THE FALL AND RISE OF WHITEMOOR YARD.

It came as a complete surprise to most people to see Whitemoor Yard rise from its own ashes. Once the largest marshalling yard in Europe, it's fate was sealed once the GN/GE Joint Line closed in 1982. After that, it quietly rotted and eroded until final closure came with the death of Speedlink. Everything was swept away except for the Wisbech Branch, which closed itself a few years later but remained in situ. The rest of the yard quickly reverted to nature and there were very few traces of the old yards left, half of the site going to build Whitemoor Prison and over the next 10 years we heard all sorts of wild and wonderful schemes mooted for it's use, all of which came to nothing. Consequently, when Railtrack said in 2003 that they were going to build a new yard and have it up and running in 6 months, I think most people, like me, said 'Yeah......alright.......believe it when I see it'. But lo, 6 months later and there it was, all sparkly and new. Phase 1 was completed early and we were all hopeful for Phase 2, which included a loco depot, a concrete sleeper works and wagons works, but it seems unlikely now that this will ever happen. Nevertheless, the yard, run by GBRf and Network Rail, is incredibly busy, having replaced Temple Mills as the principal engineer's yard in the South East and, on a Saturday afternoon, there is very often one departure every half hour or so from about 1500 right through the night. It's certainly the place to be on Saturday afternoon in the Summer! Anyway, once we knew it was definitely going ahead, I decided that I would go up to Norwood Road Bridge every weekend and take the same photograph so as to monitor progress. This I did although it wasn't really the ideal place for doing this as not too much is visible of what is happening right inside the yard. Nevertheless, it is the only publicly accessible viewing point and so it has to do. I have reproduced some of these pictures herein plus anything else of note or interest. I have a lot more pictures of the old Whitemoor but these will have to await the acquisition of a 35mm slide copier. I hope you will enjoy those that are here anyway.

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08 166 is a Whitemoor pilot. Nothing whatever exists of the background scene anymore. I had taken some kids on school trip - good idea, eh?
08 166 is a Whitemoor pilot. Nothing whatever exists of the background scene anymore. I had taken some kids on school trip - good idea, eh?
1981-05-25 00:00:00
 'Jazz TRain' set 305 426 is bound for Mayer Newman at Snailwell, stopping over in Whitemoor.
'Jazz TRain' set 305 426 is bound for Mayer Newman at Snailwell, stopping over in Whitemoor.
1984-12-02 00:00:00
 E51507 is on its way to the Great Marshalling Yard in the Sky as well.
E51507 is on its way to the Great Marshalling Yard in the Sky as well.
1984-12-02 00:00:00
 03 399 sits in the yard en route from Ipswich to Doncastef Works.
03 399 sits in the yard en route from Ipswich to Doncastef Works.
1985-04-14 00:00:00
Previously Class 100 E56111, ADB977196 is on its way to Mayer Newman's at Snailwell.
Previously Class 100 E56111, ADB977196 is on its way to Mayer Newman's at Snailwell.
1985-04-28 00:00:00
 08 580 is ex-Works and shunting in Whitemoor - the same job it returned to 20 years later!
08 580 is ex-Works and shunting in Whitemoor - the same job it returned to 20 years later!
1985-06-10 00:00:00
 56 010 stands in the Up Reception sidings, which by 1985 were more or less the whole yard. God knows how I got this picture, I don't!
56 010 stands in the Up Reception sidings, which by 1985 were more or less the whole yard. God knows how I got this picture, I don't!
1985-06-10 00:00:00
 By the mid '80's, much of Whitemoor was just used for dumping old wagons. I walked my dog down there evry Sunday and used to get pictures of anything interesting - I became besotted with brakevans!
By the mid '80's, much of Whitemoor was just used for dumping old wagons. I walked my dog down there evry Sunday and used to get pictures of anything interesting - I became besotted with brakevans!
