Early Saturday Morning…

Not every train-spotting trip is a marathon. Sometimes we’re able to go local to catch something good before we do our family chores later in the day. Last Saturday was one such day with two special trains booked out of King’s Cross.

I had initially intended to get the 232 bus to New Southgate and take a train to Alexandra Palace from there to catch these specials. But I was running a little late and by the time I’d given Epi a ‘see ya soon’ kiss, I just missed the bus. This threw everything into disarray as I would miss the target train at New Southgate and the next one was cancelled due to a fault. Time for a quick rethink!

I walked round the corner to see if a 382 would do the job – no dice. So I caught a 263 to North Finchley and changed to the 383 bus there. I was now destined to be taking my photos at Oakleigh Park.

You may ask why I didn’t intend to go there initially. Firstly, from previous experience when Alasdair and I went there in 2014, there could be a number of steam enthusiasts at the end of the platform making for difficult photographic opportunities. Secondly, Network rail allow the shrubs and trees to grow between the tracks and if they hadn’t recently been trimmed then the shot was probably a no-go anyway.

I was amazed, therefore, when neither of these scenarios played out. Instead, as a test, I got this shot of Class 700, 700031, heading north with an overtaking LNER express hiding in the Buddleia…

No one showed up to share the end of the platform view. If this was Flying Scotsman I’d probably have been fighting to maintain my position against a mix of enthusiasts and members of the general public – some of whom would probably have been acting irresponsibly in order to get their shot!😒Instead, I had the platform all to myself as Bulleid Merchant Navy Class Pacific 35018, ‘British India Line’ approached, making some smoke on the gentle climb…

…Shame it was such a dull morning, muting the colours…

But that wasn’t the end of the entertainment. I also had a diesel hauled special to wait for 20 minutes later. Of course, not long after 35018 had passed, the sun came out. So our diesel special – hauled by 67005 – looked very nice as it passed the Buddleia growing between the tracks…

…

I guess we should be thankful for what we are lucky enough to catch when we go out and about😎👍