Posted on Leave a comment

GDMK Images Railway Trip to Newcastle and Carlisle

2 LNER class 43 hst trains at Newxastle

GDMK Images Railway Trip to Newcastle and Carlisle

Pleasure Mixed With A Little Business

We recently had a rare full weekend off. Big Country were playing in Newcastle as part of their 35th Anniversary Steeltown album tour so we decided to take a train trip up to Newcastle via the East Coast Main Line (ECML) to see them play. We have received a lot of requests this year asking for stuff featuring modern railways. It seemed a perfect opportunity to use the trip to get some up to date images for adding to the picture library. My railway roots are deep in classic 1980s diesel locos. Once the classic loco classes disappeared, I stopped taking photos of the railway scene. I regret this to a certain degree as there is now a gap in my railway picture library as I moved more into aviation photography. As per some of my discussions on Twitter, today’s railway scene is still worthy of recording. Today’s railway scene will one day be historic and therefore needs recording, despite my lesser interest in the multiple unit nature of today’s rolling stock. As with all things modern, it seems sanitised and characterless when compared to the railway scene I remember. This is where it gets scary, as I sound just like the old steam guys did when diesels came along!!

Not Many Peaks at Sheffield!

The outbound trip needed changes at Sheffield and Doncaster, so I hoped there would be plenty of opportunities to get pictures. The first change of train was required at Sheffield, a station I haven’t visited by train since about 1989!! Sheffield was always synonymous with the Class 45 Peaks to me. On this day, Northern dominated the train services with plenty of Class 144, Class 156 and Class 158 units running around with a Crosscountry Trains Class 43 HST thrown in for good measure.

Doncaster Deltic Reminder

Doncaster has always been a haven for railway enthusiasts and photographers. Classic loco types such as the A1 and A4 Pacifics, the much-revered Class 55 Deltics and today’s Class 43 HSTs and Class 91 electrics have strutted their stuff up and down the East Coast Main Line. The briefest of stops at Doncaster only allowed me to quickly get a few shots of Network Rails Class 43 HST New Measurement Train. A Northern Class 170 was present as well. Our train to Newcastle teased me with old memories of Doncaster as it was named Deltic 50 in honour of the 50th anniversary of the cult Class 55 diesel locos.

Newcastle Arrival

Upon arrival at Newcastle, I was struck by the memory that, in all the years I have been travelling around on the railways, I had only ever been to Newcastle one other time in daylight. Every other visit had been as part of some mad overnight trip a very long time ago!

The Main Event – Big Country

I have been a big fan of Big Country for a long, long time. I first saw them live 35 years ago on the original Steeltown album tour and still can’t quite comprehend that the 35th Anniversary Steeltown Tour has started !! Anyway, long story short, great band and top notch performance!!

Tyne Valley Diversion to Carlisle

I hadn’t realised the ECML Tyne Valley diversions were on, so on Sunday a jaunt across the country to Carlisle was in order courtesy of another LNER Class 43 HST. We would then take a trek up the WCML and cut across country to get us back home via Crewe and Derby. The Tyne Valley is a great little trip that you should take if you ever get the chance. The line serves Bardon Mill which is a great place to bail and go to see Vindolanda Vindolanda is the location of a Roman Fort and Village that was occupied for nearly 300 years and is an awesome day out. If you like your Roman history then definitely check it out – it’s a massive site heaving with archaeological treasure!

Carlisle – Nearly Bowled By A Voyager

Carlisle presented a few more photo opportunities including a Scotrail Class 156, Transpennine Express Class 350, Northern Class 158 and a Virgin Class 390 Pendolino. The idea of trekking up the WCML to Crewe soon evaporated when realising the service was formed of a Voyager. I was not going to ruin a good weekend with a trip on a Voyager, so it seemed a trip back across the Tyne Valley on another LNER HST was the only sensible thing to do!!

York – Any Chance of A Class 68?

We decided to take the LNER service through to York where I hoped to get a photo of a TransPennine Express Class 68. Good old TPE! In the bay platform was Class 68 68032 Destroyer – a powerful name if there ever was one! York provided a few more different types for my photo collection including a Northern Class 142, Class 150 and Class 170. We also had the bonus of getting a Class 91 down to Doncaster in the form of 91109 Sir Bobby Robson.