1985-07-20 00:00:00
DS55513 is an extremely old brakevan and the only one of this type I've ever seen. Terrible picture, I think was camera was duff.
DS55513 is an extremely old brakevan and the only one of this type I've ever seen. Terrible picture, I think was camera was duff.
1985-07-20 00:00:00
 The brakevan kip, whence the vans were rolled under gravity onto the backs of the trains as required. It could hold about 8 I should think.
The brakevan kip, whence the vans were rolled under gravity onto the backs of the trains as required. It could hold about 8 I should think.
1985-07-20 00:00:00
 The Up Hump. No sign of the prison yet. One of the three-aspect signals is still in place, as is the shunters hut. Note the top of the control tower over the hump.
The Up Hump. No sign of the prison yet. One of the three-aspect signals is still in place, as is the shunters hut. Note the top of the control tower over the hump.
1985-07-20 00:00:00
 In the mid '80's, I became obsessed with brakevans, don't know why, so here is B954652, one of the last to be built, in Whitemoor.
In the mid '80's, I became obsessed with brakevans, don't know why, so here is B954652, one of the last to be built, in Whitemoor.
1985-07-25 00:00:00
DB993913 is 'Shark' class plough brakevan, designed to drop its big ploudhs and spread the ballast being dropped by its train.
DB993913 is 'Shark' class plough brakevan, designed to drop its big ploudhs and spread the ballast being dropped by its train.
1985-07-25 00:00:00
 The old long-bodied LMS-style brakevans were my favourites - I would have loved one as a shed.
The old long-bodied LMS-style brakevans were my favourites - I would have loved one as a shed.
1985-07-25 00:00:00
 When they finished hump shunting in Whitemoor and closed the Down Yard, the Up Yard was used for all traffic and the double ended roads were all cut and used the other way round.
When they finished hump shunting in Whitemoor and closed the Down Yard, the Up Yard was used for all traffic and the double ended roads were all cut and used the other way round.
1985-08-27 09:00:00
 This meant that they all sloped downhill and so an old scrap brakevan was placed at the end of each to act as a buffer stop. These 3 shots show the result of this experiment!
This meant that they all sloped downhill and so an old scrap brakevan was placed at the end of each to act as a buffer stop. These 3 shots show the result of this experiment!
1985-08-27 09:01:00
Of course, although hump shunting finished, fly shunting didn't. It looks as though some of the Whitemoor shunters were not that good at it! Or were they?
Of course, although hump shunting finished, fly shunting didn't. It looks as though some of the Whitemoor shunters were not that good at it! Or were they?
1985-08-27 09:02:00
 God alone knows where this turned up from! Class 501 DMBS 61145 in Whitemoor en route to Snailwell. Note QM brake at rear.
God alone knows where this turned up from! Class 501 DMBS 61145 in Whitemoor en route to Snailwell. Note QM brake at rear.
1985-10-20 00:00:00
 'Queen Mary' bogie brakevan DS56290 at Whitemoor. I believe some of these are still in traffic - they must be at least 60 years old!
'Queen Mary' bogie brakevan DS56290 at Whitemoor. I believe some of these are still in traffic - they must be at least 60 years old!
1985-10-20 00:00:00
 A view across the Up Yard from the Norwood Hump bank, cripple sidings on the right, brakevan kip at the rear.
A view across the Up Yard from the Norwood Hump bank, cripple sidings on the right, brakevan kip at the rear.
1986-01-01 00:00:00
This was the mainline to Spalding and points north at one time - you can't even reach the Twenty Foot now.
This was the mainline to Spalding and points north at one time - you can't even reach the Twenty Foot now.
1986-01-01 00:00:00
 Norwood Yard, previously home of the 100 wagon coal trains, now deserted and soon to disappear in a birch forest - there were some lovely apple trees on this bank!
Norwood Yard, previously home of the 100 wagon coal trains, now deserted and soon to disappear in a birch forest - there were some lovely apple trees on this bank!
