When you obtain a copy of a photograph you usually do not get the copyright to it simply a photograph. You can buy the copyright but this needs to be explicit in the transaction.
Possession of the photo gives you no reproduction rights. If you want to use it commercially you should make reasonable steps to obtain or pay for reproduction rights from the copyright holder. This is not simple as many photos are no credited.
Major holders of photo collections and their copyright include the NRM and Transport Treasurey.
The copyright to the late late Jim Peden's photographs (& I think those marked as
Stations UK/Peden and those of C.H.A Townley resides with the Industrial Railway Society. (
www.irsociety.co.uk). You should contact
[email protected] for more information. Andrew Smith, IRS Photograph Officer.