What's a boat got
to do with Class 40's - well nothing really except this particular
vessel was approaching the loading stage at Llanddulas on this
grey, wet, windy morning and I "shot" it while waiting
for D345 to appear. The boat loads with stone from the Llanddulas
quarry for shipment to various destinations.
The restored Class
40 number 40145/D345 heading towards Colwyn Bay en route for
Holyhead.
The wait at Llandudno
Junction allowed me to photograph the engine at various locations
so after Colwyn Bay came the Junction. As is now usual on these
occasions the overbridge was packed solid with enthusiasts and
sightseers just wanting to know what the fuss was about - the
lack of proper footpaths on this bridge makes it positively dangerous.
Another view from
the bridge with the attendant staff, passengers and photographers......
.....and another.
On now to one of
my favourite spots by Conwy Castle and the appearance of FNW's
Birmingham-Holyhead service with 47786 "Roy Castle
OBE" in charge. This locomotive happened to pick
one of the few moments of sunshine as it passes by the Castle
ramparts.
Several minutes
later the "whistler" could be heard quietly approaching
the Conwy tubular bridge/tunnel(?) and slowly crept into view
where it stopped just short of the entrance. The characteristic
whistling continued while one of the cab members phoned in for
clearance and a few minutes later it was off. There was the usual
warning hoot on the two-tones and a gentle rumbling as the train
entered the down tube.
The speed limit
round the castle is fairly restricted so there was no massive
burst of power but nonetheless it was impressive in both sight
and sound as the packed train leaned into the curve on its journey
round the castle walls.
The train continued
towards Conwy station and, despite the inclement conditions,
it was well worth the wait. Grateful thanks go to all those concerned
with organising the tour.
