York Based published amateur photographer. Looking for the unusual within everyday life,

I take photos of wildlife and of trains, licensing some of my images here; www.shutterstock.com/g/Mark+Barratt if there are images you require please let me know.

if you are interested in selling good images via shutter stock please follow this link www.shutterstock.com/g/Mark+Barratt?rid=207658477&utm...

In the late 80's childhood I used to spend many hours around Doe Hill & Morton on the Erewash Valley line, and Oakerthorpe on the Midland Mainline, I discovered Clay Cross junction was within cycling distance and the new bike I had received as a Christmas gift came into its own.

Occasionally my dad would take my mates and i for a Sunday afternoon drive out to sheds at Shirebrook, Toton, Tinsley, or Barrow Hill. We just used to drive up the access road, often the doors were open and we would find our way inside. I fondly remember Shirebrook, when after climbing the steps we were greeted by a chap selling shed stickers, if you bought a few from him he would let you have a proper look around, even get into the cabs of the new 58's when they were inside the maintenance depot. If only I had taken my camera back then!

I remember Barrow Hill, we used to walk into the roundhouse through the open back door just to see what was inside, only occasionally we would be politely asked to leave. At the time I was too young to realise and fully appreciate that I was seeing a rare sight of a roundhouse in its twilight years.

Ocassionally now i get 30 minutes at the side of the line