2008/02/21, 1. The WS&MR crew training train waits in the sidings on the upside of Banbury station, prior to moving to the up loop before departing for Hinksey Yard on the morning of Thursday 21st February 2008. The engines are 67017 nearer camera and 67016 on the far end of the train.

2008/02/21, 2. The Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway crew training runs have so far been something of an enigma! The runs were supposed to start from 11th February 2008 but were postponed until a week later, then the locos and stock did not arrive at Banbury until the afternoon of 20th February. The first run was supposed to happen at 08:33, departing from Banbury as 5Z63 on 21st February, but problems were encountered with the stock (apparently, no Central Door Locking key was available, so the doors could not be locked internally - the train is not allowed to run with the CDL lights on the outside of the train lit) and it did not run. The problems were sorted out, and here the train is trundling around from the sidings to the up loop at Banbury station at 10:38 on Thursday 21st February 2008. The train is topped and tailed by 67017 "Arrow" and 67016, the train itself comprising three Mk.3 first class coaches 11071, 11084 & 11065, provided by Cargo-D. Chiltern Railways Driver Instructor Steve Roast leans from the cab window.

2008/02/21, 3. The WS&MR trainer has now moved from the sidings into the up loop at Banbury, with 67016 at the head of the train. Chiltern 165 039 is just departing south from Banbury with the 09:41 from Stratford-upon-Avon to Marylebone. Thursday 21st February 2008.

2008/02/21, 4. 67016 sits at the head of the WS&MR training train in the up loop at Banbury station, with 67017 on the other end of the three Cargo-D coaches. For some reason, it then moved into the headshunt south of the station - part of the training routine perhaps? 10:40, Thursday 21st February 2008.

2008/02/21, 5. 67016 sits in the up loop at Banbury station prior to departing as 5Z63, VSTP working to Hinksey Yard and return with the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone crew training run with three coaches and 67017 on the rear of the train. Thursday 21st February 2008. There is also a "3D" version of this shot in the "Three Dimensional!" collection.

2008/02/21, 6. As the Wrexham crew trainer trundles off into the siding south of Banbury station with 67016 & 67017, fellow EWS 66185 passes by with northbound 4M33, the 08:10 Southampton to Burton-on-Trent intermodal service. 11:08, Thursday 21st February 2008.

2008/02/21, 7. Due to problems with the stock, the first training run for the WS&MR crews did not run at 08:33 on Thursday 21st February 2008. However, the train did still run, on a VSTP basis and still as 5Z63, from Banbury to Hinksey Yard and return as 5Z10. Here 67016 leads the train out of the up loop at Banbury and onto the mainline at 11:29, under the control of one of Banbury's remaining semaphore signals. 67017 was on the other end of the three coach train. The second train at 14:02 also did not run to Marylebone, another round trip to Hinksey Yard took place instead. Thursday 21st February 2008.

2008/02/21, 8. 67017 "Arrow" and 67016 top & tail 5Z10, the return run of the first crew training run for the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway train crews. It should have run earlier at 08:33 to Marylebone from Banbury but actually ran (still as 5Z63) on a VSTP basis to Hinksey Yard, leaving Banbury at 11:29. It is seen here on the return at King's Sutton at 12:35. The second run to Marylebone at 14:02 from Banbury also did not run, another round trip to Hinksey Yard being undertaken instead...

2008/02/21, 9. 67017 "Arrow" and 67016 top & tail 5Z10, the return run of the first crew training run for the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway train crews. It should have run earlier at 08:33 to Marylebone from Banbury but actually ran (still as 5Z63) on a VSTP basis to Hinksey Yard, leaving Banbury at 11:29. It is seen here on the return at King's Sutton at 12:35. The second run to Marylebone at 14:02 from Banbury also did not run, another round trip to Hinksey Yard being undertaken instead... Thursday 21st February 2008.

2008/02/22, 1. Friday 22nd February 2008. The headboard "84C Banbury Drivers" attached to the front of 67016 prior to departure of 5Z23 14:02 ex Banbury, the first run up the Chiltern Line. The board was made by one of the Banbury drivers to celebrate the legacy of the old steam depot there. Photo: Courtesy Darryl Tebbs, Chiltern Driver.