1986-01-01 00:00:00
 A view along the old engine escape road from the Down Yard looking towards Norwood Yard.
A view along the old engine escape road from the Down Yard looking towards Norwood Yard.
1986-01-01 00:00:00
 I'm not exactly sure where this is but I think these may be Grassmoor Box's Up signals.
I'm not exactly sure where this is but I think these may be Grassmoor Box's Up signals.
1986-01-01 00:00:00
A view across the desolation of the Up Yard showing the derelict control tower and the hump on the left.
A view across the desolation of the Up Yard showing the derelict control tower and the hump on the left.
1986-01-01 00:00:00
 I think 03 084 must be in transit to be sitting in Whitemoor Yard.
I think 03 084 must be in transit to be sitting in Whitemoor Yard.
1986-01-05 00:00:00
 This pattern of brakevan was to become the BR Standard but this one, DE310694, was built by the LNER at Darlington.
This pattern of brakevan was to become the BR Standard but this one, DE310694, was built by the LNER at Darlington.
1986-01-08 00:00:00
 Brakevan/buffers all sitting higgledy-piggledy with Grassmoor Box to the left.
Brakevan/buffers all sitting higgledy-piggledy with Grassmoor Box to the left.
1986-01-22 00:00:00
Old GER wagon body in use as a store. I wanna tell you a story! I didn't take these pictures - I found a roll of film just about here whilst walking my dog on Jan.22, 1986 and had them developed.
Old GER wagon body in use as a store. I wanna tell you a story! I didn't take these pictures - I found a roll of film just about here whilst walking my dog on Jan.22, 1986 and had them developed.
1986-01-22 09:00:00
 The shunters hut at Norwood Yard. The sign says 'RIP Norwood Yard, 1909 - 1982, murdered by BR Management' - a picture I never thought to take although I passed it by hundreds of times.
The shunters hut at Norwood Yard. The sign says 'RIP Norwood Yard, 1909 - 1982, murdered by BR Management' - a picture I never thought to take although I passed it by hundreds of times.
1986-01-22 09:01:00
 Standing on the old Joint line, Up Yard to the left, Norwood Yard to the right, looking south. The signal has been weighted with concrete blocks by some wag.
Standing on the old Joint line, Up Yard to the left, Norwood Yard to the right, looking south. The signal has been weighted with concrete blocks by some wag.
1986-01-22 09:02:00
 Looking north at Grassmoor Box from thje signals in the previous shot. The photographer took 4 other shots identical to this one.
Looking north at Grassmoor Box from thje signals in the previous shot. The photographer took 4 other shots identical to this one.
1986-01-22 09:03:00
Another shot of Grassmoor and its Distant with the derelict Up Hump Control Tower behind. As I saw no one on my walk, I assume they were there the day before me.
Another shot of Grassmoor and its Distant with the derelict Up Hump Control Tower behind. As I saw no one on my walk, I assume they were there the day before me.
1986-01-22 09:04:00
 A little closer to Grassmoor Box showing the Distant still in place. I only assumed that the film was shot on this date - near enough I suppose.
A little closer to Grassmoor Box showing the Distant still in place. I only assumed that the film was shot on this date - near enough I suppose.
1986-01-22 09:04:00
 Grassmoor Signalbox, which controlled the northern end of Whitemoor Yard. I believe it has been preserved somewhere.
Grassmoor Signalbox, which controlled the northern end of Whitemoor Yard. I believe it has been preserved somewhere.
1986-01-22 09:05:00
 He was a fairly brave man who ventured into the box at this time as it was decidedly unsound structurally.
He was a fairly brave man who ventured into the box at this time as it was decidedly unsound structurally.
1986-01-22 09:06:00
A shot through the broken windows of Grassmoor Box of the severed ends of the roads in the Up Yard and 'Brakevan Destruction Derby'.
