GDMK Images Railway Trip to Newcastle and Carlisle
Pleasure Mixed With A Little Business
We recently had a rare full weekend off. Big Country were playing in Newcastle as part of their 35th Anniversary Steeltown album tour so we decided to take a train trip up to Newcastle via the East Coast Main Line (ECML) to see them play.
We have received a lot of requests this year asking for stuff featuring modern railways. It seemed a perfect opportunity to use the trip to get some up to date images for adding to the picture library.
My railway roots are deep in classic 1980s diesel locos. Once the classic loco classes disappeared, I stopped taking photos of the railway scene. I regret this to a certain degree as there is now a gap in my railway picture library as I moved more into aviation photography.
As per some of my discussions on Twitter, today’s railway scene is still worthy of recording. Today’s railway scene will one day be historic and therefore needs recording, despite my lesser interest in the multiple unit nature of today’s rolling stock. As with all things modern, it seems sanitised and characterless when compared to the railway scene I remember. This is where it gets scary, as I sound just like the old steam guys did when diesels came along!!
Not Many Peaks at Sheffield!
The outbound trip needed changes at Sheffield and Doncaster, so I hoped there would be plenty of opportunities to get pictures.
The first change of train was required at Sheffield, a station I haven’t visited by train since about 1989!! Sheffield was always synonymous with the Class 45 Peaks to me.
On this day, Northern dominated the train services with plenty of Class 144, Class 156 and Class 158 units running around with a Crosscountry Trains Class 43 HST thrown in for good measure.
Doncaster Deltic Reminder
Doncaster has always been a haven for railway enthusiasts and photographers. Classic loco types such as the A1 and A4 Pacifics, the much-revered Class 55 Deltics and today’s Class 43 HSTs and Class 91 electrics have strutted their stuff up and down the East Coast Main Line.
The briefest of stops at Doncaster only allowed me to quickly get a few shots of Network Rails Class 43 HST New Measurement Train. A Northern Class 170 was present as well.
Our train to Newcastle teased me with old memories of Doncaster as it was named Deltic 50 in honour of the 50th anniversary of the cult Class 55 diesel locos.
Newcastle Arrival
Upon arrival at Newcastle, I was struck by the memory that, in all the years I have been travelling around on the railways, I had only ever been to Newcastle one other time in daylight. Every other visit had been as part of some mad overnight trip a very long time ago!
The Main Event – Big Country
I have been a big fan of Big Country for a long, long time. I first saw them live 35 years ago on the original Steeltown album tour and still can’t quite comprehend that the 35th Anniversary Steeltown Tour has started !!
Anyway, long story short, great band and top notch performance!!
Tyne Valley Diversion to Carlisle
I hadn’t realised the ECML Tyne Valley diversions were on, so on Sunday a jaunt across the country to Carlisle was in order courtesy of another LNER Class 43 HST. We would then take a trek up the WCML and cut across country to get us back home via Crewe and Derby.The Tyne Valley is a great little trip that you should take if you ever get the chance. The line serves Bardon Mill which is a great place to bail and go to see Vindolanda. Vindolanda is the location of a Roman Fort and Village that was occupied for nearly 300 years and is an awesome day out. If you like your Roman history then definitely check it out – it’s a massive site heaving with archaeological treasure!
Carlisle – Nearly Bowled By A Voyager
Carlisle presented a few more photo opportunities including a Scotrail Class 156, Transpennine Express Class 350, Northern Class 158 and a Virgin Class 390 Pendolino.
The idea of trekking up the WCML to Crewe soon evaporated when realising the service was formed of a Voyager. I was not going to ruin a good weekend with a trip on a Voyager, so it seemed a trip back across the Tyne Valley on another LNER HST was the only sensible thing to do!!
York – Any Chance of A Class 68?
We decided to take the LNER service through to York where I hoped to get a photo of a TransPennine Express Class 68.
Good old TPE! In the bay platform was Class 68 68032 Destroyer – a powerful name if there ever was one!
York provided a few more different types for my photo collection including a Northern Class 142, Class 150 and Class 170. We also had the bonus of getting a Class 91 down to Doncaster in the form of 91109 Sir Bobby Robson.
