007: Ag ag ag!

Tom between takes on the set of 'Boston Lodge Engine FUCKERS III'. He's happy, for obvious reasons! Hi Ponda, You're thumbs our up. Tim This is what happens when you leave your camera out while Tom's about... The FR's fuel diversity project isn't all that divese, so we've converted the Prince to burn Ricks. Cheeky Sea King flying low over Boston Lodge. We all went to wave Tim past on his bestest puffer. The stupid thing about this photo is that we were going up! Roger having a lovely pint of Carlsberg, with what looks a lot like a Ford Fiesta's ariel in it! This is what happens when a 37 comes up the Cambrian. How DARE he call me a Paint Veg?! In the end only Bruce, Roger and Myself waited untill it came. At 03:10 37406 ruined us all and I think it was the most HELLFIRE thing I've ever seen. The Variety Club Sunshine Bus unloaded it's passengers. Intrepid walkers, Cez is slowly going the same colour as her mac! English out (and about, in Wales). Aiden at the top. Lunch at the summit and an action shot of Rimmer trying to get Emily to hold a stone! Well done that man. Team foto at the top of Moelwyn Mawr. Aiden in a cage, best place for him. That's a cool Dam. A typically leary picture of Pete. Ted was at the FR over Easter, he was promoting his new book.

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]]> Thu Apr 5 2007 Mad March (inc Mini Zilla) http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1244733.html FR, Wiesels and a cheeky Mini-Zilla in Scouseland. Friday 30 March 2007: FR, Wiesels and a cheeky Mini-Zilla in Scouseland.

Tal observing the 10mph slack at Pen Cob, very exciting I think you'll all agree. The Ricket heads for Port. Prince and Blanche at 'Pen Cob super mainline point and headshunt centre'. 46010 in the snow at Carrog. Nosey Wiesel. Cheeky WMU at Carrog. Check that clag and glint action! The DMU heads for Llangollen. Slug 1 rolls into Carrog. Check out the Brucey Bonus window-hanging the front coach! The Peak and my car - before some Billend drove into it. 66101 on the viaduct at Coalbrookedale. Lyneth, Stuey and Laura near the start of Mini Zilla. Lyneth and Terry in the Phil. Aaah, my Poooding. Rimmer eating his Pooooooooding, charming! THAT was good Pooooooooooooooding. Rimmer passed out in the Phil. He's back in the game, in the Swan. Tom and Jane in the Swan. Lyneth in the Swan. Karaoke in the Excelsior. Tez and I going wild on a bit of Haddaway. Stuey, clearly loving the Karaoke. Alice has a go. Linkin Park... What has my hair become?!

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]]> Fri Mar 30 2007 Mid-Hants Spring Gala http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1223984.html The Burry Bummer and I went to the Mid-Hants and got drenched. I'm ashamed to admit it, but the highlight of the day was a trip over The Alps behind a Western engine. Sunday 4 March 2007: The Burry Bummer and I went to the Mid-Hants and got drenched. I'm ashamed to admit it, but the highlight of the day was a trip over The Alps behind a Western engine.

30585 at Ropley. Sssssschteeeeeam Stoat. Cop! 34016 Bodmin in light steam at Ropley. 73096 climbing to Four Marks. 32473 'Berk Grove' at Four Marks. Rich is such a professional stoat that he wont even LOOK at an engine going tender first! 35005 Canadian Pacific climbing to Four Marks. 35005 up close. 41312 tanking up the bank. 73096 heading for Ropley. Can Pac running round at Arlesford. The Cheeky Beattie on a Freight. Gasping. 35005 chattering out of Arlesford Cutting. 35005 slips its way out of Ropley. Foam! exL.&.S.W.R P.o.r.n. 73096 arrives at Ropley. You've gotta love Std5s. Check out this window hanging baby! His mum has to hold him back, he's mad for it! (Probably called Nathaniel). Real Ale Twat (drinking John Smiths). Fucking Lout. The Ivatt runs round at Alton. The Ivatt climbing to Four Marks. 35005 crosses 41312 at Four Marks. 32473 also crosses 41312 at Four Marks.

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]]> Sun Mar 4 2007 More Ancient History: A guest photo-shoot from two stoats http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1213324.html This is what happens if you leave your camera with Alex and Roger... Monday 19 February 2007: This is what happens if you leave your camera with Alex and Roger...

This is a very exciting picture. And so is this! Alex showing his true colours. Roger LOVES plastic WMUs. A chance meeting as Bunny steps off the 158... ...and straight into a seminar! No steam to be had tonight, so a photo of a painting of a steam engine will have to do. Roger and Rabbit crew Elizabeth in Tesco's car park. Real enginemen's enginemen. Quick, somebody throw the rotten fruit!

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]]> Mon Feb 19 2007 Ancient History http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1212246.html Scanned prints from a time when only the queen could afford a digital camera. Sunday 18 February 2007: Scanned prints from a time when only the queen could afford a digital camera.

Roger, Ben and I in the hostel, Vintage weekend 2002. Shitty, before the crap paint job. Roger, Jo and Panda in the Station. Pete and Panda. Bonks and Lyneth in No3. Tom doing the washing up?! Terry and Dave Hurlock at the Works Dinner 2002. The terrible disco of yester-year. Charlie, Lewis and Adrian at No3. Tom and I crashed out in No3. Roger having his wicked way with me while I sleep... Tom looking wasted in No3. Pete and Cocky doing Scot faces. It's game over for Terry! Pete firing the Geoff Boy George. Panda and Keith on a party train. Cezman and a load of bottles she probably emptied herself! Lewis, the sexiest playboy bunnie I've ever seen. Terry Cruger. LHYB, the drunken Lemming. Charlie and Lu in the Disco Coach. Emily and Cez on the dance floor. The Right Reverend Father McVay, looks like he's had a few too many holy communions! 47732 at Llandudno Junction. Emily getting beered up at a New Years Den Party, 2004? Terry being proper Bo. Robco and Pete in the Station, before they removed the pillar. Mexican Pete at a fancy dress Den Party. School girls at the party. A trip to the GCR after a piss up in Derby. The group loving the Standard 2. Panda driving Rothley Ground Frame.

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]]> Sun Feb 18 2007 Snow! http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1207074.html I just couldn't resist finding a train to love in the snow. Saturday 10 February 2007: I just couldn't resist finding a train to love in the snow.

Ironbridge in the snow. 48773 at Bridgenorth. Eardington Bank in the snow. Donner Kebab! Hi Viz Berk, sticking out like a sore thumb! The main event: 48773 running about two hours late. In true fotopic style, here's another shot very similar to the previous one. Rods down, yeah! The 8F plods up the climb. A cheeky going-away shot.

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]]> Sat Feb 10 2007 Crawlzilla 2 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1185805.html After a slow start and some failed pubs we really got into the swing of things and Crawlzilla was allowed off it's lead to play freely around the streets of Liverpool. Although we fell short of the 20 mark we all had a great time and now there's an excuse for a re-match... Again! Saturday 13 January 2007: After a slow start and some failed pubs we really got into the swing of things and Crawlzilla was allowed off it's lead to play freely around the streets of Liverpool. Although we fell short of the 20 mark we all had a great time and now there's an excuse for a re-match... Again!

Peter Kavanagh's, Pub 0 it wasn't pub 1 because it wasn't open... What a Dissapointment! After several failed pubs we ended in in the Everyman Bar, this is where it starts. 'Pub' 1. The ordering of the first pints, a beautiful moment. We thought we'd got past finding closed pubs in our way, I wasn't pleased when we found Ye Crack shut. Pub 2, The Pilgrim. Tom reading the BBC news at 12 (ish). Pub 3, Ye Crack (now open thankfully!). The Cheshire Cat grin I sported for much of the day. Everyone's very happy in pub 3. Pub 4, The Flute. Team foto in pub 4. Stuey looks shocked as his pint shrinks. Pub 5, Hope and Anchor. Scream Pub! Five is an ideal number as a crawler can still hold their pint while displaying a seemingly high number of fingers. Pub 6, The Philharmonic Dining Rooms. The first example of Rimmer making a scene of himself? Lager makes me grow tall. Gardeners note - this might not work on your plants. The Girls in the Phil's 'Beautiful MALE Toilets'. Six crawlers, one finger each. What number pub are we in Alice? Funny faces! Pub 7, Roscoe Head. Wannabe Beatles cover image... Why would we want to be them? Seven fingers. They're enjoying themselves. I think it's always good to befriend some randoms. Have I got pissed up double vision? Oh no, they're twins! Pub 8, The Swan. Very questionable Swans. Rimmer's not looking too clever here... ...but he's never happier than when he's surrounded by women! Pub 9, The Crown - and it looks like I've made a trip to the floor! They're taking it seriously in the Crown. BK stop, God bless BK. That coke does NOT count as a drink! Fodder out of the way, let the crawl continue. Pub 10, Ma Egertons. Stuey moons me! I Think that means 10! Oh yes, we know how to drink. Jazz hands, double up as 10s. Alice updates the map. Rimmer and Jane ride a lion... ...Stuey rides me! The look on his face suggests a reanimation's just taken place. One, Two, Three - Everybody, Drunk-o-vision. Pub 11 and Rimmer provides the idle street cleaners of Liverpool with some sick to clear up. Rimmer then ran off... We had to wait for him to return. Pub 11, Dr Duncans. A Scree themed team photo. I can't help it, I just love climbing on things. Pub 12, The Ship and Mitre. 12 fingers. Pub 13, The Excelsior.

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]]> Sat Jan 13 2007 W Day http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1179869.html The last full Saturday for the Wessex Electrics on SWT and my last chance to see them. It was a great day with top trains and an unplanned piss up in the evening - followed by much stupidity... Saturday 6 January 2007: The last full Saturday for the Wessex Electrics on SWT and my last chance to see them. It was a great day with top trains and an unplanned piss up in the evening - followed by much stupidity...

