Leeds | Tracking the Light

A Continual Convergence of Trains.

Bright morning in Leeds. Lumix LX7 photo.

Bouncy railcars in a bay platform at Leeds. Lumix LX7 photo.

Back in July 2000, I changed trains here. That brief visit left me with a vague impression of a bouncy rail car in a bay platform. Back then, I was on my way to Brontë Country for a weekend on the Keighley & Worth Valley.

Fourteen Years seems like a long time. On this more recent visit, I had time to more thoroughly experience Leeds and its railway terminal. While not a Victorian throwback like London’s great terminals at Paddington or Liverpool Street, Leeds is a busy place with constant parade of trains.

There’s good variety too. In addition to a multitude of diesel and electric multiple units, there’s a fair few HSTs and Class 90 electrics on long distance trains. In the evenings, a the occasional freight rolls through.

In addition from platform views, I found some stunning vistas from the nearby Double Tree Hotel that overlooks the Manchester-end of the station.

Curiously, the bouncy railcars are still aplenty in Leeds, albeit painted differently than I remember from last time around.

The old BR logo still abounds in places. Lumix LX7 photo.

Murals cover some trains with regional themes. Lumix LX7 photo.

You have to love the old HSTs. The train that saved long distance passenger services in Britain. Study this story, there's lessons to be learned! Lumix LX7 photo. — You have to love the old HSTs. The train that saved long distance passenger services in Britain. Study this story, there’s lessons to be learned! Lumix LX7 photo.

HST, another view at Leeds. Lumix LX7 photo.

Leeds is busy place. No shortage of trains. I think it's safe to say there's more action here than at South Station, Boston. Keep in mind these are the noon-time departures, not rush hour. Lumix LX7 photo. — Leeds is busy place. No shortage of trains. I think it’s safe to say there’s more action here than at South Station, Boston. Keep in mind these are the noon-time departures, not rush hour. Lumix LX7 photo.

Leeds station entrance. Soon the rain was cascading down. Lumix LX7 photo.

An electric multiple unit glides out of the station. Lumix LX7 photo.

Trains pass near Leeds station as viewed from the 13th floor of the Double Tree Hotel. Canon EOS 7D photo.

Dusk settles over Leeds. Lumix LX7 photo.

In the evening there's a bit of freight; an EWS Class 66 rolls through with tonnage in tow. Lumix LX7 photo. — In the evening there’s a bit of freight; an EWS Class 66 rolls through with tonnage in tow. Lumix LX7 photo.

Tracking the Light posts new material every morning.

Please share Tracking the Light!

http://briansolomon.com/trackingthelight/

A Vision from an Earlier Era.

Britain enjoyed an extensive canal network before its railways were built. In many places the canals survive, although today they are primarily corridors for pleasure craft.

South of the Leeds railway station, the historic Granary Wharf canal boat harbour has been incorporated into a revitalized area of tourism and commerce, where shops, hotels, restaurants and pubs occupy buildings and space one used for warehousing and industry.