IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Union Road, WEMBLEY, HA0 4YG

Railway tracks at Wembley Central station in north west London. This pair of tracks is used by London Overground and London Underground (Bakerloo line) services, and are electrified using the third rail system. A fourth rail is provided for London Underground trains, as their electrification system differs from that used by London Overground. In the background, overhead electrification gantries can be seen. The parallel tracks are used by longer-distance trains, which draw their power from the overhead wires. One difference between the two systems is that third rail uses direct current (DC), whereas overhead electrification generally uses alternating current (AC).

An ageing class 501 unit approaches Wembley Central with a local service from Euston to Watford on what are usually referred to as the DC lines. When this was taken in 1985 the 501 slam door stock was being replaced by more recent class 313 units with sliding doors and uncomfortable seats! The trackside electric live rails warning signs are rusted and fading. The more recent 'passengers must not cross the line' sign doesn't look much better. In the distance the line curves to the left to pass under the main line and the carriage sidings at Stonebridge Park.

Looking towards Euston from the Down DC lines platform. Here, the DC lines (so called because they are electrified using a direct current system) swing away from the West Coast Main Line (whose AC electrification gantries are visible on the left) so they can pass under it near the Down end of Willesden yard.

Looking towards Watford from the Down DC lines platform. The DC lines are so called because they are electrified using a direct current system (as opposed to the AC system used on the parallel West Coast Main Line, which also has platforms here). A shopping centre has been built over much of the station, hence the rapid descent into dinginess from here.

Disconsolate Sheffield Wednesday fans waiting for a train to central London having lost 0-1 to Hull City in the 2016 Championship Play-Off Final

View southward, towards Willesden Junction and Euston: LMS West Coast Main Line. The 'Red Rose', (12.05 London Euston to Liverpool Lime Street) is headed by Stanier 'Princess Coronation' Pacific No. 46248 'City of Leeds' (built 10/43, withdrawn 8/64): it ran non-stop and was due in Liverpool at 15.50. The local electric lines to Watford Junction are on the right. The signalbox is Sudbury Junction, controlling the entry to the great Sudbury Sidings seen beginning on the left.

Currently being redeveloped. It was a 1960s concrete creation which has not stood the test of time.

View NE from the London end of the local platforms, towards Watford Junction and the North, WCML. Countless Specials came to Wembley, on the WCML and on the ex-GC line, on Cup Final days. Most of the WCML Specials went into Euston, but some unloaded here. This train from Colne via Stockport is headed by two Stanier 5MT 4-6-0s: No. 45229 (built 1936, withdrawn 9/65) and 44940 (built 12/45, withdrawn 3/68).