Sheffield Again!
A quick hop down to Doncaster on Class 91 91109 and a lightning change of trains saw us back at Sheffield again.
This time there was evidence of the rebranding of East Midlands Trains on both the Class 158 and Class 43 HSTs that were present.
In the Class 158 picture, one unit is original East Midlands Trains and the second is EMR Regional.
With the HST power cars, one was de-branded and the other had a large EMR logo. Times are a-changing on the Midland Main Line!
Trip Over – Mission Accomplished
All in all, it was a great weekend.It doesn’t get much better than catching a stunning performance from Big Country, sampling some classic Class 43 and Class 91 miles and the bonus of getting a load of new material in the bag. We also bagged a bit of Deltic action on the way up – well sort of !!Anyway, thanks for reading and keep your eye out on the run-up to Christmas for the much requested modern era gifts!
All the best
Gary, Dawn & Kay
Random Class 43 HST Gift Ideas From The Shop
Recent Posts on GDMK Images
Share this article about our trip to Newcastle and Carlisle with your friends and family …. thanks!
New Canvas Messenger Bags and Rucksacks From GDMK Images
If you have visited our stall this Summer you will have seen our awesome new canvas Messenger Bags and Rucksacks. People have been very complimentary about our new canvas bags from the moment they were launched at Lancs, Tanks and Military Machines at East Kirkby earlier this year.
We are now adding these new Canvas Messenger Bags and Rucksacks to the online store.
All our existing Messenger Bags have been discontinued. The designs are being updated and adapted for the new style of bags.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
New Canvas Messenger Bags
We have long wanted to upgrade our Messenger Bags to a much more classier product. We have sourced a canvas Messenger Bag that is much more rugged and stylish. Over the summer, these messenger bags received great feedback from customers and we sold out very quickly at many events. The Messenger Bags are available with both printed and embroidered designs.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”60351,62507,62508,62510,60350,61660″ img_size=”medium” simple_arrows=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Many customers have asked us for rucksacks . The rucksacks we selected are manufactured with the same canvas material and are both rugged and stylish. As with the messenger bags, they are available with printed and embroidered designs.[/vc_column_text][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”62997,62995,62996″ img_size=”medium” simple_arrows=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]
Hi everyone, heres the GDMK Images end of Summer 2019 Update. Who can believe the summer is almost over?
Summer 2019 has flown by and we had the pleasure of being at some great shows including –
Daks Over Duxford
Crewe Open Day
Cosford Airshow
Flying Legends
DRS Carlisle Open Day
East Kirkby Airshow
Biggin Hill Airshow
Military Odyssey
Upcoming Autumn Events
Although the summer was a brilliant adventure, we still have some great shows to look forward to including –
Over the summer, we road tested a couple of new bags. Firstly we updated our Messenger Bags to a much more classier product. These new messenger bags are made from a canvas material and are more rugged and stylish. The bags have zipped internal and external pockets and have received great feedback from customers. Both printed and embroidered designs are available.
Canvas Rucksacks
We have been repeatedly asked for rucksacks and have finally sourced a quality rucksack. The rucksacks are similar to the new messenger bags in that they are canvas and have a metal clasp. Again they are available with printed and embroidered designs. Currently the rucksacks are only available from the stall but will be added to the online shop over the coming weeks.
The Stuart Black collaboration goes from strength to strength with many new loco types and liveries added to the collection. We now have virtually every loco type and livery available for you to personalise on any of our products. Many people have chosen to make use of the optional text boxes and record life events or family best wishes, whereas others have left them blank and just chosen the loco of their choice.
They are your personalised gifts so you have total freedom on the design!
Loco Data Panel Signs
The classic loco class data panel designs have been going a storm over the summer. We now have almost every class online ready to be configured in the railway colour scheme of your choice. All that is left to add to the online store are the early electrics which will be going online very shortly
We have now added the loco class data panel metal signs, coasters, mugs,phone cases and mouse mats online with wallets being added shortly.
The flame cut and weathered versions have been really popular.
This brings you pretty much up to date on where we are at the moment. A huge thanks to you all for your support and encouragement over the summer, its very much appreciated!
