Thursday had been a great day (see "Escaping
the turkey"), but Friday was "lost" to family
duties. Saturday however dawned bright and
clear, so I packed my camera bags and headed
down the road to Bridgnorth. With plenty of
time before the day's first train, I parked
briefly at the station to check that things were
running. A quick view from the footbridge
revealed a big black locomotive, swathed in
steam - not a shape I recognised from the usual SVR fleet.
As the southbound departure would be tender-first, I took up
position on the bypass bridge for a broadside shot, which I
guessed wouldn't be great, but I could at least identify the
locomotive in question - it was 9F 2-10-0 no. 92212, which I
later found was visiting from the Great Central Railway.
I drove on down to Eardington, where I would see 92212 once
more, having been delayed by the slack where the track was
washed out in November. The "Mince Pie" service is operated
using three sets - I wondered what would be on the first
northbound train. Joining the other photographers, I soon found
out, as "Black 5" 45110 steamed up the bank and on to
Bridgnorth.
I had brought two camera bodies with me, plus tripod, so I was
able to take some long (200mm) lens black & white shots, though I
realised I should have brought a 300mm lens. I would have had
time to drive home for it, but the thought of missing one of the
three northbound trains deterred me - weather like this is not too
common, especially on days when the trains are running. So I
stayed put (approximately) for the second working, in the capable
hands of pannier tank no 7714.
The last working in reasonable light would be 92212 again. I
moved down to Hay Bridge, a little further down the bank, and set
up in the usual spot. This is a popular "location", and conversation
with others in the vicinity helped pass the time, before we were
rewarded with a fine spectacle as the 9F passed.
Link:
Severn Valley Railway
