The RCTS and Mortons Media are pleased to present fourteen stunning photographs.  They are the results of a photographic competition celebrating images captured from January 2022.

There were four categories:

  1. People and the Railway.
  2. Railway and the Environment
  3. Modern Traction
  4. Heritage Lines including Main Line Steam

An overall winner was awarded, and a wild card.  Judging was undertaken by a small group of RCTS members and Mortons staff.

Overall

Winner - Eddie Holden

Ratcliffe Power Station is running at full capacity on 24th February 2022. It was the last coal fired power station at that time. Cl. 60 60019 is passing Gateway West Junction with the 0702 Lyndsey Oil Refinery to Kingsbury Oil Sidings. Eddie Holden
Ratcliffe Power Station is running at full capacity on 24th February 2022. It was the last coal fired power station at that time. Cl. 60 60019 is passing Gateway West Junction with the 0702 Lyndsey Oil Refinery to Kingsbury Oil Sidings. Eddie Holden

The judges considered that the photographer had captured an everyday railway scene in a creative manner in both the composition of the image and the contrast achieved in the sky and steam, with the location chosen illustrating the role of the way in which railways serve industry. All of the components in the picture lead the eye to the focus point that being the train.

Category 1 People and the Railway

Winner · C J Rich

‘Its off to work we go’ A couple of track workers make their way to their work site at Overton near York on 27th April 2022 as 800108 flashes past at high speed with 1E11 Aberdeen – London Kings Cross. C J Rich
‘Its off to work we go’ A couple of track workers make their way to their work site at Overton near York on 27th April 2022 as 800108 flashes past at high speed with 1E11 Aberdeen – London Kings Cross. C J Rich

The judges considered that the photographer had captured an everyday railway scene in a creative manner in both the composition of the image and the contrast achieved in the sky and steam, with the location chosen illustrating the role of the way in which railways serve industry. All of the components in the picture lead the eye to the focus point that being the train.

 

2nd Prize · Stuart Chapman

The age old task of preparing a locomotive for duty is re-enacted at Barrow Hill Roundhouse on 8th March 2023. Stuart Chapman
The age old task of preparing a locomotive for duty is re-enacted at Barrow Hill Roundhouse on 8th March 2023. Stuart Chapman

3rd Prize · Alan McWilliam

Three young enthusiasts await the appearance of the next train on a dank 17th February 2024 at Bury Bolton Street Station. Alan McWilliam
Three young enthusiasts await the appearance of the next train on a dank 17th February 2024 at Bury Bolton Street Station. Alan McWilliam

Category 2 Railway and the Environment

Winner · Oliver Morrill

As the world's first dual fuel LNG-powered passenger train, Grand Central's 180112 'James Herriot' received a green stripe in place of the usual orange on one of its Driving cars. It's seen here passing Dawdon on the scenic Durham Coast Line. Oliver Morrill
As the world's first dual fuel LNG-powered passenger train, Grand Central's 180112 'James Herriot' received a green stripe in place of the usual orange on one of its Driving cars. It's seen here passing Dawdon on the scenic Durham Coast Line. Oliver Morrill

The Judges found that there were many entries in this section that did not fulfil the brief which was Railways AND the Environment rather than Railways IN the Environment.  Here the photographer has created an excellent framing in which to capture the railway contributing to a reduction in carbon emissions by converting a Class 180 power car to a more environmentally friendly fuel. The whole is emphasised by the crystal clear air alongside a blue sea.

