UK Railways in the 21st Century
UK Railways in 21st Century by Society member John Day was our topic for today’s presentation. This turned out to be a stunning afternoon with some superb photographs, mixed with John’s tales about how he took certain shots, along with his encounters with railway staff, good and bad. As expected with John there was always a return to his beloved East Anglia every few pictures.
During the afternoon we saw over twenty classes of modern traction, starting with Class 31’s at Colton Junction, not only did we see some superb photographs we saw a great deal of the best of British countryside from Dawlish Warren to Gleneagles via places like Wrexham, Crewe, Settle, Carlisle, Newcastle and Glasgow. During the presentation John told us about various hazards he encountered to get the best picture. Every shot was superbly constructed that not only showed the loco / train at its best, it also was captured in its natural surroundings, whether on shed or in the deepest countryside, showing our interests at their best. We saw unusual pairings such as a Class 20 working with a 37, top and tailed trains, double headed trains, rescued trains and Eurostars at St. Pancras.
I don’t know how some people still think modern railways are boring, this presentation shows otherwise.
Dave Elsdon
Branch Secretary