New Lostock Hall book from Bob Gregson

Now available, from Bob Gregson, the author of the definitive reference works on the railways of Preston...
A Lostock Hall Railway Album
Timed to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the end of steam on British Railways in August 1968, the book presents a wealth of photographs of Lostock Hall shed, along with detailed and informative captions, which make it an absolute "must" for anyone with an interest in the railways of the area.
Many of the images are previously unpublished and come from respected photographers such as Peter Fitton and Alan Castle - in the memory of whom the book is dedicated.

Available from amazon or directly from the publisher, Atkinson Publications.

A companion book on Preston itself, is due to be published very soon...

50th Anniversary Reunion

There will be a reunion of railwaymen at the Leyland and Farington club in Leyland on Friday evening August 3rd this year,

starting at 19.00 hrs. Admission free. Buffet and raffle etc.

All to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of steam traction on B.R.

For more information or to order tickets contact Bob Gregson :
Tel : 01524 736727
Mob : 07518 926122
email : r.gregson.invincible@btinternet.com

New Book - Preston to Blackpool

It's all-change on the Fylde line this year, so this book is very timely indeed.

"... the railways of the Fylde region, from the early days right up to the eve of electrification. ...The three lines to Blackpool are covered in depth, illustrated with some rare photos"

With many of the images coming from the camera of Peter Fitton, this is sure to be a treat.

Class 68s Take-over one Cumbrian Coast Diagram

The class 37-hauled Cumbrian Coast diagrams have been beset with reliability issues over the past several months, leading to pressure on Northern to improve the situation.
From today, the morning service from Preston, previously hauled by a class 37 and DBSO, has been handed over to top & tail class 68 traction. The set used on the northern half of the route remains in the hands of the venerable class 37s.

Work starts on bringing trams to the Deepdale Branch

It's been a long road for Trampower to get this far, but after a number of false dawns, work has actually begun to clear a section of the former Deepdale Branch / Longridge Line. A modest length of existing track is to be used as a demonstrator line for the company.

Plans yet to be submitted would see the line extended into Preston city centre and providing a passenger service.

Merry Christmas...

...to all our regular contributors and visitors.

New Book - Enjoying the Cumbrian Coast Railway

Landing on my door-mat last week, was a copy of David John Hindle's latest book. Enjoying the Cumbrian Coast Railway.
It's a pity that this is appearing so close to Christmas, because it looks to be an ideal Christmas present for anyone who enjoys travelling the more scenic parts of the UK's rail network (the Cumbrian Coast route is of course up there with the best).
Davids's book is a very high-quality hard-back, all colour publication, packed full of photos, diagrams and drawings. Apart from the railway itself, the book explores the landscape of nature which surrounds the railway, with more than a passing look at the ornithological delights which can be seen along the route.
With luck, the book should be in the shops now and will be an ideal late present for those hard-to-buy-for relatives!
It's also available at Amazon | Waterstones | WHSmith