Welcome to Matt Allen Photography - Steam Railway Calendars and Prints

A selection of my pictures, please click on image for larger version...

Mainline, Nr Basingstoke - July 2007

34067 "Tangmere" at Worting Junction, on the VSOE to Bristol.

Bluebell Railway - July 2007

The Bluebell Railway had a special train running in conjunction with the "End of Southern Steam" events going on at various railways as well as Mainline trips. 21C123 and 34021 (actually 34028) where doubled headed during the da on a special charter, 1638 was also in action on the service train. During the early evening 34021 "Dartmoor" recreated the last "Ocean Liner Express" for a special photo charter..

Swanage Railway - July 2007

The Swanage Railway also had a gala with an "End of Southern Steam" theme. Visiting locos 73129, 34081, 76079 as well as newly overhauled resident 30053 where in action.

Watercressline - July 2007

It almost could have been the End of Steam! The MHR put on a great event to commemorate the sad end of steam on the Southern, the Southern being one of the last strongholds of steam. The locos where "dirtied"and renumbered especially for the occasion. The railway had 3 Bulleid Pacific's in action, 73096 as well as the first run of 60019 "Bittern". The Ivatt 41312 (sporting a headboard it originally wore in 1967 and the Class 33 made an occasional appearance.

Watercressline - July 2007

A wet night at Ropley with preparations for the "End of Southern Steam" gala well under way.

Snibsdon Colliery Museum - July 2007

NCB number 7 "Wimblebury" visited the Snibsdon Colliery Museum for only 2 days, but a evening photo charter was booked, as seen below. As you can see the weather wasn't ideal, but the location, loco and vehicles where awesome.

Chinnor and Princess Risborough Railway - July 2007

After a two week holiday I was back in action! The Chinnor and Princess Risborough Railway had an important anniversary, 50 years since the line was closed. For the occasion the Pannier tank was renumbered 4650, as this was the last loco to run on the branch. The autocoach was also hired in.

Watercressline - June 2007

A day at the MHR. Bittern was out on another test run but not until dusk and after a very heavy thunder storm.

Clan Line, near Purely on Thames - June 2007

Clan Line on the VSOE near Purley on Thames heading for Oxford.

Watercressline - June 2007

The first flight of the Bittern! 60019 had it's long awaited test run at the Mid Hants today, looked and sounded awesome.

Gloucester and Warwicks Railway, Festival of Steam - June 2007

Day 3 of the Festival and some stunning weather.

Gloucester and Warwicks Railway, Festival of Steam - May 2007

At last something different to the Mid Hants. The annual summer gala at the GWSR had some very mixed weather. Visiting locos included 88, 34007 (from the Mid Hants!), and 4771. If some of the pics look grainy, it not grain but the horizontal rain!

Watercressline - May 2007

The 5th visit to the MHR in 6 days! The freight was back in action and the rain was torrential! However, I'm not put off easily!

Watercressline - May 2007

Yet another visit to the Mid Hants, luckily it's local! 73096 and 34007 where in action, although 41312 has to deputise for 34007 in the afternoon due to a minor problem.

Watercressline - May 2007

Bittern has now had it's lining done and looked lovely in the low sun. 73096 and 34007 where ready for tomorrows service trains.

Watercressline - May 2007

34007 Wadebridge was on passenger duties, whilst 41312 was employed on the driving/firing course.

Watercressline - May 2007

A rather damp evening at Ropley, 60019 "Bittern" is now out of the shed and undergoing some final tests and adjustments before entering service after a major overhaul.

Bluebell Railway - May 2007

A busy weekend was finished by a visit to the Bluebell (on the way back from the Spa Valley!).

Lord Nelson at Richmond - May 2007

850 seen in mainline action crossing the River Thames at Richmond en route to Weymouth.

Spa Valley Gala - May 2007

A first visit to the Spa Valley railway in Kent, saw two visiting locos in action 32473 and 30587.

Bluebell Railway "Southern at War" - May 2007

Take a trip back to 1940 Bluebell style.....

