2. Railways

Tug Fest in the Peak District III.....Even less so

A further return to the Peak District for a couple of days to lookout new locations around Peak Forest, Great Rocks and for the first time Buxton and the quarries beyond. I was not to be disappointed. 9+10+11/7/2007
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  • Buxton was once a major railway junction town with stations built and owned by the Midland Railway and London and North Western Railway. Now all that is left is part of the LNWR station and two active platforms. 150144 and 156409 stand at platform two with a class 2 service to Blackpool. 9/7/2007

    Buxton was once a major railway junction town with stations built and owned by the Midland Railway and London and North Western Railway. Now all that is left is part of the LNWR station and two active platforms. 150144 and 156409 stand at platform two with a class 2 service to Blackpool. 9/7/2007

  • The same train is viewed from platform 1 and looking down at the famous fan window in the remaining end wall of the station building.

    The same train is viewed from platform 1 and looking down at the famous fan window in the remaining end wall of the station building.

  • 150144 and 156409 departs Buxton working 2N99 1636 off to Blackpool North. The station still retains its semaphore signalling.

    150144 and 156409 departs Buxton working 2N99 1636 off to Blackpool North. The station still retains its semaphore signalling.

  • 150271 sits in Buxton's platform 2 having worked in probably from Manchester Piccadilly.

    150271 sits in Buxton's platform 2 having worked in probably from Manchester Piccadilly.

  • 66025 runs off the impressive Spring Gardens Viaduct with 6H52 1654 WX Dowlow to Ashburys loaded 4 wheel MEA boxes.

    66025 runs off the impressive Spring Gardens Viaduct with 6H52 1654 WX Dowlow to Ashburys loaded 4 wheel MEA boxes.

  • The train comes off the northern section of the former Buxton and High Peak Joint Railway and runs into Buxton's Up Relief Sidings where it will run round its train. The bridge abutments carried rails from the above line into the sidings on the west side of the main line which is now houses on Hogshaw Drive.

    The train comes off the northern section of the former Buxton and High Peak Joint Railway and runs into Buxton's Up Relief Sidings where it will run round its train. The bridge abutments carried rails from the above line into the sidings on the west side of the main line which is now houses on Hogshaw Drive.

  • The driver of 150271 opens up his charge to depart the Spa town with 2H01 1706 to Manchester Piccadilly. The former LNWR station once boasted an overall roof which the far end fan tail windowed wall was part of it. The neighbouring and now demolished Midland Railway station was identical in appearance. Now it all appears very down at heel.

    The driver of 150271 opens up his charge to depart the Spa town with 2H01 1706 to Manchester Piccadilly. The former LNWR station once boasted an overall roof which the far end fan tail windowed wall was part of it. The neighbouring and now demolished Midland Railway station was identical in appearance. Now it all appears very down at heel.

  • The set passes the ground running signal in the OFF position and passes between the massive stone abutments that carried the line to the former sidings now long lifted and recently built on.

    The set passes the ground running signal in the OFF position and passes between the massive stone abutments that carried the line to the former sidings now long lifted and recently built on.

  • Another view of 66025 with its train as it leaves Wye Dale and rounds towards Great Rocks Dale. The train is 6H52 1654 WX Dowlow to Ashburys loaded stone boxes seen earlier at Buxton.

    Another view of 66025 with its train as it leaves Wye Dale and rounds towards Great Rocks Dale. The train is 6H52 1654 WX Dowlow to Ashburys loaded stone boxes seen earlier at Buxton.

  • A stunning view of Chee Dale and the former Midland Railway signallers cottages at Blackwell Mill. A triangle of lines was once here with the former Midland Railway route to Derby and London running off to the right through Chee Dale and onto Monsal Gorge. 66025 runs along the remaining side of the triangle with its train of loaded stone boxes. Below is a link to a view taken in 1963 https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3388155

    A stunning view of Chee Dale and the former Midland Railway signallers cottages at Blackwell Mill. A triangle of lines was once here with the former Midland Railway route to Derby and London running off to the right through Chee Dale and onto Monsal Gorge. 66025 runs along the remaining side of the triangle with its train of loaded stone boxes. Below is a link to a view taken in 1963 https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3388155

  • An unknown class 150 Sprinter heads away from Buxton with a class 2 working to Manchester Piccadilly, 2H09 1855 off. This view is just to the north of the town.