Sheffield Again!

A quick hop down to Doncaster on Class 91 91109 and a lightning change of trains saw us back at Sheffield again. This time there was evidence of the rebranding of East Midlands Trains on both the Class 158 and Class 43 HSTs that were present. In the Class 158 picture, one unit is original East Midlands Trains and the second is EMR Regional. With the HST power cars, one was de-branded and the other had a large EMR logo. Times are a-changing on the Midland Main Line!

Trip Over – Mission Accomplished

All in all, it was a great weekend. It doesn’t get much better than catching a stunning performance from Big Country, sampling some classic Class 43 and Class 91 miles and the bonus of getting a load of new material in the bag.  We also bagged a bit of Deltic action on the way up – well sort of !! Anyway, thanks for reading and keep your eye out on the run-up to Christmas for the much requested modern era gifts! All the best
Gary, Dawn & Kay

Random Class 43 HST Gift Ideas From The Shop

Recent Posts on GDMK Images

Share this article about our trip to Newcastle and Carlisle with your friends and family …. thanks!

Posted on Leave a comment

End of Summer 2018 Alamy Portfolio Sales

wreaths-of-poppies-laid-next-to-names-of-fallen-soldiers-at-the-foot-DH6557

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

End of Summer 2018 Alamy Portfolio Sales

Editorial Sales from the GDMK Images Alamy portfolio have included some unusual images from both my urban and rural collections.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”54605,54604,54603″ img_size=”medium” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Recent Alamy Sales” custom_links=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Recent Alamy Portfolio Uses

Uses of recent sales have been mainly for small business marketing purposes and a few for presentations and talks.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Recent Editorial Picture Enquiries

Here are a few of my Alamy editorial images that have drawn recent usage inquiries. Aviation, railways and nature pictures have drawn a lot of interest.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”55856,55857,55855,54214,54213,54216,54212″ img_size=”medium” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Recent Alamy Editorial Image Enquiries” custom_links=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

GDMK Images Subject Lightboxes

My editorial image portfolio is split into subject based lightboxes on Alamy. You can read more about these subject groups on the Editorial Stock Images main page. Every GDMK Images editorial picture on Alamy is extensively keyworded to make your searches easier.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Search All GDMK Images Editorial Pictures on Alamy

Looking for a particular picture? Why not do a keyword search through all GDMK Images editorial pictures on Alamy?

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1539946608071{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;background-color: #0098da !important;border-left-color: #00478c !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #00478c !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #00478c !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #00478c !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Search All Images

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Recent Posts on GDMK Images

[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”latestnews”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thanks for reading and please dont hesitate to contact me if you have any questions regarding editorial images.

All the best Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Share these Alamy editorial pictures with your friends and colleagues …. thanks!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Posted on Leave a comment

Win Tickets For The Exchanges Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala

LSWR T9 30120

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Win Tickets For The Exchanges Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala

In co-operation with our friends at the Swanage Railway, we are offering a Family Ticket for their upcoming ‘The Exchanges’ Autumn Steam Gala.

All you have to do is choose your favourite gift from our shop and share it on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram with the Hashtag #BESTTRAINSTUFF

A random shared post will be selected on 8th October and the winner will be notified on how to collect their Family Ticket.

The Exchanges promises to be a great Steam Gala and is based on the 1948 Locomotive Exchange Trials

The Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala will bring together classes of locomotive that took part in British Railways’ experiment to test steam locomotives from across the Country on a variety of different work.

Link to Provisional Timetable

Steam Locos Attending The Exchanges Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala

The current loco lineup is as follows (subject to change)

  • Ex-LSWR T9 Class ‘30120’.
  • Ex-SR U Class ‘31806’.
  • Ex-SR Bulleid Battle of Britain Class ‘34072’ 257 Squadron.
  • LMS Princess Coronation Class ‘6233’ Duchess of Sutherland – courtesy of the PRCLT.
  • BR Standard 4MT ‘80078’ – courtesy of Stewart Robinson.
  • BR Standard 4MT ‘80104’

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”52015,52019,52016″ img_size=”medium” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Swanage Railway” custom_links=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Get Tagging #BESTTRAINSTUFF

No purchase is necessary to enter so check out GDMK Images railway gifts and share to any of your social media channels with the hashtag #BESTTRAINSTUFF and you might just be off to Swanage in a couple of weeks time!

