Cath Ex - Southend to Norwich - December 6th

This one has slipped in under the wire as really quite interesting. It looks as though it will be steam out of and into Southend. And the route goes via Seven Sisters plus on the return, takes in the Tilbury loop.
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U63399/2014/12/06/advanced
http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U63397/2014/12/06/advanced

 

There is quite a steep climb beyond Stansted with the summit at Elsenham station where there is also a level crossing and a pedestrian footbridge. So the 5s should be working hard up to here. Just back from the summit is a main road overbridge but the line is in a tree lined cutting at this point. There is also a foot crossing half way up the climb at Robin Hood Road.

Google Earth may be your friend here. https://www.google.com/maps/@51.911...ata=!3m4!1e1!3m2!1s6dVXNREuv-AxDU09BP9vZA!2e0

(These are not locations I know to photograph but I know the line. If it's a sunny day you may be shooting into it)

 

Decided at the last minute today to have a night out in London with a couple of black beauties. Joined the train at Broxbourne for a rare steam run down through Southbury where we took water and around the Tilbury loop to Southend. Having missed this line from steam days, I never thought I'd catch it again but tonight was the night. And the locals were suitably impressed with the upgrade in rail transport.

Thought better of a bog standard night shot so grabbed this atmospheric one of The Lancashire Fusilier whilst the crew was on a break at the water stop.