Cathedrals Explorer 2014/Highlands and Islands Explorer.

Wish I'd saved me fuel and just waited for yours, lol! It's reassuring that the locations I planned were decent ones even if I only got one shot in the event.

 

Thanks Doug.

 

Its just my blooming luck that I when 46233 made one of its rare visits to the South (my nearest London terminus as well) I was at work. Been wanting to see 46233 for many years and guess I'll have to wait a bit longer to see her.

 

Make a note in your diary to keep 28th June free, then:

THE MIDLANDER - Vintage Trains
Birmingham New St-London Euston (TY01) [wcrc]
46233: New St-Euston-Nuneaton-Tyseley
[Outward journey non-stop]​

 

Thanks I did see that and going to try and see her at Euston. Not seen a Duchess in steam (I've seen 6229 in rebuilt and streamlined form at York).

 

Oh yes there is....................................... its an A4 at full cry with the chime whistle open............. sends a shiver down yer spine every time!!

Now THAT'S the finest sight............

 

I've seen close to that. 4464 flying through Haywards Heath with the chime on full blast. But seeing 46233 is something I've been wanting to see since she returned to steam. I've been behind 6201 and 5690 but not seen a Duchess or Royal Scot in steam (the same problem as 46233 with 46115 having made 1 visit south a few years back.)

 

I challenge your A4 in full flight with a Bulleid pacific in full flight with the whistle wipe open.

 

I've had that with 34016 in 2001. That was an experience in itself.

 

But surely there's no finer sound than a Duchess in full flight...?!

 

Trying to get back on topic... The plan for Day 8 is 44871+45407 Fort William to Mossend Up Yard where steam comes off to return to Fort William. The train will be diesel hauled from Mossend via Beattock, Carlisle and Hexham to Metrocentre.

On Day 9 the train will be diesel hauled from Durham to York Holgate Sidings where 60009 takes over for London Victoria. Unusually the train does not go via York station but uses the slow (goods) lines.

 

An earlier than planned call to Jacobite duties for the duo?

 

So after a break on the beautiful island of Iona, its back to steam and my first experiences of the Highland mainline. The weather was pretty ropey all day and most of the day shots were distinctly average despite the stunning backdrops but out of the blue the sun popped out as the Cathedral explorer was leaving Aviemore and at Slocd summit and I landed a much sought after shot (note a couple of last second photobombing photographers have been removed). I went on to Tomatin viaduct, another stunning piece of railway architecture which although the light wasn't great, still made an impressive sight. Today had also been a good day on the Kyle line, again dodgy weather but a pleasing result ona "bucket list" location for me, shots from today to follow shortly.

Leaving Aviemore with the Cairngorms as a superb background


InspiringImages -20140511-702.jpg by inspiring.images, on Flickr

Power of the Black fives ... Slocd summit

InspiringImages -20140510-696.jpg by inspiring.images, on Flickr

The grace of Tomatin viaduct

InspiringImages -20140510-697.jpg by inspiring.images, on Flickr

 

Great shot at Slochd! I'd just driven past.

My video from just before Slochd and crossing Culloden Viaduct:



Was the 47 shoving? I was surprised to see the train going so quickly given the gradients up to the summit.

 

A shame indeed Al, box both ways over Beattock is a surprise. To me it does look like SD are changing the nature of their business. But if that keeps them alive and kicking for the occasional really good day trip just with steam, then maybe it will be worth it.