Hopefully we’ll see you in Swanage soon![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thanks for reading, please contact me if you have any questions !!

All the best Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Share this Swanage Railway Competition with your friends and colleagues …. thanks!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Posted on Leave a comment

Alamy Portfolio Sales Spring 2018

Inside Headstone Tunnel on the Monsal Trail in the Peak District

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Alamy Portfolio Sales Spring 2018

The GDMK Images Alamy portfolio sales have been ticking over nicely this spring and summer. Sales have been from right across the portfolio and include

  • Railways
  • Aviation
  • Street Scenes
  • Construction Industry

It is great to see the demand for these editorial images whilst we are investing a lot of time and effort into our retail products.

I have a large number of images to upload to the GDMK Images Alamy editorial profile over the next few months.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”18157,26604,15765,24661,9233,9438″ img_size=”medium” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Recent Alamy Sales” custom_links=”#E-8_aHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYWxhbXkuY29tJTJGc3RvY2stcGhvdG8taW5zaWRlLWhlYWRzdG9uZS10dW5uZWwtb24tdGhlLW1vbnNhbC10cmFpbC1pbi10aGUtcGVhay1kaXN0cmljdC03ODYzODU5Ni5odG1sJTJDaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYWxhbXkuY29tJTJGc3RvY2stcGhvdG8tYmxhY2stYW5kLXdoaXRlLXZpZXctb2YtdGhlLXN0YXRpb24tbWFzdGVyLXdhaXRpbmctb24tdGhlLXBsYXRmb3JtLTc4MzA5NTQ2Lmh0bWwlMkNodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5hbGFteS5jb20lMkZzdG9jay1waG90by1zb3V0aHdlc3QtYWlybGluZXMtYm9laW5nLTczNy10YWtpbmctb2ZmLTEwNDkzNTMzMS5odG1sJTJDaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZ3d3cuYWxhbXkuY29tJTJGc3RvY2stcGhvdG8tcm95YWwtYWlyLWZvcmNlLWV1cm9maWdodGVyLXR5cGhvb24tYWVyb3BsYW5lLWluLWJhdHRsZS1vZi1icml0YWluLTg2Mjg3ODExLmh0bWwlMkNodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5hbGFteS5jb20lMkZzdG9jay1waG90by1uaWdodC12aWV3LW9mLWNoaW1pY2hhbmdhLW1leGljYW4tcmVzdGF1cmFudC1hbmQtZnJhbmtpZS1hbmQtYmVubnlzLTkzMDkwNTg3Lmh0bWwlMkNodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5hbGFteS5jb20lMkZzdG9jay1waG90by12aWV3LW9mLWNpbmV3b3JsZC1jaW5lbWEtYW5kLXRoZS1uZXctdGhlLWNyZXNjZW50LXNob3BwaW5nLWNlbnRyZS05Mjk4MDQ5NS5odG1s”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Recent Alamy Portfolio Uses

Recent uses for some of these GDMK images editorial stock pictures include –

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text]

  • Small business marketing packages
  • Magazines
  • Newspapers
  • Commercial presentations
  • Books

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Recent Editorial Picture Enquiries

Below is a selection of my Alamy editorial images that have drawn usage inquiries over the last few weeks. Again they are from a wide selection of subject matter and themes.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_gallery type=”image_grid” images=”26179,18145,53558,53557,53556″ img_size=”medium” onclick=”custom_link” title=”Recent Alamy Editorial Image Enquiries” custom_links=”#E-8_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”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

GDMK Images Subject Lightboxes

The editorial image portfolio is split into subject based lightboxes on Alamy. You can read more about these subject groups on the Editorial Stock Images main page. Every GDMK Images editorial picture on Alamy is extensively keyworded to make your searches easier.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Search All GDMK Images Editorial Pictures on Alamy

Looking for a particular picture? Why not do a keyword search through all GDMK Images editorial pictures on Alamy?

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1533746657306{background-color: #0098da !important;border: 1px solid #00478c !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_column_text]

Search All Images

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Thanks for reading, please contact me if you have any questions regarding our editorial images.