Basingstoke - May 2007

850 "Lord Nelson" was in mainline action. Due to the conditions I had plans for a "panned" shot, unfortunately it crawled past at about 10mph so the "panned" shot wasn't quite as dramatic as I'd hoped!

Watercressline - May 2007

A new recruit to the railway is 34007 "Wadebridge", the unrebuilt Bulleid "West Country" class looking totally at home at the Mid Hants.

Aynho, Nr Banbury - May 07

Just south of Aynho Junction 4965 "Rood Ashton Hall" is seen crossing a stunning viaduct.

Watercressline - April 07

It's 30 years since the "New" Mid Hants Railway starting operating the Heritage line between Alton and Alresford. A special weekend was held to celebrate this. This railway has also got itself a new loco, Standard 4 75079, although it looks like it needs a bit of work!

Worting Junction, Nr Basingstoke - April 07

6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" was in mainline action on the "Cuneo Centenary" from Waterloo to Yeovil, seen here near Basingstoke. It sounded as good as it looked!

Bluebell Railway - April 07

Bluebells at the Bluebell! With 9017 and 80151 in action.

"Steel, Steam and Stars" Llangollen Railway - April 07

Truly the best gala you could ever imagine, this event lived up to it's name! With 11 locos in steam including visiting locos 1450, 5224, 4160, 34081, 9466 this was an amazing event in wonderful countryside. The following pictures where taken over the 3 days of the event.

Bluebell Railway Goods Train Gala- April 07

The annual "Goods Train Gala" at the Bluebell saw some excellent train formations as well as interesting road vehicles. The highlight was the long awaited "U" on a freight, which looked superb.

Bluebell Railway - April 07

Bank Holiday weekend at the Bluebell saw 34028, 1638 and 9017 in action. Unusually the"Pullman" with 1638 completing an early morning "Breakfast" trip.

Gloucester and Warwicks Railway - April 07

A brief visit to the GWR saw 5542 and 92203 in service

Maidenhead - April 2007

71000 "Duke of Gloucester" on the first leg of the "Great Britain" railtour, en route from Paddington to Bristol.

Battledown Flyover - April 2007

"Lord Nelson" number 850 (with diesel assistance) running empty stock from Eastleigh to Old Oak common, such a shame it wasn't supplying the power on a lovely day.

Swanage Railway - March 2007

The Spring Gala at the Swanage Railway was a fairly quiet affair with the three home based steam locos, 6695, 80104 and 80078 in action along with the class 33 and 20 diesels. The Purbeck Countryside providing a stunning backdrop as ever.

Watercressline - Mar 2007

The Mid Hants Railway have been working hard renovating numerous freight wagons, they are now planning regular usage of them. This was the first of such workings with the Ivatt 41312.

West Somerset Railway - Mar 2007

The Spring Gala at the WSR had a "Steam to the Seaside" Theme, unfortuntely the sunshine was missing! The star of the show was 34007 "Wadebridge" which made a brief visit.

Lisbon, Portugal - Mar 2007

Not exactly steam trains, but a weekend in Lisbon allowed for some pictures of Trams and lift (Funiculars). I'm no expert on trams, but am told these date from the 30's, they are certainly very impressive. The weather was a nice 22 compared to the snow in the UK!

West Somerset Railway Photo Charter - Mar 2007

Following on from GWR heaven at the Severn Valley, yet more GWR action. Castle 5051 "Earl Bathhurst" and Manor 7822 "Foxcote Manor" where in action on a photo charter in rather grey weather. Look out for the great railway photographer "Ivo Peters" Bentley car in one of the pictures.

Severn Valley Railway Spring Gala -Mar 2007

Glorious weather in the lovely Severn Valley. 7F loco number 88 visited the SVR for the Spring Branchline Gala and was accompanied by some of the home based locos.

Watercressline Spring Gala - Mar 2007

Visiting locos 5542, 662, 32473 and 30585 all took part in the first gala of the year at the MHR. Home based locos 35005, 41312 and 73096 completed the lineup.

