Great Britain XIV 2022

Thanks for that

 

A few from Huntingdon yesterday. She made a lovely positive departure, with only a brief minimal slip.

 

One from yesterday on the GN/GE joint line near Spalding.

 

Perth

 

Perth

 

Lovely glint but there's something not quite right with the proportions of that picture, at least as displayed in Firefox - unless 46115 has been rebuilt for an extremely restricted loading gauge?!

 

Aviemore

 

Mobile phone shot

 

One for the record shot library, but a well timed stop along the River Garry near Dalnaspidal to see an almost lifeless seeming 'Scots Guardsman' head North as I was heading South.



It is a great shame but certainly cannot be helped, well done to West Coast and RYTC for persevering and I hope all those on board are still having an enjoyable time. That said, when we look at previous GB of the last few years pre Covid, there is certainly a rise in the external Fire risk factors that have affected the Scottish legs. May this see RYTC consider a move to the autumn for a future GB outing?

 

It looks like a touch of the distortion you get with a wide angle close-up.

 

They might need to, because a number of people on board have either paid a deposit, registered interest or are considering the SD Emerald Isle Explorer in early May 2023 . I have registered an interest. Having had previous diesel assistance due to fire on Castle to Scotland and the third Coronation would avoid Scotland in April and May. It is not much fun if you cannot hear the steam loco despite the scenery. Day 1 with BIL has softened the blow, and would be a stand out leg on any tour .Waiting to hear what will happen on Day 4 does not help matters, when there is no news, and plenty of rumours.

 

A very enjoyable first two days, culminating with 46115 looking the business at the buffer stops at Inverness.

 

A comparison, just for fun.

Great Britain IV - Great Britain XIV.

Same viewpoint, 16 April 2011 & 22 April 2022. One with a 400mm lens, crop body, the other on 200mm zoom, full frame (also posted Friday) Late afternoon, clear sky and although the prevailing wind for the area is SW, both with NE wind. .

 

Inverness

 

A damp misty morning and with light rain, we left with first now on the front, and could hear the loco working, a stuck open drain cock and see an exhaust on to the climb to Slochd summit.

 

It makes the chap on the platform at the left side of the picture look a very funny shape indeed.

 

Perth