70 Days To Railfest 2012!! 24th March 2012

70  Years Ago....

In December 1942, Ian Allan produces the " ABC of Southern Locomotives"..trainspotting begins!

Train  Watchers' Platform...(C) Jim White

There's a scanner and speaker set up so railfans can hear the dispatcher call out the train numbers and other info.

..and a comment from Dick Bodily...

There's a viewing platform at Grosmont on the NYMR. Mind you it doesn't have seats, a roof or announcements. I took the picture of the Schools class heading into the tunnel from it (in my NYMR album). Of course the ultimate main line viewing platform in the UK is overlooking the ECML at The National Railway Museum which has seats, a roof and a TV monitor display with timetabled times and puntuality reports on passing passenger trains just like the platform displays at nearby York Station. I believe that in the 60's there was a viewing platform erected for trainspotters at Finsbury Park on the ECML. (Dick)

Steam Tube(TM) now has a handy map where enthusiasts can "Pin" their favourite spots, or see where others position themselves for the most advantageous pictures and images..
Steam Tube Location Pin.....

.....
and  in preparation for next weeks mainline runnings, here are a few details courtesy
UKSteamInfo........


Thursday 29th March 2012
The Duchess Night Owl (Hathersage-Crewe) featuring 46233 (Derby-Crewe-Derby) on a loaded test run....

Thursday 29th March 2012
The Cathedrals Express, featuring 60163 Tornado, London Kings Cross-York-Kings Cross.

Saturday 31st March 2012
The Winter Cumbrian Express , (London Euston-Carlisle) featuring 70013 on the
 Carnforth-Shap-Carlisle-Settle-Farington Jc leg.



As always, check with the operator of the tour to confirm runnings.
UK Steam Info has the details.......