28th April 2001
The Hippos, or class
175 sets, are now in abundance on the coast line and while at
Conwy waiting for "Hogwarts Castle" (Olton
Hall) to arrive, I took some shots of these intruders. The
magnificent setting at Conwy enhances the looks of these units
which, if nothing else, are colourful and quiet. This is 175111
arriving on a stopping train for Holyhead. 28/4/2001
As 175111 left, 175105 arrived
on an eastbound stopping train. 28/4/2001
Yet another as I waited
in the biting wind, this time 175008. 28/4/2001
I stood facing the tunnel for
well over an hour and was frozen so decided to cross over to the
car park and into the sunshine. I knew full well that the steam
locomotive would appear as soon as I left and in fact I just managed
to run to the car park when I saw cameras being cocked on the
opposite platform. Fortunately the train had slowed for the reverse
curves and I managed this shot. 28/4/2001
I left Conwy for home
and saw the train waiting in Llandudno Junction station so decided
to try to catch it again at Abergele.Once again I froze on the
platform before hearing the beat of the train approaching but
just as the smoke could be seen in the distance the beat slowed
to a stop and with the train expired. Now what? CLICK
TO ENLARGE 28/4/2001
A 175/1 set was stopped on the
down approach to the station and was brought forward by the signal
lady under a red flag. The driver was (presumably) advised about
the stricken train and proceeded with caution into the smoke.
There was much blowing of horns as the diesel approached the 4-6-0.
28/4/2001
While watching the
"Hall" brewing up in the distance I saw a cloud of steam
as the cylinders were cleared of condensate and the train moved
forward at a pace. I managed to get back to the platform to see
"Hogwarts Castle" storm through leaving the platform
surface covered with cinder - what a performance. 28/4/2001
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