Home»All my photos»2013 Railway Photos»Streak in the sun at Appleby 2 February 2013

After weeks of torrential rain, frost and snow, there was bright sunshine all across the North today. The humbler motive power allocated to the Winter Cumbrian Mountain Express series was unavailable, so we were graced with Class 8 oomph in the shape of A4 Pacific No 60009 Union of South Africa.

A few stray clouds parted as she approached Appleby, the sun lighting up her shiny Brunswick green livery. She had to take a long drink at the water tower, sufficient to take her right through to Farington Junction, as the Hellifield supply proved uncertain this time last year. So there was plenty of time to study her before she set off determinedly towards Ais Gill.