All the best Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Recent Posts on GDMK Images

[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”latestnews”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Share these Alamy editorial pictures with your friends and colleagues …. thanks!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Posted on Leave a comment

Swanage Railway Steam Gala – The Works Outing

Ted chilling with the mugs at the Swanage Railway Steam Gala - The Works Outing

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Swanage Railway Steam Gala – The Works Outing

The first steam gala of 2018 for the Swanage Railway was held over the 22/23/24 March and called ‘The Works Outing’.

This year’s event was a smaller affair than last years mega ‘Bulleid fest’.  That event saw 5 Bulleid locos in operation celebrating the 50th anniversary of the last steam trains on the Southern Region.

Steam Locos

The Works Outing steam gala was a purely home fleet gala featuring

  • 31806 – SR Mogul U Class
  • 30120 – LSWR T9
  • 80104 – BR Class 4MT
  • 34053 Sir Keith Park – SR Battle of Britain Class
  • 33012/D6515 – Class 33 working trains from Norden to the River Frome boundary

Train Running

Fridays Timetable seemed to run well without any major operating issues. Saturdays running was reasonably good but the Sunday suffered some delays. Enthusiast numbers seemed down to last year but is not surprising considering the huge Bulleid event was one of the best steam shows of 2017.

Galas and events featuring a ‘home only’ fleet always struggle to pull big crowds when comparing with bigger events that pull locos in from all over the country. That doesn’t mean the event is any less enjoyable. Any event with an intensive service is generally a good crowd pleaser. The costs associated with moving locos around the network means not every event can be massive.

The attendees seemed to have a great day so I would consider the gala a success.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” items_per_page=”4″ element_width=”6″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1551112038462-5ce3496b-4f5d-6″ include=”52016,52017,52019,52021″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

New Products and Pictures

We had some more new products and pictures which were well received. The new enamel mugs and travel mugs were very popular.

Our latest Stuart Black designs were also well received. We now have a nice range of Stuart’s popular side profile drawings featuring many popular steam locos and a range of exclusively numbered diesel locos. These pictures are exclusively available on our products as we are the sole authorised supplier of these pictures on gift products.

Even though this was a steam event, Doris was happy to model a 50021 Rodney Polo Shirt and Indomitable crest Beanie Hat. Fair play to the steam punters who put their hands in their pockets to help support these two great Class 50s![/vc_column_text][vc_media_grid style=”lazy” items_per_page=”3″ grid_id=”vc_gid:1551112038467-b9ad6a1e-060a-2″ include=”52020,52018,52015″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Au Revoir Swanage

Below is Bulleid Battle of Britian Class 34053 Sir Keith Park leaving Swanage with a flurry on the last nortbound service of the event.

All that was left after a thoroughly enjoyable weekend, was to pack the van and enjoy a quick portion of fish and chips on the seafront before the long drive home![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/zFjeNMD6lN8″ align=”center” title=”Battle of Britain Class 34053 Sir Keith Park Leaving Swanage”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Every hard working bear deserves a treat!!

[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Thanks and Back Again Soon – You Can Be Too If You Win Our Competition!

A big thanks to all the volunteers and staff who made this a thoroughly enjoyable railway gala!

We will be back to the Swanage Railway for the May Diesel Gala.

You can join us too by entering our competition to win a one day rover ticket – competition entry details will be announced later this week!

All the best

Gary and Dawn[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

Share the Swanage Railway Works Outing with your friends and family …. thanks!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Posted on 2 Comments

Long Exposure HDR

Long exposure HDR deghosting 2

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Long Exposure HDR at New York Grand Central Station

Welcome to part 2 of my posts discussing and sharing photography trips in relation to our Ted on Tour USA road trip.

One technique I have been experimenting with is long exposure HDR. This technique is great for creating abstract effects and accentuating the illusion of movement. Read about how I approach long exposure HDR to create pictures with a wide dynamic range and enhancing a sense of movement in a scene.

Standard HDR photography doesnt usually feature movement. HDR is used primarily to capture a static scene that has a wide dynamic range between the highlights and shadows. Long exposure HDR, as the title implies, is the same concept of capturing a wide dynamic range, but uses long exposures. By the very nature of long exposures, you are going to record any movement of elements in your scene as either a blur or light streak.