A shot through the broken windows of Grassmoor Box of the severed ends of the roads in the Up Yard and 'Brakevan Destruction Derby'.
1986-01-22 09:07:00
 Not an especially good shot but shows the wrecked brake/bufferstops to good effect.
Not an especially good shot but shows the wrecked brake/bufferstops to good effect.
1986-01-22 09:09:00
 A view from the Up Hump Control Tower showing what was more or less the full extent of Whitemoor by that time. The only thing still there in this picture is the water tower.
A view from the Up Hump Control Tower showing what was more or less the full extent of Whitemoor by that time. The only thing still there in this picture is the water tower.
1986-02-20 00:00:00
 08 526 is shunting a rake of very mixed stock in the Up Reception Sidings.
08 526 is shunting a rake of very mixed stock in the Up Reception Sidings.
1986-03-03 00:00:00
47 337 'Herbert Austin' on 1L17 Yarmouth - Leeds. Access from/to Whitemoor from the east was through the old Joint Platforms.
47 337 'Herbert Austin' on 1L17 Yarmouth - Leeds. Access from/to Whitemoor from the east was through the old Joint Platforms.
1986-06-14 12:20:00
 A real rarity here. Short wheelbase LNER brake DE281829, condmened and on its way for scrap - or so we thought!
A real rarity here. Short wheelbase LNER brake DE281829, condmened and on its way for scrap - or so we thought!
1986-11-02 00:00:00
 Well that's one way of scrapping ti! Some heathen has poked DM460608 straight through the bloody end of it! I went inside and it was smashed to matchwood. That's two that escaped the pweservationists
Well that's one way of scrapping ti! Some heathen has poked DM460608 straight through the bloody end of it! I went inside and it was smashed to matchwood. That's two that escaped the pweservationists
1986-11-09 00:00:00
 Here's a strange thing to find left lying around in Whitemoor Yard! ADB968021 is usually carefully guarded on depot but not this occasion.
Here's a strange thing to find left lying around in Whitemoor Yard! ADB968021 is usually carefully guarded on depot but not this occasion.
1986-12-21 00:00:00
I know, those bloody signals again! As everything around them slowly disappeared, I became more and more fascinated by them.
I know, those bloody signals again! As everything around them slowly disappeared, I became more and more fascinated by them.
1987-01-08 00:00:00
 The Tiphook Road/Railer is stabled in Whitemoor Yard - in reality, it just consists of 3 bogies.
The Tiphook Road/Railer is stabled in Whitemoor Yard - in reality, it just consists of 3 bogies.
1987-06-08 00:00:00
 08 818, very ex-Works, has been left in Whitemoor Yard over the weekend before onward transmission.
08 818, very ex-Works, has been left in Whitemoor Yard over the weekend before onward transmission.
1987-07-26 00:00:00
 I assume that Colchester ceased to have a breakdown crane in July 1987 as these are the support vehicles, bound for scrap.
I assume that Colchester ceased to have a breakdown crane in July 1987 as these are the support vehicles, bound for scrap.
1987-07-26 00:00:00
Brakevan B955179 doesn't appear to have been having a very good time lately and is now probably destined for scrap.
Brakevan B955179 doesn't appear to have been having a very good time lately and is now probably destined for scrap.
1987-10-13 00:00:00
 'Rationalisation', aka vandalism, has commenced at Whitemoor Junction. The Box will soon follow.
'Rationalisation', aka vandalism, has commenced at Whitemoor Junction. The Box will soon follow.
1987-10-27 00:00:00
 'MetrpTrain' branded Class 110 DMU 51815 is in a ;long train of scrap dmu's for Snailwell.
'MetrpTrain' branded Class 110 DMU 51815 is in a ;long train of scrap dmu's for Snailwell.
1987-11-22 00:00:00
 Class 110 dmu 52068 hardly looks ready for scrap.
Class 110 dmu 52068 hardly looks ready for scrap.