Hopefully we will see some of you at the Victory Show. If we dont see you there, hopefully we will see you at another event before Christmas!
Thanks for reading and all the best
Gary, Dawn & Kay
Share This Update with your friends and family …. thanks!
Classic Military Aircraft Embroidered Clothing Launched
A brand new exclusive line to GDMK Images was formally launched at Flying Legends
Updated 31/10/19 – New additions include Wellington, Sea Harrier FA2, Jaguar and 5 Sqn Lightning!!
At Flying Legends last weekend we formally launched our exclusive range of Classic Military Aircraft embroidered clothing.
The designs feature a high quality embroidered aircraft, the aircraft name and its service dates.
You can buy these embroidered aircraft designs on the following clothing items
Which Classic Military Aircraft Will Be Available?
The first 3 designs feature the EE Lightning, Avro Lancaster and Panavia Tornado GR4. Classic Military Aircraft design no 4 will be decided by subscribers and social media followers in a competition starting 29th July. A new classic military aircraft design will be released roughly every week going forward.
Future releases will include the following aircraft –
Spitfire
Canberra
Hawker Hurricane
Mosquito
P51
Stirling
Tiger Moth
Dakota
Avro Vulcan
B-17
Hunter
Sea Harrier
Halifax
Wellington
Harrier
Jaguar
Hercules
Which Classic Military Aircraft Will be Released Next?
You can choose which aircraft will be design no 4 via our upcoming competition!
Next week I will be running a competition here and on our social media channels for you to decide which aircraft is the next to be released so stay tuned for details!
The aircraft design that receives the most votes will be released as design no 4.
The competition winner will receive a polo shirt featuring their choice of design from across our range!
Where Can I See These Classic Miltary Aircraft Clothing Designs?
You can see these new aircraft clothing designs at the following upcoming shows
East Kirkby Airshow
Biggin Hill Airshow
Military Odyssey
Victory Show
If you have any questions regarding these Classic Military Aircraft clothing designs then please dont hesitate to contact us!
Thanks for reading and all the best
Gary, Dawn & Kay
Share These Classic Military Aircraft Clothing Designs with your friends and family …. thanks!
More Side Profile Pictures Available for Our Personalised Railway Gift Range
Update – Since this post was added, our agreement with Stuart Black has evolved into a collaboration whereby you can order your favourite loco, in your chosen livery as part of our Personalised Gift Service
Read about the Stuart Black/GDMK Images CollaborationCreate Your Personalised Railway Gift Now
You may well be aware we offer one of the most comprehensive customised and personalised railway gift ranges. If not, where have you been?
I am pleased to announce several more loco types and liveries have been added to the GDMK Images and Stuart Black joint range of loco side profile drawings used for our personalised gift range.
Recently added loco types include
Class 45/1 BR Blue
Class 47 BR Blue
Class 47 BR Green
See all our personalised gifts
Loco Types and Liveries Available
You can create a fantastic personalised gift featuring your choice of loco number from these loco classes and colour schemes –
A4 Pacific – BR Green
Black 5 – BR Black
Class 37/4 Large Logo
Class 40 BR Blue Dxxx or 40xxx Disc Front
Class 40 BR Blue Dxxx or 40xxx Split Box
Class 43 HST BR Blue
Class 43 HST Intercity Swallow
Class 43 HST Original Intercity
Class 45/0 BR Blue Dxx or 450xx
Class 45/1 BR Blue
Class 47 BR Blue
Class 47 BR Green
Class 47 Railfreight Grey Petroleum Sector
Class 50 BR Blue D4xx or 500xx
Class 50 Large Logo
Class 50 NSE Original
Class 50 NSE Revised
Class 52 BR Blue
Class 52 Western Maroon
Class 55 BR Blue D9xxx or 550xx
Class 55 BR Blue White Racehorse Cab
Class 55 BR Green
Class 68 DRS
Class 91 – 91110
GWR King BR Green
Prototype – Deltic
Prototype – DP2
Personalised and Customised Gift Types available
We offer a comprehensive range of gift types for all those railway enthusiast family members and friends including –
MugsCoasters
Mouse Mats
Cushions
Your loco number on your gift type = your perfect personalised railway gift!
