2010-2011 Archive
For visiting railways, 2010 was a great year for me. Spending a lot of time in Devon let me get to know the South Devon Railway quite well and I managed to visit several other railways in the area. A year in my life wouldn't be complete without a visit to the Bluebell, this came early on in January, with a repeat visit during a hike in September.
After a disappointing 2009 as visiting railways goes, I made a point to visit as many as I could and I am generally pleased with the results. 2010 ended up at the other end of the spectrum!
Christmas 2009 saw me get a new camera, which had malfunctioned by New Year! By Easter, it was repaired and I spent the rest of the year trying to get used to it. Whilst it isn't quite as good as the ones I have used previously, at least it is my own!
2011 was a moderately successful year. My first real success at mainline photography, a trip to the Bluebell and two visits to the SDR, generally with only my Dad's spare camera!
After a disappointing 2009 as visiting railways goes, I made a point to visit as many as I could and I am generally pleased with the results. 2010 ended up at the other end of the spectrum!
Christmas 2009 saw me get a new camera, which had malfunctioned by New Year! By Easter, it was repaired and I spent the rest of the year trying to get used to it. Whilst it isn't quite as good as the ones I have used previously, at least it is my own!
2011 was a moderately successful year. My first real success at mainline photography, a trip to the Bluebell and two visits to the SDR, generally with only my Dad's spare camera!
Santa by Steam - South Devon Railway 23rd December
Whilst shuttling my Dad and his kayak around so that he could paddle the Dart Loop, I took the chance to take some winter shots on the last day of Santa by Steam. There were only three round trips that day and I'd already missed one of them.
I didn't have a timetable for the days services so when I arrived at Buckfastleigh and saw that it was empty, I decided to wait around and catch the train's arrival from the classic locations.
Afterwards, with the luxury of the car, I went in search of new locations to use in the future. I have found a couple more locations, which will hopefully be used in the not too distant future!
Photos were taken with my Dad's older camera (circa 2004) as I was yet to receive my new camera. I'm reasonably pleased with the results, especially considering the conditions.
I didn't have a timetable for the days services so when I arrived at Buckfastleigh and saw that it was empty, I decided to wait around and catch the train's arrival from the classic locations.
Afterwards, with the luxury of the car, I went in search of new locations to use in the future. I have found a couple more locations, which will hopefully be used in the not too distant future!
Photos were taken with my Dad's older camera (circa 2004) as I was yet to receive my new camera. I'm reasonably pleased with the results, especially considering the conditions.
Mainline 2011
Tangmere - I went to Chelsfield to catch Tangmere heading away from London on the final leg of the Cathedrals Explorer. There was just enough light remaining, had the train been on time. Unfortunately a driver on the train before thought that he'd heard a bang at Dunton Green, leading to a backing up of trains and the cancellation of services into and out of London. There were whispers of a fatality, and that Tangmere was now sat at Orpington.
I thought that if there had been a fatality, the line would remain closed for a good while, and that perhaps a Diesel would be sent from Hither Green to help Tangmere back to Bromley South before continuing via Swanley. I therefore decided to go to Orpington to see what was going on, but as I arrived, the issues had been resolved and the train was pulling away. I didn't have time to get a good view so I was a little disappointed, but having recently missed Tangmere in Sheffield, it was nice to at least be able to see the loco for the first time.
Chasing Cromwell on the Spitfire was an altogether more successful day. I went to Petts Wood Woods in the morning and in the evening to catch it on its way to and from Faversham. Both runs were quite slow due to the stops at Bromley South. It was my first sight of a Britannia in steam and was absolutely fantastic. I managed to just poke my camera lens through the fencing on the bridge.
I thought that if there had been a fatality, the line would remain closed for a good while, and that perhaps a Diesel would be sent from Hither Green to help Tangmere back to Bromley South before continuing via Swanley. I therefore decided to go to Orpington to see what was going on, but as I arrived, the issues had been resolved and the train was pulling away. I didn't have time to get a good view so I was a little disappointed, but having recently missed Tangmere in Sheffield, it was nice to at least be able to see the loco for the first time.
Chasing Cromwell on the Spitfire was an altogether more successful day. I went to Petts Wood Woods in the morning and in the evening to catch it on its way to and from Faversham. Both runs were quite slow due to the stops at Bromley South. It was my first sight of a Britannia in steam and was absolutely fantastic. I managed to just poke my camera lens through the fencing on the bridge.
South Devon Railway - Cambrian Gala - April
This event was supposed to be held in August last year, but it was a good job that it wasn't - the weather was better on this weekend. An excellent, varied timetable with 4 in steam complimented by the class 25.