1987-11-22 00:00:00
Class 101 54384 seems to have been in contact with this old brakevan - another one for the great marshalling yard in the sky.
Class 101 54384 seems to have been in contact with this old brakevan - another one for the great marshalling yard in the sky.
1987-11-22 00:00:00
 Grassmoor's decline continues - the lever frame is now gone, as are most of the window frames.
Grassmoor's decline continues - the lever frame is now gone, as are most of the window frames.
1988-02-16 00:00:00
 DW150111 was an interesting find in Whitemoor, en route for scrap. I'm not quite sure what it, was or might have been.
DW150111 was an interesting find in Whitemoor, en route for scrap. I'm not quite sure what it, was or might have been.
1988-03-03 00:00:00
 020 was a Stores Unit made of DT's from 2HAP and 4EPB units. The rest are a Hastings DEMU and what looks like a Class 101.
020 was a Stores Unit made of DT's from 2HAP and 4EPB units. The rest are a Hastings DEMU and what looks like a Class 101.
1988-03-12 00:00:00
08 540 is shunting what appears to be the stock of the feeder from King's Lynn back into the yard.
08 540 is shunting what appears to be the stock of the feeder from King's Lynn back into the yard.
1988-06-13 00:00:00
 37 116 heads through the station for Whitemoor on the realigned east curve. Note signal occupying trackbed.
37 116 heads through the station for Whitemoor on the realigned east curve. Note signal occupying trackbed.
1990-04-30 00:00:00
 31 181 and 56 070 negotiate the newly singled and resignalled east curve into Whitemoor with a long empty Redland train.
31 181 and 56 070 negotiate the newly singled and resignalled east curve into Whitemoor with a long empty Redland train.
1990-07-31 00:00:00
 37 252 and 37 019 about to enter Whitemoor with the Brandon Speedlink feeder. Note much rationalised track network.
37 252 and 37 019 about to enter Whitemoor with the Brandon Speedlink feeder. Note much rationalised track network.
1990-07-31 00:00:00
31 522 is ready to take the mainline, standing on the recently rationalised east curve to Whitemoor.
31 522 is ready to take the mainline, standing on the recently rationalised east curve to Whitemoor.
1990-09-09 00:00:00
 By some sheer stroke of luck, I had nothing to do on New Year's Day and decided to take a wander round Whitemoor. Here is the sole piece of track, the Wisbech Branch.
By some sheer stroke of luck, I had nothing to do on New Year's Day and decided to take a wander round Whitemoor. Here is the sole piece of track, the Wisbech Branch.
2002-01-01 11:00:00
 The Wisbech Branch looking south towards Norwood Bridge. Not much left here.
The Wisbech Branch looking south towards Norwood Bridge. Not much left here.
2002-01-01 11:03:00
 The Wisbech Branch disappears to the right, the gap indicating the route of the old GN/GE Joint Line to the north.
The Wisbech Branch disappears to the right, the gap indicating the route of the old GN/GE Joint Line to the north.
2002-01-01 11:05:00
The bases of the depot's fuel pumps and tanks are still in situ.
The bases of the depot's fuel pumps and tanks are still in situ.
2002-01-01 11:10:00
 The foundations of the diesel depot are still visible. The new depot is due to go here, more or less anyway.
The foundations of the diesel depot are still visible. The new depot is due to go here, more or less anyway.
2002-01-01 11:15:00
 One of only three surviving buildings. This is the generator house behind the depot, where the depot pilots used to be parked, just off Hundred Road.
One of only three surviving buildings. This is the generator house behind the depot, where the depot pilots used to be parked, just off Hundred Road.
2002-01-01 11:20:00
 Lost in a forest of silver birches, this board once controlled access to/from the Norwood Yard.
Lost in a forest of silver birches, this board once controlled access to/from the Norwood Yard.
2002-01-01 11:30:00
This moonscape was once the Up Reception Sidings, the last working part of Whitemoor. The prison is visible to the north. Brake van kip to the right.