Vauxhall on Friday night. 2422 and 2403 at the blocks in Waterloo. 2403 ready to depart. 2403 leaves Waterloo. 2422 being tanked. 2406 and 2411 arrive at Waterloo. Window hanging 2422 through Raynes Park. 2422 at Southampton. Window hanging 2419 towards Southampton Airport (Parkway). 2419 and 2408 at Southampton Airport (Parkway). 2411 and 2406 arrive at Southampton Airport (Parkway). Window hanging 2411 back into Southampton. Wessex sticker - which wouldn't come off! Jon and I invaded the Guard's compartment while she was off checking tickets. Jon boards 2401 at Brockenhurst. Our units split at Bournemouth. 2405 at Weymouth. 2405, ready to return to Waterloo. Jon loving it as we cross down at Dorchester South. The down unit. We paid £5 for a first class upgrade... ...then milked it for all it was worth! A days worth of tickets. Corridor stock! In recent times the phone booth has been removed and turned into a first class wanking booth, I made full use of this facility. We swapped units at Bournemouth, this is 2419. That's where it's at! Quality Wessex glint. A Villager nearly splatted me. Crossing another down at Brockenhurst. Back in First Class, in a compartment this time. Top shelf material for taking to the wanking booth. Jon in action at Southampton. 2419 back at Waterloo. Pete, Jenny, Lewis, Rimmer and Lyneth in a pub in Hammersmith. As I drank all my fancy drinks I had no idea what a big night lay ahead of me. (I should have guessed though!) Winter Pimms! It would be my downfall. Lewis flashes his Tram Drivers Licence in the Victoria in Surbiton, the Beast. Jon supping the good stuff. Lewis had to catch the last up train home and we went to the station to say goodbye... Oh dear, we seem to have 'accidentaly' got on it! Oh fuck, we wait at a signal and watch our train home looming out of the darkness! Wessexs = hard to climb. Oh yes! I fell off 2411 so took this opportunity for an arty floor level shot while I was down there anyway. Rimmer: Wessex Convert. 455 seminar. Lewis turned out to be a total 3rd Rail Crank! Even Tim got in on the action. Flailing into Southampton. We bailed at Brockenhurst.

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]]> Sat Jan 6 2007 Trains in the KILLER FOG in London http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1175229.html Despite killer for etc, I went out to LOVE the Lymington Branch, the ex LSWR mainline and steam in Laandan tawn. Tuesday 19 December 2006: Despite killer for etc, I went out to LOVE the Lymington Branch, the ex LSWR mainline and steam in Laandan tawn.

A refurb 455 rolls into Teddington from the Shepperton end. 67005 'Queen's Messenger' on the front of the VSOE Pullmans at Victoria. 67020 makes a break for it after the train has left. 73107 'Spitfire' comes in very late with the stock for the Cathedrals Express. 45231 on the front of the train. Gifford moment. 45231 about to depart. A 455 on Kingston Bridge. Another 455 on Kingston Bridge. 5702 coasts into Kingston with a train for Waterloo. 158789 at the blocks at Waterloo. Wessexs at Waterloo. 2423 and 2409 at Waterloo. 158789 and 159021 at Waterloo. 159005 and a pack of 455s at Waterloo. 2409 ready to depart for Weymouth. 2409 at Waterloo. 3-CIG 1497 at Brockenhurst. I've missed window hanging slammers! 1497 nears Lymington Pier 1497 at Lymington Pier. 1497 ready to go back to Brockenhurst. The Driver kindly put the headcode up for me to stoat. OH YES! The Lymington Branch Money Shot. More window hanging. Back at Brockenhurst. 1497 ready to leave for Lymington. 1497 getting some quality glint at it leaves for Lymington. 2423 and 2409 glide into Brockenhurst. Things to do before you die: window hang a ten car Wessex at full chat. Rancid locos at Southampton. Cheeky Trans-Pennine 158 at Southampton. 2406 at Southampton Airport Parkway. 158786 and a Virmin Villager at SAP. 170305 at Eastleigh. 73208 'Kirsten' and 73206 'Lisa' at Eastleigh. 450050 at Basingstoke. 66613 slows to a stand at Basingstoke. 159s at Basingstoke. 2404 at Basingstoke. 444035 at Surbiton. 5863 at Surbiton 2401 at Surbiton. Me loving 2401 on the 00:40 departure from Surbiton, we'd been and got trashed in the Victoria before this. Jon loved it too. Me getting home pissed resulted in a crash on the Christmas trainset on the living room floor... A refurb 455 gets the road at Teddington. 170306 leads a pair of 159s towards Waterloo. Eight cars of Wiesel filth. Ten cars of Wessex filth follows. Vauxhall: Busy.

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]]> Tue Dec 19 2006 Churnet Valley Raaaaaailway Santa Special http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1175216.html A trip to the CVR in search of an S160 ended up in me loving a Manor. Shocking. Sunday 17 December 2006: A trip to the CVR in search of an S160 ended up in me loving a Manor. Shocking.

7821 running round it's train. Std4T 80098 and Duff 1842 in the yard at Cheddleton. 7821 heads for Froghall. Wiesel Multiple Unit at Cheddleton. 7821 running round it's train at Froghall. 7821 bursts out of the tunnel. 7821 running round. 7821 at Froghall. 7821 departs Froghall, oh yes! Money shot.

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]]> Sun Dec 17 2006 Emily's Party http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1175199.html Party in Crewe as a joint house warming for Emily and 21st for Phoebe. Saturday 16 December 2006: Party in Crewe as a joint house warming for Emily and 21st for Phoebe.

6201 accelerating out of Crewe. Rimmer... In a dress. Jules... Also in a dress... What is she? Tom's going for it large. Aiden's havin' a good time. Not. Sally might have lost weight, but she still has a beard. Pete's happy. Animals. Aiden. Jules, back to normal. Pheebs polishing off the crisps. The last of the dancers. Emily's turned up just in time to see Rimmer propose to her sister! Phoebe in the bath.

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]]> Sat Dec 16 2006 New Year Den Party 2006/7 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1175175.html The annual den party, leary as ever! Sunday 31 December 2006: The annual den party, leary as ever!

Oh look, the Prince and the Blanche, 'how dissapointing'! Aiden's epic flail. A picture of Sam being gay... Driving to Port in the van because he wouldn't make a left turn up BL ramp! Last train of the year money shot. Becca B, what is the matter with you?! ...I know I can count on Bruce... ...Sometimes I feel like saying 'My Lords, I just don't care'... ...But you've got the Gen I need to see me through! Cez showing Geoff how to look innocent when you're actually guilty as sin (of something?). 02:00 Hardcore partying. Roger going for a surf. A well packed Den. Ben's mad for it. Monkey on the dancefloor. Cezman. Terry flailing something at 03:10. Tim, who clearly doesn't know how to work his camera. Party people. Cheers. Oh good grief! He's a bit touchy. Tim and Mol at 03:30. Ben. Line dancing. It's game over for Mark. Thumbs up, it's 04:30! Rimmer saving the world. Tom getting a good porking from Monkey Boy! Mark's woken up. Man, I'm so Rock. Looking a bit spaced out at 05:00. Monkey at 05:30. Everyone but us four had left by 06:00 - we're hardcore. He's on us again! The Carlsberg went down well then... 11:00, drinking again. Tom admires the view, or at least he would be if his eyes didn't look like sheep's cunts. Terry works on his 400th bowl of soup. He LOVES that train. Regulation name plate shot. Drink up 'no alcohol till the marathon' Cezman.

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]]> Sun Dec 31 2006 Boston Screefest http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1157767.html A trip to the far east in search of Fatties and Cezman History. We didn't see a lot of Fatties but I think that's because they were all in their houses, eating. Saturday 9 December 2006: A trip to the far east in search of Fatties and Cezman History. We didn't see a lot of Fatties but I think that's because they were all in their houses, eating.

Despite Tom gives a hand with the driving, very kind I thought. Becca's Peugeot tattoo, that's dedication to your car! Lincolnshire: Flat. Just like my sack after the journey. He's smiling now... Pros. Yeah, sit down mate. I don't need your help to pot all these balls. The Group in pub 1, The Carpenters Arms. The drain in Boston, viewed from the Stump. A view of the windmill and some pretty flat horizon in Boston. The group shitting themselves up the Stump. Pub 2, Goodbarns Yard. The Stump. Pub 3, The Still. Pub 4, The Ship. Pub 5, The Magnet. Boston Heritage. The Stump again (it's just like the night scene at Pendon!). Pub 6, The Prospect. Boston taxi bylaw No19489: Pub 7, The Burton. Tom looks like he's ready to cut someone. This is where it all went wrong for the girls. Mad for it! OH YES! Pub 8, The Eagle. Dedicated crawlers. Pub (resturant) 9, The Italian Connection. Becca B, pre-Scree. An uncharacteristically 'nice' picture of the Kidz. Aaaah, Becca B, post-Scree. Pub 10, The Moon Under Water. It's game over for Becca. Pub 11, The Axe and Cleaver. Pub 12, Matt's Kitchen! Tom has a well earned cup of coffee back at the hotel before he set about trashing the place. A pile of bodies, possibly victims of the crawl. Someone's going to get cut. £7.50 well spent. Tom's got stuck on his back, like a dung beetle for example. Flat seminar of Cez's house. Terry's dreams all come true at once as he puts his finger in a Dyke. The spot where Cez crashed her car. I've put together a (piss)artist's impression of what that crash might have looked like. No hungover people were harmed during the making of this picture. McGoodness. BK stop on the M6. Oh, and KFC. Becca should get some of this Scree Wash. Great, I was just thinking about how I needed a wax coat as I walk out of a service station. Cheeky Sunday pints in Chester and I'm ready for some more food.

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]]> Sat Dec 9 2006 Crawlzilla http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1135612.html Crawlzilla, the crawl that all other crawls fear. It's name strikes fear into the hearts (and livers) of men. Few have taken it on and survived. Oh dear! Saturday 11 November 2006: Crawlzilla, the crawl that all other crawls fear. It's name strikes fear into the hearts (and livers) of men. Few have taken it on and survived. Oh dear!

Rimmer was already gone when I turned up! That was pub 7 and I was playing catch-up. Group counting: difficult. That should be 7! A quick trip to Alice's to drop off my bag and then it's The Pig and Whistle, that's 8 and a thumbs up from me! Tom and I in pub 9. Double figures! Not sure how many that is... I'm sure Captain Tom knows though. Me doing my bit for the Poppy Apeal, and the good people at Carlsberg! The Swan, pub 14 and things are looking bad for me. Alice, Roger and Paul all seem fine - bastards! Roger's probably being kept awake by the prospect of getting under my T-shirt. Oh dear, Crawlzilla got me... Then Tez abused me like a cheap Krazy House Slag! Get off me. Rimmer and I shared another romatic night together, on an air bed... Without the air!

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]]> Sat Nov 11 2006 Gants of Steam: A lesson in blowing off! http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1117905.html We made a visit to the Bluebell Raaaaailway for the Giants of Steam Gala. Most of the advertised line-up didn't show but it was still a great event. Saturday 21 October 2006: We made a visit to the Bluebell Raaaaailway for the Giants of Steam Gala. Most of the advertised line-up didn't show but it was still a great event.

