70013 over Shap and S&C 19th March - Cumbrian Mountain Express

Next time it's in Cumbria the headboard should read "The John Peel". To 'awaken the dead'

 

I thought the headboard was pretty inoffensive; conventional style and colour. Not much to complain about. Shap has been knitted for a long time, so it was never going to be an authentic recreation of steam days. Anyhow, here's my pic approaching Shap summit, if anyone's not seen enough:
http://www.railwayherald.org/imaging.centre/showimage.php?gallery=X7&image=146233

 

that's lovely shot of 70013 on shap taken by paul armitage.as i was almost opposite recording 70013's climb i would love to know whether paul armitage could possibly sell me a print of his photo?thanks

 

Very nice shot Paul. Like has been said, there's nothing to complain about that headboard. Could easily look like the Mid-Day Scot or The Waverley from that angle.

 

Thanks. The trees around Shap Wells are making it quite difficult these days, so I can understand why it isn't popular. However, they look pretty mature now and must be due for felling soon, then we should have some classic locations to play with again

 

A bit late, but my effort is now on the toob. Taken at Scout Green - wind up the volume! Roaring Monster indeed. The lads working on the track must have thought, "What the...."

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MlNl6DBbN70

 

Photographers moaning about headboards,proving once again,the ones that flap are not true enthusiasts.

 

Just for me, What was wrong with the headboard?:help:

 

Well I agree, and for the next steam excursion I'm going to wear my 1960's school uniform and photograph it with my Kodak Brownie 127.

We are after all living in a time warp.

 

70013 was twinned with German 03.1010 recently, known as the Roaring Monster. Link here with more info..

http://www.5305la.org.uk/news.aspx?ID=218

Also Anthony mentions it on his blog here..

http://nrmcurator.blogspot.com/2010/03/roaring-monster-takes-on-shap.html

 

Everyone has different aims for their railway photography and for a good number it is to capture images that are as close to the 1960s (or whatever era) as possible. Some go to extraordinary lengths to try and achieve this. I can therefore sympathise with the frustration felt when a reasonably authentic scene presents itself, only to be let down by an unauthentic headboard. I too like to see locos with authentic headboards (or none at all), but I won't let it spoil my day if they don't. The way I see it, I enjoy seeing and taking photographs of mainline steam and it is extremely satisfying to capture a reasonably authentic scene, but if that doesn't present itself then I'm equally happy recording a modern-day steam working as best I can.

Having said that, myself and I suspect many of us avoid photographing Thomas events because of the faces. To those photographers who strive to recreate the past through their photography, an unauthentic headboard is probably viewed the same way as I view a Thomas face. I'm pretty sure I've moaned before on turning up to a preserved line not realising there was a Thomas event that day, but I'm also aware of the bigger picture and the value of these events. I'm sure it's the same for those moaning about headboards, so I think it's unfair to suggest that they are 'not true enthusiasts' for aspiring to create or preserve the past as faithfully as possible.

 

Quite right Ralph. If a photter is so keen to recreate the past they should stick to preserved line charters where there may or not be an appropriate headbord / rolling stock, and a renumbered loco. Did, for example , the " Cumbrian Mountain Express" or "Cotton Mill Express" exist in the 60's, or are those headboards not deemed inaccurate?
Anyway, in the age of photoshop you can do anything you like with your shot, -- but let's not go down that road again !!

 

Now I can imagine someone's disappointment if they're standing by the S&C in half a gale and "Billy's Birthday Bash" thunders out of Moorcock tunnel. But you don't go to the modern wired-up Shap expecting to photograph authenticity, do you? What you want there is action, and in the circumstances - the check at Tebay - 70013 certainly provided it. Afterwards I watched my favourite YouTubes of 6233 and 46115 filmed from almost the same place, and yes, Ollie is louder by several decibels!
A propos 46115, the S&C and headboards; how much would it cost to get a "Thames-Clyde Express" board carried on one of the Fellsman tours if the Scot was hauling it? Now that would recreate an era!

 

Why should authenticity be restricted to preserved lines? There have been many pretty good recreations and there is nothing wrong with striving for a reasonable degree of authenticity on the mainline. Of course, there has to be a balance between branding/marketing your train, having a bit of fun and authenticity. I fully agree that these decisions rest with the loco owners and train operators. Whether the branding/marketing/fun aspects have a negative impact on the experience is very much down to personal taste.

 

Shouldn't be too expensive to get a replica made if someone was to offer to pay. Ollie's trip to the seaside on the 11th was blessed with a Broadsman headboard. A nice touch of authenticity even if the support coach was a Mk.2. Regarding headboards, when someone expresses an opinion, why do some people feel the need to shoot them down in flames? Far too many bad vibes from some people on this forum.