Railway Photo Gallery
May 2008
Click on the thumbnails to view a larger image.
2nd-4th May 2008 - Fylde
Tramway Society Convention 2008
I went up to Blackpool for a few days
primarily to present a digital slide show to the Fylde Tramway Society on the
evening of the 2nd May as part of their convention weekend. Thanks to everyone
who came to see the show, and apologies for the technical problems with my PC
which was supposed to be powering the show through the digital projector. The PC
just didn't want to play ball, but I had prepared a DVD back up and presented
the show from that instead. The PC problem was nothing more than a loose
connection, probably caused by the journey from Leicester to Blackpool. I hope
everyone who attended the show enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed presenting it. I
then stayed over for a couple of nights to do the FTS tour of Rigby Road depot
on the Saturday and the tour with Sheffield 513 and Coronation 304 on the
Sunday.
A big thank you to the FTS organisers for a very enjoyable weekend.
2nd May 2008 - Blackpool
Trams Around Cleveleys
After a fairly clear run up to Blackpool from
Leicester, I had enough time to take a few photos of trams between Cleveleys and
Anchorsholme. Despite many trips up to the Blackpool area, this was the first
time I had taken any pictures along this stretch. I also managed a couple of
shots at Little Bispham while I was taking a look at the Riverdance ferry.
3rd May 2008 - FTS Depot
Tour and a Sunny Day in Blackpool
The FTS organised a tour of Blackpool
Transport's Rigby Road depot. There was plenty to see here including the
'Western Train' illuminated tram which is progressing very well. At the end of the depot tour, the FTS took it's members up to
Fleetwood on board twin set 673+683. This then stayed out on specials until late
evening and I was lucky enough to capture the twin on the Orion Curve in
Cleveleys as it headed back to depot in lovely evening light. It was sunny for
most of the day, so plenty of shots of other trams were captured too including
713 in it's newly applied line 7 Metro livery.
4th May 2008 - FTS Depot
'Roberts Cars' Tour
Sadly, this day was pretty pants weather
wise. A real shame as the FTS had Coronation 304 and Sheffield 513 out on a
tour. Although I had paid to ride this tour, the weather put me off and I
decided to do other stuff instead. I did however manage a few shots as the tour
left depot and later in the day as the two trams passed through Bispham.
5th May 2008 - 'Ollie C' on
the GC
A few shots on the GCR where newly restored
70013 'Oliver Cromwell' was in action.
6th May 2008 - Local Stuff
In between dealing with some family stuff, I
was able to get myself lineside locally. Nothing much of note about but I did at
least manage a sunny shot of the newly painted EMT HST set.
10th May 2008 - Stobart
Pullman and a Trip to Crich
Having been bowled by really thick squiff
when 47712 and 47802 went north with the Stobart Pullman, I was keen to have
another go when it returned south. In the meantime, I spent the middle part of
the day at Crich where the sun occasionally burnt through the haze to offer some
nice photo opportunities. After Crich, it was off to Clay Cross for the return
of the Stobart Pullman. Unfortunately, 66430 did its best to cock up the shot by
pulling into the loop and partly blocking the shot for the 47's. Thankfully, I
have been able to remove the offending 66 digitally, and I have included both
versions of the shot in this collection (which will both open if you click on
the thumbnail of the 47 below).
11th May 2008 - Great
Central
A few shots at the Great Central Railway.
17th May 2008 - Statfold
Barn Railway
I attended a photo charter at the Statfold
Barn Railway. Unfortunately, the weather was total crud all day, and I didn't
get any sunny shots. Despite the weather it was a very enjoyable day, and for
anyone into industrial locos, it is a truly amazing place. A big thank you to
Roy Brooks for arranging the event and to the staff at Statfold who were very
welcoming.
20th May 2008 - Sunny Start
to the Day
A gloriously sunny morning saw me pay a visit
to Cossington and the Syston bypass prior to going to work.
24th May to 28th May 2008 -
Holiday in Yorkshire
A family holiday to the Yorkshire coast
resulted in a handful of railway photographs being taken. Included are quite a
few pictures at York, an NYMR steam service heading for Whitby at Ruswarp and a
redundant tram body and railway carriage in use as summer houses on the cliffs
at Skipsea.
31st May 2008 - Tractors to
Blaenau Ffestiniog
The weather forecast was good enough for me
to have a crack at the class 37 hauled railtour that went to Blaenau Ffestiniog.
For once the forecasters got it about right and I was able to get quite a few
shots of the tour. While the tour layed over in Blaenau, I had a look at the
Ffestiniog Railway and although I only photographed two trains, I think I saw
enough to create a desire for a proper visit another day.