Using Ghosting to Your Creative Advantage

Ghosting is caused by the tiny movement between each shot when hand holding a sequence of photos of the same subject. When you overlay these photos on top of each other, ghosting shows up as slight blurring around the edges of your static subject matter. If your camera is mounted on a tripod then ghosting is theoretically eliminated as the camera is steady between shots. Most HDR software allows you to control any ghosting when overlaying multiple pictures. HDR software will try to eliminate any ghosting when combining and processing the individual images into the final output image.

A series of long exposure pictures, particularly with people in the scene, will have plenty of blurred motion with the movement in each image drastically different to the previous. This movement can be used creatively by adjusting the ghosting settings.

I took 5 seperate pictures of New Yorks Grand Central railway station concourse taken with exposures of –

  • 20secs
  • 10secs
  • 5 secs
  • 2.5 secs
  • 1 sec

The images were merged in Photomatix Pro. Both Lightroom and Photoshop have Merge to HDR features but I personally prefer using Photomatix Pro. The ghosting setting was adjusted to give the scene a pleasant overall sensation of the peoples movement. If you try this technique, move the ghosting slider and watch the motion in your images transform itself as the setting changes.

Use of the deghosting setting has a major effect on how the movement is portrayed in the finished HDR picture.

The pictures below show the difference between a deghosting setting of 0 on the left and at 64 on the right.[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”new-york-grand-central-station-hdr”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

HDR Finishing Touches

I always tend to leave my HDR images for a day or two after the initial converting to a merged image. I do this because I like to come back with a fresh eye. There are so many variations of tone and contrast effects that I feel I become desensitised to the intense colours and contrasts inherent in HDR processing.

The small break allows me to come back with a fresh eye. I think its similar to eating rich food, after a while your taste buds become overwhelmed and the food doesnt taste as nice the more you eat. I definitely feel my visual acuity gets desensitised by the high saturation and contrast of newly merged HDR images.

Below is the completed long exposure HDR. The colour toning was applied seperately after conversion using Colour Efex Pro 4.[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”new-york-grand-central-station-hdr-complete”][vc_column_text]Thanks for reading my take on long exposure HDR photography – I really hope you found it useful! There are links to more photography techniques below.

Let me know your thoughts in the comments section.

All the best for now

Cheers

Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”2/3″][vc_column_text]

If you liked this article on long exposure HDR then why not share it with someone you know who will also find it interesting  ….

[juiz_sps buttons=”facebook,twitter, google, pinterest, digg, linkedin, stumbleupon, tumblr, reddit, mail, bookmark”]

 

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/6″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Related Posts …..

[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”new-photography=technique-blog-posts”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Posted on Leave a comment

East Lancs Railway Spring Diesel Gala

English Electric locos Class 37 37109 and Class 40 D345 at Bury railway station

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

East Lancs Railway Spring Diesel Gala

Last weekend saw us at Bury on the East Lancs Railway.

This was our first outing to a railway gala in 2017 and what better place to start than the East Lancs Railway Spring Diesel Gala!

The Spring Diesel Gala is a home fleet only affair, but still boasts an impressive lineup of heritage diesel locos including

  • Class 14 D9531
  • Class 31 31466
  • Class 37 37109
  • Class 40 D345 (40145)
  • Class 45 45108
  • Class 47 D1501 (47402)
  • Class 50 50015
  • Class 73 73001

The gala was also the springboard to launch my latest digital painting featuring a BR Class 40 in the snow.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

#gdmkimageslive

The East Lancs Diesel Gala saw the launch of our new #gdmkimageslive feature where I go on Facebook Live to bring an insight into the event, a product or general discussion surrounding our business and events.

The first #gdmkimageslive session saw the unveiling of our new Class 40 digital painting picture and can be seen below.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_raw_html]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[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Views from the East Lancs Railway Spring Diesel Gala

Here is a quick sample of pictures I managed to take during the event. First off though check out our view from the stall Sunday morning – a beautiful concerto of English Electric power gently idling away provided by Class 37 37109 and Class 40 D345.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/4_DRzosxYiM” align=”center” title=”English Electric Sweet Tunes”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]The weather wasnt fantastic being mainly overcast with occasional rain. Nevertheless I managed a few nice pictures, some of which will make their way onto products in due course. The low angle picture of 50015 Valiant with the cab reflected in the wet has given me inspiration for a new digital painting.[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”east-lancs-railway-spring-diesel-gala”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

