{"id":3673,"date":"2013-09-02T06:00:35","date_gmt":"2013-09-02T10:00:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/?p=3673"},"modified":"2013-08-27T04:50:31","modified_gmt":"2013-08-27T08:50:31","slug":"steam-to-kilkenny-august-25-2013-part-ii","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/briansolomon.com\/trackingthelight\/steam-to-kilkenny-august-25-2013-part-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"Steam to Kilkenny, August 25, 2013\u2014Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

 <\/p>\n

Railway Preservation Society of Ireland\u2019s \u201cThe Marble City<\/a>.\u201d<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Portrait<\/a>
Portrait at Athy<\/a> with the Lumix<\/a> LX3.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

I was impressed by the efficiency of the trip. Irish Rail employees and RPSI volunteers cooperated to bring the trip off and ensure everyone on board had a safe and enjoyable trip.<\/p>\n

As on other recent Irish excursions, I tend to focus on the people as well as the equipment. These trips are as much about the people as either the destination or the equipment.<\/p>\n

Yet, it\u2019s always interesting to see how people react to the steam locomotive. Passing Drumcondra Station in suburban Dublin, I watch the expressions of Irish Rail\u2019s regular passengers as 461 puffed through with our excursion. These ranged from total bewilderment, as if a ghost from the past drifted across their bedroom, to nods of approval, and the occasional wave.<\/p>\n

At every stop, passengers and passers by flocked to see the engine. The swarms of people are as much part of the scene as the engine and crew.<\/p>\n

Yet, I found plenty of time to make close-ups of the equipment too. Check tomorrow\u2019s post for some close-up views.<\/p>\n

\"RPSI<\/a>
On the footplate of 461. Canon EOS 7D<\/a> photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"RPSI<\/a>
RPSI train hosts. Lumix LX3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"RPSI<\/a>
Checking tickets in the traditional fashion. Canon EOS 7D photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"RPSI<\/a>
Driver Ken Fox has been on the footplate for many miles.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"An<\/a>
An RPSI member assists with servicing the locomotive.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"RPSI<\/a>
Steam locomotives make for great photo subjects. Lumix LX3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"RPSI<\/a>
On 461’s footplate. It’s hard work, but has great rewards. Canon EOS 7D photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"RPSI<\/a>
Planning to inspect the locomotive with an expert eye. Lumix LX3 photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"RPSI<\/a>
At Athy 461 hadmany fans. Canon EOS 7D photo.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tune in tomorrow for some nuts and bolts.<\/p>\n

Related articles<\/h6>\n