2008/02/22, 2. The first of the long-awaited Wrexham crew training runs finally happened on the afternoon of Friday 22nd February 2008. 67016, topping and tailing with 67017 "Arrow" pass the old Princes Risborough North Signalbox as they approach the station with 5Z23, the 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone, dead on time at 14:35, consisting of three First Class Mk.3 coaches. The engine is carrying a small shedplate shaped headboard with the legend "84C Banbury Drivers" inscribed. Shame about the weather!

2008/02/22, 3. The first run to Marylebone from Banbury of the Wrexham crew training exercise stands in the station at Princes Risborough having arrived on time at 14:35, departing again after crew photos at 14:40. Whether this will be a normal stop for the train I don't know! This is 5Z23, the 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone on Friday 22nd February 2008. 67016 is on the front of the train, while 67017 "Arrow" is dead on the rear.

2008/02/22, 4. Crew photo opportunity at Princes Risborough as the first of the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway crew training specials pauses on its journey from Banbury to Marylebone. The train arrived here on time at 14:35 and departed again at 14:40, running as 5Z23, the 14:02 from Banbury. Friday February 22nd 2008. Note the "84C Banbury Drivers" headboard! Driver Instructor Steve Roast is in the cab doorway, while Driver Darryl Tebbs takes the photo!

2008/02/22, 5. Chiltern turbo unit 165 017 arrives at Princes Risborough with the 13:54 Marylebone to Bicester North service at 14:40 as 67016 departs with the first southbound run of the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway's crew training special. This was 5Z23, the 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone on Friday 22nd February 2008.

2008/02/22, 6. The first of the WS&MR training specials departs from Princes Risborough at 14:40 on Friday 22nd February 2008, en route from Banbury to Marylebone as 5Z23, the 14:02 from Banbury. The train is topped and tailed by 67016 and 67017.

2008/02/22, 7. What little light there was during the day is now fading rapidly, but this shot had to be done! The first northbound run of the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway crew training special passes under the roadbridge near Kingsey, between Princes Risborough and Haddenham. 67017 & 67016 top & tail three first class coaches, running as 5Z16, 16:10 from Marylebone to Banbury, seen here at 17:05 on Friday 22nd February 2008.

2008/02/25, 1. The WS&MR trainer ran for the second time on the afternoon of Monday 25th February 2008, with a different formation from the previous Friday, 67017 "Arrow" leading and 67016 on the rear of the three MkIII first class coaches. Running as 5Z23, 14:02 Banbury to Marylebone, it is passing Kingsey (St. Mary's church in Haddenham can be seen in the right background) at 14:45, about 15 minutes late, so not in its timetabled path (unless this has been changed).

2008/02/25, 2. The WS&MR trainer ran for the second time on the afternoon of Monday 25th February 2008, a different formation from the previous Friday, 67017 "Arrow" leading and 67016 on the rear of the three MkIII first class coaches. Running as 5Z23, 14:02 Banbury to Marylebone, it is passing Kingsey at 14:45, about 15 minutes late, so not in its timetabled path (unless this has been changed).

2008/02/25, 3. The return run from Marylebone of 5Z16, the Wrexham crew trainer, 16:10 from Marylebone to Banbury is headed by 67016, with 67017 on the rear. Here it speeds past Kingsey in utterly appalling light! 17:04, Monday 25th February 2008.

2008/02/26, 1. The first morning run of the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway crew training special took place on Tuesday 26th February 2008. This was 5Z63, the 08:33 from Banbury to Marylebone, seen passing the old Princes Risborough North Signalbox and approaching the station, on time at 09:13, with 67017 "Arrow" on the front of the three coach train and 67016 on the rear.

2008/02/26, 2. The first morning run of the Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway crew training special took place on Tuesday 26th February 2008. This was 5Z63, the 08:33 from Banbury to Marylebone, here passing Princes Risborough station, on time at 09:13, with 67017 "Arrow" on the front of the three coach train and 67016 on the rear.

2008/02/26, 3. This was the first run of the down morning Wrexham training trip, 5Z10, the 10:17 Marylebone to Banbury train, three coaches topped and tailed by 67016 and 67017. It is seen here from a public footpath across the line near Kingsey, running on time at 11:03 on Tuesday 26th February 2008.

2008/02/26, 4. This was the first run of the down morning Wrexham training trip, 5Z10, the 10:17 Marylebone to Banbury train, three coaches topped and tailed by 67016 and 67017. It is seen here from a public footpath across the line near Kingsey, running on time at 11:03 on Tuesday 26th February 2008.