If you have any questions regarding these personalised gifts featuring Stuart Black side profile drawings then please don’t hesitate to contact us!
Thanks for reading and all the best
Gary, Dawn & Kay
Share These New Loco Types with your friends and family …. thanks!
Following on from some feedback and research on the stall we have added a new range of hoodies to the store. These new hoodies feature a modern look with a colour contrast on the hood inner and drawstring.
This contrast hoodie is complete with hidden earphone loops and a small opening for earphones in its side pocket making it the ideal casual wear hoodie.
Hoodie Colours
Our standard hoodie colours are as follows (body colour/hood inner colour)
New French Navy and Heather Grey, Available in sizes XS-5XL.
Heather Grey french Navy, Available in sizes XS-5XL.
Desert Sand Vanilla Milkshake, Available in sizes XS-XXL
Jet Black Kelly Green, Available in sizes XS-XXL
Oxford Navy Hawaiian Blue, Available in sizes XS-XXL
Burgundy Gold, Available in sizes XS-XXL
Kelly Green Arctic White, Available in sizes XS-XXL
Hot Pink Heather Grey, Available in sizes XS-XXL
Other colour combinations are available upon request
Hoodie Specification
Material: 80% ringspun cotton/20% polyester.
Soft cotton faced fabric.
Drop shoulder style.
Double fabric hood with contrast inner.
Contrast flat lace drawcord.
Front pouch pocket.
Ribbed cuffs and hem.
Twin needle stitching.
Contrast Hoodie size Guide
Size:
XS
S
M
L
XL
XXL
3XL
4XL
5XL
Chest (to fit):
34
36
40
44
48
52
56
60
64
If you have any questions regarding these new hoodies then please dont hesitate to contact us!
Thanks for reading and all the best
Gary, Dawn & Kay
Share These New Contrast Hoodies with your friends and family …. thanks!
New Loco Class Added to Personalised Embroidered Clothing Range
We have just added the Class 52 Western loco to our range of embroidered clothing. These Class 52 designs also form part of our personalised gift service as you can choose any number and nameplate to go under the cab design.
The embroidered Class 52 cab can be your choice of –
BR Blue
Western Maroon
Under the cab side, the loco number and nameplate are depicted on cast plates as per the real Class 52 Western locos.
Embroidered Clothing For Your Class 52 Design
You can choose to have the Class 52 design embroidered on to any of our standard clothing range which currently includes the following garments
Which Personalised Class 52 Western Will You Order?
So far we have received pre-release orders for the following Class 52 Westerns via our personalised gift service –
D1005 Western Venturer
D1016 Western Gladiator
D1019 Western Challenger
D1046 Western Marquis
D1053 Western Patriarch
If you have any questions regarding our embroidered designs then please dont hesitate to contact us!
Thanks for reading and all the best
Gary, Dawn & Kay
Share These Class 52 Western Embroidered Designs with your friends and family …. thanks!
2019 is the 75 th Anniversary of D-Day, arguably one of the most important historic moments in recent history. To commemorate the incredible feats of bravery, we have launched a range of gifts featuring iconic aircraft involved in D-Day and the following weeks and months.
These designs feature the following aircraft-
Spitfire
Mosquito
Stirling
Typhoon
RAF Dakota
USAAF Dakota
These designs were launched at Daks Over Duxford and were extremely well received at Duxford and the subsequent Cosford Airshow.
Many of the designs and gifts are now available to be ordered online via our D-Day 75 Gifts section.[/vc_column_text]
Items available online to buy now are linked in the list above. All other items are available from our event stall at many events across the UK
Merville Barracks Dakota Gate Guard
We were delighted to receive a picture from someone who purchased one of our D-Day 75 Dakota designs at Daks Over Duxford featuring KG374. The sign has been installed inside the C47 Dakota gate guardian at Merville Barracks in Colchester, home of the 16th Air Assault Brigade. We are delighted and very humbled at this gesture!
See Our D-Day 75 Designs at These Upcoming Shows
Our next event is the Armed Forces Day in Mansfield on 30th June so if you are in the area drop by and say hi!