Day 2

Bluebell Railway Spring Gala - Feb 2007

The annual Branchline Spring Gala featured the home fleet of smaller engines in action.

Tangmere and Clan Line, Mainline - Feb 2007

Double Bulleid heaven! Both 34067 "Tangmere" and 35028 "Clan Line" where in mainline action, which meant a day of chasing trains across the south. The weather wasn't the best, but both locos looked and sounded excellent. It was also a great chance to compare the "unrebuilt" Bulleid (Tangmere) with it's larger "rebuilt" brother (Clan Line). Tangmere is seen at Fareham and Great Wishford and Clan Line at Dunbridge and Worting Junction.

Clan Line, Basingstoke - Feb 2007

Merchant Navy Class, 35028 "Clan Line" on mainline action approaching Basingstoke station. Seen from the 13th floor (the roof!) of one of the buildings opposite. I could see the train coming from miles away with its huge smoke trail on a very cold day. The urban sprawl known as Basingstoke providing a stark contrast to the rural locations I normally use.

Bluebell Railway - Feb 2007

A lovely winters day at the Bluebell with No 65 and 32473 in service. I tried to find some new spots on the length of line from Horsted Keynes to Kingscote without much success!

Great Central Railway - Jan 2007

This years Winter Gala at the GCR, had a "Heavy Freight" theme, with 3 different rakes of freight stock being used. Visiting locos where Mogul 42968 and Super D 49395, which accompanied the resident fleet.

Watercressline - Jan 2007

A brief visit to the Watercressline, with 73096 in action. I found some new vantage points and also managed to get a "Panned" shot that I'd been trying to get for ages!

Battledown Flyover, Nr Basingstoke - Jan 2007

34067 "Tangmere" was back on mainline duty, with a VSOE trip from Victoria to Southampton Docks and return. Seen here at a rather windy Battledown flyover Near Basingstoke.

Great Central Railway - Jan 2007

The GCR is holding a week of photo charters featuring "Super D" 49395. On this particular day featuring the Super D and 8F 48305, the emphasis was on trying to catch two freight trains passing on the GCR's (unique in preservation) Double Track. Unfortunately the weather did its worst yet again, but it was still a great day.

Churnet Valley Railway - Jan 2007

At last some sunshine! And yet another new railway for me, that's two already in 2007. The Churnet Valley Railway held a gala weekend to celebrate the return to service of 61994 "The Great Marquess", the other loco in service was 7821 "Ditcheat Manor".

Gomshall Bank - Jan 2007

Yet another grey day! 34067 "Tangmere" was on the mainline with the VSOE circular from Victoria. I tried to find some new locations along the North Downs without a great deal of joy. It's seen here attacking Gomshall Bank.

Nene Valley - Jan 2007

My first ever visit to the Nene Valley Railway, for a photo charter featuring Standard 5 loco 73050 and a Breakdown train, including the railways steam crane. Unfortunately, the weather was unkind again!

Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway - Dec 2006

The railways "Christmas Cracker" gala was a rather damp affair, by lunchtime the weather was too wet for any photographs! However I did manage to get a few in the morning. Locos 4160, 92212, 3440, 7903 and 35005 where all in action on a mixture of passenger and freight trains.

Watercressline - Dec 2006

Some photos from the Watercressline with a difference, I arrived armed with a "Prop", my 1964 Triumph 3TA motorcycle!

Virginia Water - Dec 06

A very very foggy Virginia Water! Two mainline specials passed through within 15 mins, so was a shame about the weather. Firstly 71000 "Duke of Gloucester" en route to Winchester and then 35028 "Clan Line" (now sporting red nameplates) on a VSOE circular trip via the Surrey Hills.

Severn Valley Railway - Dec 06

Xmas time is always very busy at the SVR with frequent trains and five locos in service. The weather was great, the SVR allows you to make the most of the fantastic light this time of year. The locos in use where: 1501, 5164, 42968, 45110 & 48773.