2008/02/26, 5. The afternoon working of the Wrexham crew trainer approaches Haddenham & Thame Parkway station at 14:45 on Tuesday 26th February 2008, topped and tailed by 67017 "Arrow" and 67016, with three Cargo-D coaches. This is 5Z23, the 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone, running in beautiful sunshine for a change!

2008/02/26, 6. The afternoon working of the Wrexham crew trainer approaches Haddenham & Thame Parkway station at 14:45 on Tuesday 26th February 2008, topped and tailed by 67017 "Arrow" and 67016, with three Cargo-D coaches. This is 5Z23, the 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone, running in beautiful sunshine for a change!

2008/02/26, 7. The afternoon working of the Wrexham crew trainer passing through Haddenham & Thame Parkway station at 14:45 on Tuesday 26th February 2008, topped and tailed by 67017 "Arrow" and 67016, with three Cargo-D coaches. This is 5Z23, the 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone, running in beautiful sunshine for a change! On the right is Chiltern turbo 165 021 departing with the 14:45 to Bicester North.

2008/02/26, 9. The returning WS&MR training run from Marylebone to Banbury catches a glint from the lowering sun as it heads north near Ashendon Junction at 17:06 on Tuesday 26th February 2008. This is 5Z16, 16:10 from Marylebone, consisting of three Cargo-D MkIII first class coaches topped and tailed by 67016 and 67017 "Arrow".

2008/02/27, 1. The WS&MR training specials seem to have settled down into their routine by now - 67017 & 67016 top & tail 5Z63 as they approach King's Sutton with the morning run, 08:33 Banbury to Marylebone at 08:38 on Wednesday 27th February 2008.

2008/02/27, 2. The morning return run of the WS&MR crew trainer, 5Z10, 10:17 from Marylebone to Banbury, is difficult to photograph when the sun is out as for almost the whole length of the journey the camera is looking straight into the sun. Here the train is seen from a public footpath across the line at Launton, just south of Bicester, with 67016 leading and 67017 on the rear. The line here is signalled bi-directionally. 11:12, Wednesday 27th February 2008.

2008/02/27, 3. A lone sheep completely ignores the train as 67017 leads the WS&MR crew training run, 5Z23, 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone, just south of the former Ashendon Junction at 14:32 on Wednesday 27th February 2008.

2008/02/28, 1. The WS&MR training runs continued on Thursday 28th February 2008, though the afternoon trains did not run. 67017 is at the head of 5Z63, 67016 on the rear, as the 08:33 from Banbury comes round the curve between Launton and Blackthorn, just south of Bicester, en route to Marylebone.

2008/02/28, 2. The WS&MR training runs continued on Thursday 28th February 2008, though the afternoon trains did not run. 67017 is at the head of 5Z63, 67016 on the rear, as the 08:33 from Banbury comes round the curve between Launton and Blackthorn, just south of Bicester, en route to Marylebone.

2008/03/03. Another week of crew training runs for the Wrexham & Shropshire trains commenced with the afternoon working, 5Z23, 14:02 Banbury to Marylebone on Monday 3rd March 2008. The pairing of locos had changed, 67016 being replaced by 67002 "Special Delivery" whilst 67017 "Arrow" remained with the train but now on the northern end. The two locos and their three Mk.III coaches pass through Saunderton station, where it was trying to snow, at 14:42.

2008/03/04, 1. The Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway crew training run arrives at one of the places in its title! 67002 "Special Delivery" is at the head of the train, 5Z23, as it arrives at London Marylebone station with the 14:02 from Banbury. 67017 is out of the picture on the rear of the train. 15:27, Tuesday 4th March 2008.

2008/03/04, 2. The Wrexham, Shropshire & Marylebone Railway crew training run arrives at one of the places in its title! 67002 "Special Delivery" is at the head of the train, 5Z23, as it arrives at London Marylebone station with the 14:02 from Banbury. 67017 is out of the picture on the rear of the train. 15:27, Tuesday 4th March 2008.

2008/03/04, 3. Having arrived in Platform 4 at Marylebone station, 67017 "Arrow" sits in patterns of light and shade as it waits to return to Banbury as 5Z16, the 16:10 crew training run for the Wrexham & Shropshire drivers. Alongside is Chiltern 168 111, in Platform 5. Tuesday 4th March 2008. There is also a "3D" version of this shot, at present in the "New Additions!" collection.

