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Just once in a while everything comes together.
You can wait (the best part of 50 years), you can plan, dream and then its down to little bit of luck, the combination of steam, snow, sun and a Scot on the S&C (Settle and Carlisle) line, is about as rare as it can get this was the only steam along this the most spectacular and highest main line in England between September and March and until a test run the trip was in doubt up until Thursday. The Royal Scot class has made only a handful of runs in the last forty years. Snow in the UK is all too rare and too much and it would not have been possible to drive up to the higher parts of the line.
So on Saturday, it was the right loco, the right headboard, right stock, A Royal Scot No 46115 Scot Guardman resplendent in Brunswick green livery with a maroon rake of Mk1 coaches and Thames Clyde Headboard, a covering of snow and unbelievably the sun poping out at last moment all that was left was take the shot and then get it off the camera safely. The shot is taken as the train was leaving Moorcock Tunnel not far from the summit at Ais Gill
The fact that this was coupled with the sight of seeing the brand new A1 Tornado blasting away from under the roof at Darlington earlier in the day with the up Talisman to Kings Cross and you begin to wonder if it is all a dream in 2009.
| Title: | S&C |
| Username: | 
robincoombes |
| Uploaded: | 9 Feb 2009 - 4:35 PM |
| Camera: | Nikon D300  Check out Nikon Nation! |
| Lens: | 18 200 |
| Recording media: | JPEG (digital) |
| Tags: | Landscape / travel, Photo journalism, S&c, Scot, Snow, Steam, Sun, Transport |
| Votes: | 310 |
Comments
This is an amazing shot. As you say everything came together at just the right time. Beautiful!
Jenny
WOW...... I am blown away by the beauty and clarity of this amazing shot.
Linda 
Well taken, as you say everything has come together....
Keith....
Top shot and great composition from a beautiful trip out in the cold, with the camera.
You set out for this shot, and ...you got it!!
Congrats. Chen.
Your description says it all brilliant
Brian......................................
That's what photography is all about, right time, right place, right subject and of course, the photographer.
Well composed, good exposure and well done.
Rees
A cracking shot. One of the best train shots for some time. Andy
i think WOW is all I can say as well....viewed large its just picture perfect and 1st class photography.
Thames Clyde Express , I presume this must have been a Glasgow London train. Wonderful shot great detail, worth waiting half a century for.
maryg
Brilliant shot. An absolute classic. And yes, you needed all those elements to come together, but you also needed to be there and be good enough to get the shot. So well done. Superb.
Superb shot - it really has all come together there - good combination of luck, timing & skill!
Exquisite!!!
Gee thanks everyone really really appreciated, amazed at response
Robin
Thanks for award Starliz
Wonderful image Robin.You deserve all the accolades for this one.Stunning.
Tom.
All your homework paid off today, ending with this awesome shot.
Seems like you had a great day Robin.
Well done.
Allan
Awesome shot . Been waiting since Saturday evening to see this shot.I knew you would nail this one from your question last week about snow conditions above Ribblehead.This is a beauty right up there with your very best shot...Phil
Steam, snow and fabulous light - that's a potent mix. Fabulous shot.
Moira
I see you found the snow you were hoping for & the sun came out to give you this stunning image
Glynnis
It been siad on previous comments, But What a great shot.
Brilliant.
Peter
This image just has to be viewed large. AWESOME. Come on epz team this deserves a HC or Editors choice.
Paul
A Scot on the Thames-Clyde over the S&C! What more could a railway photographer ask for. Only that the elements worked in your favour and they most certainly did here. The snow,sky,sunlight and even the exhaust (although drifting to the wrong side) framing the subject to maximum effect. 100% PERFECTION!!!!!!!
Den
Wow This image is stunning, and well worth waitin gfor I would say.
I'm not particularly interested in trains or photographing them Robin but..you get my user award for the planning, patience, knowledge and enthusiasm to get a shot like this.
Very impressive.
John
Congratulations Robin, worth al that effort and time to get this image. Superbly taken, hear that engine work ! Ron.