The cool crew in location with a random hanger-oner. 75027 at Great Oddynes. 80154 leaving Horsted Keynes. 9017 Earl of Berkley and 3440 City of Truro climbing Freshfield Bank near Town House Farm. Scammel Mechanical Horse at Sheffield Park. 1638 backing onto it's train at Sheffield Park. The U Boat at Sheffield Park. 1638 blowing off at Keysford Lane. The going away shot. 75027 near Nobles Farm, blowing off. 80154 heading down to Sheffield Park. The GWR pair at Coneyborough Wood. 3440 leads at the North end of Sharpthorne Tunnel. 3440 and 9017 pass the site of West Hoathly Station. 1638 tops Freshfield Bank. Berks galore! Left to right: Berk, Berk, Berk, Berk, Alex, Berk, Berk, Berk, Panda and Roger. Tom caught red handed with Rimmer and Panda. 75027 climbing to the top of Freshfield Bank. 80154 coasts down Freshfield Bank. 9017 leads 3440 out of Horsted Keynes. Both locos blowing off! Oh yes! Put put engines pumping water, complete with bored wife. Look at that water go! Had to be done. Wow! This one's powering 6 dim light bulbs! Wiesels aren't welcome on the Bluebell and their new 08 isn't a well like machine. We found it and showed it some much needed love. 1638 at Three Arch Bridge, my Money Shot. Jon, the lesser spotted basking berk. 75027 blowing off at Three Arch Bridge 75027 up close. Another going away shot. 80154 coasts down at Three Arch Bridge. A throw-away shot of 3440 and 9017 departing Horsted Keynes in the dark. What is clear to see is that both locos have steam to spare! Horsted Keynes at night. 80154 ready to depart for Kingscote. Coaches in platform 4. Maunsell coaches at Horsted Keynes. The Subway between the platforms. The Refreshment room on platform 4 The Booking Office. Rimmer, Roger, Panda and Alex driving the electric mice. 47468 on the turntable at Thornton. Tom spectating. 92144 brings a freight into Thornton. Black 5s pass Westbury on the Up Main. Panda, Mr Thornton.

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]]> Sat Oct 21 2006 Well Loved Wiesels http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1117900.html Real and Model Wiesels that I've loved recently. Llangollen Diesel Gala and the Guide Dog Bridge Diesel Extravaganza 2. Thursday 19 October 2006: Real and Model Wiesels that I've loved recently. Llangollen Diesel Gala and the Guide Dog Bridge Diesel Extravaganza 2.

D1842 runs round at Carog. The 20 at Money Shot Curve. 37240 aproaching Berwyn. DMUs at Llangollen Goods Junction. Cheeky Peaky at Deeside Halt. D1566 at Glyndyfrdwy. 37240 departs Carog. Failed 37901 at Llangollen Shed. Mk1 Porn. 37240 comes on shed at Llangollen. 37240. D1842 passing through Llangollen Station. 20023 leads 20132 out of Bob's Tunnel. 40075 heads down the branch. The 20s again. Busy scene at Guide Dog Bridge. 25083 bringing tankers off the branch. The 25 on a passenger. It's a 142 ton Snail! The 25 with a Speedlink service. Cheeky! Of course, there was a line-up! EE filth.

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]]> Thu Oct 19 2006 Blackpool http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1117876.html Working in Blackpool gave me a chance to grice the trams and the Illuminations. Monday 9 October 2006: Working in Blackpool gave me a chance to grice the trams and the Illuminations.

Crazy Golf, it goes with anything! The Eura worksite on the front in Blackpool. A tram stop. The big wheel on the Central Pier. The Tower. Baloon Car No 702. Blackpool Lifeboat Station. Tram 700 outside the depot. The depot offices. 700 on the Prom. The Track Services bus. 702 on the Prom. Twin Car set No 672 on the Prom. Blackoool sight seeing bus. Baloons pass on the seafront. One of the illuminated trams. The illuminations repair truck. Blackpool's War Memorial. Another illuminated tram. The Tower. Inside the top deck of No 700. No 700 at the Pleasure Beach. 700 at Starr Gate. 702 at the South Beach. 702 passes the Track Services site. McTram! The Blackpool Tramway Money Shot! 700 calls at a stop near the Tower. Wiesel powered Engineering tram No 754 at the Depot. Cop! 702 runs by the sea.

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]]> Mon Oct 9 2006 GWR Days at Didcot http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1102837.html My attempts at historic and arty shots from Didcot. Saturday 30 September 2006: My attempts at historic and arty shots from Didcot.

3822 on shed at Didcot. Auto fitted 5572 on shed. 5572. 5572 with the coaling stage. 2822 by a water crane. 6106 in the shed. 5572 outside. 6106. 6697 seen from the cab of another loco. 6106 viewed through another loco's cab window. 4866 with the break-down crane. The view out the doors. 6106 over a pit. 5572 outside. 4866 in the shed. 7808 in the shed. A notice in a cab. Disused tenders out the back of the shed. 4144 comes on shed. Locos outside the shed. Prairies line up. 4144 working a local from Oxford! 4144 in the platform at Didcot. A train passes the coaling stage. A Small Prairie on shed. A shunting movement passes. The coaling stage at Didcot. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall comes on shed. 4965. 4965 blows off. 4144 passes on the mainline. 4965 is turned. A Big Prairie passes as 4965 turns. 4144 in the countryside. 4965 prepares to go off shed.

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]]> Sat Sep 30 2006 Weekend in Didcot http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1102807.html Rimmer put on a great weekend for us, chasing steam on the mainline, Pendon Museum, Didcot Railway Centre and two great opportunities to get totally wasted. Saturday 30 September 2006: Rimmer put on a great weekend for us, chasing steam on the mainline, Pendon Museum, Didcot Railway Centre and two great opportunities to get totally wasted.

45231 heading towards Newbury. 45231 accelerating though Newbury, not Rimmer berking! Aaah, the going away shot. The Shed at Pen Tor Road. Another view of the shed. A train races across the viaduct at Pendon. How exciting. An auto-train arrives at Pen Tor Road. The night scene at Pendon. Pen Tor Road Station. A bus heads for Pendon. Houses in the Vale Scene. Pendon Prava Signal Box. The Wantage engine at Pendon, Pendon Station. I fucking hate pikeys! Check out that reflection! Southern oil burner: Quality! The sea wall at Dawlish. Rimmer's scary mates! Put that phone away! What am I? Post pub party. Seriously... Tom getting leary on a Prairie. They LOVE that train. Tom, a real engineman's engine man. They could just be doing a ton on the mainline. Rimmer the Rapist! Blue King. Me driving the AEC raaaaailcar. Bananamen! Tom braved the rain to show how much he loves Manchester. Even pretending to drive Fire Fly is scary! That's a Broad Gauge seminar! Fire Fly. Naf cab. The mixed gauge at Didcot. Freightliner 66s pass. Old and new meet at Didcot Parkway. Stairway to heaven berk. Rimmer berking. Hellfire. 08804 in the sidings at Didcot. 60004 at the head of a tank train. 4965 Rood Ashton Hall passing Culham.

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]]> Sat Sep 30 2006 Conwy Valley Railway Museum, Corris and Severn Valley Railways http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1102785.html We went to the Conwy Valley Railway Museum to ease our hangovers, little did we know what the 7.25inch Society had in store for us... Also pics of my trip to Corris and the SVR. Saturday 23 September 2006: We went to the Conwy Valley Railway Museum to ease our hangovers, little did we know what the 7.25inch Society had in store for us... Also pics of my trip to Corris and the SVR.

Pingham caught red handed! What is that?! Happy to be here. Nice one. Diller and Billy also caught red handed, we saw Vince too. Comedy puffer. Inmate No120 Seminar with Snowdon Railcars. SMR wiesel train. Terry braves the slide. Us on the sea-saw. The Corris' tatu lesbian engine. The shed and workshop at Maespoeth. The train ready to return to Corris. A replica Corris coach. The train passes the church in Corris. The train heads for Maespoeth. 6201 Princess Elizabeth on the SVR. 6201 up close. 46443 at Bewdley. 1501 at Bewdley. 6233 Duchess of Southerland at Bewdley. The Square at Footbridge Three. Little Ronnie Barker turned out to be a she dog called Gwen. Gwen. Cripple Cez. 150252 leaving Blaenau. Beast. Hellfire! I could have sworn Black 5s were 4-6-0s? Diseased! Had to be done!

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]]> Sat Sep 23 2006 Welsh Highland Walk http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1102762.html A walk along the WHR trackbed from Nantmoor to Beddgelert. Sunday 17 September 2006: A walk along the WHR trackbed from Nantmoor to Beddgelert.

A nice bridge at Nantmoor. Tom being pointless. This'd be really cool on the ALCo... Tim taking a photo of a fence post! Cave Cez. Monkey getting intimate with Tom. What is he?! The new bridge. The water tank base at Beddgelert Station. Goat Tunnel. Anti WHR poster in Beddgelert. Russel cut-out on the path. RSJ catching flys in the Hostel... ...it was the only sensible thing to do!

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]]> Sun Sep 17 2006 Riots and Seminars... (Updated 09/06/08) http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1102760.html All the best ones in one place. Some, I admit, are lame-duck one-man efforts, but there are some real winners in here! Monday 9 June 2008: All the best ones in one place. Some, I admit, are lame-duck one-man efforts, but there are some real winners in here!

37411 Seminar. Aiden just loves those shitty narrow gauge Wiesels. Good effort! Great stuff. Now that's a Seminar! FR takes over the KWVR. HI lewis. Hi MC. HI Rick. You are on an EE type 1. Tim Wolf Seminar. De-railed Skip Wagon Seminar. Gas Works Railway Seminar. Banana Shaped Seminar. Broad Gauge Seminar. Sheila Seminar. Spoon Goon. Looser. Snowdonian Seminar. Welshpool Seminar. Uproar Seminar. Green water pumping Seminar. Unholy Bluebell Seminar. VofR Seminar. Roundabout Seminar. Richard's Sleeping Seminar. Irish Seminar. Out of Scale Seminar. Seminar 150. Rack Railway Seminar. Wessex Goodbye. 455s shit on 508s! Mk1 EMUs are my life (and Jon's too)! Well stocked ME at TYB Seminar. Tram fans. He's got wood. 140 ton snail Seminar. E M 2 the max. Disobedient Seminar. Deltic Seminar. That loco is a BEAST! 50 Seminar. Drunken Swanage Seminar.

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]]> Mon Jun 9 2008 The Greatest Day EVER! http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1102731.html Tom, Monkey and I visited the VofR, both engines were in steam and a Manor came in to Aberystwyth! Saturday 16 September 2006: Tom, Monkey and I visited the VofR, both engines were in steam and a Manor came in to Aberystwyth!

