A&C Ilson Crushers at Work, Beamish Museum

I went along to the Beamish Steam Weekend and even encountered a bit of sunshine on the Saturday!

Along with the replica Rocket and Planet locos, umpteen traction engines and vintage motor vehicles, there was the display by A&C Ilson Crushers road repair gang. Great fun, an unexpected treat!

NEX 6 Probably Pentax 28 and 35mm lenses

The Lakes - Alcock Tarn

Whenever there is guaranteed sunshine in the Lake District we try to get over there, and at Easter weekend there was such an opportunity.

 We have often walked along the old coffin road between Grasmere and Rydal Mount, and have passed the footpath sign for Alcock Tarn. On this occasion we went for the 3 mile diversion and climbed up to investigate the tarn. It's a bit of a struggle - the going up - but well worth the effort.

Looking beyond Grasmere towards the Langdale Pikes

Coming down we saw this roe deer on the path, it seemed relatively tame, staying a discreet distance away, but not running for cover.

Sony NEX 6 Sigma 19mm, Pentax 28mm, and Sony 55-210 lenses

Steam Trains

‘The Wansbeck’ special train hauled by K4 61994 The Great Marquess and K1 62005 ran, on Easter Saturday, from Newcastle to Morpeth on the East Coast Main Line (ECML) and then around the old freight lines back to Newcastle, before heading south on the ECML. 

Operating with one loco at each end of the train, reversing was easy, but the sight of a steam loco operating at speed in reverse was a tad unusual.

There is a bit of speed blur here, but I think that adds to the excitement! Heading north on the ECML through Bedlington

Passing Marcheys House crossing

Crossing the Wansbeck

Heading south through Plawsworth. Glorious sunshine, but a strong wind blowing the exhaust over the train.

The Great Marquess running in reverse!

Canon 5DII 24-105L