Steam from the Lineside

Our first meeting of the 2022/23 season was held on 21 October when we welcomed Stephen Bigley who gave a presentation on steam from the lineside taken on photographic charters. The charters typically have up to 20 participants and have preserved lines made available for their exclusive use. This permits stops to be made for photographs to be taken and multiple run pasts to take place that would not be possible in normal operation. The locations are visited by alighting from the trains or by road transport.

The first railway visited was the Isle of Wight Steam Railway where 24 “Calbourne” was seen at Havenstreet, Ashey and Smallbrook Junction. We then moved on to the Swanage Railway to see 31806 and 34072 “257 Squadron” at a variety of locations, including Corfe Castle. This was followed by a trip to the Watercress Line where 30925 “Cheltenham”, 41312, and 92212 were seen in action.

Venturing further afield, a visit was made to the Great Central Railway where its double track layout provided the opportunity for shots of passing trains and windcutter wagons. Locomotives photographed on this railway included 8Fs 48305 and 48624, and BR Standard Class 4 tank 80080. Moving on, a mixed train of passenger coaches and milk wagons was seen on the South Devon Railway in the hands of 5542. A brief visit was made to the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway before reaching our final venue of Didcot Railway Centre for some night shots of 60009 “Union of South Africa” and 60103 “Flying Scotsman”.

Thanks to Stephen for an entertaining evening and illustrating the venues visited from different locations to those available on normal running days.