'8A RAIL' Top (10) Recommended 'Links'
The following rail websites are recommended for news, information etc. You can also click on the "UK & Ireland Railway Webring" box at the bottom of the home page, which will provide numerous other links to other rail related websites, some of which are not very informative, out of date and / or simply rubbish! To gain access to the sites, just click on the 'blue underlined' links.
8A Rail "Fotopic" Gallery" It goes without saying that the first recommended link will be 8A Rail's own photographic gallery. You will find a selection of photographic images covering the current railway scene which will eventually cover the last 25 years. The images include UK and Irish modern & preserved steam traction.
"8A Irish Rail" Gallery: A selection of images taken by 8A Rail since 2001 covering the fascinating Irish (Iarnrod Eireann) railway system. Take a look you may be surprised what was or still is on offer.
"Liverpool-Rail". A Yahoo Group gen list specifically aimed at Merseyside enthusiasts but is open to all. Like most gen-list's, it's purpose is to exchange info, post sightings, timings, discussions on the current local passenger / freight scene.
"Merseyrail". A website as it name suggests mainly concentrates on the Mersey 3rd Rail system on both sides of the water. Although the Class 507/508 EMU's don't appeal to everyone, there is some useful information available regarding the Merseyrail system including proposed Engineering work which may appeal to enthusiasts interested in the area.
"Kerry Parker's Merseyside". An ever improving "fotopic" site showing a variety of rail images from the early 70's to the present day covering much of Merseyside with a wide variety of motive power including Class 50's & all blue Cl502 Emu's. Certainly well worth a look especially if you want to remember the BR Blue era in our area. Also there is more images covering the remainder of the UK too!
"North Wales Coast" An excellent site provided by Charlie Hulme providing all sorts of information on the North Wales Coast Railway. Besides the current Class57 hauled Virgin trains, there is still other traffic to observe and photograph. Check it out you should not be disappointed.
"The Borderlands Line" This is a very informative site based on the Wrexham to Bidston line which includes the freight to and from Dee Marsh. It includes timetables, photographs and idea's where to photograph the action on the line. Certainly our sites compliment each other, so you should not have too much trouble observing & photographing trains on this interesting line.
"Mid Cheshire Rail Users Association" This group is the users voice of the Manchester - Altrincham - Northwich - Chester line. The website has useful information with regular updates on the latest happenings on this line. The MCRUA has regular meetings with a quarterly newsletters to its members. For further details click on the above but suffice to say well worth £5.00 per year membership fee just to support this association.
"Freightmaster". The "8A RAIL" website was partly inspired many years ago by Mark Rawlinson and Martin Buck, publishers of FREIGHTMASTER. Many of you are aware they have published "FM" guide for over 10 years now and the guides are now regarded the bible's of the current scene. For those who have not subscribed to the FREIGHTMASTER book or the very highly rated ONLINE version, it is recommended that you do because without them, were would you be waiting for the next train that may not arrive? .
Quick Links - not quite the top ten but may be worth a look!
Warren's - A fotopic website by local enthusiast Warren Desmond with emphasis on Class 37's in the North West.
ICRS - This is a website covering the UK railway scene operated by the "Inter City Railway Society". Has loads of useful info for the enthusiasts including some passenger & freight timetables as well as details on the current loco / wagon fleet.
Class 37 Group - If you are a Class 37 enthusiast, this site is definitely for you!
Class Forty Preservation Society The owning group of Preserved EE Type 4 / Class 40 No's 40135 & D345 which are based at the East Lancashire Railway. A very good site that gives you latest info on both Whistler's including upto date news of green D345 whose return on the mainline in 2002 was probably the highlight of that year! Also allows the opportunity to join the "CFPS" amongst other things. This site is well worth a visit of this very popular under powered, over weight but plenty of character class of loco's.