Andrew

Homage to Paul Riley After spending yesterday evening watching an RCTS Zoom presentation of the late Paul Riley's BR steam photos, I realised that in order to look like period 1960s photos, it helps if the colour has a faded, 'period' look. So I've reworked my last set of pictures by reducing the colour element by about 25 per cent in the hope that this makes them look more realistic. Perhaps colour accuracy and scene authenticity aren't quite the same thing. I think the faded look adds something to the atmosphere and makes it look less like a shiny heritage railway. The first photo shows shows the difference:

Sleeping Cars on the West Highland Line Here's the video:

Sleeping Cars for Fort William It being high summer(!), photos can more easily be taken of sleeping cars in daylight. So here are a few on the West Highland Line of a train taking passengers towards the Western Isles... The first photo shows the sleepers arriving from London in the suburbs of Glasgow, to be joined to a local portion for the onward journey. The two portions are combined into a 9 coach train... Quite a challenge for a Class 4 engine on what will be an arduous route Hear those exhaust echoes ringing off the rocks... But the crew enjoy the downgrades... And glance out at the dramatic scenery... While keeping careful eyes on the road ahead... So all is looking good for an on-time arrival:

Very realistic, Thomas. Looking good.

Goods to Go It was a freightful day in Dorking, and although we saw some wonderful wagons, there were also a few troublesome trucks (mostly in fact showing up track defects). First, a 9F came through Throstlebeck with a mixed goods train: Passing Foxdale Carr Hall Across Foxdale Bank and rounding Sycamore Curve Meanwhile, back at Throstlebeck Sidings a Black 5 was assisting with shunting and after being turned, departed with a rake of coal wagons Running off the Northern Viaduct across Foxdale Bank and passing beneath Black Ghyll Not long after, the 9F returned with another mixed goods which was last seen heading away from Foxdale Bank...