I spent most of the day around Staverton and Nappers Halt, with a main goal of recreating, and improving, my 'mastershot' from my last visit and finding a new location or two. It was possibly my best day out for photos yet.
I've never seen a Diesel on regular duties before (not including DMUs). I was beginning to warm to them beforehand, but having heard the noise they make, I am really struggling to see the appeal!
I spent most of the day around Staverton and Nappers Halt, with a main goal of recreating, and improving, my 'mastershot' from my last visit and finding a new location or two. It was possibly my best day out for photos yet.
I've never seen a Diesel on regular duties before (not including DMUs). I was beginning to warm to them beforehand, but having heard the noise they make, I am really struggling to see the appeal!
Bluebell Railway - Branch Line Weekend - March
Seven engines were in steam on the second day of the Bluebell's annual vintage gala. I had only seen 2 of them in their present liveries before, and it was the first time that I'd seen either P class or Baxter in steam at all.
Sheffield Park is a quickly changing environment. It is losing its charm somewhat but operation undercover is greatly needed!
It was great to have a chance to ride behind Stepney again down the Ardingly branch and interesting to see some of the stored stock close up. Bluebell and Baxter joined in the fun by running up and down the platform at Sheffield Park.
You can probably tell by the photos that the weather was pretty groggy. My camera didn't focus very well due to the poor light and often decided to charge up to flash. The steam also lingered which could make a nostalgic photo, but I could never catch it in the right places to do so! It was a bit of a shame, especially when it refused to keep taking photos as 178 ran North out of Horsted Keynes. When I could, I took as many photos as I could to try to make sure I got a few good photos.
Whilst disappointing from a photographic point of view, it was a fantastic day out. There were no Mk1s running and a colourful selection of locos on show. Despite usually visiting atleast once a year, there was still plenty of things for me to see!
Sheffield Park is a quickly changing environment. It is losing its charm somewhat but operation undercover is greatly needed!
It was great to have a chance to ride behind Stepney again down the Ardingly branch and interesting to see some of the stored stock close up. Bluebell and Baxter joined in the fun by running up and down the platform at Sheffield Park.
You can probably tell by the photos that the weather was pretty groggy. My camera didn't focus very well due to the poor light and often decided to charge up to flash. The steam also lingered which could make a nostalgic photo, but I could never catch it in the right places to do so! It was a bit of a shame, especially when it refused to keep taking photos as 178 ran North out of Horsted Keynes. When I could, I took as many photos as I could to try to make sure I got a few good photos.
Whilst disappointing from a photographic point of view, it was a fantastic day out. There were no Mk1s running and a colourful selection of locos on show. Despite usually visiting atleast once a year, there was still plenty of things for me to see!
Bluebell Railway - September
This was a well timed line crossing during a small hike whilst visiting a friend who was working at a nearby camp site. 592 ran past, I noticed Clive Groom on the footplate too. It was a week day during school term time so I was suprised to see that the train was so full!
Rails and Ales at South Devon Railway - August
My last major update of 2010. As far as I remember, the weather was varied throughout the day, though the sun came out at the right moments! 3205 was in steam, my first sight of the engine running. It was a shame the 9017 wasn't in attendance, seeing 1450 was a bit of a treat!
5786 had failed, though 5526 was in steam again, the third time I had seen it running this year. My main purpose for visitng was for photography and another ride on the line, though I did stop off at Staverton for a local cider.
The photo to the right was nearly my mastershot. It was so nearly the first photo I could REALLY be proud of, but the strange blur above the first carriage has somewhat ruined it. I can't work out what it was - a trick of the light? Or an insect flying by ad precisely the wrong moment? I will never know, but I feel I got the proportions right, the sun came out at the right time and my camera's focus was crystal clear!
5786 had failed, though 5526 was in steam again, the third time I had seen it running this year. My main purpose for visitng was for photography and another ride on the line, though I did stop off at Staverton for a local cider.
The photo to the right was nearly my mastershot. It was so nearly the first photo I could REALLY be proud of, but the strange blur above the first carriage has somewhat ruined it. I can't work out what it was - a trick of the light? Or an insect flying by ad precisely the wrong moment? I will never know, but I feel I got the proportions right, the sun came out at the right time and my camera's focus was crystal clear!
Lynton and Barnstable Railway at Woody Bay - June
An almost insufferably hot day in June saw Axe in steam. The station is charming and the staff were friendly and helpful. Whilst the line is short, the scenery is fantastic. The day ended with a drive and then a long, steep walk down to the real Woody Bay to allow the dog to cool off in the sea.
