Full track listings for Steamy Sounds CD LSJ002:

Track 1 – 17/04/04.

Highley Station stands in a delightful wooded setting in the valley below the village. Northbound trains face a sinuous 1 in 100 climb straight from the end of the platform to overcome a projecting spur on the valley side. 7802 is at the head of the 14.20 from Kidderminster on Member’s Day in 2004 and makes a confident departure up the gradient.

On a fine Sunday morning in early spring, 42968 is in charge of the 10.45 from Kidderminster, and is heard climbing towards Eardington summit, which at 210 feet is the highest point on the line. The loco whistles as it approaches Crossing Cottage, just short of the top.

Track 3 – 16/03/02.

Late on the Saturday afternoon at the “Somerset and Dorset” Gala, birds are singing in the hedgerows by Arley Station. In the meadows above the line, a bird-scarer is firing at intervals, the noise echoing back softly from the other side of the valley. 5764 heads the 17.10 from Bridgnorth, pulling out punctually under the station bridge and down the hill towards the river. As the sound of the train fades, a nearby blackbird is startled and calls out in alarm.

Track 4 – 21/09/03.

On the Sunday of the 2003 Autumn Gala, early morning mist is clearing and rooks are calling from the treetops near Daniel’s Mill as the nine-coach breakfast train, 07.45 from Bridgnorth, starts out on its journey. 6201, visiting the Severn Valley in between main line bookings, progresses steadily up the gradient, its pace quickening somewhat once it has crossed the five-arch Oldbury Viaduct behind the mill. The sound is cut off abruptly as the train enters Knowlesands Tunnel.

Track 5 – 09/11/02.

As dusk approaches, pheasants are calling in the woodland which cloaks the line near the tiny Northwood Halt, between Arley and Bewdley. This is a request stop, but even when there are no passengers here, trains still slow to walking pace because of the ungated crossing over the lane to Hill Farm. 45110 sounds a warning whistle as it arrives on the 15.00 from Bridgnorth. On clearing the crossing, the loco accelerates noisily, its exhaust echoing gloriously in the trees.

Track 6 – 21/09/03.

Another recording at the 2003 Autumn Gala. By 10.00 on the Sunday the sun has broken through. Church bells are ringing across the valley at Alveley and a light aircraft drones lazily overhead, following the river valley southwards towards Bewdley. As this sound fades we hear 73096, on loan from the Mid-Hants Railway, climbing past Country Park Halt on the 09.20 from Bridgnorth. It slackens off for a left-hand curve, coasts past, and whistles for a footpath crossing. Opening up again, the loco climbs the rest of the way to the top of the bank, and whistles briefly for volunteers working at the lineside before descending into Highley Station.

Track 7 – 22/09/01.

34027 is at the head of the 17.05 from Kidderminster on the Saturday of the 2001 Autumn Gala and makes a fine sound storming up Eardington bank, whistling for lineside photographers and the occupation crossing at the summit. As the train breasts the top of the bank, cars can be heard passing along the nearby Bridgnorth to Highley road.

Track 8 – 21/09/01.

Recording at Hampton Loade on the previous evening, the distinctive roar of an A4 Pacific is heard as 60009, at the head of the 19.50 from Kidderminster, whistles and departs up the 1 in 145 gradient out of the station. The loco whistles twice more – for the footpath crossing next to the Unicorn Inn and again for the crossing on the private road leading to the water treatment works below Chelmarsh Reservoir. As the sound fades we hear water tumbling down a nearby brook towards the river.

Track 9 – 18/03/00.

At the “Branch Line” Gala in 2000, the two-coach 20.00 from Kidderminster on the Saturday evening arrives at Arley behind 80079. Standing near the signal box, we hear the signalman setting the road for the incoming train then passing through the wicket gate onto the platform to hand over the token. After a brief pause 80079 gives a shrill whistle and makes a brisk departure. As the train makes its way up the valley towards Highley, signals and points are re-set, and bells ring in the signal box. Meanwhile, an owl calls out in the darkness, and whistles from 80079 carry back on the faint northerly breeze.

Track 10 – 19/09/03.

