34067 on a Victoria to Folkestone Harbour excursion train: 24th January 2009

It was not long into 2009 before the first "Last Steam Train to Folkestone Harbour" train of the year ran. This one behind 34067, "Tangmere" from Victoria and on a cold and slowly brightening day. next

The promised clear blue sky start to the day did not materialise! But an overnight frost did enhance the exhaust as 34067 started the climb from Ashford to Westenhanger near Sevingtion. next The train had, unusually been routed down via Redhill. But there was obviously a good pathway on the route as it was running close to time. next 34067, "Tangmere", in Golden Arrow insignia, looked and sounded superb attacking the grade past Sevington. next The highlight of the day was going to be the two ascents of the Branch from Folkestone harbour up to the carriage sidings at the top of the very steep 1 in 30 grade. next I'd chosen a location on top of the Cliffs near to the 170m trig point, which gave a super view back down over Folkestone as 34067 stormed up the grade, with some help from the class 47 diesel at the rear of the train. next For my location, looking due South, the weather was perfect. Brighter but not sunny, very cold still and with the expected strong Westerly wind not apparent. next Without too much fuss the class 47 hauled the train back down the branch to allow Tangmere a second run at the 1 in 30. I'd moved slightly along the Cliffs having resisted the temptation to go and join the seething masses down in the Harbour! next Even from high up the noise from 34067 was very audible as the Light Pacific was worked very hard to make the climb. next A last look at the Bulleid pacific working very hard near the top of the short branch line. A line that somehow manages to stay open despite various attempts to shut it down! next Delays at Folkestone Harbour in getting the coaling done had led to a further delay before being hauled back to Ashord by the diesel. But that gave the many following photographers time to get in position for the 30 minute late start from Ashford. next The weather stayed perfect for winter photography. Allowing the camera to be pointed almost directly at the low sun whose strength was diffused by light clouds. A combination enhancing the exhaust effects as 34067 left Ashford. next Tangmere racing past Willesborough, Ashford towards Canterbury was a superb experience of sight and sound! next Apart from the first photos at Sevington, (when sun would have helped), the weather was just about perfect for the locations I had chosen. Instanced here as "Tangy" headed away from Canterbury towards Whitstable and the run back to Victoria. next The cloud had cleared just minutes before 34067 was due, giving the setting sun only a few minutes before it sank below the horizon. All happening just as an the ontime train roared along leaving a wonderful exhaust trail. next There were some happy photographers standing on the platform end at Sturry as 34067 raced through! If today was a typical show from a "Last Steam Train to Folkestone Harbour", roll on the next batch of them! top  Earlier 2009 Photos   Index