40135 No Show

The weekend went without too many hitches. The failure of much anticipated Class 40 40135, complete with repaint into BR Blue, was an obvious disappointment. Lets face it though, these machines take a hell of a lot of money, time and dedication to keep running. These things happen and we will just have to wait till next time to sample this great loco in its new guise. Good luck to everyone at the CFPS in getting 40135 up and running – heres hoping its a quick and not too expensive fix![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Next Stop Nene Valley Railway

So before we knew it the weekend was over and done with and we were packing the van for another exciting trip down the M6! Well actually we went back cross country because, as usual, the M6 was doing its best impression of a car park.

And now we are looking forward to the Nene Valley Railways Bulleid 50 Event this weekend.

I have 3 new wall art prints of 34053 Sir Keith Park for this event so drop by the stall and say hi where you can see them up close.

Also dont forget I will be doing another #gdmkimageslive Facebook Live session over the weekend. I will be talking about our ordering process and some of the benefits of ordering from our art stall at an event. Please join us!

All the best for now and look forward to perhaps seeing you at the weekend!

Cheers

Gary[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”2/3″ css=”.vc_custom_1487774908241{background-color: #fffffc !important;border: 1px solid #0098da !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][vc_cta h2=”Subscribers get early notice and discount prices on new pictures!” txt_align=”center” add_button=”top” btn_title=”Sign Me Up!!” btn_custom_background=”#fffffc” btn_custom_text=”#0098da” custom_background=”#0098da” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|||” custom_text=”#fffffc” css=”.vc_custom_1487775061813{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”][/vc_cta][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

If you liked this article then why not share it with someone you know who will also find it interesting  …. thanks! [juiz_sps buttons=”facebook, twitter, google, pinterest, digg, linkedin, stumbleupon, mail”]

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_facebook type=”button_count”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_googleplus][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Related Posts …..

[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”location-reports”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Posted on Leave a comment

New Class 40 Digital Art Print Released

Digital art picture of a British Rail Class 40 loco at speed in the snow

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

New Class 40 Digital Art Print Released

Here it is at last, the eagerly anticipated new Class 40 in the Snow digital art print!

The scene is set in the winter of 1981 and features a Class 40 hauled passenger train speeding through a railway station. The Class 40 is in BR Blue colour scheme with a rake of mark 1 coaches in the British Rail blue and grey colour scheme.

The Class 40 depicted features the marker light and disc front end arrangement typical of the first batch of locos from D200 to D324.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

East Lancs Railway Unveiling

This picture will be unveiled to the public at the East Lancs Railway Diesel Gala today (18th February 2017). Mailing list subscribers have already seen this print and been able to buy at discounted prices for a week, which is usual practice for most new pictures I release.

If you want a heads up on all new pictures and the chance to buy early at discounted prices, then sign up to my mailing list![/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”new-class-40-digital-art-picture”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Say Hi at The East Lancs Diesel Gala

So there we have it, the new Class 40 digital art picture finally unveiled. We are on the bridge at Bury throughout the East Lancs Railway Diesel Gala, so come say hi and see the picture up close!

Thanks for reading and hopefully we will see you soon!

All the best for now

Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

If you liked this Class 40 article then why not share it with someone you know who will also find it interesting  …. thanks! [juiz_sps buttons=”facebook, twitter, google, pinterest, digg, linkedin, stumbleupon, mail”]

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_facebook type=”button_count”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_googleplus][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Related Posts …..

[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”new-images”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Posted on Leave a comment

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway 2016 Diesel Gala

Ted on the GDMK Images stall inside the diesel shed at Toddington on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway 2016 Diesel Gala

We had the pleasure of attending the recent diesel gala at the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway.

Our stall was located inside the diesel shed at Toddington which created a great atmosphere for the event surrounded by locos under restoration and all the associated engineering equipment.

In the shed was D1693 (47105) undergoing a thorough restoration by its owners the Brush Type 4 Fund. The class 47 loco was used extensively on all sorts of freight and express passenger duties all over the UK network and a small number are still in use today. Over 500 of these locos were built and several are preserved or under restoration on preserved railways around the UK.