Watercressline - Dec 06

"Duke of Gloucester" 71000 is seen in action at the Mid Hants Railway. It's based at the railway over the Xmas period for some mainline trips, following on from some repairs it was test run on the "Santa Specials".

"Sherwood Forester" nr Basingstoke - Dec 06

Black 5, 45231 was back on "Cathedrals Express" duty with a trip from Victoria to Salisbury, seen here approaching Basingstoke.

Watercressline - Dec 06

Another day at the Mid-Hants photographing the Santa Specials, 92212 and 73096 where in action again. Blue skies and cold temperatures, ideal for great smoke effects.

Watercressline - Dec 06

I spent a full day at the Mid-Hants, right from the locos being prepared at Ropley in the morning until the evening dining train. This weekend saw the first of the "Santa Specials" with 73096 and 92212 in action. (some of the pictures are from locations not accessible by the public)

Watercressline - Nov 06

A quiet day at the Watercressline allowed for some different shots. The Duke had returned from its mainline trip the day before. (some of the pictures are from locations not accessible by the public)

"Duke of Gloucester" at Hungerford - Nov 06

71000 "Duke of Gloucester" is back in mainline action on the "Cathedrals Express", seen here en-route from Victoria to Bristol at Hungerford. It was a rather grey day, so I thought I'd try a different location.

"King Edward I" at Crofton - Nov 06

King Edward I worked a special from Minehead on the West Somerset Railway to Paddington, it is seen here at full speed approaching Crofton.

Bluebell Railway "S&D Charter" - Nov 06

Locomotives 75027 and 34028 "Eddystone" where used to form a classic "Somerset and Dorset" train, featuring Bulleid coaching stock. Various locations at where used at the Bluebell including Horsted Keynes station for the night shots.

Bluebell Railway Terrier Gala - Nov 06

The Bluebell Railway held a "Terrier Gala", with visiting locos W8 "Freshwater", 32478 "Knowle" and 62 "Martello" to go with it's home fleet of Terriers "Fenchurch" and "Stepney". There was also an evening photoshoot at the wonderful setting of Horsted Keynes Station,

35028 "Clan Line" - Nov 06

Merchant Navy Class loco 35028 "Clan Line" appeared from overhaul on a loaded test run from Stewarts Lane to Eastleigh, and it certainly picked a good day for it! Looking absolutely magnificent it is seen here approaching Basingstoke. What a test run, on the VSOE Pullman stock and on the mainline, certainly an impressive way of announcing it's return.

Bodmin and Wenford Railway - Oct 06

This weekend saw the rededication of 34007 "Wadebridge" and also it's first public steaming since restoration from Barry Scrapyard condition, it looked truly awesome. Also over the weekend a series of photo charters where held with the two Beattie Well Tanks (re-united at Bodmin not far from Wadebridge their original home) and also with Wadebridge. The pictures of Wadebridge with the "Atlantic Coast Express" headboard are on it's first run from Boscarne Junction to Bodmin General on the Sunday.

Bluebell Railway "Giants of Steam"- Oct 06

The annual Giants of Steam featured visiting loco 3440 "City of Truro" providing the opportunity for it to be paired with 9017 "Earl of Berkeley", the two sole remaining outside framed locos. 1638, 80151 and 75027 from the home fleet where also in action. The weather started off pretty desperate, but luckily there was a few sunny spells in between the heavy rain showers!

Bluebell Railway - Oct 06

The Southern stronghold of the Bluebell Railway had a GWR invasion! Visiting loco 3440 "City of Truro" and resident 9017 "Earl of Berkeley" where in action, completing a line-up of the two remaining outside framed locomotives. Both locos also featured in an after dark photo-shoot at Sheffield Park Station. Other locomotives in use during the day where 80151 and 32473.

Bucks Railway Centre - Oct 06

The Bucks Railway Centre held their steam gala, the highlight being the first steaming of newly restored Beattie Well tank 30585.