The reopening of this line is truely an exciting prospect and I look foward to seeing it progress in the coming years.
The reopening of this line is truely an exciting prospect and I look foward to seeing it progress in the coming years.
Dartmoor Railway - April and August
The first visit was a dull day in April with the 205 set running. Whilst I'm not usually interested in diesel traction, I was in Okehampton and thought it was worth the visit.
The second visit was later in the summer with the Watercress' 30075. It was slightly disappointing that the engine was facing the train but I guess this was due to the lack of run-round facilities. It was nice to see steam in the well restored Southern station!
At Meldon Quarry, there is a large collection of dilapidated, relatively modern stock such as D/EMUs and Mk3 coaches. It was quite intersting to see as the railways I usually visit will not have this kind of stock. There is also just enough time to go and walk across the impressive viaduct.
The second visit was later in the summer with the Watercress' 30075. It was slightly disappointing that the engine was facing the train but I guess this was due to the lack of run-round facilities. It was nice to see steam in the well restored Southern station!
At Meldon Quarry, there is a large collection of dilapidated, relatively modern stock such as D/EMUs and Mk3 coaches. It was quite intersting to see as the railways I usually visit will not have this kind of stock. There is also just enough time to go and walk across the impressive viaduct.
West Somerset Railway - April
5553, 34046 Braunton and 9351 were working the timetabled passenger services on this bright, sunny day. It was however, deceptively cold - it was too cold to lean out of the window, but the heaters were on in the carriages and it was too hot inside! 4160 was also runing with the dining train.
I have visited the line before and have always enjoyed myself, though the line is almost too long - even with a 4 train operation there are large gaps in the timetable so lineside photography wasn't really an option. It also meant that the main subjects of my photos were 5553 and 34046. Whilst I did take photos of 4160 and 9351, they are not of a good enough quality for me to want to put them up.
The highlight of the day was finding that Braunton was running. I have always admired the Bulleid pacifics but have rarely seen rebuilt examples in steam. Seeing it alongside an equally pristine 6024 at Minehead was a treat!
I have visited the line before and have always enjoyed myself, though the line is almost too long - even with a 4 train operation there are large gaps in the timetable so lineside photography wasn't really an option. It also meant that the main subjects of my photos were 5553 and 34046. Whilst I did take photos of 4160 and 9351, they are not of a good enough quality for me to want to put them up.
The highlight of the day was finding that Braunton was running. I have always admired the Bulleid pacifics but have rarely seen rebuilt examples in steam. Seeing it alongside an equally pristine 6024 at Minehead was a treat!
South Devon Railway - April
5786 shunts at Buckfastleigh
I visited the South Devon Railway on the Friday of their 'Easter Gala'. In steam were 5786 on a demonstration goods train, 3803 on the main passenger service and 5526 on auto workings.
This was my first visit to the line in a few years and it was an absolutely fantastic day out. Although I had no reason to talk to the staff, I chatted with several very friendly members whilst travelling and particularly enjoyed 5786's shunting demonstrations. Overall, the atmosphere was brilliant and it was one of the most enjoyable days I have ever had on a preserved railway. Unfortunately, I was a bit rusty with my photography and the weather was quite poor for most of the day.
This was my first visit to the line in a few years and it was an absolutely fantastic day out. Although I had no reason to talk to the staff, I chatted with several very friendly members whilst travelling and particularly enjoyed 5786's shunting demonstrations. Overall, the atmosphere was brilliant and it was one of the most enjoyable days I have ever had on a preserved railway. Unfortunately, I was a bit rusty with my photography and the weather was quite poor for most of the day.
Bluebell Railway - January
80151 stands ad Kingscote
I recieved a new digital camera for Christmas and this particular trip was designed to get used to the camera. Unfortunately, debris in the lens has rendered it pretty much useless until it can be replace/repaired. It was a freezing day and there were a couple of flurries of snow. As expected, lighting conditions were poor and the camera I was using responds particularily badly to low light but I was pleasantly suprised when I returned home to find that I have a reasonable set of photos.
My first visit to the railway with a car enabled me to spend time further away from the stations, so after the obligatory run up and down the line, I drove to West Hoathly and set up camp. Whislt there I met several fellow members and locals. All very friendly, making the wait between trains fly by!
In steam:
My first visit to the railway with a car enabled me to spend time further away from the stations, so after the obligatory run up and down the line, I drove to West Hoathly and set up camp. Whislt there I met several fellow members and locals. All very friendly, making the wait between trains fly by!
In steam:
- BR 4MT No.80151
- GWR Dukedog No.9017 - 'Earl of Berkley'
- SECR C Class No.592