The following weeks looks like this
Flying Legends
Marham Families Day
East Kirkby Airshow
Military Odyssey
If you are planning to visit any of these shows come and say hello! If you have any questions regarding these designs and their availability, please dont hesitate to contact us!
Hopefully see you at an event this summer!
Thanks for reading and all the best
Gary, Dawn & Kay
Share These D-Day 75 Commemorative Designs with your friends and family …. thanks!
We have had a great spring show season, having the pleasure of visiting some fantastic railway and aviation events including –
Swanage Spring Diesel Gala
Epping and Ongar Diesel Gala
KWVR Diesel Gala
Severn Valley Railway Spring Diesel Gala
East Kirkby Lancs n Tanks
Daks Over Duxford
Crewe Open Day
Cosford Airshow
New Products
Our new personalised railway gifts, especially the replica loco panels, have gone down an absolute storm as have our D-Day 75 Commemorative gifts. Thanks for the great feedback on these products!
Bumps in the Road
We have been quiet recently following a health scare for our embroidery partner. All is well now, but it had a knock on effect to orders, so apologies if any of you have been affected. As a result we have decided to invest in a second embroidery machine which will allow us to increase our capacity whilst our partner can take it a bit easier. Our new embroidered railway and aviation designs were well recieved at recent shows but we havent been able to get them online. I am intending to add them this week!
We have had a couple of weeks off the show circuit whilst we get on top of everything, especially getting to grips with the new embroidery software.
Upcoming Shows
We will be out again for the Armed Forces Day in Mansfield on 30th June so if you are in the area drop by and say hi!
The following weeks looks like this
Flying Legends
DRS Carlisle Open Day
Marham Families Day
East Kirkby Airshow
Military Odyssey
If you are planning to visit any of these shows come and say hello!
Society and Fund Raising
We have been busy with supplying various Societies with merchandise for their fund raising stalls and are delighted to have added several new societies.
We are extremely pleased to have been asked to supply the BBMF, the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, with printed and embroidered merchandise. The Western Loco Association, Woodhead Railway Group and 466th Bomb Group at Attlebridge have also kindly ordered various fund raising items. There is also an interesting job involving 50008 in development!
Our regulars including the Network Southeast Society, Southern Electric Group, Class 37 Loco Group, Lincolnshire Lancaster Association, The Spitfire Society and the Class 45/1 Society have been busy filling their stalls with our products so if you see these groups out and about, make sure you drop by and buy something to help them raise much needed funds!
Alamy Editorial Portfolio
Time has been precious this last few months and unfortunately I havent added any new editorial images to my Alamy Portfolio, but nevertheless licences have been good.
If you need editorial pictures for your publication then check out my Alamy portfolio – there is a wide range of image subject matter and styles as can be seen below. These images have recently been generating enquiries and licences.
This brings you pretty much up to date on where we are at the moment. We would like to thank you all very much for your support over the last few months. We are very much looking forward to getting back on the road again, starting with a home town event in the shape of Mansfields Armed Forces Day on 30th June.
If we dont see you there, hopefully we will see you at another event this summer!
Thanks for reading and all the best
Gary, Dawn & Kay
Share This Update with your friends and family …. thanks!
We have finalised our drinkware range for the 2019 season and are happy to say we have mugs for every occassion!
We have listened to your feedback and added several new types of mug including a larger 15oz mug, a small kids mug and metal drinks bottles.
All our ceramic mugs are rated for 2000 dishwasher cycles before fading! They are also microwave safe. Buy with confidence – no faded mugs after half a dozen washes, we always sell quality ceramic mugs!
All our metal and enamel mugs ARE NOT dishwasher or microwave safe so please do not place them in these devices!!!!
You can buy every design on one of these mugs online or via our event stall –
7oz Ceramic Kids Mini Mug
11oz Standard Ceramic Muh
15oz Ceramic Mighty Mug
Enamel Mug
600ml Stainless Steel Drinks Bottle
14oz Stainless Steel travel Mug
Read our mug guide for full details!
I hope you like these new mug options. Never be short of ideas when buying your next gift for the railway, aircraft and military vehicle enthusiast in your family!
Thanks for reading
Gary, Dawn & Kay
Share These Mug Gift Ideas with your friends and family …. thanks!