    An unknown class 150 Sprinter heads away from Buxton with a class 2 working to Manchester Piccadilly, 2H09 1855 off. This view is just to the north of the town.

  • A last shot of the day and 150271 runs through the gentle countryside to the north of Buxton heading for the town with 2H90 1806 off Manchester Piccadilly . 9/7/2007

    A last shot of the day and 150271 runs through the gentle countryside to the north of Buxton heading for the town with 2H90 1806 off Manchester Piccadilly . 9/7/2007

  • Early the next morning and at the top of the Vale of Edale are the remains of the A625 road that once ran near to Mam Tor into the Hope Valley. It has been repaired countless times but due to the constant land movement the authorities gave up and closed the road many years ago. 10/7/07

    Early the next morning and at the top of the Vale of Edale are the remains of the A625 road that once ran near to Mam Tor into the Hope Valley. It has been repaired countless times but due to the constant land movement the authorities gave up and closed the road many years ago. 10/7/07

  • The "shivering mountain", Mam Tor in the early morning (05.50hrs) sunlight shows the layers of exposed gritstone and shale and evidence of numerous slips. It is a classic example of a rotational land slip and the hill moves or "shivers" after periods of heavy rain where the water has percolated down through the layers and washes through the crumbly shale rocks causing the very structure of the hill to collapse and slip. An iron age hill fort remains on top of the hill......but for how long?

    The "shivering mountain", Mam Tor in the early morning (05.50hrs) sunlight shows the layers of exposed gritstone and shale and evidence of numerous slips. It is a classic example of a rotational land slip and the hill moves or "shivers" after periods of heavy rain where the water has percolated down through the layers and washes through the crumbly shale rocks causing the very structure of the hill to collapse and slip. An iron age hill fort remains on top of the hill......but for how long?

  • Looking to the north west from near Mam Tor and to the western end of the Hope Valley. The remains of the A625 road is in the middle ground and early morning mist is creeping into the right of shot.

    Looking to the north west from near Mam Tor and to the western end of the Hope Valley. The remains of the A625 road is in the middle ground and early morning mist is creeping into the right of shot.

  • Turning to look north east and right along the Hope Valley towards Castleton. The whole valley is covered in a blanket of early morning mist with just the top of Castleton Cement Works chimney visible. This wonderful cloud inversion made for a truly fantastic start to a good day.

    Turning to look north east and right along the Hope Valley towards Castleton. The whole valley is covered in a blanket of early morning mist with just the top of Castleton Cement Works chimney visible. This wonderful cloud inversion made for a truly fantastic start to a good day.

  • Ah I wasn't expecting this and it caught me out a little.

    Ah I wasn't expecting this and it caught me out a little.

  • After over an hours wait near Harpur Hill for a train from Dowlow Quarry, I was greeted by a train going TO Dowlow. 66017 fronts 6H66 0431 TThO Warrington Arpley to Dowlow enterprise working.

    After over an hours wait near Harpur Hill for a train from Dowlow Quarry, I was greeted by a train going TO Dowlow. 66017 fronts 6H66 0431 TThO Warrington Arpley to Dowlow enterprise working.

  • The train disturbs the sleep of the residents who live close to the line as it passes by.

    The train disturbs the sleep of the residents who live close to the line as it passes by.

  • The train passes over the road from Harpur Hill to the main road at Heathfield Nook. In the background is evidence of quarrying and the railway embankment that served it.

    The train passes over the road from Harpur Hill to the main road at Heathfield Nook. In the background is evidence of quarrying and the railway embankment that served it.

