Arriving at York railway station, 'Bittern' has brought in a twelve coach special train from London. There were lots of camera carrying enthusiasts to greet it. This is one of several such specials in the lead up to Christmas, so hopefully I will get chance to see more such arrivals.
York usually has numerous steam hauled specials throughout the year, but this year there have been substantially fewer, so this is the first time for several months that I've been able to get shots of a steam train here.
'Bittern' played a leading role in the Mallard 75 event last year, when the 75th anniversary of the world steam locomotive speed record, set by 'Mallard' was celebrated. Normally steam locomotives are limited to 75 mph, but as part of that event this locomotive ran at over 90 mph - an amazing sight.
Steam Dreams is the name of the company which organised today's special, so a big thank you to them for arranging the event.
Great shot of this lovely steam train. To show how I like those, beside many more books, I`m the owner of the first technical (learn) book for the steam train engineers in Holland. Publish in 1898 .
Thank you Ivan - Mallard herself hasn't worked for quite a few years, but there is a dirty sooty patch on the station roof at York, near the footbridge on platform 5, where she left her mark in the late 1980's!
Thank you Molly - it was rather a dull day for steam train photos, but it's quite a while since I last took shots of one I just had to be there in the crowd!
Thank you Tony, and thank you for the fav. There are another four due before Christmas, so weather (and Christmas shopping) permitting I will be trying to get shots of some of them!
Thank you Margaret - I too have vivid memories of steam. In the mid 1960's I went on a train from Sheffield into Derbyshire by steam train, and as we climbed through Totley Tunnel there were showers of sparks and steam passing our carriage window.
Thank you Julia - if you've never seen a steam locomotive at work, you've missed a beautiful and inspiring sight. We are very fortunate in York that there are quite a lot of steam hauled special trains, although sadly not very many this year.
Thank you Dianne - most of these privately preserved steam engines receive lots of tender loving care from their owners!
Ian
Thank you Brian - I feel I've really missed out this year because there have been so few steam specials!
Ian
Thank you Lynne - all the steam could have been it sighing with relief after it's 200 mile trip!
Ian
Thank you Judith - I was pleased with the result on such a dull grey day.
Ian
Thank you Kim - it's quite a while since my last chance to see a steam locomotive at work.
Ian
Thank you Ivan - Mallard herself hasn't worked for quite a few years, but there is a dirty sooty patch on the station roof at York, near the footbridge on platform 5, where she left her mark in the late 1980's!
Ian
Thank you Ferry - I think your book would be very interesting to read. It's fascinating to learn about the development of such interesting machines.
Ian
Thank you Bruni - the steam specials do draw quite a crowd.
Ian
Thank you Molly - it was rather a dull day for steam train photos, but it's quite a while since I last took shots of one I just had to be there in the crowd!
Ian
Thank you Tony, and thank you for the fav. There are another four due before Christmas, so weather (and Christmas shopping) permitting I will be trying to get shots of some of them!
Ian
Thank you Kate - there was quite a crowd there, despite the dull conditions.
Ian
Thank you Paula - it's such fun taking photos of these graceful machines!
Ian
Thank you Margaret - I too have vivid memories of steam. In the mid 1960's I went on a train from Sheffield into Derbyshire by steam train, and as we climbed through Totley Tunnel there were showers of sparks and steam passing our carriage window.
Ian
Thank you Lee - I can recommend the 'Cumbrian Mountain Express' as an excellent route for photos. There are some winter trips and weekly runs throughout the summer. Details can be found at http://www.railwaytouring.net/uk-day-trips/winter-cumbrian-mountain-express-2 and a link to detailed timings can be found at http://www.uksteam.info/tours/trs15.htm#jan close to the date of the particular tour.
Ian
Thank you Pete, and thank you for the fav!
Ian
Thank you Julia - if you've never seen a steam locomotive at work, you've missed a beautiful and inspiring sight. We are very fortunate in York that there are quite a lot of steam hauled special trains, although sadly not very many this year.
Ian