A couple of night photos
Phil Collett
I have recently discovered your website and enjoy the articles and photos submitted.
I wondered if the attached photos would be of interest for your site.
When in my teens I had a Practika MTL3 camera and took slides. Following an article in Rail magazine about how to take night shots I had a few overnights on Swindon Station to see what I could photograph.
Night photography was a bit hit and miss with more misses than hits. You never knew what you had until the 36 shot film was developed. If only digital camera's had been around back then as you get the instant shot and can retake if needed.
I wondered if the attached photos would be of interest for your site.
When in my teens I had a Practika MTL3 camera and took slides. Following an article in Rail magazine about how to take night shots I had a few overnights on Swindon Station to see what I could photograph.
Night photography was a bit hit and miss with more misses than hits. You never knew what you had until the 36 shot film was developed. If only digital camera's had been around back then as you get the instant shot and can retake if needed.
56036 stopped at Swindon on a train of Amey wagons and the attached is a scan of my best attempt. I liked the way the lights were captured on the long exposure. Copyright Phil Collett.
47511 'Thames' is seen at Swindon on the 'Night Riveria' in the early hours of the 12th July 83. This was the only time I saw the headboard carried. For spotting trips to London this was the train we would use leaving Swindon at 0432 and arriving in Paddington for 0605. Sometimes it was difficult to board with the doorway and aisles blocked with passenger's sleeping on the floor! Copyright Phil Collett.
Many thanks indeed Phil, welcome to the website and thanks for these great photos - the Night Riviera headboard certainly couldn't be missed!
Fridays NMT
Andrew Triggs & Joe Birchall
On Friday I went out to see Network Rail’s NMT on its way down to Penzance, lovely to hear the gentle rumble of a HST’s engine again. 43013 leads the way into Truro. 24.07.2026, copyright Joe Birchall.
43062 and 43013 on 1Q18 clearing Gwinear Road. 24.07.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
Many thanks Joe and Andrew, nice to see the HST in the west again.
The Britannic Explorer
Andrew Triggs, Mick House & Mark Lynam
66744 and 66748 pass Dowgas with the Bishops Lydeard - Penzance leg of The Britannic Explorer. 25.07.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Penzance Britannic Explorer arrival with GBRf 66744 with 66748 working 1C02 09.00 Bishops Lydeard GBRf-Penzance, arriving 17 late at 14.17. 25.07.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
GBRf 66744 with 66748 heading back to the Britannic Explorer ECS from Longrock Depot. 25.07.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
66748 'St Michael's Mount' running light away from 66744 and the ECS towards Ponsandane. 25.07.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
66748 running round the ECS and 66744 via Slopers. 25.07.2026, copyright Andrew Triggs.
66 744 heart of Wales leads the Britannic Explorer past Wheal busy Crossing. 26.07.2026, copyright Mick House.
66748 St Michaels Mount Follows at the rear of the train after passing Wheal busy Crossing. 26.07.2026, copyright Mick House.
66744 leading the Penzance - Fowey leg past Scorrier. 25.07.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
66748 on the rear at Scorrier. 25.07.2026, copyright Mark Lynam.
Many thanks Mark and Andrew, super to have this train as a regular weekend fixture this year.
July 1976
Part 26
Roger Winnen
A Cravens DMU at Barbican Station. 30.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.
A Class 31 on a working to Moorgate. 30.07.1976, copyright Roger Winnen.