Our loco was LNER N7 Class 0-6-2T no. 69621 - and very fine it looked.
So a seven am start at Weybourne (following an up at 4am and an out at 4.30am) led to the first click of the shutter at 7.02am. Spot on – it’s good when a charter gets started on time.
A few station shots and two locations near Kelling later and the loco was out of water – at 8.30am. A few under the water crane shots at Weybourne and that was it – until 7.00pm.
Sorry guys – given the very variable sunshine and the forecast I dipped out at that point. Count the diesel in the motor into the equation and that’s me about £75 lighter.
Yes, of course I could have done the service trains. But for me the whole point of charters is control. Getting the right loco in the right place at the right time in the right light. And we all know the sun always goes in when the service train hits the spot.
Roll on winter when the service trains don’t get in the way and you can get a whole day at it. I don’t begrudge £75 for a whole day – but for about three hours action that’s a bit strong for me.
The upside is we did get a ride on the train to Sheringham and back – and well done the North Norfolk Railway – there were loads of holidaymakers up for the ride.
However, arriving back at Weybourne I give a big black mark to the NNR – despite being Hi-Vizzed up and obviously a part of the charter I wasn’t allowed into the shed to get a few shots before coming home. Mr Officious in the obligatory hat put a stop to that.
I guess I’m feeling bitter because we were on a promise of 92203, and instead had resident 69621 to play with. Nice loco, but missing a tender, smoke deflectors, four wheels and about 78 tons.
In a photography sense, what did I learn today? Easy – it’s worth getting amongst people shots. For years I’ve worked at getting people-free shots – but the whole China experience changed that. Now I actively try to get life into my shots, check out today’s North Norfolk Railway album to see if you agree.
