2nd May: A cracking day, with full sun almost all day. Went out for some shots of the newly reliveried EMT HST, out for the first time. Got some bonus photos of 56311 out on the mainline, 37s on Serco trips, and 66726 on a FL wagon move! Locations at Derby, Breaston and Loughborough.
3rd May: After a 5h 20m 'shop ordeal', I made it to Berwick-upon-Tweed in time to phot D1015 Western Champion crossing the Royal Border Bridge with a charter to Edinburgh. Then travelled to carlisle via Newcastle to phot the return.
4th May: Who would have thought it? A confirmed diesel fan such as myself, trekking all the way to Dawlish for... a KETTLE! 71000 Duke of Gloucester photographed at Dalwlish and Cockwood Harbour, among other things.
6th May: As 4O90 is now booked to run via Nottingham and Sheet Stores Jn, rather than via Derby, decided to take a trip out to photograph it on the new route.
14th May: decided to stay local today - went to Washwood Heath for a couple of hours this evening - highlight was 66719 on 4G81, the Fastline coal empties from Ratcliffe to Daw Mill.
17th May: As the Pathfinder 33 tour to Weymouth was caped, decided to pop to the Severn Valley Railway for a bash behind 50049 on the diesel diagram a a consolation prize. A few phots included from an enjoyable day. Not bad for a vac ;)
19th May: Washwood Heath again for the Fastline coal.
20th May: After that coal again - who would have thought I'd spend so much time chasing a 66 on coal hoppers?! Tried a few shots in the Whitacre Jn and Shustoke areas.
21st May: Another day, another shot of that coal - Water Orton this time.
22nd May: Fastline coal was running late today - so chanced a trip to Tamworth after work. Unfortunatley missed the coal by under a minute, but did manage a shot of 56301 on 4O90, so all was not lost!
23rd May: With Lichfield Trent Valley No. 1 signalbox due to be decommissioned this coming weekend, I decided to visit Lichfield for some last photos featuring the 'box. RIP :(
24th May: Never been out so many days in a row before! Today went out early for a pair of railtours at Washwood Heath, one of which was hauled by one of those filthy old tea brewing devices...
Afterwards I made up for my temporary insanity by visiting the Severn Valley Railway, where haulage was had behind not one, but TWO 37/9 'slugs'.
25th May: Just the one from today, an interior shot at St Pancras.