This moonscape was once the Up Reception Sidings, the last working part of Whitemoor. The prison is visible to the north. Brake van kip to the right.
2002-01-01 11:35:00
 Looking south from the northern end of the Up Reception Sidings - nothing left!
Looking south from the northern end of the Up Reception Sidings - nothing left!
2002-01-01 11:40:00
 The old water tower in the Down Yard, much vandalised but totally reborn just 3 years later, to supply water to the dust suppresion system
The old water tower in the Down Yard, much vandalised but totally reborn just 3 years later, to supply water to the dust suppresion system
2002-01-01 11:45:00
 March East 46 controls access to Whitemoor via the relaid east curve, visible just behind.
March East 46 controls access to Whitemoor via the relaid east curve, visible just behind.
2003-11-09 10:15:00
ME45, which replaced the short semaphore of the same name, now controls the new crossing just beyond it.
ME45, which replaced the short semaphore of the same name, now controls the new crossing just beyond it.
2003-11-09 10:30:00
 Week 1 - Permission to build is only 1 week old and clearance work has started already.
Week 1 - Permission to build is only 1 week old and clearance work has started already.
2003-11-09 11:00:00
 Week 4 - progress was hard to detect at first but stockpiling of sleepers has now begun.
Week 4 - progress was hard to detect at first but stockpiling of sleepers has now begun.
2003-11-30 10:00:00
 Week 5 - a bed of ballast, brought in on the Wisbech Branch, has been laid parellel to the Wisbech Branch, curving to the left.
Week 5 - a bed of ballast, brought in on the Wisbech Branch, has been laid parellel to the Wisbech Branch, curving to the left.
2003-12-07 10:00:00
Closer view of the new trackbed. The entrance to the yard has been moved across to follow the course of the Joint.
Closer view of the new trackbed. The entrance to the yard has been moved across to follow the course of the Joint.
2003-12-07 10:07:00
 It was decided that the point at Whitemoor Junction was worn out so a replacement is being fitted.
It was decided that the point at Whitemoor Junction was worn out so a replacement is being fitted.
2003-12-07 10:10:00
 Some of the more specialised track sections were constructed on site, alongside the east curve.
Some of the more specialised track sections were constructed on site, alongside the east curve.
2003-12-07 10:20:00
 The new Whitemoor Junction point is now fitted and operational.
The new Whitemoor Junction point is now fitted and operational.
2003-12-14 10:05:00
The construction of the access track to the new yard is now well underway
The construction of the access track to the new yard is now well underway
2003-12-14 10:10:00
 This buffer stop is a survivor, previously marking the end of the loco depot headshunt, but soon to be gone.
This buffer stop is a survivor, previously marking the end of the loco depot headshunt, but soon to be gone.
2003-12-14 10:35:00
 The new track is all connected now and rail access to the yard available. The stump facing us is the start of the headshunt.
The new track is all connected now and rail access to the yard available. The stump facing us is the start of the headshunt.
2003-12-16 10:00:00
 Visible in the distance is a rake of Autoballasters t/t by 66 709 and 66 714, the first train I'd seen in Whitemoor for over 10 years.
Visible in the distance is a rake of Autoballasters t/t by 66 709 and 66 714, the first train I'd seen in Whitemoor for over 10 years.
2003-12-16 11:47:00
The track is all linked up now and a large pile of ballast is beginning to appear by the Wisbech Branch.
The track is all linked up now and a large pile of ballast is beginning to appear by the Wisbech Branch.
2003-12-21 10:00:00
 66 708 has brought in a rake of side-tippers with ballast for Whitemoor. This is the last train I ever saw on the Wisbech Branch, albeit only just.
66 708 has brought in a rake of side-tippers with ballast for Whitemoor. This is the last train I ever saw on the Wisbech Branch, albeit only just.
