Steam photography january-march 2012       

Despite the winter of 2011/12 been one of the warmest ever there were still some stunning photos to be had in the northern fells with cold conditions and long exhaust trails. Quite possibly the greatest spectacle in the digital era occurred on 28th January when 44871 and 45407 worked north over Shap and south over the S&C with the first of RTC's "Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express'" for 2012. The smoke hung in the air for well over 30 minutes in some locations and the once in a decade shot with the sunset at Ribblehead also happened to be "on". Will 2013's CME's be as good?

Some highlights from this period include:

• 44871/45407 on the "Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express"
  
• 70000 'Britannia' on the Royal Train
• 6024 'King Edward I' on the Great Western Main Line for the final time before overhaul
• 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' solo on the S&C
• The return of 46233 'Duchess of Sutherland'
  
• 35028 'Clan Line' on the VSOE