Moelwyn and the Moel Hebog with a works train for Rhiw Goch at Minffordd. That's filthy! No9 working up to Devils Bridge. No9 in the sun at Devils Bridge. Tom and I in heaven. No8 at Aberystwyth. No8's Fireman's side. I always thought Monkey was a magical creature, seeing him get off the Hogwarts Express confirmed it! The VofR Money Shot. No9 slowing for the crossing at Nantyronen. No8 waiting to cross at Aberffrwd. Two tank filth. 7802 Bradley Manor at Aberystwyth. 7802 climbing Talerddig Bank at Commins Coch.

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]]> Sat Sep 16 2006 Irish Raaaaailways http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1102714.html Visiting Ireland with work meant a chance to grice some otherwise unavailable railways. Wednesday 13 September 2006: Visiting Ireland with work meant a chance to grice some otherwise unavailable railways.

Level crossing on the closed line into Portlaoise. A surviving gate and Crossing Keeper's cottage. Track still in situ. The end of the track. A Crossing Keeper's cottage at Clonddadoran. The remains of a point in the Bord Na Mona Peat Works site. A bridge over the dis-used line at Colt. Narrow Gauge rails of the Bord Na Mona Peate Railway with the peat digging fields in the background. The dodgy track climbing up to a bridge under the main road. Cheeky Hunslet peat railway diesel! Diesel LM275. The little Hunslet again, with a few form of shunter in the background. Another diesel on the site. What appears to be a weedkilling train(!) and a fuel point. The peat unloading shed. A 'Passenger' coach. A peat wagon. Evidently I just couldn't help myself! A level crossing on the open line into Portlaoise.

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]]> Wed Sep 13 2006 Wasted Hour Railway and Llangollen http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1102697.html The WHR's 'Super'power event was terrible, but we did find one thing worth getting excited about! Llangollen Gala snaps too. Saturday 9 September 2006: The WHR's 'Super'power event was terrible, but we did find one thing worth getting excited about! Llangollen Gala snaps too.

Roger starts the Upnor Castle. Seminar! Uproar! Pete. Party. Cocky. 6430 with an Auto-trailer at Llangollen. The gang at Llangollen. 5643 at Llangollen. 6430 ready to go to Ruabon, I don't think! The business end of the train. Roger Berking. 6430 and 5643. Don't be scared kids! 5643 in the bay at Llangollen. Foxcote Manor heading for Llangollen. Roger, you are a TREAT! 5199 at Berwyn. 5643 at Deeside Loop with a freight. 5199 near Glyndyfrdwy. 3802 with a SLS special. 3802 heads for Glyndyfrdwy. 6430 heads for Llangollen.

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]]> Sat Sep 9 2006 End of the Summer 2006 (including Arthur the Melon's Big Day Out) http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1102676.html A collections of pics taken over the end of this summer. Friday 25 August 2006: A collections of pics taken over the end of this summer.

Merddin departing Dduallt traking Tom and I back to the real world after failing to go home on a Sunday (again!). The Shitty's Mainline now! A dog with a beermat, rock. Err, which way it it going then? Richard: engine parking isn't his strong point... Phoebe with the latest fashion head-gear. The 2CV after it failed us on the way back from Bala. Phoebe and Nick on yet another after-worker. 76079 climbing Minffordd Bank. The 4 heads for Harlech. Prince and Tal storm towards Dragon Curve, Sam needs no encouragement! Rimmer out in the woods. We questioned wether the wolf would hold a person or not... ...turns out it can hold two! Arthur at TYB cafe. Who's your mate Arthur? People eating, not attractive! Does anyone know which Uni Helen got into? Tom and I congratulate each other for something. Levitating is always a crowd pleaser. Arthur loves golf. A toast for Arthur. Arthur on the slide. The Square departs Port. BLFC's Panda and Terry in the Boston Lodge Vs Harbour Station footy match. Cez looks like she's about to eat Arthur! Tom looks like he's in love with Arthur, Panda looks like he just fancies Arthur. Mark, what are you? England engines at Cemetary. The Artist, formally known as Terry. Beasts. Aiden was wild! Four people trying to stop Clinker from playing Sandi Thom. Lucky Tom was there or completely pissed Mark might have fallen over! DLG in the woods. The Englands at Tank Curve. 76079 climbing into Minffordd. This is what happens if you leave your camera in No3! After an afternoon in my Aunt's pub, this happend! Free food and Booze on the ferry from Ireland.

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]]> Fri Aug 25 2006 I'm an oil fireman - get me out of here! http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1038604.html Oooooooo, Rich and all the lads at Llanfair put on a fantastic show for us. We all had a great time, Alex fell in love with the ash pit at Llanfair, Roger was overcome by vanity, Rich and Trav passed out as Wiesel drivers and I turned Dougal into a rail grinder! Saturday 29 July 2006: Oooooooo, Rich and all the lads at Llanfair put on a fantastic show for us. We all had a great time, Alex fell in love with the ash pit at Llanfair, Roger was overcome by vanity, Rich and Trav passed out as Wiesel drivers and I turned Dougal into a rail grinder!

Rich on Chattenden, he LOVES that diesel. 822 pulling into Llanfair. 822's cab. Rich and I ready to depart with the first train of the weekend. Me on the Earl at Raven Square. Me watering 822 back at Llanfair. Pete waiting to go with 822. The Earl departing Llanfair, viewed from the signal box. Alex shoveling out the ash tippler. The ash team pushing the wagon back. Scot turned up to derail a skip wagon. Seminar! Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure going on in the ash pit. Alex warming up the Dougal for me! Signalman Rabbit ready to take the staff from 823's driver. The world's greatest brakevan. Bob on 823. Trav on the vintage turn. Team Photo. Top row, left to right: Rich, Apprentice, Rabbit, Karen, Dot Com, Sploddy, Trav, Laurence, Al. Bottom row: Me, Pete, Roger, Bill, Miles, Rich. 822 passes 823 on the mainline. Bob on 823. The Beyers go back on shed. Alex warming up Dougal's brakes. Alex shunting my train for me. After Alex's slow departure from Llanfair and crawl to Heniarth I had to work hard for a right-time arrival at Cyfronydd! Kev had no trouble keeping time after the head-start I'd given him. Bruce catching flys in Keyse Cottage. Rabbit on 822. 823 by the box at Llanfair. The vintage train ready to depart. Now then you old bastard! Pete on the Ferret. The view from the footplate of Ferret. Trav ferreting about. Me firing on Golfa bank. Dot Com and I in the cab of 822. The view from the fireman's side of 822. Alex and Rich bringing up the rear on 823 and the Apprentice on the balcony of the first coach.

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]]> Sat Jul 29 2006 Summer at the World Famous http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1030444.html Summer at the World Famous Saturday 8 July 2006: Summer at the World Famous

Tom on the Prince with the Talking Train passing the water tank in the woods. DLG diving between the rocks at Gysgfa. The view from the Fireman's side of the Square at Tank Curve. DLG working up towards Coed y Bleiddiau. Fireman's wet dream at Tanygrisiau. DLG rolling down the Deviation. The Ricket passing Dduallt P-Way Hut. Alex showboating. Filthy, just filthy. Tom pulling his trousers up after engaging in a bit of goat shagging! Tom and Cez on the Crazy Golf course. Me about to get a hole in 1 - I don't think! Blanche looking hot with the Y Cymro headboard. The Ricket at Cemetary Cutting. DLG down at Cemetary. Me driving 87. Proof that there's no level I wont stoop to! A cheeky Swallow in the porch at No1. 'Up the Arse Corner' - with appologies to Viz. Seminar with the 'Wolf' at Coed y Bleiddiau. The Woof, enjoying a big bit of Melon and wearing some jazzy earings! THIS is the reason why the WHR shouldn't come to Port - their trains don't fit in out sheds! It's true. Tal storming up to the summit. The Square on the Cob. Arty! Bit smoky Richard! The Mighty Square opened up onto Gwyndy Bank. The Square on Bryn Mawr. The Square pops out of Garnedd Tunnel. The Square passing Coed y Bleiddiau. The Square at Cwymorthin Siding. The Square sneaking past the houses in Tanygrisiau. All action shot of Richard slackering the coal as the Square roars back over the summit. The Wing Co. bringing the Square to a halt at Tanybwlch. The Square coasting back through Gysgfa Curves. The Square crossing the BR line at Minffordd.

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]]> Sat Jul 8 2006 W&L Vintage Shots http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1003872.html It's Saturday the 24th of June 1930 and the GWR's Welshpool and Llanfair Railway is in it's last year of passenger operation... I wish! Saturday 24 June 2006: It's Saturday the 24th of June 1930 and the GWR's Welshpool and Llanfair Railway is in it's last year of passenger operation... I wish!

I traveled from Crewe to Welshpool on the GWR route via Shrewsbury, here's some evidence of that... 823 'Countess' at Heniarth. 823 crossing the Banwy Bridge. 823 crossing the road at Cyfronydd. 823 shunting at Welshpool. 823 passing Sylfaen Farm. 823 passing Sylfaen Halt. 823 heading for Llanfair from Sylfaen. Oh yes, that's the money shot! 823 arriving at Caslte Caereinion. 823 passing the water tower outside Llanfair. An Austin truck waiting at a level crossing for the train to pass. 822 'The Earl' with a goods train and a Morris 8 at Castle Caereinion. Vintage! The freight at Castle. 822 about to leave for Llanfair 822 departs Castle Caereinion 822 passing the Mill. Pickering Brake Composite No.6466 at Welshpool. Brake van No.8759 at Welshpool. 823 shunts a cattle van at Welshpool. 823 at Coppice Lane. 822 rounding the curve at Heniarth 823 passing the PW hut at Heniarth 822 with a goods train for Welshpool. 822 shunts in the loop at Castle Caereinion 822 crossing the River Banwy. Llanfair Station. 822's fireman tops up the tanks (ha ha ha!). A mixed train stands in the platform at Llanfair. 823 will run round it's train and shunt it away. 823 shunting in the yard at Llanfair. 823 ready to head back to Welshpool Smithfield Road. Van No.100664 at Llanfair. 4 ton open wagon No.34154 waits to be unloaded at Llanfair. Van No.100666 under the canopy of Welshpool goods shed?

