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Complete BR Locomotive Database 1948-1997 British Railway Clocks RCTS member's site Railway clocks, records and history are available through this site. Information of British steam locomotives, details and histories, from the WD, GWR, LMS, LNER and Southern Railway are presented in a searchable data base. The data base is very extensive covering shed locations during the locomotives' use and dates of final withdrawal. Other sections cover Shed entries and a comprehensive picture gallery which includes rarer vehicles like steam railcars This shows another aspect of the new rail links, some proposed journey times, intermediate stations on the route and changes proposed to existing services. A preview of the new CTRL Domestic rolling stock is shown. Class 47 Locomotives Around the Southampton Area RCTS member's site Regularly updated pictures and archive material shows the decline of The Class 47 locomotives around the Southampton area. The high quality pictures shown enable detailed studies of the locomotives to be made. Commission for Integrated Transport The role of the CfIT is to provide the Government (U.K.) with independent advice on the implementation of integrated transport policy, to monitor developments across transport, environment, health and other sectors. This site displays reports and analyses of many aspects of transport including a review of a proposed U.K. high speed north-south rail route. Comparisons between transport systems are made. Two new railway routes are proposed across London to provide vital links for people and businesses in the S.E. of the U.K.. Crossrail Line 1,the East-West route aims to run through Hayes, Paddington, Tottenham Ct. Rd. and Stratford. Crossrail Line 2, the South West-North East route, plans to run through Clapham Junction, Tottenham Ct. Rd and Dalston. Information about the project, the need, press releases and much more are presented. Department for Transport-Railways. (U.K.) A comprehensive presentation of aims, statistics, proposals, consultation papers and other matters covered by the Department of Transport with respect to railways is available. The site shows the Department's endeavours to increase passenger numbers with a growth in freight traffic combined with a high quality service with enhanced safety. This fascinating site lists locomotives that fall into the withdrawn/stored categories, a situation that can and does change quite rapidly. This site aims to keep track of this ever-changing situation. Other sections on the site present photographic collections, locomotive disposals and fleet status. The links section is also well worth a visit. A stock list for Amtrak locomotives is presented in a European style. Great Railway Journeys of Britain RCTS member's site Photographs taken from lineside locations along railway routes are shown. An accompanying text with each picture describes items of particular note that add interest to the site. This site explains the role of the H.S.E. with respect to railways. Available are reports on recent major rail accidents and safety related incidents. The site covers a wide range of topics including carrying out assessments of safety cases, inspections and audits, providing guidance and support together with useful rail information. (See also the site for the Railway Accident Investigation Board who will investigate future railway incidents). The ITSO organisation was formed to build and maintain a specification for smartcard ticketing. (Smartcards provide a technique for contactless ticketing for transport systems and other uses). The membership of ITSO is broadly based and includes PTEs, Local Authorities, Passenger Transport Operators and suppliers of equipment, systems and services. Kings Cross / St Pancras Upgrade More information is presented on the remodelling of St Pancras and Kings Cross Stations. Artist impressions accompanied by text describe current and proposed developments. Merseyside and North Cheshire "8A Rail" RCTS member's site This site covers Merseyside and North Cheshire. Information is given on the numerous freight trains in the area as well as other related subjects. This site give access to an archive of former R.C.T.S. member's travels and shows records of visits dating from January 1959 until the end of steam in 1968. By clicking on 'Dennis Bath's Locomtive Miscellany' access is gained to unique records of train observations dating from the 1940's. This a chance to view some rare notes and photographs from all over the world. (Includes the National Rail Timetable) For train times, to plan your journey, service alterations, places to visit, live departure boards, news magazines, special offers then visiting this site is well worth while. There is a special section for forthcoming events for young and old alike. The site is provided on behalf of all train operating companies (ATOC). <a href="http://www.nationalrail.co.uk/passenger_services/guidelines_for_rail_enthusiasts.htm">Click here</a> to read ATOC's important safety notice for rail enthusiasts. The Network Rail site presents much useful information about many aspects of the national rail network. News and press releases are shown relevant to current events. Links available to other industry partners include freight and passenger companies together with Government agencies. Network Rail's Business Plan 2007 The business plan to be viewed from the pages is an executive overview of Network Rails detailed plans for the coming year. Route plans are available for more detailed study. Pauline McKenna's Photographs RCTS member's site A superb collection of railway photographs can be viewed here of mainly British scenes. Select the pictures you wish to view in thumbnail form then expand your choice to study the expert compositions in detail. Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) The RAIB was established by the Railways and Transport Safety Act 2003. The role of the RAIB is to be the independent railway accident investigation body for the United Kingdom. Rail Photo RCTS member's site The aim of this website is to push photography of the modern railway further towards an artistic edge. Pictures from all over the U.K. as well as foreign climbs are displayed in an impressive way. Railway Codes and other data RCTS member's site The railways provide codes and abbreviations for everything. This site concentrates on infrastructure and service matters. What are ELRs? What is the CRS code for my station? What does this TIPLOC mean? Look it up here, together with NLC codes, PRIDE numbers, and which parts of the railway were opened experimentally under the Speller legislation. Now includes STANOX, signal box prefix and electrification mast prefix codes. Railway Forum - Sustainable Development Sustainable development can be seen as development that encompasses three fundemental components namely the economy, society and the environment. View here the railway industry's work on these matters. This site is intended as a "resource centre" for rail companies and enthusiasts. Included are many useful links to rail companies, The Rail Regulator, Government bodies, passenger groups, rail museums, heritage lines, information for modellers and a discussion forum. The magnificent St Pancras Station and Midland Hotel are featured on this page in its condition prior to the present upgrading. Some of the photographs show the fine architectural features of the buildings and of course Barlow's magnificent trainshed St. Helens & South Lancs. Rail & Bus Site RCTS member's site This chiefly photographic site has many pictures from the title area. Timings and photographs from elsewhere in the U.K. and Europe are also shown. The site is updated approximately once a month. This site is an vast information resource. Much of the information is presented as précis drawn from fuller texts of locomotives and locomotive types, railway engineers, manufacturers, magazines and other topics. This excellent site is well worth visiting with much knowledge to be gained of steam railway matters. Duties of the British Railways Board are outlined which include responsibilities for the British Transport Police who become involved in railway incidents. The Channel Tunnel Rail Link - An Introduction This page from the Department for Transport presents an excellent overview of the route from the Channel tunnel through to the future new terminus at St Pancras. Reasons for the chosen route are given. Separate section outline the route from the Channel Tunnel to Fawkham Junction. from Southfleet Junction to St Pancras. Onward travel from St Pancras to other mainline destinations is reviewed. The Engine Shed Society RCTS member's site The Engine Shed Society specialises in the subject of motive power depots (both past and present) together with the related structures. Other areas covered include stabling points, loco allocations and staff rosters and a photogallery. Information on carriage and wagon works can also be reviewed. The Festiniog Railway Society Affiliated Society F.R. history, maps and route details, timetables, special events, loco and rolling stock details and much more about this fascinating line. The Great Central Works at Dukinfield RCTS member's site Current projects and photographs are shown. The Great Northern Railway Society RCTS member's site The objective of the G.N.R.S is to foster interest in, to record and preserve the history of the Great Northern Railway. This includes its predecessors and successors. The society hopes to achieve its aims by acquiring and dissemination of information and records. Artefacts and models will also be collected and displayed. Also the society aims to establish links with organisations with similar interests. This site shows how, when and where this will be done. The Historical Model Railway Society Affiliated Society The H.R.M.S. site serves to assist in the collection and exchange of information for historians and modellers of railways of the British Isles. Pages are provided for information exchanges, membership details, events and much more. This site provides a very useful information resource. The Irish Railway Record Society Affiliated Society The I.R.R.S. brings together the history and development, current operation and other aspects of Irish Railways and tramways. Current society and railway activities are presented. The London Post Office Railway Maps, many photographs and a comprehensive text about London's mail only underground railway. The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway This link leads to the official site for the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway in Exmoor, North Devon, U.K.. Including the latest up to date information and news from the railway at Woody Bay and the project to reinstate this historic narrow gauge line. The Marlow and District Railway Society The M.D.R.S. arranges indoor meetings usually on matters of railway interest. The meetings are held monthly at Bourne End, near Marlow. Visits are arranged to train operators' premises, miniature railways and from time to time the branch organises ventures abroad. A top quality newsletter is published quarterly. See this site for details of the forthcoming programme, were meetings are held and how to join. The National Railway Museum (UK) The National Railway Museum in York, England is the largest railway museum in the world, responsible for the conservation and interpretation