2003-12-29 10:46:00
 A week later and 66 708's side-tippers are still stabled on the Branch.
A week later and 66 708's side-tippers are still stabled on the Branch.
2004-01-07 10:00:00
 Week 10 - sleepers are laid out to the right of the Wisbech Branch for use on the headshunt.
Week 10 - sleepers are laid out to the right of the Wisbech Branch for use on the headshunt.
2004-01-11 10:00:00
D9504, KESR No.48, arrived from the CTRL site at Beechbrook Farm the day before to become Whitemoor Pilot No.1.
D9504, KESR No.48, arrived from the CTRL site at Beechbrook Farm the day before to become Whitemoor Pilot No.1.
2004-01-14 11:00:00
 The sleepers have now been moved over to form the base of the headshunt.
The sleepers have now been moved over to form the base of the headshunt.
2004-01-17 10:00:00
 Landscaping work is in progress to shield nearby houses. Note temporary roadway laid across tracks.
Landscaping work is in progress to shield nearby houses. Note temporary roadway laid across tracks.
2004-01-17 11:00:00
 D9504 is shunting side-tippers in the new yard. Only two tracks are laid..
D9504 is shunting side-tippers in the new yard. Only two tracks are laid..
2004-01-27 11:00:00
The headshunt didn't get far! This as D9504's home when not working. Note elaborate buffer system to prevent runaway!
The headshunt didn't get far! This as D9504's home when not working. Note elaborate buffer system to prevent runaway!
2004-01-27 11:10:00
 Side-tippers emptied, D9504 brings them out of the yard for collection.
Side-tippers emptied, D9504 brings them out of the yard for collection.
2004-01-27 11:30:00
 D9504 has come off and tucked herself away on the second track whilst 66 701 collects the train. All a bit restricted but working.
D9504 has come off and tucked herself away on the second track whilst 66 701 collects the train. All a bit restricted but working.
2004-01-27 11:50:00
 D9504 is surrounded by scrapers dragging out old ballast and topsoil to make way for new tracks.
D9504 is surrounded by scrapers dragging out old ballast and topsoil to make way for new tracks.
2004-01-27 12:00:00
This is an American-made single line tracklayer for use in Whitemoor. It arrived in March Down Yard on 10 lorries!
This is an American-made single line tracklayer for use in Whitemoor. It arrived in March Down Yard on 10 lorries!
2004-02-01 10:00:00
 D9504 shunts a rake of old OBA sleeper wagons amid a cloud of exhaust.
D9504 shunts a rake of old OBA sleeper wagons amid a cloud of exhaust.
2004-02-16 10:00:00
 DR 75031 is stabled on the newly extended (and very dodgy looking) headshunt between jobs in Whitemoor.
DR 75031 is stabled on the newly extended (and very dodgy looking) headshunt between jobs in Whitemoor.
2004-02-18 11:00:00
 Prefabricated buildings house the generators to provide power for yard purposes.
Prefabricated buildings house the generators to provide power for yard purposes.
2004-02-19 10:00:00
Week 16 - D9504 sits on the newly extended headshunt whilst the earth banks grow apace.
Week 16 - D9504 sits on the newly extended headshunt whilst the earth banks grow apace.
2004-02-22 10:00:00
 66 704 leaves Whitemoor with an empty Redland S/D rake. By now, there was one of these in most days and tracklaying was going ahead at quite a pace.
66 704 leaves Whitemoor with an empty Redland S/D rake. By now, there was one of these in most days and tracklaying was going ahead at quite a pace.
2004-03-01 10:00:00
 D9504 shunts the 'arf 'n' 'arf Autoballaster rake, several of which are based at Whitemoor. Note termporary level crossong in foreground.
D9504 shunts the 'arf 'n' 'arf Autoballaster rake, several of which are based at Whitemoor. Note termporary level crossong in foreground.
2004-03-01 11:00:00
 The old water tower, scaffolded, undergoing refurbishment. The tracks have not quite reached Longhill Road yet.
