Railways are a significant feature in my locality
A GBRF class 66 locomotive 66754 “Northampton Saints” heads a train of empty mineral wagons back to the Peak District quarries. When loaded these 2400 ton trains are some of the heaviest operated in the UK. This post is the first of a few that will consolidate some of my local railway pictures. It is a subject that has always interested me, inspired by early memories of railways at the back of both grandparents homes and relatives with occupational and lifestyle connections with the industry.
Railways are actually quite a significant aspect of my locality with a large number of distinctly different and classic lines all within my cycling radius from home. These pictures are all from the Chelford area and show activity on the very busy Manchester to Crewe section of the West Coast Mainline. This is one of the oldest operating railways in Cheshire and amongst some of the first track mileage to be electrified at the continental standard of 25KV AC – overhead. The Crewe line and its Styal tributary were all electrified with the new system in 1960.
When heading south Jodrell Bank comes into view shortly after passing through Chelford and it is one of the most iconic sights of the line. Many photos promoting the new electric intercity services were ‘posed’ with the iconic Lovell telescope in shot. Today the line is very heavily used by a wide variety of freight and passenger services for London, Wales and parts of the south west.
- Taken: 4 June, 2021
- Aperture: ƒ/5.6
- Shutter speed: 1/500s
- ISO: 320
- Focal length: 50mm
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