28 October 2020 · The ‘Modern Scene’ Today Part 2
Presenter: Julian Clark
On Wednesday 28th Oct we welcomed Julian Clark from our own local RCTS committee to our second Zoom meeting entitled ‘The Modern Scene Today, Part 2’ Those who saw part 1 last year were expecting an excellent show, and Julian did not disappoint and exceeded expectations. All the photographs were taken in this century within a 1.5 hours journey from his West Sussex home in Angmering.
Workings along the Coast Way line & Arun Valley line were of course prominent and with his contacts he seemed to cover every rail tour, unusual working and debut entries of new motive power. The former included 313 unit 313201 in blue/grey livery, and the latter included Javelin unit 395016 and the first 166-unit service called ‘Reading Train Care Depot’ at Angmering plus Unit 700115 on a gauging train at Arundel. Julian covered much in the Heritage Railway world this year including Flying Scotsman’s visit to the MHR, 34053’s permanent loan to the Spa Valley Railway and the very recent visit of 45596 Bahamas to the MHR including a cracking b/w shot of her at Northside crossing. Pictures of MHR Urie S15 506 on 6 Bullied coaches near wanderer’s curve was another highlight this year.
Julian seemed to be able to find new photographic locations and unusual angles within short distances of familiar ones. The overall standard of photography was exceptional and I listed 42 pictures of special merit before I ran out of note paper. Other highlights were two class 73s towing the Bluebell Chesham set north for steam on the Met in 2018, 46100 Royal Scot passing by Goring-on-Sea, 73082 disguised as 73087 leaving Sharpthorne tunnel on the Bluebell Railway and emu No 1866 on ‘The Last Slammer’ trip at Arundel. He even goes out on days of atrocious weather where I would remain indoors and still ends up with spectacular photographs as 3 b/w pictures of Flying Scotsman with great exhaust effects taken on the 8th March 2020 on the MHR proved. Talking of smoke effects, one of the best was omitted from a Class 47. 47219 leaving Littlehampton! I thoroughly recommend Julian’s shows to other RCTS branches.