Saturday 21 July 2018

Tales of the unexpected.



The next expansion of the RailGenArchive website was expected to be forwards into 1993, but various turns of events and the unexpected arrival in the last week of quality gen from 1970, featuring passenger workings by locos such as Class 22's and Warships amongst others as brought about a change of plan. Most of the workings received are from January, February & July with a few others spread across that year. So now the site covers the range of years 1970- 1992 . Further expansion into 1993 to follow, but as for quite when, time alone will tell...

In the present day, in my local area anyway, the once prolific rail freight traffic as all but disappeared while the passenger service is the most intensive its ever been. Just a pity, then, that all of that passenger traffic is pretty coloured plastic units with the only variation from the booked power when a service gets cancelled. But if you keep an eye out, there are a few one off or occasional workings worth a look. As an example, four days this last week, 6Z16, a Leicester - Leicester circuit appeared. I only knew it was running because I'd seen it on Real Time Trains and without checking with such sites, I don't think I'd see anything much at all any more. All such sites don't tell you is what the power will be, for that you need a phone or word of mouth. What was 6Z16? What about 50007 top & tail with 50008 most definitely a recent unexpected highlight along with this weeks other more predictable appearance of 37606+20303+30302 en-route to this weekends Gresty Bridge event. The Class 20s were even idling, so nice to hear that sound again.

At the time of this posting the RailGenArchive database contains 327617 records, and while increasing in quantity, the quality of that gen also continues to be improved. Our intention is to feature all areas of the BR network and all loco classes, so if you feel that your favourite locos or local area is currently under represented then please get in touch and share your records with us. If you have any information relating to loco hauled passenger workings over BR that we don't already feature, then please Contact Us either via email or the contact form provided on the main site, or use the box at the foot of this page. We can handle gen in any digital format, all years welcome. All loco classes feature and data filters on the site allow you to just look at the gen that interests you.

Many thanks for all your help and support so far.

© 'UD' & 'Clayhead'
Preserving the gen online since 1999...
Keeping you posted on behalf of the RailGenArchive team -