We are pleased to be able to show on this site some of Robert Cooke's extensive collection of photographs taken in Worcestershire from the 1960s and later.
Colour Photographs
Sheffield (Tinsley) based class 47 diesel electric locomotive No.D1523 at Worcester Shrub Hill Station in 1968. Our Working Timetables for this period do not record train code No.1E23 but one suggestion is a Paignton to Sheffield train. A diesel multiple unit is in the bay platform whilst one of the two young railway enthusiasts appears to be taking down the locomotive's details. The locomotive still carries is Brush makers plate.
Also at Worcester Shrub Hill but in complete contrast to the well-kept class 47 locomotive (above) is filthy class 35 diesel hydraulic locomotive No.D7052 on Sunday 2nd April 1972. The locomotive is in BR blue livery with small yellow warning panels and white window surrounds.
On Saturday 27th May 1978 Robert was at the bridge to the south of Bromsgrove Station as a very clean class 45/1 diesel locomotive No.45147 (ex No.D41), with split headcode panel, headed towards the Lickey Hills with a train of empty wagons.
Class 25 diesel locomotive No.25097 at Bredicot on 17th June 1978. Another photograph of this train of tanks can be found in the article on class 25 locomotives.
Class 31/4 diesel locomotive No.31419 with its load of six vehicles has the assistance of the Lickey bankers class 37 diesel locomotives Nos.37159 and 37180. The train is just starting its ascent of the Lickey Incline. Photograph taken on 20th September 1978.
A pair of class 20 diesel locomotives head north through Croome on 19th June 1979. The train is headed by No.20197 with four-aspect headcode panel, the other locomotive is No.20047 in green livery. Photograph taken on 19th June 1979.
More of Robert's colour photographs can be found throughout the site. These are easily located using the search term "cooke" from the home page search engine.
Click here for some photographs taken in 2011.
Black and White Photographs:
'Hymek' class locomotives No.D7000 at Worcester Shrub Hill and No.D7008 at Malvern Link.
'Warship' class 43 diesel locomotive No.D837 at Malvern Link.
Stored class 22 and class 03 locomotives at Worcester engine sheds.
The entrance to the tunnels through the Malvern Hills.
An unidentified class 47 diesel electric locomotive at Malvern Link.