Just before midnight on the Friday evening of the 2003 Autumn Steam Gala, 7802 typifies the sound of a G.W.R. engine as it departs from Highley Station on the 23.10 from Bridgnorth. As the train coasts gently down the grade towards Arley, the starter signal returns to on.

Track 11 – 19/09/03.

Earlier on the same evening, two tank engines, their day’s work over, run light to Bewdley for stabling. With 5764 leading, and diminutive 32678, on loan from the Kent and East Sussex Railway, bustling along behind, they are heard approaching the top of Highley bank, whistling for the footpath crossing by the golf course. Owls call in the riverside woodland.

Track 12 – 16/03/03.

Back at Northwood Halt again, on the Sunday of the “Welsh Branch Line” Gala, a family is hurrying down a path beneath the trees to reach the train in time. “Come on!” shouts one of the children. They are just in time for the 14.45 local from Arley to Bewdley, hauled by 46443, which draws to a stop as the audible warnings sound at the crossing. The train pulls away after just a few moments and accelerates vigorously past us.

Track 13 – 24/09/00.

On a breezy but overcast Sunday teatime the birds in the woodland by Highley Station are singing away as 48773 lumbers in, whistling mournfully, on the 16.45 from Kidderminster. The signalman sounds a warning bell for passengers waiting on the platform, and we hear the familiar clank of the 8F’s coupling rods as it slows. After a brief stop the stationmaster blows his whistle and the train departs. As it nears the top of the bank the signal in front of us is pulled on.

Track 14 - 19/09/03.

A third recording on Friday evening at the 2003 Autumn Gala. 6201 stands at Highley on the 22.35 from Kidderminster. After the briefest of crows on the whistle, the regulator is opened and the massive 6’9” driving wheels spin wildly for a moment. Finally a good purchase is achieved and the train progresses solidly up the bank.

Track 15 – 18/03/00.

At the 2000 “Branch Line” Gala, 7325 slowly draws the 22.30 train out of Bridgnorth Station on the Saturday evening. Carriage wheels clatter over a noisy rail joint, then as the train accelerates into the distance the starter signal returns to danger. Down at the other end of the station, the safety valves are lifting on 7802, which has just arrived from Kidderminster. It whistles and sidles up through the station, picking up speed after the signal has cleared again.

Track 16 – 26/09/04.

On the Sunday of the 2004 Autumn Gala, the 16.31 from Bewdley to Bridgnorth, comprising eight spotless chocolate and cream carriages, is double-headed by 7714 (leading) and 5764. In brilliant afternoon sunshine the panniers attack Eardington bank.

Track 17 – 18/03/00.

The Mid-Hants Railway’s 41321 is on loan for the 2000 “Branch Line” Gala. Here it is piloting resident loco 46521 on the 14.18 from Kidderminster on the Saturday. A gentle breeze blows as the two engines make a brisk departure up the bank from Highley Station.

Track 18 – 23/09/01.

45110 is one of the locos working through the night from Saturday to Sunday at the 2001 Autumn Gala. At Bridgnorth, the 01.10 departure to Kidderminster is about to leave, some fifty minutes down. Even at this late hour, there is still plenty of traffic down below us on Hollybush Road as we take our recording from Castle Walk, across the valley from the station. The guard calls out “Close that door!” and moments later 45110 gets under way, slipping as it moves off. The signal returns to on, and an owl calls in the castle ruins behind us.

Track 19 – 12/04/04.

At Sterns, north of Hampton Loade Station, all trains have to slow to walking pace across an area of unstable ground close to the river. Bridgnorth-bound trains then immediately reach the foot of Eardington bank. On Easter Monday, 42968 ambles quietly through the restriction on a lunchtime train. A great tit in the nearby bushes is loudly proclaiming its territory, while up above a light aircraft is passing over. A pheasant calls out just as 42968 whistles and opens up for the climb. As the train passes, children at a carriage window spot us and call out. The great tit, unconcerned by all the commotion, continues his song throughout.

Track 20 – 03/03/01.

Visiting loco 92212, rather over-sized for the “Branch Line” Gala in 2001, envelops us in steam as it pulls out northwards from a cold and dark Arley Station at the head of the 18.21 from Kidderminster. Moments later another loaned engine, Didcot’s 4144, moves off briskly in the opposite direction on the 18.02 from Bridgnorth. As the sound of both trains fades, a dog barks across the valley in Arley village, and 92212 whistles in the distance.