West Somerset Railway - Oct 06

The annual autumn gala at the WSR was certainly action packed. Both resident and visiting locos where in use, locos featured where 6024, 88, 45231, 80136, 1450, 9351, 4247, 5264, 5553 as well as a railtour visiting with 2x 31 diesel locos.

West Somerset Railway - Sept 06

A busy day at the WSR. 5553 and the newly restored 850 "Lord Nelson" where in action on the service trains, 6024 "King Edward I" is visiting the railway for next weeks gala and was in use on the drive experience trains. A "Steam Dreams" charter from Victoria also visited the railway, hauled be Black 5 45231 and piloted on WSR metals but 7F no 88.

Watercressline Autumn Gala - Sept 06

The autumn gala as the Watercressline proved to be action packed, freight trains, engineers trains and plenty of passenger turns. Unfortunately large Prairie 4160 that was visiting failed, but 4936 "Kinlet Hall" visiting from the Gloucester and Warwicks Railway was in action. The Watercressline is definitely one of the hardest heritage lines to photograph with plenty of deep cuttings and restricted access.

Severn Valley Railway Autumn Gala - Sept 06

The Severn Valley autumn Gala had 3 visiting locos, 6201 "Princess Elizabeth", 6233 "Duke of Sutherland" and "Super D", 49395. The home fleet of locos was also in action. The weather was pretty wet, but luckily later in the day the sun made a brief appearance!

6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" on the "YNYS MON Express" - Sept 06

6233 was in mainline action to Holyhead, seen here at Abergele and at Conwy the north Wales coast providing a stunning backdrop.

Llangollen Railway - Sept 06

These pictures where taken during the railways steam gala and also the following week. They show off the magnificent "Dee Valley" which the railway follows.

Welsh Highland Railway - Sept 06

A first visit to the WHR to see the Garrets in action, another great narrow gauge line with some amazing twists and turns.

Bala Lake Railway - Sept 06

The greyest day of our trip to Wales, and the pictures sum up the weather! Is a great little railway, with fantastic views (on a clear day) across the lake.

Great Central Railway 40th Anniversary of Closure weekend - Sept 06

This event was to mark 40 years since the former mainline from Marylebone to Nottingham and Manchester was closed (whihc the GCR forms a part of). Visiting Merchant Navy loco 35005 was renumbered 35030 (Elder Dempster Lines) as this loco visited the railway on the original closure weekend with a railtour. The other locos in use where 45305 (in various guises, look out for the word "Last" chalked in place of the smokebox number) and diesel D5185.

Watercressline - Sept 06

A bit of a grey day at the Watercressline, so for a change I concentrated on taking pictures at stations, namely Alton and Ropley. The locos in use where 73096 and 34016.

King Edward I, Torbay Express - Aug 06

The King is back in regular action this summer working the Torbay Express from Bristol to Kingswear on Sundays throughout the summer season. It's seen below along the magnificent sea wall at Dawlish and on the return leg at Cockwood Harbour and Cowley Bridge.

Cholsey and Wallingford Railway - Aug 06

Loco 813 is visiting the CWR for the summer season, it is seen at various locations around Church Bridge, Cholsey.

Kent and East Sussex Railway - Aug 06

A day out at the KESR. My first ever visit, was an excellent day at this great railway. Lineside fires proved a problem in the sweltering conditions, but the staff did excellent to keep them under control. Some fantastic rolling stock and lovely restored stations are a real plus point.

"Duke of Gloucester", Nr Basingstoke - Aug 06

Seen here on a mainline trip to Weymouth at Worting Junction, just south of Basingstoke. I've also included a pictures of the South West Trains "Bubble Car" which appeared to be on a driver training run.

Lymington Branch - July 06

No steam! Something slightly different, the Brockenhurst-Lymington Pier Branch has been turned into a "Heritage Line" by South West Trains. Heritage Rolling stock, now operates on a daily basis.

Great Central Railway "Mail by Rail Gala" - July 06

The GCR held its annual "Mail by Rail Gala", seeing the mailbag exchanges up close was extremely impressive. Locos 4141, 48305, 45305. D123 and D5830 where in action.