Fine winter steam capture, I think the steam mag editor's email must have crashed today with everybody out on Saturday.
Alan
robin nice pic that wind was a big problem,lunds was one of our possible locations but went for shelter at Blea moor
bob
Some people can take photographs , unbelievable photographs .
An absolute testimony to research, patience, determination and technical skill .
Kev
WoW - pleased to be 100Th! What to add? Stunning and deserves all the awards 
Sarah *
Quote: Top shot and great composition from a beautiful trip out in the cold, with the camera.
You set out for this shot, and ...you got it!!
Congrats. Chen.
Best train shot I have seen yet - well deserved of all the awards given
Truly magnificent Robin
I have never seen so many (well deserved) awards on one photograph.
Clive
This is a superb shot. I recommend you send it to Steam Railway Magazine. My attempts a few months ago, to photograph this loco, all went wrong and I ended up with very poor photos indeed.
Not just an amazing steam train photograph, but an amazing photograph in it's own right!!
Superb
wonderfull shot we got her at hellwith bridge a realy great day for the hundreds that lined the track
Super, I know one or two railway buffs that will be green with envy.
Well planned, well executed plus the bit of luck that took it to another level.
Penny
Yes it all has to come together, timing ,good light ,snow, etc,etc but you still have to make it count and you certainly done that with this image....
Outstanding...
Tony
Love your description to go with the dream picture. Well done.
Teresa
Absolutely superb !! I love the way the steam contrasts with the dark cloud. A picture to die for
Martin
Great when a plan comes togeather, nice one congrats...
you can sell this ive seen prints for sale not half as good as this 10/10
Fantastic, don't you just love it when a plan comes together! I'm very happy for you.
Darren.
Like wow! A terrific image, well done for all the awards....all fully deserved!
One of the best I've seen, and I've got a book case full of 'em. 
Your write up compliments the fabulous shot perfectly, awesome!!
Congratulations on getting the shot and the awards.
Certainly worth the wait - Outstanding in every way!
Congrats on all the awards, much deserved.
Ayelet
Amazing clarity in this picture, I really enjoy the crispness here. Great shot indeed!
Paolo
Highest quality image! Worthy of any "railways" magazine. Well composed & well taken in every aspect.
Terry
What a fabulous shot. This really captures the essence of steam! I would love to have a shot like this in my portfolio. Well done!
Can any image on EPZ ever have received so many awards? I doubt it - but my goodness everyone of them is justly deserved. I sprained my wrist scrolling down to the bottom of the comments. Many congratulations.
So pleased to be 220th! What a wonderful image where everything got together in just one tiny moment - lovely scenery, great engine, crispy winter weather, snow, sun and of course your skills and dedication to steam trains history. All awards much deserved. Congratulations!
sad to say I missed this upload before... glad I found it now though!
One of the best steam shots taken in the last 40 years or more! I almost made it to this point, but got a canny one anyway, not in this league though.
All things conspired for once in the right way!
Truely magical.
Thanks Craig.
This is the BEST shot i have seen of a steam train, I am very jealous.
Congratulations, Regards Mac. (camspiritbear)
stunning! love train. Well done,
Happy New Year and all the best,
Denise
Great Photograph - My great-grandfather used to drive this class of loco on the Preston to Carlisle route with LMS. Great to see such a good photograph.
Robin You get my vote. I'd be over the moon with that shot. Every Railway Mag should be chasing you for the image.
This has to be the most comments I've ever seen for a shot. I agree with all the above.. Nice one!
I doubt you can get any better than this photo in terms of this kind of photo. Clarity is absolutley stunning you must have been thrilled to bits when you got home and had a real good look at this shot.
Congrats and well worth the 50 year wait !!! maybe now lightening will strike twice and you can get another shot soon !! I really hope so it's a beautiful shot and well desreved of all the awards from members.
Just to show how good i think it is .... i,ll stick my humble award on it to !! It's the first time this award has been given.
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