JL - 3.2.24 47712 1Z81 08:20 Stoke - Appleby, Smardale

A fine birthday treat! Not only one of my favourite locos/liveries working over the S&C this Saturday, but a decent chance of sunshine too. In my spotting days, my Dad took me on a few trips up to Scotland to see Highland 37s and push-pull 47s working from Glasgow Queen St. Since then I've always been an admirer of this excellent livery. LSL's 47712 'Lady Diana Spencer' drifts downgrade through Smardale with 1Z81 Stoke - Appleby 'Statesman' excursion. In this lunchtime path there would be very few spots where any sun would be on the nose over the whole route. This is where a drone comes into it's own as I careful selected 2 spots where the light would be favourable.