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]]> Sat Jun 24 2006 W&L Vintage Weekend: Vintage alcohol by the look of it... http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c1003803.html Alex, Vadge, Mouse and I had another wild weekend with the leary lads from Llanfair. Trains were seen, beer was drank and people got abused when they passed out in the pub! We LOVE trains. This will go down in history as the last official outing of my first digital camera. Konica Minolta DiMAGE G400: July 2004 - July 2006 R.I.P. It served my fotopic webbo well, but i wont miss the old piece of shit much! Sunday 25 June 2006: Alex, Vadge, Mouse and I had another wild weekend with the leary lads from Llanfair. Trains were seen, beer was drank and people got abused when they passed out in the pub! We LOVE trains. This will go down in history as the last official outing of my first digital camera. Konica Minolta DiMAGE G400: July 2004 - July 2006 R.I.P. It served my fotopic webbo well, but i wont miss the old piece of shit much!

Is that Rich flailing, or is he just getting the right away?! 822's cab. Bob and I cabbing 822. 823 viewed from 822's cab. 822 arriving at Llanfair with the heritage goods train. Vintage vehicles at Llanfair. A last picture of Al's doomed camera. Rich topping 85 up at Welshpool. Team foto with 85. 85 at Castle. Once again, I made a spectacle of myself. Seminar! Left to right: Tom Chaplin from Keane, Nick, Bob, Rich, Al, James, Rich, Mouse and I. Scooby at Llanfair. Another team foto with the two 206's before Rich had to head back. Quality knitwear. Bob's new friends. 85 slipping like fuck after re-starting from Golfa Halt. 85 approaching Coppice Lane. The tourist shot: 85 in the platform at Llanfair. You can't buy class, but if you could - it would look like this. Ferret the Wiesel at Llanfair. The Fat Bloke and his Beloved engage in a tag-team berkfest match. 823 and 85 cross at Castle. Rich, Stoatin' away like a pro. 85 pounding up the bank at Hang Man's Tree. 823 crosses 822 at Castle, cheeky! 823 climbing Golfa bank towards New Drive. 85 coasting down grade at Coppice Lane. 85 again. Dougal shunting at Llanfair

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]]> Sun Jun 25 2006 EE Grot V: The Snowdonian http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c965539.html We set out to re-live the great bashing outings of yesteryear, I think we got the general idea right. So, we rode The Snowdonian 'Crankex' from Sheffield to Pwllheli. Lots of drinking, arm flailing and over-using Basher terminology such as 'Big' and 'HELLFIRE'! Check out http://www.rodge.force9.co.uk/faq/basher.html if you need help translating. Saturday 20 May 2006: We set out to re-live the great bashing outings of yesteryear, I think we got the general idea right. So, we rode The Snowdonian 'Crankex' from Sheffield to Pwllheli. Lots of drinking, arm flailing and over-using Basher terminology such as 'Big' and 'HELLFIRE'! Check out http://www.rodge.force9.co.uk/faq/basher.html if you need help translating.

33025 in platform 2 at Crewe on Friday. Crompton, 'Cop'! 158857, my 'Bog Unit' ride to Derby. 37607 at the head of some Notwork Rail trucks at Derby, 'Beast'! 45112 'The Royal Army Ordinance Corps' at Derby, a very 'big' loco indeed. Alex, being a hardcore basher, doesn't love Ying Yings. Alex: thoughtful. Rabbit going 'Overnight'. Now Lloyd's asleep. Bit of window hanging. Huge camera berk, spotted while we were having a 'bellow'. Crossing Pont Briwet over the River Dwyryd at Penrhyn. 37411 'Castell Caerffili/Caerphilly Castle' Fat Nick Griff shooting another home-made grumble flick. We made a 'Beer Move' in Pwllheli. Lloyd and Desperate Dan, but which is which? 37411 'thrashing' up the bank out of Minffordd. We all 'Bailed' at Barmouth when it became apparent that we'd be there a while. Plenty of time to grice the Nosey Wiesel. Check out this 'Insect', he's hardcore! 37411 at Barmouth, 'Diseased'! HELLFIRE! Panda, berking away. Ozzy Osbourne! Terry and Bob are mad for it. Al and Terry. Bashers. Even Al had a nap, this tour must have been fucking boring! Very drunken picture of Bob and I taken by the landlord of the RMB Lloyd the stout beast. Rabbit hibernating. Another trip to Nads. 47812/D1916, a Rancid Duff 'Wagon', at Derby with a Footex on Sunday. Panda looks like he's ready to repay Lloyd for that blow job. Team photo by 37411's nameplate, what an absolutely dreadful bunch of Traction Slags! Leary 'Seminar' at Pwllheli. Mol and Rab enjoying the view (of the backs of their eyelids). Lloyd needs a lot of beauty sleep.

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]]> Sat May 20 2006 Crewe to Winsford http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c960341.html I went for a 'healthy walk in the fresh air' (which is losely translated as 'walking through muddy fields like the worst kind of prowling sex case') between Crewe and Winsford. Saw some filth, upset some cows, drank some beer and got rained on... Good day out! Tuesday 16 May 2006: I went for a 'healthy walk in the fresh air' (which is losely translated as 'walking through muddy fields like the worst kind of prowling sex case') between Crewe and Winsford. Saw some filth, upset some cows, drank some beer and got rained on... Good day out!

Freightliner's 86605 heading for the ETD. 47841 heading South, light engine. EWS 66003 heading South with a 2000 tonne coal train. The coal train passes a Super Voyager. Freightliner's 66502 'Basford Hall Centenary 2001' heading North, light engine. 90040 'The Railway Mission' heading North, 0L48 light engine, Crewe ETD - Garston, with Emily driving! 92003 'Beethoven' hauling a container train South. 37612 and 37059 on 4L46 11:18 Ditton - Purfleet. 37059 at the rear of the double header. One of those virmin trains heading South. EWS 67020 heading South, light engine. Virgin 57315 'Tracy Island' heading North, light engine. A pair of 86's heading South with a container train. A Pendilino heading North over the Shropshire Union canal. 60007 heading North with a spoil train. The 60 clags up. 90040 heading South with 6L48 Garston - Dagenham, empty car carriers and Emily still at the controls. The 90 passes. The 90 crossing the canal. 66087 heading North with containers at Winsford. 66007 hauling a coal train South at Winsford. Freightliner 66563 heading South, light engine. Freightliner 90041 heading North with containers. 90042 heading North, light engine.

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]]> Tue May 16 2006 An Hour by the Mainline http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c953577.html There was a lot to see in an hour spent next the mainline. Who'd have thought this lush green location was just a mile away from Crewe? I also saw (but missed pics of) an EWS bulk coal train, a claggy 158 and a Royal Mail 323 Wednesday 10 May 2006: There was a lot to see in an hour spent next the mainline. Who'd have thought this lush green location was just a mile away from Crewe? I also saw (but missed pics of) an EWS bulk coal train, a claggy 158 and a Royal Mail 323

150280 heading South A bendybustrain heading South A Virmin Villager heading South 350121 heading South One of DRS' 66/4s on loan to Freightliner with a Network Rail spoil train heading North. The main event! DRS 37069 and 37059 on 4L46 11:18 Ditton - Purfleet The Tractors pass A Tractor passes - spot the difference! Another Penny Farthing, going North 350108 heads South A Freightliner 66/6 gets checked at signals Another Pendilino heads North EWS 66054 heading South light engine Passenger trains pass at speed on the WCML 92004 'Jane Austen' heading South with train from Trafford Park RfD reborn! 90022 'Freight Connection' passes 92004

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]]> Wed May 10 2006 '1940s weekend' - Yet another non event on the FR http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c944501.html The '40s weekend at the FR was such a non event I could hardly even be bothered to take pictures! All the windows at Harbour Station were covered in masking tape, this wasn't because of the fear of enemy action - it was a precaution in case Monkey Boi had another bang on the Merddin! Sunday 30 April 2006: The '40s weekend at the FR was such a non event I could hardly even be bothered to take pictures! All the windows at Harbour Station were covered in masking tape, this wasn't because of the fear of enemy action - it was a precaution in case Monkey Boi had another bang on the Merddin!

www.ratemyclinker.com Rob having a drink, he was probably thirsty from all the sweating caused by push starting the Simplex The Ricket with taped tender windows Melvin departing Port The Captain, berking The Wing Co and Michelle Merddin propelling the Gravy Train across the Cob Tank Curve from the fireman's side of the Merddin The little white dog at footbridge three! Little Ronnie Barker Merddin puffering round the works curve

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]]> Sun Apr 30 2006 Easter: The Trains http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c928307.html There were some really filthy trains in Porthmadog this Easter. Monday 17 April 2006: There were some really filthy trains in Porthmadog this Easter.

Ffilthy Ddouble Hheaded Ddouble Ffairlies Is the LT in steam? A fake slate train at Port DLG and LT at Port ME, LT and DLG all line up A LYd2, what a filthy wiesel, at Port on the WHR (P) 37425 crossing the bridge in the estuary near Minffordd 'Pride of the Valleys' powers up towards Port 37425 heads for Port Blanche on the Cob with trainee driver Lee Mington at the controls 37425 at Port While I was crossing the tracks I saw this cheeky bus! The Growler with the pub in the background The Wiesel heads for home Eric and Tal make a storming departure from Port Stoker Graham Bond's got everything under control The double header heads for Blaenau Heritage junk at Port

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]]> Mon Apr 17 2006 Easter http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c928284.html Easter is all about being nailed to a cross apparently... I don't think I'd have liked that much, so I went to the railway to do some drinking. It was Cez's Birthday on Thursday, and a 37 Railtour came to Port on Saturday. We also had parties at Pete and Wol's houses. Monday 17 April 2006: Easter is all about being nailed to a cross apparently... I don't think I'd have liked that much, so I went to the railway to do some drinking. It was Cez's Birthday on Thursday, and a 37 Railtour came to Port on Saturday. We also had parties at Pete and Wol's houses.

Birthday Cezman Helen and Sam at the Grapes, charming! The girls went for a walk up a cliff face on Saturday, we bested them by cresting the summit of Moel Y Guest on Sunday though! Pete, Cocky and Tom in the Spoon Brucey Baby, Lu, Rimmer, Nick and Rachel at Pete's during one of the many parties Pete was loving it! I don't know what she is?! Wol - party animal. Tom's slipped back into Chav mode! Lu, who was sick soon after this very drunken picture was taken Sueco partying hard... Rimmer and Tom race to the summit of Moel Y Guest Supermen A view of Porthmadog with a cheeky 158 arriving at the station It was very nice of Rimmer to carry all our litter back down! Klinker on the steep slopes Helen sporting the latest in Easter fashion AAARGH! Tom, trying to take a token out to for a trip down the old route WHR as far a Wol's house, then he fell out of the pub. Rimmer and Paul help the poor lad along Rachel and Tom at Wol's

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]]> Mon Apr 17 2006 Rap Night http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c928258.html After the success of Chav night last Easter we decided to be Rappers this year. The highlight was Tom and I being mistaken for members of Goldie Lookin' Chain by one of the barmaids at Spooners! Friday 14 April 2006: After the success of Chav night last Easter we decided to be Rappers this year. The highlight was Tom and I being mistaken for members of Goldie Lookin' Chain by one of the barmaids at Spooners!