The groups other Class 47 loco, 47367, was in use during the diesel gala and is painted in Railfreight grey Freightliner colours as carried in the 90s.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Class 47 47105 Under Restoration

[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”47105-under-restoration”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Rare Class 20 

Next to this was a very rare class 20 loco. This loco, currently numbered 2001, was part of the CFD fleet which worked in connection with the construction of a high speed rail link in France. In British Rail service the loco was numbered 20035. 20035 went to France in around 1992 but was never very reliable in service for its French operator. It spent a long time out of service following mechanical breakdowns and eventually returned to the UK in 2005. It is in a very poor condition and is being used as a source of spares for the other class 20 loco on the railway D8137 (20137) and the owners other class 20 (20228) based at Barry. Once component recovery is completed the shell will most likely be scrapped.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=”18050″ img_size=”large” alignment=”center” onclick=”link_image”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Growler Groups Stunning Restoration of 37248

One of the highlights of the diesel gala was the use of English electric Class 37 D6948 (37248) which is looking absolutely immaculate following a thorough rebuild and looks as good as the day it entered service in 1964.

This loco is owned by the Growler Group which is based on the railway with its stablemate 37215.

37215 has been restored into BR Blue colours as it would have looked in the 1970s and 1980s whilst D6948 carries its original BR Green colours in which it was delivered to British Rail.

The Growler Group had their publicity stand in the diesel shed with us and several other stall holders. Ted took the opportunity to join the Growler Group as he was very impressed with their locos.

Below are two short videos of their Class 37s. The first shows the stunning quality of 37248s restoration into as built condition. The second shows 37215 departing Toddington with a train.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/bZJLjPfAPjQ” title=”Class 37 37248″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_video link=”https://youtu.be/973N4pFxRtA” align=”center” src=”“https://www.youtube.com/embed/973N4pFxRtA“” width=”“560“” height=”“315“” frameborder=”“0“” title=”Class 37 37215″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Ted Gets to Grips With a Class 47

Following Teds recent flights in the C-47 Skytrain and B-17 Flying Fortress Sally B, Ted jumped at the chance to get to grips with a main line diesel loco. Class 47 D1693 (47105) was open to inspect so Ted dived at the chance to sit in the driver’s seat of this 95 mph main line mixed traffic loco.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”ted-drives-a-class-47″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway History

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway runs through the stunningly beautiful Cotswold countryside. The heritage railway was originally part of the Great Western Railway’s main line from Birmingham to Cheltenham, via Stratford-upon-Avon. Work started in 1900 and was completed by 1906.

The line was closed to Passenger traffic in March 1960. The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway was formed in 1981 with the intention to re-open the line from Stratford Race Course to Cheltenham Racecourse. The line was originally double tracked throughout but now consists of a single line with passing loops at stations.

The railways operating base was established at Toddington. The railway restored 1/4 of a mile in 1984 and the first trains operated in the same year. There is now just over 12 miles of track from Laverton to Cheltenham Race Course with an almost complete northern extension to Broadway.

The railway predominantly runs steam hauled trains with regular turns for its diesel loco fleet.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Preserved Locomotives Based on the GWSR

The GWSR has a wide range of locomotives and their associated owning and support groups based on the railway. Below is a listing of steam and diesel locos based at the time of the 2016 diesel gala. I have included links to their owning groups. Please take time to have a look at the groups pages as you will find much of interest about the respective groups locomotives. Each of these groups are to be applauded for the excellent restorations of their locos which are a tribute to their hard work.

Steam locos based on the GWSR

Diesel locos based on the GWSR

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]The gala featured most of the home diesel loco fleet plus class 33 D6575 (33057) visiting from the West Somerset Railway.

Crowds seemed healthy enough, with trains seemingly well loaded with happy punters, so hopefully the railway will make sufficient profit to ensure many more of these great events can be run.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Locos Taking Part in the GWSR Diesel Gala

[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”GWSR-diesel-gala-2016″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Railway Photography Tips – Abstract Pictures

Railway Galas quite often provide us with quiet periods after each train has departed. Apart from allowing us to take a breath from selling and answering questions about my art style, I like to hunt out abstract picture opportunities.

There are photo opportunities everywhere and many times I like to look for abstract scenes that would look good in black and white or subjected to various colour treatments.

