{"id":3317,"date":"2013-07-24T06:13:47","date_gmt":"2013-07-24T10:13:47","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/?p=3317"},"modified":"2013-07-22T07:04:37","modified_gmt":"2013-07-22T11:04:37","slug":"sun-scorched-irish-extravaganza-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/sun-scorched-irish-extravaganza-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"Sun Scorched Irish Extravaganza\u2014Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

More views of Irish Railway Record Society Trip to County Cork, 20 July 2013.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

There\u2019s a long history of special trains with unusual locomotives, rare events, or otherwise noteworthy occurrences of railway operations that have encouraged railway photography.<\/p>\n

Saturday\u2019s trip to Cork and Midleton was no exception. (see yesterday\u2019s post<\/a>).<\/p>\n

Among the photographic events was the rare locomotive hauled consist on Cobh and Midleton Branches. The Cobh branch has been exclusively a railcar operation since the mid-2000s, while the Midleton line has only seen railcar operation since its reopening a few years ago.<\/p>\n

\"<\/a>
Our train pauses at Templemore for photographers on the morning of 20 July 2013. Canon EOS 7D photo. A strategically placed bit of greenery adds depth to the image. (And, yes, I have photos without it).<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Irish<\/a>
Fans snap freshly painted 071 class leader at Templemore on 20 July 2013. Canon EOS 7D photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Enjoying<\/a>
Enjoying the spin.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In time-honoured tradition, at every photo stop, photographers rushed to snap images of the train. Occasionally, an individual entranced by the fresh paint on locomotive 071 or fascinated by some other peculiarity of operation or equipment, would wander haplessly in front of a line of eager photographers. Shouts of \u2018Hey!\u2019 \u2018Oy!\u2019, \u2018Down in front!\u2019 and the like would ensue.<\/p>\n

Especially amusing was when a particularly oblivious passenger or passerby would drift with their backs to the anxious photo line (time is precious on these outings as only a few minutes are allowed at each stop), and proceed to linger staring in wonder at the train. In such cases a diplomat would be elected to negotiate a solution.<\/p>\n

\"<\/a>
‘Down in front!’<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"<\/a>
RPSI staff make necessary arrangements with Irish Rail staff at Kent Station Cork.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A Cobh, I was queried by a German woman as to why so many people were photographing the train. It didn\u2019t appear in the slightest bit unusual to her. Significance is in the eye of the observer. I explained that, \u2018locomotives were never operated on this line, and the locomotive that brought the train down was in fresh paint, and that the train had carried the photographers for this purpose.\u2019 She seemed satisfied with that.<\/p>\n

While I made plenty of images of the train, 071 and 073 and etc, I also focused on the people. From my experience, images of people surrounding the train tend to be more interesting than the train, and<\/i> tend to have greater value in the end.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"<\/a>
Photographs provide clues to memories that may last a lifetime. Someday everyone and everything maybe gone, yet we can remember the thrill of the day as a result of pictures. At Cobh, two young lads get their image made with the driver of locomotive 071. Canon EOS 7D photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Kent<\/a>
Kevin, a tracking the Light follower, proudly displays his model of Irish Rail’s 071 in the new livery.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"<\/a>
Photographers vie for positon at Kent Station Cork.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"<\/a>
Aiming for the best angle at Midleton on 20 July 2013. Lumix LX3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Irish<\/a>
Staff water the train at Kent Station, Cork. Lumix LX3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"RPSI<\/a>
RPSI staff servicing the train at Cork. Lumix LX3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"<\/a>
Not everyone is bothered to get every photo. Some prefer to relax and enjoy the journey. Lumix LX3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"<\/a>
Irish Rail employee (and Railway Preservation Society Ireland member) Kevin Walker enjoyed the view from a Cravens window on the Irish Railway Record Society’s outing.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"<\/a>
Irish Rail staff conducted the trip professionally and efficiently, keeping to schedule despite abnormally complex arrangements necessary for the trip.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Irish<\/a>
Driver Ken Fox on 071 at Cork.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"<\/a>
Driver Ken Fox greets passengers after arrival at Heuston Station. Lumix LX3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Irish<\/a>
At the end of the day, Heuston, Station. Lumix LX3.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For more photos see yesterday’s post<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More to come tomorrow!<\/p>\n

Related articles<\/p>\n