of the British national collection of historically significant railway vehicles and other artefacts. The Museum contains an unrivalled collection of locomotives, rolling stock, railway equipment, documents and records. Visit this site to see what is there, enjoy an interactive tour. View the workshops by webcam. This web site is extensive and only a visit can do it justice. The North Staffordshire Railway Study Group RCTS member's site The Group endeavours to collate and present information about the erstwhile North Staffordshire Railway. The site show details of the group's activities including how to join, study group and other publications, discussion group details, models available and contains an information resource. This site is devoted to matters relating to the railways of North Wales, the main lines from Manchester and Crewe to Bangor and Holyhead and includes the branch lines to Blaenau Ffestiniog and Llandudno, connecting routes and the line around the Cambrian Coast. Topics past and present are covered. To be viewed are current timetables. a route guide and history, descriptions types of trains operatinguh and a sizeable collection of fine photographs. The Office of the Rail Regulator The functions and duties of the Office of the Rail Regulator are presented. Press releases and publications available are listed together with the people involved in its operation. The Penrith-Keswick Railway Reinstatement Project The project aims to reopen the Penrith-Keswick Railway as a modern railway. Presented on this site is the extensive research and investigations that have been carried out to show how a viable commercial railway can be reinstated and operated. The case for the reopening of the railway, pictures taken from ground level and aerial shots of the route, railway profiles, together with many other factors affecting the project can be reviewed. The Railway Forum is the voice and lobby group for the whole of the railway industry and represents the majority of the industry. Included within the group are TOCs, ROSCOs, infrastructure providers, equipment and service suppliers together with PTEs. Available for perusal are details of press releases, publications, events and more. Britain's railways have a long, unique and complex history, shaped by engineering, politics, economics and social change. Acts of Parliament, accident reports records, and publicity material many not readily accessible can be viewed from this site. From the dawn of railways circa (2000 years ago) to the present time copies of reports can be viewed. This site will be a valuable resource from those studying railway history. A section is given to assist in tracing records of former railway employees. The Stevenage Locomotive Society Meeting in Stevenage the Society members enjoy participating on organised events and visits. Regular members meetings are held at a modern venue and feature high quality illustrated shows and guest speakers. More details of meetings, events and membership are presented on this site. The Stevenson Locomotive Society The SLS provides fine opportunities for those wishing to further their studies of railways and railway locomotion. From this site can be seen activities of the society, details of meetings and visits, the extensive library of books, photographs, and the drawing collection. The Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society Affiliated Society The Talyllyn Line has an intriguing history which is outlined. Also shown are travel details, timetables, pictures and things to do and see around the line. The Waverley Route Heritage Association The association aims to preserve and protect all of the heritage aspects of the border Waverley route. Maps, gradient profiles, the history of this fascinating route and the future aims of the association are included. The Wensleydale Railway Association The Wensleydale Railway Association (WRA) is a membership body which campaigns for the reinstatement of the railway from Northallerton to Garsdale. It established Wensleydale Railway plc which is now responsible for the operation of the existing line. It supports the development of the Wensleydale Railway with fund raising and its members provide the volunteers who work for the plc to make the line viable. Trainspots is a growing archive of railway photographic locations up and down the U.K. How to reach the location, what the area is like, and perhaps even where the location of the nearest chip shop is given. Trainspots covers both current running lines and preserved railways. A very useful site with photographs from the locations. Transport of Delight RCTS member's site This site presents a fine selection of photographs covering the period from 1959 to the present day. There are section for railways, trams, trolleybuses, buses, museums and preservation and The West Somerset Railway. Transports of Delight is part of the Webmaster’s excellent Aspects of Exmoor site. Transport Photographs RCTS member's site Details of a range of transport photographs for sale. Rail and road in black and white and colour slides are available covering the period 1900 to the present time. this link takes you to the National Rail website maps page. An excellent selection of maps are available for the U.K. National network. Rail operating companies are listed together with a lists of their equipment. Visit this site for up to date information on steam locomotives that have recently, are currently or are planned to operate mainline duties. Details of mainline tours, locomotive movements and locomtive availability are presented. Many links are provided to heritage lines, museums and preservation centres. A very useful site for followers of steam traction. last updated: 08/10/12 |