Refreshing Red - Virgin trains
Dainton
Paul Barlow
Dainton
Paul Barlow
Virgin trains HST the 06.04 Leeds to Newquay approaches Dainton tunnel. 5th August 2000. Copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul
Stunning nighttime pictures
Laira
Craig Munday
Laira
Craig Munday
More night shifts to pass lockdown. I find these strangely fascinating actually. The Hauwei phone has a stunning night setting, allowing quick photos you simply cant achieve lugging around the SLR and tripod. It works well in minimal light, and captures the nocturnal atmosphere of the railway well. People often overlook the railways being a 24/7 operation, and few are fortunate enough to be around when there's an opportunity.
I was asked to go to Laira recently to interrogate the CCTV from a class 802 unit. The many camera views on these trains can now be studied to help with incident management earlier in the journey. The Hitachi staff at Laira can pin point the exact time and run the sequence to see if any evidence is available to help an investigation. Superb views of the journey can be watched from forward facing (driver view), rear facing, in-train and even the pantograph has its own camera view. A tell tale is the little light on the roof providing vital illumination for this.
Once the footage had been viewed, a look around the depot was allowed. I never tire of a depot visit. The mixture of new GWR green, and Cross Country traction standing silently in the sheds after midnight contrasted with the HST power cars in the main shops. Looking rather like fish heads removed from the rest of the train! These were all manner of liveries and created a bizarre pattern lined up under the depot lamps. I couldn't help but conjure images of visits as a child with rows of Class 52s in the same position. Two class 08s also shared the stage, the class being resident since the days of the old steam shed here of course.
Also pictured is DRS hired in class 57 57306 at Par working the down sleepers running an hour late
All the best, Craig.
I was asked to go to Laira recently to interrogate the CCTV from a class 802 unit. The many camera views on these trains can now be studied to help with incident management earlier in the journey. The Hitachi staff at Laira can pin point the exact time and run the sequence to see if any evidence is available to help an investigation. Superb views of the journey can be watched from forward facing (driver view), rear facing, in-train and even the pantograph has its own camera view. A tell tale is the little light on the roof providing vital illumination for this.
Once the footage had been viewed, a look around the depot was allowed. I never tire of a depot visit. The mixture of new GWR green, and Cross Country traction standing silently in the sheds after midnight contrasted with the HST power cars in the main shops. Looking rather like fish heads removed from the rest of the train! These were all manner of liveries and created a bizarre pattern lined up under the depot lamps. I couldn't help but conjure images of visits as a child with rows of Class 52s in the same position. Two class 08s also shared the stage, the class being resident since the days of the old steam shed here of course.
Also pictured is DRS hired in class 57 57306 at Par working the down sleepers running an hour late
All the best, Craig.
Laira at night (1) 21st February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.
Laira at night (2) Copyright Craig Munday.
Laira at night (3) 21st February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.
Laira at night (4) 21st February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.
Laira at night (5) 21st February 2021 Copyright Craig Munday.
Laira at night (6) 21st February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.
Many thanks Craig - rare views inside Laira Depot, even rarer at night.
Craigs bonus picture
Par early morning
Par early morning
The 13th proved unlucky for some who had a meeting to go to. 57306 Par 1C50 on the one hour late running sleeper. 13th February 2021. Copyright Craig Munday.
Thanks Craig.