  • 67017 slowly continues down the Dowlow branch as two cows feed on the wet lush grass in their field.

    67017 slowly continues down the Dowlow branch as two cows feed on the wet lush grass in their field.

  • Journey's end and 67017 arrives at the sidings at Dowlow with Freightliner hoppers parked up. It will run round here and propel its hoppers in for loading.

    Journey's end and 67017 arrives at the sidings at Dowlow with Freightliner hoppers parked up. It will run round here and propel its hoppers in for loading.

  • The early morning sun is lovely and casts a wonderful light on 67017 and the wagons in the sidings.

    The early morning sun is lovely and casts a wonderful light on 67017 and the wagons in the sidings.

  • The shunter works the point levers as 67017 runs round. Some of the quarry buildings form the backdrop.

    The shunter works the point levers as 67017 runs round. Some of the quarry buildings form the backdrop.

  • The driver of 67017 eases his machine upto the wagons he brought in.

    The driver of 67017 eases his machine upto the wagons he brought in.

  • All the loading is now complete and the train can return to Warrington Arpley as 6F67 0950 TThO off Dowlow.

    All the loading is now complete and the train can return to Warrington Arpley as 6F67 0950 TThO off Dowlow.

  • As 67017 approaches it passes the severed remains of possibly Hindlow's down home or outer home signal post.

    As 67017 approaches it passes the severed remains of possibly Hindlow's down home or outer home signal post.

  • The short train is about to enter the 512 yard long Hindlow tunnel.

    The short train is about to enter the 512 yard long Hindlow tunnel.

  • The train has cleared the tunnel and is about to pass over the bridge over the B5053 road. Just beyond that was the site of Hindlow station.

    The train has cleared the tunnel and is about to pass over the bridge over the B5053 road. Just beyond that was the site of Hindlow station.

  • A quick walk back to the car followed by a quick drive to Chee Dale and then quick yomp down hill and up dale to try and get to the position I wanted to record 67017. But I didn't quite make it. 67017 is viewed through the trees as it passes the site of Peak Forest Junction with the route through Monsal Dale. Another few minutes and I would have got to where I wanted to be.

    A quick walk back to the car followed by a quick drive to Chee Dale and then quick yomp down hill and up dale to try and get to the position I wanted to record 67017. But I didn't quite make it. 67017 is viewed through the trees as it passes the site of Peak Forest Junction with the route through Monsal Dale. Another few minutes and I would have got to where I wanted to be.

  • Back now to a favourite location at Peak Forest. 60021 is brought to life for some shunting and it coughs clag into the atmosphere.

    Back now to a favourite location at Peak Forest. 60021 is brought to life for some shunting and it coughs clag into the atmosphere.

  • It is coupled onto four new Cemex HOA bogie hopper wagons.

    It is coupled onto four new Cemex HOA bogie hopper wagons.

  • 60021 shunts the wagons into the loading sidings at Peak Forest Quarry.

    60021 shunts the wagons into the loading sidings at Peak Forest Quarry.

  • 60021 has come out of the yard and is parked up in the holding sidings. 60047 runs in with 20 empty HOA hoppers with 6M11 0830 TWFO Washwood Heath to Peak Forest empty RMC hoppers.

    60021 has come out of the yard and is parked up in the holding sidings. 60047 runs in with 20 empty HOA hoppers with 6M11 0830 TWFO Washwood Heath to Peak Forest empty RMC hoppers.

  • 60047 passes 60021 as it backs its rake of wagons into the loading sidings at Peak Forest Quarry.

    60047 passes 60021 as it backs its rake of wagons into the loading sidings at Peak Forest Quarry.

  • 60047 propels its lengthy train of empty hoppers into the sidings to be reloaded with more stone.

    60047 propels its lengthy train of empty hoppers into the sidings to be reloaded with more stone.