Cez and Rachel in the at the pre-party J-Lu, Pete and Jules in the Cezavan The fateful moment when Catherine mistook us for GLC 3pac in the pub Cerys J Bilge and 50 Percent at Spooners Pete's contribution 3pac and J-Lu Tom and Cez blingin Rap Monkey The Love Glove aint no Rapper The F Unit Badass Rappers Rap Jo We got told not to break dance in the pub, so we took it outside 50's got the moves Cezman's camera skills couldn't keep up with my dance skills Tom is SO rap! 50%

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]]> Fri Apr 14 2006 Not All Change At Evercreech Junction http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c896747.html Some of the other things we got up to while chasing trains on the WSR Sunday 19 March 2006: Some of the other things we got up to while chasing trains on the WSR

Rich in Guinness mode at Not Midsomer Norton Rich (with his Guinness Hat) and Alex wait for a train Riley's 4MT renumbered 76009 for the weekend A Cheeky Peckett at Not Midford Hawthorn and Leslie 'Isabel' at Washford 47703 'Hermes' (not Herpes, Rich!) at Not Templecombe 73129 was lucky enough to pose with Mr. British Railways himself, Al. Braunton being rebuilt at Williton Rich with a Hymek at Not Evercreech Junction, he loves those filthy wiesels! Action Man Al isn't going to let a river stop him getting his shot

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]]> Sun Mar 19 2006 All Change at Evercreech Junction - WSR S&D Gala http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c896745.html A trip to the West Somerset Railway's Somerset and Dorset Railway themed gala and some time spent in Bristol with Rich. Highlights included lots of S&D style locos, double heading and watching a proud GWR railway succumb to the foreign devil's trains. Saturday 18 March 2006: A trip to the West Somerset Railway's Somerset and Dorset Railway themed gala and some time spent in Bristol with Rich. Highlights included lots of S&D style locos, double heading and watching a proud GWR railway succumb to the foreign devil's trains.

53809 working away from Templecombe. 53809 starts out of Midsomer Norton 45440 coasting between Midsomer Norton and Binegar near Leigh Cott 44422 and 53808 head for Evercreech Junction, seen near Doniford 73129 Departs Midford 92203 and 76009 head into Evercreech Junction 44422 and 53809 working up to Doniford from Evercreech Junction 73129 climbing up to Midsomer Norton 73129's driver waits for the right away at Binegar 53809 arrives at Binegar 53809 working away from Binegar, near Leigh Cott 92203 watering at Templecombe 92203 working up the bank from Templecombe, seen near Cedar Falls 92203 at Kentsford Farm, working a heavy train away from Wincanton The Pines at Kentsford Farm The Pines heads for Shillingstone 44422 and 53809 at Ker Moor 80136 seen from the cab of a sneaky Western engine at Evercreech Junction 53808 and 73129 climbing the bank up to Midford 92203 with the Pines Express near Woolston 53809 and 34076 near Nethercott - oh yes, that's The Money Shot! The express passes, heading for Midsomer Norton 53809 and 34076 near Woolston 80136 at Castle Hill 80136 heads for Binegar 45440 near Sampford Brett 76079/76009 at Pixford Farm 53809 at Templecombe, seriously fierce engine. 76009 and 34076 'Tangmere' working out of Evercreech Junction with the Pines Express 53809 crosses 76009 and 34076 at Sturminster Newton 76009 and 34076 depart Sturminster Newton 76009 at Bournemouth West 92203 passes a guards van in the sidings at Bournemouth West, this was the closest we got to a freight train all weekend!

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]]> Sat Mar 18 2006 London Trains http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c882140.html London Trains Tuesday 20 December 2005: London Trains

SWT Wessex 2422 'Operation Overlord' at Waterloo FMRail 33202 'Meteor' at Waterloo having brought in the stock for a steam special 33103 'Swordfish' next to the carriage shed at Clapham Junction SWT 159020 flys through Farnborough 66212 at Basingstoke The 33s at Clapham Junction with 455 unit 5722 Juniper 8015 on the Windsor lines at Clapham Juncton 313123 forms a Willesden Junction service at Clapham Junction 66219 near Willesden One 90015 at Liverpool Street, with a bird splat on the nose One 170201 at Bethnal Green Anglia DBSO 9712 passes Bethnal Green 47603 'Hermes' at Bethal Green. Look at my Celeb Berk, Jon, doing his stuff! DBSO 9701 at Bethnal Green RfD 90035 at Liverpool Street Waterloo and City unit 204 at Waterloo 66124 with tankers at Woking GBRf 66706 'Nene Valley' and 66705 'Golden Jubilee' pass light engine through Woking 67028 on the back of a steam special, Jon in shot again. Function over form... 456020 at Wandsworth Common 444037 at Clapham Junction 67030 hauling steam special stock into Victoria Wessex 2412 'Special Olympics' at Clapham Junction EWS 66178 passes through Woking 73109 'Battle of Britain 50th Anniversary' in the Sidings at Woking White roofed 159008 departs Woking Snow at Euston and a Bendybustrain

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]]> Tue Dec 20 2005 Mainline Steam 2006 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c879714.html Kicking the years mainline berking off with Riley's pair out of Liverpool and Leander in Chester... in the (light) snow! Where would a mainline steam gallery by me be without Tangmere? 34067 at Wandsworth Common. Sunday 1 October 2006: Kicking the years mainline berking off with Riley's pair out of Liverpool and Leander in Chester... in the (light) snow! Where would a mainline steam gallery by me be without Tangmere? 34067 at Wandsworth Common.

76079 at Lime Street 45407 at Lime Street The pair charge through Edge Hill after the climb from Liverpool Leander in the sidings at Chester 5690 working out of Chester 34067 'Tangmere' under power towards Clapham Junction, seen at Wandsworth Common A mainline tour on a preserved railway: 76069 and 34067 double head 'The Pines Express' from London Victoria over the West Somerset Railway 34067 at Crewe, working light engine between Minehead and Bury. Note the original electric lamps working. 6201 'Princess Elizabeth' arrives at Crewe about an hour and a half late with a tour from London 6233 Duchess of Southerland arrives at Crewe Duchess of Somewhere posing with Crewe's beautiful Rail House 6233's Driver looks back for the right away 6233 tops the summit of the ardueus 1 in 2000 bank into Hartford What's this? 76079 on a Cheeky light engine movement? That bloody engine wont leave me alone! 76079 climbing Minfford Bank. 76079 heads for Harlech. 76079 climbing past Minffordd Quarry. 7802 climbing Talerddig Bank. 45231 heading towards Newbury. 45231 working through Newbury Station.

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]]> Sun Oct 1 2006 Bodysnatchers on the North Wales Coast http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c877937.html They've been threatening the end of loco hauled services on the North Wales Coast route for as long as I can remember. I took a trip to Holyhead to do some window hanging. No OHLE, so lots of dirty wiesels. Friday 24 February 2006: They've been threatening the end of loco hauled services on the North Wales Coast route for as long as I can remember. I took a trip to Holyhead to do some window hanging. No OHLE, so lots of dirty wiesels.

67020 was running round the Northern Belle when I got to Crewe Virgin Monopoly at Warrington Bank Quay 60001 'The Railway Observer' at Warringon, it suffered an engine failure the day after this picture was taken! 92024 'J S Bach' sporting the new(ish) EWS branding stickers 175110, a lesser spotted Albino Hippo 57301 'Scott Tracy', a filthy body-snatching weisel of a machine that used to be 47845 'County of Kent'; arrives at Warrington 60092 'Reginald Munns' in Arpley yard at Warrington 08775 shunting at Arpley The train dives through the town walls of Conwy 57301 at Holyhead Signals to no-where, the shunt arm is off though, which is good! Running round Another 57 running round a it's bendy bus train. Two loco hauled trains in one station! Cheeky yellow shunters at the Holyhead Aluminium works Another shunter The train approaches the Menai bridge One of the stone Lions at the end of the bridge 57301 in a bay platform at Chester No more track for you. An uncharacteristically dirty 57312 'The Hood' at in platform 8 Crewe 57314 'The Mole' at Warrington Bank Quay 57314 heads for Manchester 66030 heads north with MGR hoppers Starting out of Chester Nearly at Bangor

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]]> Fri Feb 24 2006 ALCo's Final Weekend http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c860402.html The ALCo ended it's days on a wet weekend in February, in true fotopic style I've taken some blurry pics of the event. This is the first time I've put pics from my camera phone on here. Oh yeah, we all got really, really drunk too! Saturday 11 February 2006: The ALCo ended it's days on a wet weekend in February, in true fotopic style I've taken some blurry pics of the event. This is the first time I've put pics from my camera phone on here. Oh yeah, we all got really, really drunk too!

Tom, with his preferred tipple Cezman More ALCo-holics Tom and Cezman, in a state of pre-reanimation The Garbage Barge Tom, over-excited Don't give me that! Sam, lovin' it in a Macky D stylee The view from the footplate at Tank Curve A pervy model of the '70s ALCo in the booking office at Port Rabbit and Tom were on 57156 first over the weekend, here they are at Plas Private. Volcano over Tanygrisiau Tom's winging it at Groby Junction 1265 under the tower at Blaenau Adrian and Pete were second on the Barge, here we see them making a clean job of it at Bron Madog The 13.35 arriving at Minffordd The ALCo slips it's way over Penrhyn Crossing Adrian getting the train up to speed Cresting the summit Mol and Jules now in charge, the ALCo roars over Cei Mawr Me firing past the works on the final trip. (Tim's pic) While some people were standing in the rain for hours with lots of expensive cameras and tripods I opted to drink the night away and take a shot on my camera phone with my drunken shaking hands while on a trip to the toilets. The barge at Port with the beer train stock Monkey's lovin' it too Clagging up at TYB Sam and I take the poor thing up Gwyndy Bank for the last time. (Al's pic) Silly Billy and Harry Saville berk the ALCo at Pen Cob Sam drives 57156 back on shed for the last time

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]]> Sat Feb 11 2006 GCR January Gala http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c843964.html The GCR's winter gala, lots of trains and a lot of diesels, which was nice. Sunday 29 January 2006: The GCR's winter gala, lots of trains and a lot of diesels, which was nice.