Railways are full of picture opportunities. Of course everyone wants to get the standard shots of the ‘big’ attractions, but for the following week, social media is awash with similar pictures of locos all looking sort of well …. similar. ‘Record shots’ are everywhere, don’t fall into becoming a ‘record shot’ photographer.

Push yourself to break the mould and look for different opportunities. Low angle, ground level, high vantage points, close-up and abstract picture opportunities are all around you. Challenge the inner photographer in you and find something different. Many pictures might well turn out pants, but some will be a little bit special. Many more efforts will let you know you are on to something different and next time you will know to get a little higher, a little lower, a bit closer or indeed further away.

Do something different. Your eye will develop and you will create your own style. Become a railway photographer rather than someone who takes pictures of trains.

Below is a selection of picture scenes I hunted out.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”abstract-pictures-at-gwsr”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1498680345351{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]

See All Railway Pictures

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1582632738734{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]

Licence Railway Pictures

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

I hope you have enjoyed the photos and my overview of the diesel gala, please feel free to leave any comments below

All the best for now

Gary[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20never%20miss%20an%20update!||”]Subscribe and never miss an update![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

If you liked this article on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway Diesel Gala then why not share it with your family and railway enthusiast friends .… thanks!

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Related Posts …..

[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”location-reports”][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Posted on Leave a comment

NYMR 70s Diesel Gala 2016

Class 26 diesel loco 26038 standing at the head of a passenger train at Pickering station on the North Yorks Moors Railway

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

NYMR 70s Diesel Gala 2016

Here is a quick overview of our trip with the art stall to Pickering on the Friday and Saturday of the recent NYMR 70s Diesel Gala.
Our newly released Class 37 digital painting picture was warmly received and sold well.

40013 and 55007 Looking Great

It was great to see Class 40 D213 40013 Andania back in service after a thorough 20+ year restoration looking and sounding great. Hats off to the owners and everyone involved as the restoration looks top notch.

It seemed very strange to see Deltic 55007 Pinza again, even though we know it is 55022 Royal Scots Grey in disguise. I’m not overly sure about the concept of disguising loco identities but the commercial aspects for the owner is obvious. Nevertheless it was great to see an ex works condition Finsbury Park racehorse coloured Deltic, complete with white cab surrounds again.

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][ess_grid alias=”nymr-70s-diesel-gala-grid”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

 Home Fleet Sounding Great

Both small Sulzer Type 2 locos Class 25 D7628 (25278) and 26038 sounded great and 37264 looked good as an authentic Scottish large logo class 37.

From an operating point of view 26038 didn’t have the best of weekends, failing on both the Friday and Saturday. Saturdays failure caused quite significant delays. From a trading point of view we had a good couple of days despite the seemingly low number of attendees.

We are very much looking forward to going back to the NYMR railway for their Autumn Steam Gala running from 30th Sept to 2nd October.

We are at several other events this summer so drop by and see our unique pictures and digital paintings.

Thanks for reading

Gary

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1498680516727{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]

See All Railway Pictures

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/3″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1470836837917{margin-top: 5px !important;margin-right: 5px !important;margin-bottom: 5px !important;margin-left: 5px !important;border-top-width: 1px !important;border-right-width: 1px !important;border-bottom-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;border-left-color: #0098da !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-color: #0098da !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-color: #0098da !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-color: #0098da !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}”]

Licence Railway Pictures

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”sky” el_width=”80″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_cta h2=”Subscribe to GDMK Images” txt_align=”center” add_button=”bottom” btn_title=”Sign me up!” btn_custom_background=”#0098da” btn_custom_text=”#fffffd” btn_link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fstaging.gdmkimages.co.uk%2Fsubscribe-gdmk-images-newsletters%2F|title:Subscribe%20and%20never%20miss%20an%20update!|”]Subscribe and never miss an update![/vc_cta][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Share this overview of the NYMR 70s Gala with your friends and colleagues …. thanks! [juiz_sps buttons=”facebook, twitter, google, pinterest, digg, linkedin, stumbleupon, mail”]

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_facebook type=”button_count”][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][vc_googleplus][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=”1/6″][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Related Posts …..

[/vc_column_text][ess_grid alias=”new-images”][/vc_column][/vc_row]