2008/03/04, 4. Having arrived in Platform 4 at Marylebone station, 67017 "Arrow" sits in patterns of light and shade as it waits to return to Banbury as 5Z16, the 16:10 crew training run for the Wrexham & Shropshire drivers. The stairs leading to the roadbridge are for emergency use only. Tuesday 4th March 2008.

2008/03/04, 5. At 16:10 67017 "Arrow" starts away from Marylebone station, 67002 dead on the rear, with 5Z16, the Wrexham crew training run returning to Banbury. Tuesday 4th March 2008.

2008/03/05. The southern part of the Wrexham & Shropshire crew training runs takes place between Banbury and Marylebone. Here, the afternoon working, 5Z23, 14:02 from Banbury is heading for the capital as it approaches the remains of Ardley station, with 67002 at the head and 67017 dead on the rear of the three coach train. 14:11, Wednesday 5th March 2008.

2008/03/06, 1. Soon after leaving Banbury at 08:33 with the morning southbound Wrexham crew training working, 67002 "Special Delivery" leans into the curve just north of King's Sutton station with 67017 "Arrow" dead on the rear of the three coach train, 5Z63 to London Marylebone. Some of the trainee drivers can be seen in the cab, under instruction. 08:39, Thursday 6th March 2008.

2008/03/06, 2. Soon after leaving Banbury at 08:33 with the morning southbound Wrexham crew training working, 67002 "Special Delivery" leans into the curve just north of King's Sutton station with 67017 "Arrow" dead on the rear of the three coach train, 5Z63 to London Marylebone. 08:39, Thursday 6th March 2008.

2008/03/06, 3. The weather had turned dull again by the time the afternoon training run for the Wrexham & Shropshire drivers came through Princes Risborough. 67002 and 67017 topping & tailing 5Z23, the 14:02 Banbury to Marylebone working, pass the old North Signalbox as they approach the station, where a short stop was made. 14:38, Thursday 6th March 2008.

2008/03/07, 1. 67002 "Special Delivery" passing the site of the original station in Haddenham at the head of 5Z23, the 14:02 driver training special from Banbury to Marylebone for the Wrexham & Shropshire staff. 67017 "Arrow" is dead on the rear of the train. 14:34, Friday 7th March 2008.

2008/03/12, 1. 67017 "Arrow" is now on the south end of the train and 67002 has been replaced by 67020 on the other end as 5Z63, the 08:33 Banbury to Marylebone crew training run for the Wrexham & Shropshire railway, comes through Princes Risborough at 09:15 on Wednesday 12th March 2008.

2008/03/12, 2. EWS 67017 "Arrow" is at the head of the WS&MR crew training run, 5Z23, 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone as it crosses Chearsley Viaduct, the village of Chearsley in the background. 67020 brings up the rear of the cavalcade. 14:33 on a very windy Wednesday 12th March 2008.

2008/03/13. 67020 is on the rear of the train with 67017 on the front as the WS&MR training run heads towards Marylebone near Kingsey with 5Z63, 08:33 from Banbury, on time at 09:07 on Thursday 13th March 2008.

2008/03/19, 1. The Wrexham & Shropshire crew training runs continue with another change of locos. 67017 has now been replaced, the two locos now involved are 67021 and 67016. Rolling stock has also been changed, now consisting of two Mk.III first class coaches and a Sleeping-Car! This is the up morning train, 5Z63, the 08:33 from Banbury to Marylebone, seen near Launton, just south of Bicester at 08:55 on Wednesday 19th March 2008.

2008/03/19, 3. With the present Haddenham & Thame Parkway station in the background, 67021 & 67016 pass the remains of the original station as they make their way up to Marylebone as 5Z23, the 14:02 from Banbury, the afternoon Wrexham & Shropshire crew training run. 14:23, Wednesday 19th March 2008.

2008/03/26, 1. Another change of motive power for the WS&MR training runs starting from Wednesday 26th March 2008, 67024 and 67003 being the locos involved. The coaching stock remains the same as the previous week, including the Sleeping-Car. Here the two Class 67s head the morning train south past Chearsley at 09:05, this is 5Z63, 08:33 Banbury to Marylebone.

