New Photos - 2011
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!
