I recently embarked on a fascinating journey through my personal collection of 35mm slides—a physical archive of railway history amassed over years. These tangible memories, often faded but always evocative, capture the rail network as it was, before digital dominance and modern rolling stock reshaped the landscape.
The four images I'm sharing today are particularly special, yet frustratingly vague. All that I know for certain is that they were captured somewhere in Lincolnshire. No dates, no specific locations, just stunning views of trains passing through the county's varied countryside and urban fringes.
Join me as we delve into these photographic mysteries, examining the rolling stock and scenery to try and piece together a story of a bygone era.
The Trains of the Mystery Slides
The real clues to the era and atmosphere of these photographs lie with the trains themselves. By identifying the types and liveries, we can narrow down the potential time frame of these 'lost' railway scenes.
1. The Provincial Trio: Class 158 Express Sprinters
Three of the four slides feature the same type of train: a British Rail Class 158 Express Sprinter Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU).
 |
| Lincolnshire 1 |
 |
| Lincolnshire 2 |
These show a long-distance version of the Class 158 in what is likely the East Midlands Trains (EMT) or possibly Central Trains livery. This striking blue, gold, and white scheme was common across the mid-2000s and into the 2010s. The long train formations suggest a busy, inter-urban route, perhaps linking a major city like Lincoln or Grimsby with the Midlands or even London.
 |
| Lincolnshire 3 |
This unit, visible from the front with the identifying number 158 A07, appears to be in an earlier livery, often associated with the early days of privatisation (mid-to-late 1990s) or the later regional liveries like Central Trains or even a Regional Railways hybrid.
The Class 158s are the workhorses of regional express services. Their presence suggests we are looking at a line designed for relatively high-speed travel, passing through sweeping fields and open countryside, which is quintessential Lincolnshire.
2. The Iconic 'Pacer': A True Piece of Railway Heritage
The final slide, "Train Hull Bound Pacer," captures a piece of railway history that is now almost entirely gone from the mainline: the British Rail Class 144 Pacer.
 |
| Pacer 1 |
The 'Pacer' units (Classes 141-144) were designed as low-cost, short-term rolling stock in the 1980s, famously built using bus bodies mounted on freight bogies. This particular unit, identified as 144 009, is in the distinctive Northern Spirit or Northern Rail red and cream livery—a colour scheme that firmly places this photo in the late 1990s or early-to-mid 2000s.
The destination board clearly reads 'HULL'. Given that the photo was taken in the Lincolnshire area, this Pacer could be on a number of local routes, such as the line north from Doncaster, or perhaps running an intermittent service on the Grimsby/Cleethorpes to Hull route, having crossed the Humber.
This Pacer photo is a brilliant capture of a train that has since been retired, marking a pivotal moment in the UK's railway evolution.
The Scenery: Where in Lincolnshire?
Lincolnshire is a county of incredible contrasts, and these photos reflect that perfectly. While we lack specific geographical markers, we can make some educated guesses about the kind of lines they depict.
The Inter-Urban Stretch
In the Pacer and one of the 158 photos, we see lines with multiple tracks (at least two pairs or a double-track and loops).
Clue: The background of the Pacer image shows a prominent, solid-looking stone building and a distinct junction, suggesting a location near a former industrial area or a reasonably large town/city. The hilly backdrop is less common in the flatter central and eastern parts of the county, perhaps hinting at a line further west or north, closer to the Yorkshire border.
Hypothesis: Could this be near Gainsborough Lea Road or a major junction on the line leading toward Doncaster or the Pennines?
The Rural Idyll
The other two Class 158 photos are textbook representations of the English countryside: rolling green hills, meticulously farmed fields, and isolated lineside cottages and signal boxes.
Clue: The line appears to be single or double track, cutting through deep green foliage and a high horizon, suggesting an area well away from major settlements. The vibrant blue sky and rich green fields point to a beautiful summer's day.
Hypothesis: This feels like the scenic route between Grimsby and Lincoln (The Wolds Line) or perhaps part of the East Coast Main Line (ECML) which technically skirts the western edge of Lincolnshire. The quiet, idyllic setting strongly suggests a secondary or rural main line. The lone, charming signalman's hut in "Train Lincolnshire 2" is a beautiful, classic railway feature now rarely seen.
The Cuttings and Signals
"Train Lincolnshire 3" shows the train entering or leaving a cutting, with prominent railway infrastructure:
Clue: A footbridge, an overhead road bridge, and a tall, traditional four-aspect colour light signal post. This concentration of features suggests proximity to a major station, a junction, or a key civil engineering point on the line. The bare trees and muted colours suggest a late winter or early spring setting.
Hypothesis: This could be a commuter belt area, perhaps approaching Newark, or a busy junction closer to Lincoln. The overhead bridges are classic features of lines being modernised for higher speed or capacity.
The Magic of Analogue Film
Beyond the facts, what these slides really capture is a feeling. The rich colour saturation, the deep contrast between the blue sky and the yellow/red of the trains, and the distinct grain are all hallmarks of 35mm slide film (likely a colour reversal film like Kodak Ektachrome or Fujichrome).
These images are more than just records; they are windows into a specific period of railway history, preserved with the unique aesthetic of analogue photography. They challenge us to become railway detectives, using our knowledge of rolling stock and geography to solve the mystery of their origin.
Please take a moment to share this post, follow me on social media, and explore my work on Clickasnap and Photo4Me using the links below. Your support means a lot!