"Duke of Gloucester" at the Watercressline - July 06

71000 "Duke of Gloucester" was in action whilst in between mainline duties. Despite the really hot weather, it still produced some amazing smoke effects!

Black 5 45231 "Sherwood Forester" on mainline duties - July 06

Just a day later than the pictures of Tangmere below, 45231 followed a very similar route, seen here on the return journey at Hurstbourne Viaduct near Whitchurch, catching the last of the summer sun.

Watercressline, Ropley - July 06

71000 "Duke of Gloucester" is currently visiting the Watercressline during mainline trips. It's seen here at Ropley with some excellent summer sun (I then dashed to Hurstbourne to get the pictures above!)

34067 "Tangmere" on mainline duties - July 06

Battle of Britain Class loco 34067 "Tangmere" is seen here at 3 locations, Potbridge (Nr Winchfield), approaching Salisbury and leaving Salisbury, whilst on a mainline trip from Victoria to Bristol.

Great Central Railway, "Seaside Specials" - July 06

The GCR aimed to recreate bygone days when people flooded to the coast by train, the day was certainly hot enough for it! The locos featured where 80105 (on loan from the Boness Railway, 48305 and 2x Class 20 diesels (sporting a "Jolly Fisherman" headboard).

King Edward I 6024 at Ruscombe - June 06

6024 was on a mainline trip from London to Bristol and back, caught here at Ruscombe Nr Twyford.

Watercressline - War on the line - June 06

The date was rolled back to 1944, complete with allied forces, vehicles and period dressed civilians (and the odd photographer!).

King Edward I 6024 at Crofton - June 06

The King was back on mainline duty with a trip to Bristol. It's seen here alongside the Kennet and Avon Canal at Crofton.

Severn Valley Railway - June 06

Not quite so lucky with the weather, was a grey day, we even had some rain. However, the SVR hosted 6024 "King Edward I" and also had it's resident A4 "Union of South Africa" in action, it was real main line steam on a Heritage Railway.

Great Central Railway, War on the Line - June 06

More great weather! War on the line had everything, trains, planes, tanks.... you name it. A bit of a departure for me with some of these pictures, a few people! The locos featured are 4471 "Green Arrow" (on loan from the National Museum) 78019 and the 4-CIG push pull with the Class 33.

Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway Centenary Gala - June 06

Great weather, if anything a little too bright! This event was a real GWR treat, good double heading combinations and some excellent freight and the great little "auto train". The locos where 5542, 5051, 7902, 3440 and 1450.

Algarve, Portugal - May 06

A few quick pictures taken whilst on holiday. Unfortunately the recent electrification has removed most of the decent locos from the Algarve, which is now dominated by electrics and DMU's. However, I was lucky enough to catch a freight with a Double Headed Class 1500 combination, sounded great!

Swanage Railway - May 06

37324 is visiting the Swanage Railway for a few weeks from the Gloucester and Warwicks Railway, so I spent the afternoon chasing it around the line. It is a truly awesome looking and sounding loco. 4MT 80078 was also in service.

Great Central Railway - May 06

Another rather grey day. However there was plenty of action at the GCR, class 25 D5185 was on test whilst new arrival 8F 48305 was in action on both "Driver Experience" and also passenger trains. Green Arrow looked in splendid shape sat on the engine shed.

Swanage Railway - April 06

A rather dull Easter Sunday at the Swanage Railway, regular "Standard 4 Tank" 80078 was in service with a temporary visitor from the Churnet Valley Railway USA S160 Class, 5197.

Bluebell Railway Goods Train Weekend - April 06

This is a annual event at the Bluebell Railway, engines featured this year where Bulleid Pacific "Blackmore Vale", Terrier "Fenchurch" on the freight, Standard 75027 on the Pullman dining train and 65 on the "Vintage Train". The sun shone (mostly) there was also a collection of vintage road vehicles on display at Horsted Keynes.