Buxton Spa 5/11

A going away shot near Combs on the climb towards Chapel en le Frith station. Loved the video at Combs brought all the memories of yesterday back the sound was just amazing even before the two engines came into view.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/6317356215/in/photostream/lightbox/

Thanks for looking Simon

 

This has turned out longer than I expected so, unless you have time to waste, you may wish to skip it!!

Just to add a few words to the criticism debate. Anyone is welcome to criticise my efforts but I doubt you'll find something that I've not already spotted (and I expect it is the same for anyone else with either photos or videos). What I wouldn't want to do is promote videos here when the majority don't want me to - again I'm sure others would feel the same.

As for locations and to take this event as an example, I had never been to either of the two sites that I chose. The thinking was:
Crow Nest Junction - an unusual route, be nice to film at the junction; StreetMap and GoogleMap showed a public footpath over the railway adjacent to a signal box; Google suggested the bridge wasn't too high and not too far to walk from the main road (legs not so good nowadays). Pros - easy access, locos climbing, close to track for poor light or rain/mist, signal box and junction. Cons - lots of others may think the same (as it happens only joined by one couple taking stills and the inevitable man walking a dog!!), locos may slow for junction. But with it being 90 mins from home no way to check it out nor know how many might turn up. So if I got there and it was hopeless what would you do - give up or make the best of it?
Combs Reservoir - another climb, close to the track in case of bad weather and a car park nearby. Could be crowded as well. A further 90 mins drive from home so even less chance of a recce.
Can't remember seeing a video from either spot before (though there will be some somewhere) so really working on a wing and a prayer.
The only way to make the most of it was to get to each place first to try and get the best spot which with a 6:30 start and, ignoring Miles Platting which I felt would be well covered and too crowded for me, I managed.

Despite the planning it could have turned out even worse - weather, best spots taken by others arriving even earlier, undergrowth encroachment, senile cock-up, etc. So you just have to make the best of what you find.

YouTube has made it increasingly difficult to find "isolated" spots and in trying to do so I sometimes find my selected location isn't as good as a lot of others but I think that's part of the challenge, to find somewhere new that works. Sadly it's not always possible but at least we get a different (maybe imperfect sometimes) view - till everyone else cottons on and it's as crowded as other sites.

What I am trying to say (I think) is that some of us seek new spots that don't always work out quite as well as we hoped but an otherwise well executed video is still a joy and well worth a watch.

So keep up the good work chaps (and that obviously includes you Steve).

This has been written without viewing other people's effort's on this trip (except Phil Smith's) so I'm now going to spend a few minutes enjoying them.

Chris

 

To get back on topic (and I hope he doesn't mind me posting this link) HERE'S a nice shot by Steve Armitage.

 

Lovely shot that. Much more refreshing to see a different location....

 

[youtube]POkK2MrnWig[/youtube]

My video from Combs and Peak Forest


Edit: re-uploaded

 

Nice video Matt

 

The return working of the Buxton Spa Express through the Vale of Edale near Nether Book

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/6319505612/in/photostream/lightbox/

Thanks for looking Simon.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/10257146@N05/

 

The pair racing through Fitzwilliam (first visit for me) and 'watering' at Brighouse =

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jOcWmZkwvvE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xkhuexa9xZc

 

Great video from Matt , noticed the smoke ring you put in on 4.37 for effect !!!!!

 

Here's my humble offering from Saturday which does include footage you may have already seen from other contributors.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oCcV5o2bEY

Thanks for the earlier comment Big Dave - I'll try to respond more fully a bit later.

 

Sunday November 30th 2008 saw 45407 work into Buxton on The Buxton Spa Express. I think Saturday's tour is the first one since then.

 

Saturday 26th February 2011, 44871 & 5690 was the last steam run into Buxton before this weekend I think.

 

Oops! Forgot that one.

 

45305 also went to Buxton via Peak Forest both ways last year, a driving masterclass from Bill Andrews to get us up the hill into Buxton aftre repeatedly slipping to a stand.

 

Correct

 

Sorry for the late reply but many thanks for the positive feedback it is very much appreciated.

 

Thanks Dave, really appreciate the comment. It would be great if Peak Rail was ever able to achieve one of its original goals, but of course it all comes down to finances.

 

Excellent video as ever Mike ,superb locations as ever and nice to see you kept your hands warm for a change LOL . Love the Millers Dale shot mate as there must have been loads of room to wave at the locals from the old viaduct . Steve