The old water tower, scaffolded, undergoing refurbishment. The tracks have not quite reached Longhill Road yet.
2004-03-08 10:00:00
Week 18 - everything is beginning to have a finished, tidy look, at least from what we can see here.
Week 18 - everything is beginning to have a finished, tidy look, at least from what we can see here.
2004-03-08 10:05:00
 The far end of the tracks already laid in Whitemoor with tracklayer working on more to the right.
The far end of the tracks already laid in Whitemoor with tracklayer working on more to the right.
2004-03-08 11:00:00
 As you can see, this bank is already up to first floor level and has a way to go yet.
As you can see, this bank is already up to first floor level and has a way to go yet.
2004-03-08 15:00:00
 Tangomen and an idling pilot! Summat going on so I decide to hang around.
Tangomen and an idling pilot! Summat going on so I decide to hang around.
2004-03-08 15:30:00
A few minutes later and 66 706 rounds west curve with an S/D train. Note trackbed being preapred for extension of the headshunt.
A few minutes later and 66 706 rounds west curve with an S/D train. Note trackbed being preapred for extension of the headshunt.
2004-03-08 15:40:00
 66 706 passes D9504 as it enters the yard. There is still no run round at Whitemoor so the loco will be trapped in.
66 706 passes D9504 as it enters the yard. There is still no run round at Whitemoor so the loco will be trapped in.
2004-03-08 15:42:00
 The train is snaking into Whitemoor behind 66 706 at very slow speed. Much of the track is still of a rather temporary nature.
The train is snaking into Whitemoor behind 66 706 at very slow speed. Much of the track is still of a rather temporary nature.
2004-03-08 15:45:00
 D9504 puts on quite a show as it backs down onto the Redland train, to draw it forward and release 66 706.
D9504 puts on quite a show as it backs down onto the Redland train, to draw it forward and release 66 706.
2004-03-08 15:52:00
It was quickly realised that a headshunt that ended at Nlorwood Bridge was as good as useless so the vacant bed of the second track on the west curve was quickly ballasted.
It was quickly realised that a headshunt that ended at Nlorwood Bridge was as good as useless so the vacant bed of the second track on the west curve was quickly ballasted.
2004-04-01 11:00:00
 Landscaping continues apace, the banks now huge. Already, the NIMBY's who complained about the noise are complaining that they can't see what's going on!
Landscaping continues apace, the banks now huge. Already, the NIMBY's who complained about the noise are complaining that they can't see what's going on!
2004-04-01 11:09:00
 Work has started on the last major structure. The control will operate electrically all point of entry/exit in the Yard and act as an Operations Centre.
Work has started on the last major structure. The control will operate electrically all point of entry/exit in the Yard and act as an Operations Centre.
2004-04-01 11:23:00
 Down in the Yard, the lamp standards have been raised to take the floodlights for night working.
Down in the Yard, the lamp standards have been raised to take the floodlights for night working.
2004-04-01 11:28:00
As though banks as high as a house aren't enough, these 15 foot fences need to go up as well.
As though banks as high as a house aren't enough, these 15 foot fences need to go up as well.
2004-04-01 11:36:00
 The white crane has just dropped off the point that is to go in to form the loco depot spur.
The white crane has just dropped off the point that is to go in to form the loco depot spur.
2004-04-01 12:04:00
 08 871 sits in Grant Rail's Depot in March Down Yard. It replaced 08 754 the previous day and immediately went into Whitemoor as Pilot No.2.
08 871 sits in Grant Rail's Depot in March Down Yard. It replaced 08 754 the previous day and immediately went into Whitemoor as Pilot No.2.
2004-04-01 12:06:00
 Work commences with disc cutters to remove the plain rail to allow insertion of the new point.
Work commences with disc cutters to remove the plain rail to allow insertion of the new point.
2004-04-01 13:00:00
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