The Beltane Express - 1st May, double-headed GWR to Didcot!

5043 and 7 coaches through Leamington on time at 8.14, however lacking a water carrier. Does that mean a stop at Hinksey will be necessary?

 

Caught a couple of shots at the top of Hatton bank! Held up by a Chiltern trains service!
http://rickeborallphotography.fotopic.net/
Cheers...RICK

 

Was that a unit off the Stratford branch then ?, was wondering why it was held at Hatton North jcn by me: http://david1984.fotopic.net/p64575524.html

 

In the end I saw her at Oxford from the bridge just south of the station. She went into the loop so I assume she took water at Hinksey.

 

All south bound trains were using the loop at Oxford for some reason.

 

Yes, I would imagine she crawled along at least until Leamington spa! Mind you she was followed down the bank by a container train so they would need to keep in front of that!
ATB RICK
http://rickeborallphotography.fotopic.net/

 

A XC service to Manchester is cancelled, so the long Oxford stop may be scrapped.

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMSk3N1qlkA Here is my video of the day at Leamington in the morning and roaring away north of Hatton in the afternoon.

 

Hi, I managed a few pan shots on her way back up Hatton bank. It was a bit dull but wot the hell!
I think whoever was driving was ready for his tea. She was really flying!!
http://rickeborallphotogaphy.fotopic.net/
All the best....RICK

 

I arrived at Lapworth nice and early 5 p.m. just in case there was another case of very early running as 75 mph running was possible. I picked a spot for a few phots and there was only one other photter on the platform and a couple who had selected the footbridge and the north end of the platform.Then along came Mr. Inconsiderate, a pseudo professional who proceeded to set up directly in my line of vision, he greeted me with a "good afternoon, I don't want to get in your way".So beware of this man,blue tripod bag and black holdall with a Sonycam and Canon still camera.Needless to say I got one good shot out of 10 thanks to him being all over the place with his still cam.

 

I managed to see 5043 three times today. Firstly at Heyford http://railways.mjspencer.com/gallery/v/May2010/IMG_7268.JPG.html . Then Kings Sutton on the return http://railways.mjspencer.com/gallery/v/May2010/IMG_7425.JPG.html and then as 5043 was held to time at Banbury I got another shot on the outskirts of Banbury http://railways.mjspencer.com/gallery/v/May2010/IMG_7433.JPG.html

 

He probably got all his camera gear at knock down prices in the Argos Bank Holiday Sale, and the jacket he was wearing from Birmingham Rag Market.!!!!!
I was shocked by the number of inconsiderate people at Didcot today who inspite of most people forming 'galleries' to take photo's of engines there were still those who just had to wander up to an engine to count the rivets or get that all important close up of steam escaping from some part of the engine.

 

In cases such as you have mentioned, extreme violence towards these idiots would not be unreasonable. Must be plenty of blunt instruments to hand at a place like Didcot.

 

Yet another great day out. Once again the weather gods smiled on us and the cold and rain forcast didn't materialise.
Didcot put on a great show and well done to all those who must have worked so hard to make it happen. It's on days like this that it makes me realise just what a privelege it is to be part of Tyseleys support crew, and to be able to play a small part in giving people an enjoyable day out.
It was good to meet up with friends from other groups and catch up on the latest gen.
I also managed to put faces to names of a couple more people from the forum, I'll soon be able to match the FBI's most wanted list!!!

 

Departing Didcot Parkway

 

I had the same problem trying to photograph the King at Tamar Bridge this afternoon a stupid idiot came and climbed up on the fence right in front of my view and would not move, he would have got just as good a view by standing where I was, they just do these things on purpose and think they should be the only one there, I really did feel like pushing him over the fence!!

 

To be fair that happened a lot at the Eastleigh Open Day but that's exactly the point, its an Open Day not a Private Photo Day, for some it will be the only chance to get up close to a "live" steam engine.

 

Personally I think that its quite alright on "Open Days" for people to walk around and appreciate the locos. When I take pictures at open days, I accept that there will be lots of people in the photos. I know that some people want to take scenes as they would have originally appeared years ago, but there are photo charters and photo evenings for that. It also depends whether you're trying to take a photo or not I suppose as to whose side you're on! On the other hand, idiots who actually stand in front of you are clearly in the wrong,especially when an unofficial "gallery" has been set up.

 

No excuse for being ignorant though, most people i know are carefull to try and not wonder into anyone elses shot and i try and offer the same courtesy, no one's saying don't go and have a look but there's no excuse for 'sod them' and just wandering where you like without a thought in the world, rather akin to jumping a long queue at the supermarket checkout.

Open days where someone is already looking close up, generally you need the patience to wait for them to move, can't really complain if they were there first can you, it's those who wonder as as your doing it.