  • Another Peak Forest arrival is 60068 with 6M17 1020 ThX Leeds Stourton to Peak Forest empty RMC hoppers. The train of 25 mainly JGA hoppers will be reversed into the quarry sidings visible behind the train.

    Another Peak Forest arrival is 60068 with 6M17 1020 ThX Leeds Stourton to Peak Forest empty RMC hoppers. The train of 25 mainly JGA hoppers will be reversed into the quarry sidings visible behind the train.

  • 60068 passes 60021 which sits idle at the time.

    60068 passes 60021 which sits idle at the time.

  • 60047 has left its wagons for reloading and now leaves the quarry access road and crosses onto the up goods road and passes the former Midland Railway signalbox and will stable in the yard behind it.

    60047 has left its wagons for reloading and now leaves the quarry access road and crosses onto the up goods road and passes the former Midland Railway signalbox and will stable in the yard behind it.

  • 60047 drops down into the sidings which has some decidedly suspect track!

    60047 drops down into the sidings which has some decidedly suspect track!

  • Back at Chee Dale again to record a Buxton bound working. 66025 is again rostered on this diagram and it fronts 6H57 1236 Ashburys to Dowlow empty MEA boxes.

    Back at Chee Dale again to record a Buxton bound working. 66025 is again rostered on this diagram and it fronts 6H57 1236 Ashburys to Dowlow empty MEA boxes.

  • The squeel of wheel flanges on check rails could clearly be heard as the train passes round the sharp curve. The cottages at Blackwell Mill would be for the numerous signalmen that staffed the three signalboxes in the former triangle. High above the cottages is the remains of the Buxton Central Lime Kilns quarry which has been intensively infilled and landscaped to a great depth. The buildings and kilns stood rising from the track side on the line which ran out of shot to the right. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3388155 The buildings of Tunstead Quarry can be seen in the top left of shot.

    The squeel of wheel flanges on check rails could clearly be heard as the train passes round the sharp curve. The cottages at Blackwell Mill would be for the numerous signalmen that staffed the three signalboxes in the former triangle. High above the cottages is the remains of the Buxton Central Lime Kilns quarry which has been intensively infilled and landscaped to a great depth. The buildings and kilns stood rising from the track side on the line which ran out of shot to the right. https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/3388155 The buildings of Tunstead Quarry can be seen in the top left of shot.

  • After a long wait while the loco ran round at Buxton, 66025 and its train comes into view at Harpur Hill.

    After a long wait while the loco ran round at Buxton, 66025 and its train comes into view at Harpur Hill.

  • This former double track main line ran to Ashbourne via Parsley Hay on the Cromford and High Peak Railway.

    This former double track main line ran to Ashbourne via Parsley Hay on the Cromford and High Peak Railway.

  • If the train had been earlier these shots would have been in the sun. They were taken from the abandoned track bed of the line to Harpur Hill Quarry.

    If the train had been earlier these shots would have been in the sun. They were taken from the abandoned track bed of the line to Harpur Hill Quarry.

  • After a quick loading, 66025 returns to Buxton and crosses Spring Gardens Viaduct that dominates this part of the town. The train is 6H52 1654 WX Dowlow to Ashburys loaded stone boxes.

    After a quick loading, 66025 returns to Buxton and crosses Spring Gardens Viaduct that dominates this part of the town. The train is 6H52 1654 WX Dowlow to Ashburys loaded stone boxes.

  • With the train safely in the Up Relief Sidings, the driver can run his loco round its train.

    With the train safely in the Up Relief Sidings, the driver can run his loco round its train.

  • 66025 gains the road with its wagons and passes behind Buxton's signal box.

    66025 gains the road with its wagons and passes behind Buxton's signal box.

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    67017 slowly continues down the Dowlow branch as two cows feed on the wet lush grass in their field.
    Journey's end and 67017 arrives at the sidings at Dowlow with Freightliner hoppers parked up. It will run round here and propel its hoppers in for loading.
    The early morning sun is lovely and casts a wonderful light on 67017 and the wagons in the sidings.