The two Prairies double head the 09:15 ex Loughborough 78019 propells the director's saloon towards Loughborough The class 101 heads towards Quorn D123 heads light engine to Rothley The Peak heads towards Quorn, it is about to pass a class 20 The class 20, D8098, approaches D8098 passes, heading for Loughborough 45305 heads the 10:00 from Loughborough 45305 heads towards Quorn D8098 has now been joined by D8048, the pair haul the windcutters towards Quorn 63601 departs Loughborough with the 10:45 to Leicester North An arty shot of the train heading to Quorn The 101 heads into Loughborough 5199, on loan from Llangollen to cover for 80105, departs Loughborough with the 11:00 Rothley 4141 hauls the saloon into Quorn 78019 charges through Quorn with the windcutters 45305 blasts the TPO towards Quorn The 20s sit in the down loop at Loughborough D123 stabled in the up through siding at Loughborough 78019 heads the dining train into Loughborough 4141 pulls the freight towards Quorn The 20s head a local to Leicester 4141 heads a freight to Rothley

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]]> Sun Jan 29 2006 Track Weekend http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c838405.html The anual BL track weekend, which included a dead leary party fueled by early 90s dance shite! Saturday 21 January 2006: The anual BL track weekend, which included a dead leary party fueled by early 90s dance shite!

The group, ready for a hard weekend of track work Cezman's lovin' the Moelwyn A group Harvey The chain gang Tom 'jacking' off, see what I did there? Tim having his privacy invaded Pete on the pool table Pinch pinch Tim in the Ship Tom aiming for the ball, or is it my balls? Me playing pool Terry 'The Power' Rollerblade You're beautiful, you're beautiful, you're beautiful it's true. Another dart goes in the ceiling, no where near the board! Fashion Cez Spiderman at Harbour Station Quick bit of toast for that dancing energy! Tim and the Apprentice turn up Adrian sticks his head in the fire... Tom, looks like he's been re-animated! Becca and Cez getting down wit' it The crowded dancefloor Check out those moves Serious dancing Are we about to see some crowd surfing? Pete's gone into hugging mode Still in hugging mode Tom and Cez Tim Pete's having a great time Look, he still has the face! Pete the party's in full swing Pete and Tom Cez Terry Nice t-shirt Roger Pete groveling to the great Monkey Boy Adian and Becca, sitting this one out Andy cutting rail

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]]> Sat Jan 21 2006 Quarry http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c830892.html Quarry Friday 30 December 2005: Quarry

A wagon turntable A shed on the mill level the group with a big bit of slate A small diesel in the mill In the mill Kinky quarry track A battery electric A very ornate sink A GWR slate wagon chassis The main incline into the mountain The tips tramway bridges Trapped! Looking over the edge of the incline The view back to the town A tunnel on the tips tramway looking over the cable drum of the main incline back to the town The winding house An engine water tower on the tips tramway Looking back at the mill complex Cez and Terry at the bottom of Cwmorthin incline The view up the incline That's as far as our walk got... just beyond the gates! View. Point. All that buckety goodness Time for a quick railtour wave

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]]> Fri Dec 30 2005 Evil Nativity http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c830763.html Christmas in Sk8land: Evil Nativity at Llechwedd slate caverns, a popular tourist centre... Who knows how many children had been scared to death by it over the festive period. Sunday 25 December 2005: Christmas in Sk8land: Evil Nativity at Llechwedd slate caverns, a popular tourist centre... Who knows how many children had been scared to death by it over the festive period.

The scene of horror A severed head where Baby Jesus should be, shocking! I don't know who this poor soul is supposed to be, nightmare! His face says it all, evil! Mary the new age traveler, Joseph the drunk and what looks like one of the wise men - mourn for us all, terror! Joseph's Head jumper, filthy! The manger lies empty, panic! Joseph's really let himself go, dilapidation! Mary, smiles through the pain, painfully! Who the hell's this?! AAAAAAAARGH!

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]]> Sun Dec 25 2005 FR Christmas and New Year 2005/6 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c830721.html Shots from Christmas and New Year at the railway, including the anual FR/TR/WLLR gathering and Tal burning more coal. Saturday 31 December 2005: Shots from Christmas and New Year at the railway, including the anual FR/TR/WLLR gathering and Tal burning more coal.

Eric and Tal ready to pull the service train, 28/12/05 Blanche on the leary foto run-past Rich in the Ricket's tender James, Rich and Trav are lovin it on the FR! It was all too much for Rimmer Ice cold conditions on the Cob A 158 on the Cambrian passing Snowdon Eric and Blanche arrive at the halt Sam lit the sand dryer in an attempt to get a point, but he failed ...sitting on the top of the train, ready to leave... ...then through Bron Madoc... ...Tal rounds the works curve... Tal shunting Eric and ME onto the outside pit before leaving for Port to pull the train... ...the train starts out across the Cob... ...towards Rhiw Plas Bridge... ...working up Gwyndy Bank... ...over the bridge... ...through Penrhyn... ...and along 100mph straight heading for Rhiw Goch

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]]> Sat Dec 31 2005 Watercress Railway Santa Specials http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c823817.html Dad and I took a trip to the Mid Hants Railway to see some steam working over 'The Alps' in crisp winter light with nice steam effects in the cold air. Sunday 18 December 2005: Dad and I took a trip to the Mid Hants Railway to see some steam working over 'The Alps' in crisp winter light with nice steam effects in the cold air.

35005 'Canadian Pacific' climbing the bank out of Ropley Standard 5 73096 climbing towards Medstead and Four Marks Can Pac running tender first out of Ropley The 5 storming towards Medstead in the warm winter light 35005 climbing the Alton side of the bank to Medstead 35005 and train glide down to Ropley 35005 heads the last train to Ropley 35005 catches the orange light on a winters afternoon A few arty shots taken at Ropley, 35005 runs round it's train The line to Arlesford with a sunset Dad spots 35005, just like when he was 15... 40 years ago! 35005 departs for Alton 35005 climbing the bank out of Ropley A Merchant Navy and a Class 33 top and tail the first departure from Alton 35005 heads for Alton The morning's conditions were perfect 73096 in full cry! 73096 heads the last train to Medstead

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]]> Sun Dec 18 2005 EE Grot IV: Rhymney Valley Diesel Extravaganza! http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c787593.html Arriva Trains Wales put on a great show in Cardiff to mark the end of thier use of 37/4s and Mk2 stock in favour of DMUs to Rhymney. The DMUs should take over on the 10th of December. Sunday 4 December 2005: Arriva Trains Wales put on a great show in Cardiff to mark the end of thier use of 37/4s and Mk2 stock in favour of DMUs to Rhymney. The DMUs should take over on the 10th of December.

37425's English nameplate 37425's Welsh nameplate - it only just fits between the grilles 37419 on the back of the train 37419 at Caerphilly 37425 thrashes out of Caerphilly 37419 working just as hard 37411, now named 'Caerphilly Castle/Castell Caerffili', arrives at Caerphilly 50049 on the back of the train 50049 at Cardiff A 3 car 158 at Cardiff 43177 'University of Exeter' arrives at Cardiff, viewed from the window of a class 50 hauled train 50031 on the run The train departs with 37411 on the back 37419 37419 in the headshunt 37411 at Bargoed 66202 passes through the centre road at Cardiff with a steel train 43124 departs west while 150230 waits 37419 at Cardiff Central 419's Highland Rail Stag 37419 prepares to run to Margam 34134 'County of Somerset' stands at Cardiff 43134 Departs for London 158964 at the head of a 10 car 158 formation! 43175 approaches Cardiff 37425, now named 'Pride of the Valleys/Balchder y Cymoedd', arrives at Cardiff having been added to 37419's train at Margam to make a Top-and-tail formation. The Arriva MK2ds are fitted with blue star multi-working so both engines can power the train all the time. 37425 at Caerphilly during a 20 minute photo stop 50031 at Ystrad Mynach The top and tail set heads away 47854 and 33207 arrive at Ystrad Mynach 47854 up close 33207 stopped in the platform at Ystrad Mynach 143605 arrives and passes the class 33 143605 at Bargoed A nice heritage bus at Bargoed 37425 at Bargoed, the Arriva coaches are almost BR blue and grey! 37411 crosses 37425 at Bargoed 37419 at Rhymney 37425 draws into the headshunt so a DMU can come down from Bargoed 37419 follows 37419 waits in the dark as the DMU does it's stuff 37419 up the headshunt 47854 at Cardiff, with a marker light out 37419 at Cardiff ready to make the days last run to Rhymney 150230 at Cardiff with a Portsmouth Harbour service

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]]> Sun Dec 4 2005 Warley Cat Bondage Expo http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c787579.html 2005 is the first time I've been to the Warley show, it was very interesting. The highlight for me was 'Mostyn' a P4 layout in BR blue era. Saturday 3 December 2005: 2005 is the first time I've been to the Warley show, it was very interesting. The highlight for me was 'Mostyn' a P4 layout in BR blue era.

A Wrightlines whitemetal Double Fairlie A 5inch gauge Western A class 110 unit on Mostyn, a P4 layout based on the North Wales Coast route A pair of two tone green class 47s pass a Backwoods 4mm 009 Rheidol Tank Pete's dirty little secret One of the Woodhead locos was the centre piece of the show Mostyn A class 40 approaches on Mostyn The 40 passes A class 25 on Mostyn Another 25 passes going the other way Two class 47s stabled in the sidings at Mostyn A third class 47 passes on the mainline The remains of Mostyn station A class 40 passes on the mainline with a scrap train A class 47 passes on the other line The class 47 draws closer Three 47s together The 47 passes with it's ballast train

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]]> Sat Dec 3 2005 Trip to Inverness http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c787557.html I had to go to a funeral in Inverness, this provided an interesting chance to see trains i wouldn't usually see and go on the Caledonian Sleeper! Tuesday 6 December 2005: I had to go to a funeral in Inverness, this provided an interesting chance to see trains i wouldn't usually see and go on the Caledonian Sleeper!

The Sleeper leaves Crewe behind 90026 37229, newly repainted, at Carlisle on a water cannon train with 37029 A GNER Intercity 125 passes the sleeper in a loop near Inverness The Sleeper leaves the loop under a green light 67007 after arrival at Inverness It was very foggy in Inverness! Original Highland Railway buildings at Inverness Inverness Depot A 158 on the far north lines platforms. It had just arrived from Kyle DVT 82209 leads a GNER Intercity 225 set pushed by 91131 'County of Northumberland' at Edinburgh 170417 at Edinburgh 67001 'Night Mail' in a bay platform at Edinburgh 43107 'Tayside' in platform 1 at Edinburgh Super Voyager 221144 'Sir Francis Drake' on platform 21 at Edinburgh 37029 at Carlisle on a water cannon train 37229

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]]> Tue Dec 6 2005 SWT and slam door electric stock tribute http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c779637.html Today the last ever slam door electric units ran over the fromer BR Southern region. Here are some pitcures I took in the final years. Saturday 26 November 2005: Today the last ever slam door electric units ran over the fromer BR Southern region. Here are some pitcures I took in the final years.