2008/03/26, 2. The return working of the morning WS&MR training run, 5Z10, 10:17 from Marylebone to Banbury passing Ilmer, where there used to be a Halt platform years ago. 67003 is at the head of the train, while 67024 brings up the rear, the Chiltern hills in the background. 11:03, Wednesday 26th March 2008. Photo taken from a public footpath across the line!

2008/03/26, 3. It may look like a rural branch line, but this is the Chiltern Railways main line to Birmingham at Ashendon Junction. Here the GWR "Bicester cut-off" diverged from the GCR line to Grendon Underwood Junction and the GWR up and down lines were separated so that the up line passed over the GCR lines on a flyover, now long gone. Here on the down line, passing milepost "nought and three-quarters" as measured from the junction itself, 67003 is leading the WS&MR down training run, 5Z16, 16:10 from Marylebone to Banbury at 17:09 on Wednesday 26th March 2008. Photo taken from a public footpath across the line, with central refuge between the tracks.

2008/03/26, 4. With 67003 leading the train, 67024 is on the rear as 5Z16, the 16:10 Marylebone to Banbury route learning special heads north at Ashendon Junction, 17:09, Wednesday 26th March 2008. This is the point where the up and down GWR lines meet again after separating for what used to be the non-conflicting junction with the GCR line, now closed and long dismantled. Photo taken from a public footpath with central refuge between the tracks!

2008/03/27, 1. 67024 is topping the train while 67003 is tailing, 5Z63, the 08:33 Banbury to Marylebone WS&MR training run, having just emerged from the short Brill Tunnel at 09:01 on Thursday 27th March 2008. The date on the tunnel is 1909, the Bicester cut-off line was not opened by the GWR until 1910.

2008/03/27, 2. 67024 is topping the train while 67003 is tailing, 5Z63, the 08:33 Banbury to Marylebone WS&MR training run, having just emerged from the short Brill Tunnel at 09:01 on Thursday 27th March 2008. The date on the tunnel is 1909, the Bicester cut-off line was not opened by the GWR until 1910.

2008/03/27, 3. 67024 is at the head of the afternoon up training run, 5Z23, 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone, for the WS&MR, with 67003 on the rear as they head south at Ashendon Junction. This was where the GCR and GWR parted company, the up GWR line curving away from the down line to climb up and over the GCR on a flyover, now demolished and the embankment reduced in height. Milepost 0 was here for the GWR Bicester cut-off line. 14:18, Thursday 27th March 2008. Photo taken from a public footpath across the line, complete with central refuge between the tracks!

2008/03/27, 4. 67003 is bringing up the rear of the afternoon up training run, 5Z23, 14:02 from Banbury to Marylebone, for the WS&MR, with 67024 on the front as they head south at Ashendon Junction. This was where the GCR and GWR parted company, the up GWR line curving away from the down line to climb up and over the GCR on a flyover, now demolished and the embankment reduced in height. Milepost 0 was here for the GWR Bicester cut-off line. 14:18, Thursday 27th March 2008. Photo taken from a public footpath across the line, complete with central refuge between the tracks!

2008/04/02, 01. The Wrexham crew training train is on the move from its stabling point at Banbury into the up goods loop from where it is due to depart at 14:02 as 5Z23 to Marylebone. 67003 is at the head of the train while 67020 at the other end will be leading on departure. Wednesday 2nd April 2008.

2008/04/02, 02. I had the great privilege of being invited by the Wrexham & Shropshire Railway to join the crew for a cabride from Banbury to Marylebone and return on board the afternoon training run of Wednesday 2nd April 2008. Here, Chiltern Railways Driver Instructor Steve Roast climbs aboard 67020 at the head of the train in the up goods loop at Banbury station prior to departure at 14:02 as 5Z23 to Marylebone. 67003 was dead on the rear of the train. It was something of a shame that the weather was not better!

2008/04/02, 04. Chiltern Railways Driver Mike York, based at Banbury, is "in the seat" as 67020 departs from the up goods loop at Banbury having got the road from Banbury South Signalbox's semaphore starter signal at 14:02 as 5Z23 sets off for Marylebone, Wednesday 2nd April 2008.

2008/04/02, 05. Chiltern Driver Mike York has the power controller at maximum as 67020 accelerates away from Banbury with the up WS&MR training run, 5Z23, 14:02 to Marylebone on Wednesday 2nd April 2008.