Steam Train Photography

77-261 at Vienna East 30/06/1972

Alan Ledger July 11, 2024

Hi all, A lucky shot of a class 77, 77-261. Pacific tank engine a rare machine with this wheel arrangement indeed as it passes by the depot at Vienna East. The engine is fitted with a Gisele ejector chimney which is very prominent in this side on view. For an Austrian machine it has very clean lines made possible with a very large water tank almost the full length of the engine along side the fire box, boiler and smoke

Picture of the week: Lathen

Alan Ledger July 3, 2024

Hi all,It’s an absolute pea souper at 09.29 am in the morning and here is West German Pacific 012-073 about to leave Lathen with the 08.08 Norddeich to Koln on time. Photography for taking pictures of moving trains was impossible in these conditions and it was just necessary to wait for it to clear.As an ex train driver I know it was essential in these conditions to know exactly where you were. Unlike driving a road vehicle where you have

012-063 Lathen West Germany Picture of the week (POTW)

Alan Ledger June 27, 2024

Hi all, We had travelled overnight from home by train and ferry via Harwich to the Hook of Holland and across Holland to Rheine in West Germany. Here on the Munster to Emden and Norddeich main line at Lathen it’s mainly flat with pastureland and Forest all the way to the coast. Some two miles south of Lathen half way to Meppen is Rheine based 012-063 3 cylinder oil burning Pacific storming along at about 70 to 80

71000 POTW

Alan Ledger June 20, 2024

Here’s a shot for all you Brumies, (The Duke) 71000 ”Duke of Gloucester” Standard class 8P 4-6-2 working a London to Derby special passing by those magnificent gas ometers at Washwood Heath that supplied us all before the advent of natural gas. As you can see there is plenty available as they are almost full to the top. Sadly no longer with us having been confined to the scrap heap and replaced with Star City. I took the photo from

Emden: Picture of the week

Alan Ledger June 16, 2024

Hi all, Another picture I had long forgotten about. It’s autumn and we are near the sea down by the docks at Emden. A back lit study of West German class 2-10-0 3 cylinder 044 and 2-6-2 023 standing outside around the depot turntable, taken on a damp and very foggy night. The 044. Glistens with damp from the fog on the cold metal parts. The fog would linger well towards the middle of the next day and even all

Picture of the week: Beddgelert North Wales

Alan Ledger June 16, 2024

Two pictures from last week at Beddgelert. First is of Ex South African Railways Beyer Garratt 2-6-2 = 2-6-2 NG 143 in the station. Second picture is of a view taken from the side of the A498 about a mile south of Beddgelert Wales lat week looking across the Afon Glaslyn, having diced with busy traffic along the twisting road to get to this spot. NG143 is working the 15.40 “Aberglaslyn” from Beggelert to Porthmadog. It’s hard to believe that

LEHRTE LOCO 02/10/1971

Alan Ledger June 14, 2024

Lehrte loco depot west of Braunschweig, what a place, it was like a mini Swindon works with its transverser that moved along the shallow pit in front of us. There was another row of engines behind where I am standing, a buffer is partially in view to my right. The piece of machinery that transports the engines is out of sight. I have only come across one other depot in West Germany that was like this and that was at

Steam Pioneers: A Journey through the History of Steam Trains in Austria and Germany

Alan Ledger June 6, 2023

The emergence and evolution of steam trains in Austria and Germany marked a transformative era in the annals of transportation history. From the pioneering days of steam locomotion to the eventual modernization of rail networks, the story of steam trains in these Central European nations is a captivating journey through innovation, progress, and cultural impact. The Birth of Steam in Central Europe The roots of steam locomotion in Austria and Germany trace back to the early 19th century when the

Picture of the Week: 03-2204 AT ARNSDORF

Alan Ledger May 18, 2023

Here we are on one of the Plan Dampfs organised in Germany where the state railways allows for four days preseved German steam engines to work normal service trains in different areas. In this case Dresden and east of. Here are two pictures taken, the first one of East German Pacific 4-6-2 03-2204 seen here storming into Arnsdorf station in the usual fashion with a last minute brake application working the 11.55 Dresden to Gorlitz train number N5111. The second

Steam Chronicles: 20th-Century Chinese Steam Railways

Alan Ledger May 10, 2023

The 20th century marked a transformative era for China’s railways, as the rhythmic chugging of steam locomotives echoed through vast landscapes and bustling cities. From the pioneering days of railway construction to the challenges of war and subsequent modernization efforts, the story of Chinese steam railways is a captivating narrative of progress, resilience, and a bygone era. Birth of the Iron Horse in China The introduction of steam locomotives in China dates back to the late 19th century, with the

34086/34101 At Bournemouth

Alan Ledger March 31, 2023

16 years old on this day in 1965 and not yet passed out for firing. Went off to the Southern Region and here I am wandering around Bournemouth shed and two Bullied Pacific’s are ready for the next trip up to London. Battle of Britain 34086 219 Squadron in original condition and West Country 34101 “Hartland”in rebuilt form. A little over two years to go before all this would be gone. 6th June 1965. Regards Ledg. Sent from my iPad

A Quick Guide to Photographing Steam Trains in Britain

Alan Ledger March 10, 2023

Capturing Photographing steam trains in Britain is not just an exercise in capturing a mode of transportation; it’s an art form that brings to life the nostalgia, power, and romance of a bygone era. In this guide, we’ll delve into the world of steam train photography, exploring the best locations, equipment, and tips to help you immortalize these majestic locomotives in all their glory. Research and Planning Before embarking on your steam train photography adventure, conduct thorough research. Identify heritage

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