Track 21 – 16/03/03.

South of Bewdley the railway climbs out of the river valley, crossing the heathland which surrounds the sandstone outcrop known as the Devil’s Spittleful, and eventually plunging into Bewdley Tunnel. On the Sunday of the “Welsh Branch Line” Gala, 48773, the Severn Valley’s highest-mileage loco, races up the gradient towards the tunnel with the seven-coach 11.57 from Bridgnorth. Yet another small plane can be heard passing overhead.

Track 22 – 21/09/03.

34027, running as 34045, is on the front of the 07.00 departure from Bridgnorth on the Sunday of the 2003 Autumn Gala. It is a chilly, misty morning and the rails are damp. The train has started but after a few yards has slithered to a stand, so 73096 has been summoned to buffer up behind and push. The Standard whistles, the West Country replies, and the train gets under way again. 34027 throws out impressive clouds of steam but it sounds as if all the hard work is taking place at the back of the train where 73096 is slipping and sliding but making steady progress. As bystanders watching from the platform comment on the proceedings a diesel shunter can be heard ticking over a few yards away to our left in the shed yard.

Track 23 – 24/09/04.

The 2004 Autumn Gala features a nineteen-vehicle unfitted freight at 19.45 on the Friday evening from Bridgnorth through to Bewdley, hauled by 7802. The driver gives two short blasts on the whistle as he comes up to the crossing at the top of Highley bank, and the wagons make a satisfying rumble as they pass. At the back of the train three volunteers are enjoying a conversation on the balcony of the brake van. Although we are standing just a few yards from the line they are oblivious to us in the darkness.

Track 24 – 15/02/04.

Hampton Loade Station is separated from the River Severn by a single meadow. Standing here today, close to the riverbank, we reflect that a week previously we would have been waist-high in water. All around us there is debris from the floods. 1501, bound for Kidderminster, and 42968, on a Bridgnorth train, are crossing at the station in the middle of the afternoon. The “Crab” whistles, but hesitates for some moments before drawing out uphill towards Bridgnorth. 1501 now receives the right away, whistles, and heads off down the valley towards Highley.

Track 25 – 23/09/01.

In the small hours of Sunday morning at the 2001 Autumn Gala, Bewdley Station is deserted apart from the staff on duty. It is a damp night, and a light breeze is shaking raindrops off the tree branches. As the signalman descends the steps from his box at the north end of the station and walks over the ballast carrying the token, 45110 approaches silently, running tender first on the 03.15 from Kidderminster. The train halts for a few minutes and the fireman busies himself shovelling a little more coal into the firebox. The crew do not hear the right away when it is first given, but eventually the train sets off, accelerating gently, the exhaust echoing around the valley. The signalman returns to his box and resets the signals and points.

Full track listings for Steamy Sounds CD LSJ001:

Track 1 – 04/10/02.

Levisham Station lies in the bottom of Newton Dale, a good mile from and over 300 feet below the village after which it is named. While a light aircraft circles overhead, 44767 waits in the down platform, with safety valves lifting, at the head of the 13.20 from Pickering. It whistles and pulls out, accelerating off into the woodland. The 12.50 train from Grosmont, standing in the up platform, is headed by two locos. Train engine 75029 whistles and receives a reply from the chime whistle of pilot 75014. As they depart southwards, a breeze rustles dead vegetation nearby and 44767 whistles in the distance for the two footpath crossings further up the valley.

Track 2 – 06/10/02.

It is Sunday teatime on the Autumn Gala weekend. The midges are biting in the woodland north of Levisham Station, and Pickering Beck can be heard in the background. The 17.20 Pickering to Grosmont train, the last of the day, is lightly loaded but amply powered by no less than three locos. The combined exhausts form a wall of sound advancing up the valley. Pilot loco 44767 whistles and rushes past followed by the train loco, 80135. Bringing up the rear is a second Black Five, 45337, visiting from the East Lancashire Railway.

Track 3 – 05/10/02.

