I sometimes wonder why I bother... Having totally forgotten about the Deltic railtour that ran yesterday I thought I would make up for it by catching a pair of Class 50’s running on the ECML (a rare occurrence given that class 50’s are more at home on the lines out from Paddington.)
Having returned from walking the dog I had just enough time to grab the camera and take a leisurely drive to film from one of my usual vantage points, Six Hills Bridge. It was warm, and although there were a few clouds it didn’t give any hint of a change in the weather, so I didn’t bother taking a coat.
As I parked up and got out of the car I felt a few drops of drizzle.. nothing really to worry about, so I thought. I walked up to my usual spot only to find the brambles were now quite overgrown and restricting the view, but for the most of it there was a clear gap (Next time I’m going to bring a pair of cutters and do some pruning !). I set the camera up with around ten minutes until the 50’s were due, which by this time the sky was an overall grey and the drizzle was getting heavy.
By the time the train was due to go by the drizzle had turned into rain... I was shielding the camera with my hands to keep the lens dry, but the rest of the gear was getting soaked.... as was I !!
I was just about to call it quits as it was clear the train was running late, and I was now getting cold. I was soaked to the skin, and questioning why I do this sort of thing. Finally between the noise of the traffic the deep throbbing sound of the 50’s could be heard in the distance, and they came round the bend into view.
I wanted 3 hands. One to act as a lend hood to stop the rain hitting the lens. The second to operate the zoom, and a third to track and pan the camera... I managed to jiggle it somewhat, to get the shot I wanted... however, by this time the rain sodden brambles now drooped into shot, covering the 50’s as the roared past.....
So that’s what material I got, so I guess it was something. I was paranoid the rain would result in an early death for the camera it was that wet! I made my way back to the car for the short journey home, and jumped into a nice warm shower....
6 сен 2024