Not a very good shot, but worthy of inclusion because it's the only picture I have of a 4-CEP, 2314 seen at Weybridge SWT's class 73/1 73109 'Battle of Britain 50th Anniversary' at Woking A class 422 5-WES Wessex Electric at Woking Class 423/1 4-VEP 3415 at Surbiton 3415 departs south (which on a PROPER railway, is down) Another 4-VEP in the up fast platfrom at Surbiton Class 423/2 4-VOP 3917 in exConnex livery at Clapham Junction 3809, another VEP in platfrom 15 at Waterloo 3809 again VEP 3536 arrives at Waterloo 3536's DTC A 159019 and 442 No 2402 The new threat, class 450 Desiro units at Waterloo 3481 another VEP at Waterloo Class 421/5 4-CIG 1304 at Waterloo A class 444 Desiro 421/4 CIG 1883 and VEP 3542 coupled together at Waterloo 421/8 4-CIG 1399 arrives at Woking 73109, still at Woking 159020 departs south Wessex 2421 arrives at Woking Fragonset 47703 'Hermes' on the Windsor side of Clapham Junction 4-VEP 3417/S76262 'Gordon Pettitt', turned out in 2004 by Wimbledon Traincare Depot in heritage Blue livery The name plate that earnt 3417 the nickname 'Gordon the blue train' 3417 at Waterloo Gatwick Express 460003 rushes through Clapham Junction Also at threat, class 458 4-JOP, SWT has said they will not continue leasing them when the contract runs out

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]]> Sat Nov 26 2005 Disused Railways http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c779501.html Disused lines I have Walked. ExGWR/F&B Blaenau Ffestiniog - Bala, LNWR Ditton Junction - Skelton Junction Line at Latchford, exM&GNJR Holt - Melton Constable and exGWR Chester - Whitchurch. More will be added as I do them. Sunday 27 November 2005: Disused lines I have Walked. ExGWR/F&B Blaenau Ffestiniog - Bala, LNWR Ditton Junction - Skelton Junction Line at Latchford, exM&GNJR Holt - Melton Constable and exGWR Chester - Whitchurch. More will be added as I do them.

The headshunt at Blaenau The end of the current line at Blaenau A cutting, built to narrow gauge restrictions for the F&B is a tight squeeze for a standard gauge train! The same bridge seen from the other side Another bridge over the line in Blaenau The view looking towards the houses to the east of Blaenau A road passes under the line A level crossing in Blaenau The viaduct in Blaenau, formerly a wodden tressle structure in F&B days The view back towards Blaenau from the viaduct The line looking towards Ty Manod The site of Manod (GWR) station The remains of Ty Manod Shed (GWR), originally the Manod F&B station The line climbing out of Blaenau The Blaenau fixed distant The line passes a Cematery in Manod A road bridge over the line near Neuadd-ddu, a tree has fallen across the track beyond the bridge Another bridge near Neuadd-ddu, with very tight clearence The line crosses over a road out of Manod A GWR Whistle board The line passes under the main road to Llan Ffestiniog, the bridge has been widend A stop board for an un-gated crossing The un-gated crossing The line past the crossing A bridge over the line near Teiliau-isaf A 5mph speed sign for the sharp curve ahead The sharp curve crosses a bridge A bridge over the line at the end of the curve The line clings to the hill side, curving with the land Another farm crossing A signal post near Llan Ffestiniog, probably the station distant signal A road under the line near Llan Ffestiniog The last over bridge before Llan Ffestiniog station The M&GNR trackbed on an embankment beyond Holt station The line Crosses a river And a road near the same location The remains of a bridge over the road near Melton Constable The remains of Melton works The former station building at Latchford A 175 DMU seen from the trackbed near Tattenhall Junction on the Chester - Whitchurch line The view from a bridge over the line, looking towards Chester The bridge as seen from the trackbed A Virgin Super Voyager on the existing line to Crewe, seen from the bridge Remains of railway fence in a cutting A road crosses the line, the bridge has been re-enforced since trains last passed under it The remains of a bridge over the trackbed One of the abutments of a bridge that used to carry the railway over a road into Tattenhall Tattenhall station building, now a private dwelling. The line back towards Chester is just visible the view towards Whitchurch, no sign of a railway at all! I gave up at this point! Remains of the railway telegraph system at Tattenhall station

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]]> Sun Nov 27 2005 Winter Firing http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c778749.html A weekend firing on the World Famous, we had to fail the Blanche on the Saturday morning after we blew the brick arch up! So took the ALCo, which preformed terribly - but was still great! We had Blanche on Sunday and it was really no better! Pete was driving and Apprentice was trainee firing, which left me free to foto... Saturday 19 November 2005: A weekend firing on the World Famous, we had to fail the Blanche on the Saturday morning after we blew the brick arch up! So took the ALCo, which preformed terribly - but was still great! We had Blanche on Sunday and it was really no better! Pete was driving and Apprentice was trainee firing, which left me free to foto...

The still water around the Cob as the first trip departs Port The view from the Fireman's side over Gwyndy Bank The Apprentice readys the fire at Penrhyn Fresh frost ahead Running round at Tan Y Bwlch Mountaineer up close Me posing More frost on the ground It's MY side of the cab Welcome back ALCo Cai Mawr The ALCo rests under the water tower at half time. Two lamps! And it's lit Pete and Apprentice run round at Port A side view of the Barge Arty shadow of the train The view at Rhiw Goch The view of Maentwrog from Tyler's Curve Atmospheric steam at TYB Running round at TYB Me posing - again Finished for the day Impressive sun-set over the Cob The orange light glinting off the Barge's domes The ALCo at Pen Cob Great colours in the sky My attempts at some Collin Gifford style shots... ...using the coal and frost... ...trying to be arty... ...not doing very well! Blanche's exhaust hanging in the cold air Blanche sitting in 2 road so we can go off for a fry up! Ready to go The home signal viewed from the tender Tal shunting at Boston Lodge in the evening 57156 close up We made it look good that morning We take the ALCo off shed (Alex's foto) The first trip passing the works (Alex's foto) 100mph straight and things are going well (Alex's foto) The second trip nears the works (Alex's foto)

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]]> Sat Nov 19 2005 Robco's Birthday http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c778744.html Robco's birthday involved a BBQ at No3 and (as to be expected) lots of booze. Pictures were taken on my old camera, hence the poor quality. Thursday 27 May 2004: Robco's birthday involved a BBQ at No3 and (as to be expected) lots of booze. Pictures were taken on my old camera, hence the poor quality.

Jonathan enjoying the party Bonks and Robco starting the BBQ Matty starting the drinking Alex Sniff Sniff and Robco jammin' Cezman blessing Mambaar Charlie - the best dressed party goer! The Captain A classic Pete pose It was all to much for Rabbit

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]]> Thu May 27 2004 North Norfolk http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c777576.html Emily and I went to Sherringham for a holiday, nice sea-side destination, lovely weather and lots of TRAINS. Monday 28 March 2005: Emily and I went to Sherringham for a holiday, nice sea-side destination, lovely weather and lots of TRAINS.

D5207 (Class 25/0) departing Sherringham 34081 at Sherringham 34081 waits for the starter 34081 departs Sherringham The former M&GNJR trackbed beyond Holt The line crosses a river And a road at the same location The remains of another road bridge near Melton Constable Railway history in evidence at the towns bus stop The remains of Melton Works The buildings now form part of an industrial estate More railway seeker's clues (Railway Terrace) The Railway Institute Once the M&GNR's offices Semaphore signals at Cromer (formerly Cromer Beach) The signal box at Cromer 150227 arrives at Cromer 150227's name plate 65462 at Sherringham, great little engine 92 Squadron in the up line at Weybourne the J19 starts the hard climb up the bank out of Weybourne 65462 at Holt 34081 at Holt A nice LNER teak buffet car in our train 34081 - 92 Squadron B12 61572, the pride of the line - shame it wasn't working that day Recently aquired 90775 on shed at Weybourne The two locos together 3809 a J94 with a giesel ejector LNER 7999, an N7, being worked on at Weybourne 34081 arrives at Weybourne, the gradient eases through the platforms then returns to 1 in 80 beyond the station 34081 makes a storming departure on the gradient 65462's driver shuts off to bring the train to a halt on the rising gradient, tokens are exchanged here 65462 ready to continue climbing 65462 runs round at Holt D5207 again, at Weybourne 34081 makes a typically slippery departure from Sherringham, Bullied's Light Pacifics were known to be very light footed Anglia 47714 at Norwich

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]]> Mon Mar 28 2005 Works Dinner 2005 http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c776563.html Another year, another collection of fotos of us all getting very drunk in nicer clothes than usual. Saturday 26 November 2005: Another year, another collection of fotos of us all getting very drunk in nicer clothes than usual.

Blaenau in the snow The sight that first met my eyes on arrival in Wales The preserved quarry train in Blaenau The old station building at Duffws, now a public toilet The view of the quarries at the back of the town Tom and Tal at Harbour Station Coal perverts swarm round Tal Tom knows it The band tune up before the big show Tim modelling the latest in Christmas wear Me... Alex takes another The gig in full swing Not quite sure what Roger and Panda are doing to Alex here? Scared Tom Alex looks like he's going to rush Roger off the decks! Alex and Tim together again The dancing goes on Alex in full swing A classic Pete pose Pete pulling an odd face! Rabbit also pulling an odd face! More dancing Pete's still got the moves Tal departs as viewed from the Garth

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]]> Sat Nov 26 2005 Jazz Train http://rickskateboard.fotopic.net/c743115.html A group of us went on one of the Jazz trains over the summer of 2004, Rabbit was driving and Tom (suprise suprise) was firing the Prince. Saturday 28 August 2004: A group of us went on one of the Jazz trains over the summer of 2004, Rabbit was driving and Tom (suprise suprise) was firing the Prince.

Moelwyn pilots the Prince on the Jazz train Tom puts the fire back in the Prince Cez looking at the camera, Helen not... ...Helen now looking at the camera, Cez not! Duncan, Becca and Diane Rabbit and Helen dance at Tan Y Bwlch Cez driving CJ's train Tom plundering the buffet car Cez with her new video