Testing times (for foliage)

Otherwise known as where did that damn Birch shrub spring from ? ! BR blue-liveried 31106 does her best to hide behind the foliage as she passes through Daw End on the 23rd July with test train 1Q18 bound for Derby. On the rear of the set was departmental locomotive 97301.

DR 80212

A dappled shot of Pandrol Jackson stoneblower number DR80212 on her way to Walsall, Monday 19th July.

Obstruction Danger

The shaken lady driver of this car was lucky to escape with cuts and bruises on Wednesday evening, when she lost control of the vehicle causing it to plunge through a fence and hedge, career down a fifty-foot embankment, cross the up line and come to rest across the down line at Aldridge.

Container train 4M63 running from Bescot to Hams Hall had passed the site literally seconds before the car crashed onto the tracks.

Three trains (including 6M51 and 6G45) were held along the Sutton Park line while the vehicle was winched clear, and two hours later at 2000 the line was open for business.

Thanks to Network Rail for permission to reproduce these three photographs.

Street Spirit

After being released from repairs at Toton, 60074 Teenage Spirit makes a welcome return to traffic. The tug is seen at Streetly Gate while working 0Z98 Toton to Bescot and is seen later in the consist of 6V69 Bescot to Alexandra Junction hauled by 66087.

5Z12 passes Streetly

Passing the old Streetly station site this afternoon was 67002 'Special Delivery' with a stock move to Barrow Hill, running 190 minutes late...