Union of South Africa.

[ragman]

A perfect shot...Bullseye!! Congratulations!

[mugge]

Just my two cents worth. Outstanding composition and PP.
Cheers Ole

[John 2]

Thanks Roy,Gary, Jean, Alan, Ron and Ole for the continued comment.

Roy, I was up there again yesterday. Atrocious weather and Ribblehead Viaduct was like a car park for about a mile on either side. There was even a parking attendant on duty. I opted to go up on Bleamoore and got thoroughly muddy crossing some pretty boggy land. Suffering for art I guess.

Alan, the Night Scotsman would have been the overnight sleeper which may still run albeit diesel hauled.

[Rita]

I'm a little late here but what an awesome image. I really like the PP making it look old. My cousin lives in Appleby (think that's how to spell it) and she went for a ride on the Hurricane a few days ago. Her husband is a real train buff so he was in his glory.

[John 2]

Thanks Rita. I was up near there yesterday to try and capture a particular shot of the train that I have had in mind for some time. It's called the Tornado BTW, named after a fighter A/C of the same name. It is the first steam loco to have been built for 50 years, funded by voluntary contributions raised entirely by enthusiasts. One of the contributors was I believe, the Aerospace company that builds the Tornado A/C - hence the name. The line through Appleby goes through the Yorkshire Dales and is one of the few that remains uncluttered by overhead electrification. It is consequently popular with photographers and Steam Specials alike. It has recently been closed for repairs and the Tornado hauled the scheduled service for three days to celebrate its reopening.

[Rita]

Ah yes, the Tornado. I didn't think I had the name quit right but I knew it had something to do with weather terminology.
An interesting story on the name, thanks.