 

2nd Prize · Nick Palmer

6T63 Saxmundham to Whitemoor Road on 11 December 2022 Fog and freezing conditions are a big favourite of mine when photographing trackside. On this day I was in luck with both as GBRF 66798 crawled into view on the approach to March station. Nick Palmer
6T63 Saxmundham to Whitemoor Road on 11 December 2022 Fog and freezing conditions are a big favourite of mine when photographing trackside. On this day I was in luck with both as GBRF 66798 crawled into view on the approach to March station. Nick Palmer

3rd Prize · Bob Foster

Amid a swirling cloud of steam & smoke following the passage of Stanier class 5 44871, re-creating an environment of times long gone in the below freezing conditions, A Class 377 Electrostar unit patiently awaits it's next tour of duty at Barnham on December 2nd 2023. Bob Foster
Amid a swirling cloud of steam & smoke following the passage of Stanier class 5 44871, re-creating an environment of times long gone in the below freezing conditions, A Class 377 Electrostar unit patiently awaits it's next tour of duty at Barnham on December 2nd 2023. Bob Foster

Category 3 Modern Traction

Winner · Alan Barnes

802 005 approaches Bath with the 06.30 Bristol Temple Meads - Paddington on the 26th August 2022. Alan Barnes
802 005 approaches Bath with the 06.30 Bristol Temple Meads - Paddington on the 26th August 2022. Alan Barnes

The photographer evidently set out specifically to capture this view which would have been taken before 7 am and recorded a scene of tranquillity still possible with a modern train, the eye being led to the train by the inclusion of foreground trees and the curvature of the track, which is highlighted by the glint on both it and the train.

 

2nd Prize · Peter Halsall

A Grand Central Cl. 180 is seen from The Tap refreshment room at York on 21st February 2023. Peter Halsall
A Grand Central Cl. 180 is seen from The Tap refreshment room at York on 21st February 2023. Peter Halsall

3rd Prize · Simon Jones

“Highland Morning". The Inverness portion of the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston passes Avielochan near Aviemore on the final leg of its journey. 8th August 2023. Simon Jones
“Highland Morning". The Inverness portion of the overnight Caledonian Sleeper from London Euston passes Avielochan near Aviemore on the final leg of its journey. 8th August 2023. Simon Jones

Category 4 Heritage Lines including Main Line Steam

Winner · Steve Sienkciewicz

In sub-zero temperatures, Class 5 44932 heads away from Gisburn in fine style with 1Z30, the 07.34 Manchester Victoria - Carlisle 'The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express' on 21st January 2023. Steve Sienkciewicz
In sub-zero temperatures, Class 5 44932 heads away from Gisburn in fine style with 1Z30, the 07.34 Manchester Victoria - Carlisle 'The Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express' on 21st January 2023. Steve Sienkciewicz

44932 is caught in a classic steam pose with the conditions being ‘just right’ to add to the composition. The tracks through the field emphasise the exhaust which trails off into the distance whilst the depression in the ground helps to hold the attention on the train and the exhaust is not ‘lost’ in a milky sky.

 

2nd Prize · Geoff Griffiths

‘Glorious Devon'. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley is seen at Saltern Cove on the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway on 12th August 2023. Geoff Griffiths
‘Glorious Devon'. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley is seen at Saltern Cove on the Paignton & Dartmouth Railway on 12th August 2023. Geoff Griffiths

3rd Prize · John Stevenson

''Decapod Sunset'' BR 9F 92203 is silhouetted as the sun sets at the North Norfolk Railway on 8th July 2023. John Stevenson
''Decapod Sunset'' BR 9F 92203 is silhouetted as the sun sets at the North Norfolk Railway on 8th July 2023. John Stevenson

Wild Card

Winner · Philip Coombe

Warships D821 and 832 rest under the signal gantry at the Severn Valley Railway on 6th October 2023. Philip Coombe
Warships D821 and 832 rest under the signal gantry at the Severn Valley Railway on 6th October 2023. Philip Coombe

The Wild Card category was included in the competition to capture an image which the judges might have thought was of excellent quality but could have been more appropriately entered in a different class. The nine judges nominated two images each for this category and there was no duplication of choice illustrating just how subjective the selection of a ‘good and interesting’ photograph might be. After much debate the judges selected this image of two Warships for its careful composition accompanied by excellent clarity and exposure.