26.1.13 - 66158 6E99 New Cumnock - Cottam, Smardale

We had another decent amount of snow last night and with a thaw expected later in the day I was very keen to make the most of any photting opportunities. With clear skies over the Eden Valley there was every chance that I'd be able to capture a sun and snow image of a southbound coal, if there was anything running. The lads once again turned up trumps with the gen (thanks to WA and RB) and between 8 and 12 there were 3 southbound coals expected. The first worked south before sunrise but the second, the heavily delayed 6E99 New Cumnock - Cottam, was expected at Kirkby Stephen around 09.50. With clouds over the fell section the best option was Smardale but as this was a relatively early runner the usual wide angle view wasn't on. So I opted for a 70mm shot before 66158 hit the shadowy section of track. Looking great as it climbs through the freezing scene the DBS driver sounded a happy hello on the horn as our Sammy was waving at him from the snowy bank.