Filling a gap
Sometimes you can be committed to two images but realise they don't necessarily sit well together. The last two uploads (5220 and the Nodding Donkey) fall in to that category, imho.
As a result I've decided to insert this one between them - a shot of GBRf 'newbie' 69008 approaching Basingstoke station at some speed with the 12.30pm Mountfield Sidings - Southampton Western Docks gypsum empties (4Y19).
Framed to make the best of the sunlight whilst incorporating the signal gantry, this one was running 7 minutes behind schedule and wasn't hanging around either. Even though I was stood well behind the yellow line, it felt prudent to take another couple of steps back as soon as I'd grabbed the shot!
For anyone who's not in the know, 69008 is essentially a fully-rebuilt and re-engined class 56 (56038 in this case), a class that originally saw service in the 1970s. Their conversion was deemed to be a cheaper and less risky option compared to designing and sourcing a completely new locomotive.
Note the old Basingstoke Signal Box in the centre background, now thought to be used as a S&T workshop / canteen facility.
3.46pm, 14th October 2023
Filling a gap
Sometimes you can be committed to two images but realise they don't necessarily sit well together. The last two uploads (5220 and the Nodding Donkey) fall in to that category, imho.
As a result I've decided to insert this one between them - a shot of GBRf 'newbie' 69008 approaching Basingstoke station at some speed with the 12.30pm Mountfield Sidings - Southampton Western Docks gypsum empties (4Y19).
Framed to make the best of the sunlight whilst incorporating the signal gantry, this one was running 7 minutes behind schedule and wasn't hanging around either. Even though I was stood well behind the yellow line, it felt prudent to take another couple of steps back as soon as I'd grabbed the shot!
For anyone who's not in the know, 69008 is essentially a fully-rebuilt and re-engined class 56 (56038 in this case), a class that originally saw service in the 1970s. Their conversion was deemed to be a cheaper and less risky option compared to designing and sourcing a completely new locomotive.
Note the old Basingstoke Signal Box in the centre background, now thought to be used as a S&T workshop / canteen facility.
3.46pm, 14th October 2023