Even a powerful engine like 60532 struggles when conditions are slippery on the way up the 1 in 49 climb from Grosmont to Goathland. The train is the seven-coach Evening Pullman leaving Grosmont at 19.20, and the location is Darnholme bridge, near the top of the climb, close to the fast-flowing Eller Beck. It is well past dusk, and rain is falling steadily – one or two drops can be heard plopping onto the microphone. As the line approaches the bridge it goes into a long right-hand curve and it is just here that 60532 loses its feet for the first time. From that point it is a constant battle to keep the train on the move, and as it approaches Goathland Station it is down to a crawl.

Track 4 – 13/05/00.

The timetable for the 2000 Spring Gala features a two-coach local train operating between Grosmont and Goathland, and the 14.30 departure from Grosmont is headed by 29. At Thomason Foss the railway lies in a steep-sided valley. Eller Beck can be heard in full spate down below as the engine comes into earshot round the long left-hand bend at Beck Hole. It is in easy command of its load. As the train crosses over the beck, the driver spots photographers at the trackside and sounds a long blast on the loco’s deep-toned whistle. The breeze picks up on the little knoll where we are recording, and the train hoots again as it continues up the valley.

Track 5 – 30/04/00.

The 09.50 train from Grosmont is the first southbound passenger train of the day. Heading the almost-empty seven-coach train this morning is a noisy 44767, leaking steam from the left-hand cylinder as it passes through Darnholme towards Goathland Station. Springtime bird song is all around.

Track 6 – 08/10/00.

North of Levisham Station, the line passes through Yorfalls Wood. Grosmont-bound trains whistle twice here, first for the footpath crossing near The Grange, and then for the occupation crossing which leads out of the woodland onto the road beside Platelayers Cottages. The chime whistle of 60007 is heard to good effect as it heads up the valley on the 10.20 train from Pickering. Rooks are calling in the treetops.

Track 7 – 12/05/01.

It has been a warm, dry Saturday for the 2001 Spring Gala. We are near the top of the lane leading down the hill to the cottages at Esk Valley, half a mile south of Grosmont. The landscape is bathed in evening sunshine as 34101 passes Grosmont loco shed, down to our left, at the head of the 19.20 train – the eight-coach North Yorkshire Pullman. Accelerating steadily, the climbing starts in earnest at Deviation Curve, where the gradient increases to 1 in 49. Black exhaust is thrown high into the sky as the loco climbs past the cottages and over the Murk Esk viaduct, where it whistles for a bridle path crossing. A minute or so later it slips on the first of the bends at Green End. A pheasant in the nearby fields calls out. 34101 recovers from the slip but has slowed noticeably; however there is evidently no shortage of steam, because the safety valves blow off as the train continues climbing towards Beck Hole.

Track 8 – 12/05/02.

We hear Pickering Beck in the background rushing under the railway at Bridge 14, north of Levisham station. The unmistakable deep pitch of 29's whistle heralds the approach of the 11.20 Pickering to Grosmont train. As the carriages pass by another exhaust comes into earshot – 65894 is working hard at the back. A light aircraft drifts over the valley as the train continues towards Yorfalls Wood.

Track 9 – 12/05/02.

A blustery wind is blowing downhill from Goathland as 75029 hauls the 14.50 Grosmont to Pickering train steadily up the 1 in 49 gradient at Water Ark, just above Thomason Foss. As usual on a gala weekend, photographers are massed under the trees on the western side of the valley.

Track 10 – 12/05/02.

The exposed hill slope above Goathland Station can be a windy spot to record from, but in compensation the sound of Pickering-bound trains carries back well on a south wind. 44767 waits impatiently at the head of the 16.50 from Grosmont. There has been some slippage in the timetable during the afternoon and the northbound train it is crossing here has arrived half an hour late. At last the right away is given and the Black Five barks out of the station, slipping for a few seconds as it passes beneath the road bridge. The train accelerates away up the 1 in 100 gradient towards Goathland Summit, and the starter signal returns noisily to the on position.

Track 11 – 07/10/00.

