RTC 2025

And on arrival at Chester.

 

Nearing the end of its outward journey and running slightly ahead of time, ex-LMS Black 5 4-6-0 No. 45212 is seen near Hargrave at the head of Railway Touring Company's The Cheshireman charter.



Cheers,

 

Having passed below Beeston Castle, 45212 heads for Chester.


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/54388546439/in/datetaken-public/


https://www.flickr.com/photos/167082436@N06/54388587943/in/datetaken-public/

Phil

 

Another day and 45212 in action again. I did wonder if I'd make Colwich as the A5 is again suffering under the traffic from the closed eastbound M54.
Hopes were high but @Johnb's early sunshine didn't last long enough for the train passing the flood plain of the Trent by Weetmans Bridge at Colwich.
On then to Bunbury, through more holdups around Nantwich. Clouds were well set in by now but even over the summit 45212 was still working well.
Finally the return train almost at the site of Beeston and Tarporley station, a favourite location in the early days of Holyhead trains, see across the gates of Beeston Iron Lock on the Shropshire Union canal. Has anyone ever sampled the Lockgate Cafe ?

 

Good to see this location is still possible

 

45212 through Tamworth this evening in the low level light.

 

A couple of new tours have been advertised for October-November, taking in the reinstated section between Bicester and Bletchley.

 

Is this likely to be the same colourful set of coaches for the "Whitby Flyer"?

 

Should be the London based rake which I believe is vast majority Blue and Grey, perhaps Maroon Kitchen?

 

Thanks Harry, that's saved me some petrol then.

 

No worries. Gunna try for a couple of “hide the stock” shots myself and hope for the best!

 

I'm not a photographer myself, but it does confuse me somewhat how photographers try to hide the rake of coaches. A photo is a historical record of a moment in time. 200 years from now when railway historians of the future are trying to put together a collection of photos for a museum that shows what type of rolling stock was used on early 21st century mainline steam, they won't be able to as all the surviving photos will just be of the engine.

 

That is also my view, but it is after all their hobby and if they choose to stay at home then that is fine by me (not that my opinion counts).

 

Depends on why a person takes a photo. Some will be for the 'historical record' others for the aesthetics. If its the later my personal view is the air con Mk2's are pig ugly in any colour but in BR blue and grey they look incongruous with steam at the head so I appreciate the efforts of those photographers that seek to hide them. Each to their own.

 

For me sometimes it’s about how the stock fits in to the location, more than the stock itself. And sadly a rake of MK2s in Blue and Grey struggled to fit in most places!

Tomorrow I’ve opted for Danby - As brilliant captured here by Henry Elliott - https://flic.kr/p/mjuaNC

I’ve picked it because the sun will be good, the scenery is beautiful, and the wind looks pretty good for the exhaust. Additionally it helps to hide the very in your face Blue and Grey stock which would undoubtedly spoil the scenery.

I’ve no problem with including the stock in photos, infact several times now I’ve included it, but in places it looks apt.

 

Or you could go to the other side of the bridge, lol
"The Esk Valley", 22.03.14. | B1 No 61264 on the return jour… | Flickr

 

I could….Both had crossed my mind….

 

Have a good day whatever.