John Oram's photos with the keyword: Direct Rail Services

This slightly earthy scene at Eastleigh illustrates the longevity of many of the locomotives (and other stock) seen today at a once great depot and works which has enjoyed a substantial renaissance. The Class 57s were converted from 47s - DRS 57309 'Pride of Crewe' was 47806 - and the 73s have been around for more than 60 years. Both classes have carried different liveries and performed varying roles. 73133, here behind 57309, is in Transmart Trains scheme. I know very little about wagons but I imagine the one in this picture also has a long history. During this visit to a place where photography is never easy, other DRS 57s were visible and, notably, two 37s which have been in service since the early 1960s. I do not dislike the more recent locomotives such as classes 66, 67, 68 and 88 but I am saddened by the reduction in overall numbers and loco-hauled diagrams. The 37s and 73s in particular are part of the thread of my long interest in railways. 200_3_P1050186CE

An immaculate DRS Class 66 66434 at York. 200_2_P1090354

If long shots are (almost) all you can get in parts of Eastleigh, then long shots are what you take. I am pleased with this surprisingly clear picture of DRS Class 57 57310. 200_P1050725

Whilst doing one of my occasional long-lens rounds at Eastleigh, I could not resist a shot of Direct Rail Services Class 57 57010 clagging. Were it not for the relatively recent advent of the operator - more visible on the rolling stock than the loco - this treatment might briefly fool one into thinking that it was taken some time ago. 200_P1010922M

Whilst doing one of my occasional long-lens rounds at Eastleigh, I could not resist this shot of Direct Rail Services Class 57 57010 clagging. 200_P1010922

In the much depleted locomotive scene of today, the many locomotives which can be seen at Eastleigh are a welcome sight. Amongst those present today were Network Rail Class 57 57310 and Direct Rail Services 57010. 200_P1010917

In the much depleted locomotive scene of today, the many locomotives which can be seen at Eastleigh are a welcome sight. Amongst those present today were Network Rail Class 57 57303 and 57310 and Direct Rail Services 57010. 200_P1010916

Eastleigh is a place where I take shots I would not be very happy about elsewhere but it is not very accessible and there is an urge to record the ever changing scene there. Today, the freshly painted 57007 was outside the paintshop. There is a funny effect in this afternoon photograph; the front number and DRS logo are clear but the side number is a little fuzzy. I wondered if it was not applied sharply. P1180980

Eastleigh is worth a visit year round and I visit as often as I can, the result being some sort of document of the incredible variety there. There are only a few realistic vantage points at Eastleigh and so, inevitably, similar photographs appear online. The workers' cars do not especially enhance this view of recently outshopped DRS Class 57 57308 but that was the available shot. TZ30_P1000904