On the Saturday of the 2000 Autumn Gala the weather turns foul in the afternoon. When this recording is made, after nightfall, a steady drizzle is plopping onto the microphone, and a gusty wind is tugging at it. This evening there is a 19.20 departure from Grosmont, forming the Evening Pullman train. 44767 plods into earshot at Darnholme bridge, just keeping the heavy eight-coach train on the move on this severe gradient. It is pitch black, save for the exhaust lit up by the glow from the open firebox door. The train rounds the curve and climbs past Mill Scar, echoes bouncing off the cutting walls, until finally it reaches the sanctuary of Goathland Station and an opportunity to rest for a moment.

Track 12 – 04/10/02.

The sun is setting and Newton Dale is already in shadow as the almost-empty 17.20 from Pickering rushes up out of Levisham through Yorfalls Wood, with 80135 on the front. The loco eases off on approaching the forestry crossing, but as the train passes we find 44767 is still working hard at the back.

Track 13 – 26/05/01.

This Saturday evening the North Yorkshire Pullman train, departing from Grosmont at 19.20, comprises the G.W.R. inspectors’ saloon and four dining cars, and is hauled by 34101. The trees at Darnholme are full of songbirds as the West Country Pacific makes easy work of its light load.

Track 14 – 08/10/00.

A recording taken from the forestry road which runs between Levisham and Stape, overlooking Newton Dale Halt. Bright sunlight has just burned off the last of the early morning mist in the valley below us, and a family of long-tailed tits are fluttering around in the nearby bushes. 828, borrowed for the Autumn Gala weekend from the Swanage Railway, pounds up the valley at the head of the 09.20 demonstration freight train from Pickering, giving a long, melancholy whistle as it nears Kid Stye Farm, hidden from our view in the woodland by the side of the railway. A car passes along the road behind us as the train swings north-eastwards past the halt, climbing towards Needle Eye.

Track 15 – 16/09/02.

Standing close to the footpath above Thomason Foss on this early autumn afternoon, we have the place to ourselves for once. Eller Beck rushes noisily downhill as 65894 slogs up the gradient on the 16.50 from Grosmont – the last southbound train of the day.

Track 16 – 11/05/02.

The 17.20 from Pickering is running some twenty minutes late as it leaves Levisham. Pickering Beck provides background noise and the birds are full of song as 90775 rushes past The Grange. Bringing up the rear is 30926, fresh from overhaul, with its long connecting rods clanking and its distinctive three-cylinder beat.

Track 17 – 7/10/00.

The 16.50 train from Grosmont is well on time and already approaching as we start recording at Darnholme. 60007 is in easy control of the lightly loaded train, storming up the 1 in 49 gradient under the road bridge. The driver whistles for Goathland station as the train passes beneath Mill Scar. A cool breeze picks up and the sound of rushing water is heard behind us in Eller Beck.

Track 18 – 12/05/02.

It is a breezy afternoon on the Sunday of the Spring Gala. At Goathland Station recently restored 90775 approaches uphill on the 17.30 freight from Grosmont. The station’s bell is rung to warn of the train’s approach, but by this time of day there are few people around. The train slows and crosses onto the down line in preparation for leaving the wagons stored in the loop. After the train has passed, the gates at the station foot crossing are heard closing as a photographer crosses over, and the home signal returns to danger.

Track 19 – 05/10/02.

Another freight working and another blustery day. Eller Beck below us and the breeze in the oak trees overhead form a backdrop as 4277 climbs competently past Thomason Foss on the 11.30 train from Grosmont. Though windy, the weather is still warm and across the valley a group of ramblers can be heard in conversation as they walk up the path to Hill Farm.

Track 20 – 04/10/02.

This evening it is damp and cloudy, and at Levisham Station it is pitch black. Owls are calling in Newton Banks Wood. The platforms are bereft of passengers and only the station staff and ourselves are there to see the train. Signals are pulled off as 30926 steams in gently from Pickering on the 19.20 Pullman service. It is already running over twenty minutes late but the train waits while the signalman has a conversation with the driver, and the fireman makes up the fire ready for the six-mile climb to the summit. In due course the train draws out over the crossing and accelerates into the distance. The signals return to on and the crossing barriers are raised. A distant whistle drifts back, then the sound of the train disappears and the hooting of the owls takes over once more.