Conwy steam train and other bits

A quick trip to Conwy last weekend to see the steam-hauled special train, quite disappointing really as it was dull and overcast.

So, first a few in front of the castle, the real reason for going. Unfortunately I'd left the camera in basic auto mode, so most of them had some camera shake and were no good. These two aren't bad, but in all the excitement I cut the top off the castle.

1.

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/Conwy%20May%2019th%202012/IMGP3720-web.jpg[/IMG]

2.

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/Conwy%20May%2019th%202012/IMGP3723-web.jpg[/IMG]

As I'd managed to find some free parking I thought I'd have a look around the town. Although I've been many times before (have/had relations in Llandudno Junction and Colwyn Bay) it hasn't been for a long time. Because of the dull conditions, some of these worked better in monochrome.

3.

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/Conwy%20May%2019th%202012/Imgp3768a.jpg[/IMG]

4.

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/Conwy%20May%2019th%202012/Imgp3762a.jpg[/IMG]

5.

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/Conwy%20May%2019th%202012/Imgp3731a.jpg[/IMG]

6.

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/Conwy%20May%2019th%202012/Imgp3747a.jpg[/IMG]

On the way I noticed this out in the Irish Sea, but hadn't left enough time to be stopping for a closer look, so I stopped on the way back instead. This is with the 500mm mirror lens.

7.

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/Conwy%20May%2019th%202012/IMGP3853-web.jpg[/IMG]

And finally, a little closer to home, the same steam special on the way back just near Beeston Castle.

8.

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/Conwy%20May%2019th%202012/Imgp3862a.jpg[/IMG]

Any comments appreciated. Disappointed about the weather, and surprised that "Duchess of Sutherland" is now in green.

Your trip was well worth it Mike because you got some fine pictures at Conway as well as the Green Duchess. I really like the pictures of the fishing boats and the wind turbines and ship in the Irish sea.
The loco pictures look a little dark on my screen, perhaps some selective work in levels will bring out more detail on the engine.
David

PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

I like these - given the conditions they have come out well

Very nice capture of the Duchess in full steam in the last one

Mike

Good to see the Duchess in full working order again. She looked better in red though...

I like the mono boats and the last one of the Duchess.

I have seen several published shots of trains passing the back of the castle where the photographer has attained a higher viewpoint.

Were you standing in the park? It might be worth a climb up the hill behind you, the next time you are there.

Regards

The boats are very good particularly the first mono one.

We caught the Duchess at Chester on the outbound journey and had the same problem with the light, a little time in Photoshop should help to improve things though!.

I did start having a bit of a play with the various levels and so on, but I'm not that practised with the techniques and wasn't really sure I was improving things - in the end it was a dull day so I thought I'd leave them alone and show it was dull.

Peter, I was stood next to the public bowling green. I left it a little late to set off, and was stuck behind people doing 35mph all the way to Chester so I ended up arriving after the train had already arrived in Llandudno Junction and didn't want to risk missing it. While wandering around the town afterwards I found a few better locations for next time, also I did walk up that hill and, once I'd recovered from the climb, saw that it offers a better viewpoint even if the sheep didn't seem impressed. Took this (well, these) while I was up there:

[IMG]http://i10.photobucket.com/albums/a149/hpfirenza/Conwy%20May%2019th%202012/montage1a.jpg[/IMG]

(I know I can do magic with PS to get the levels to balance, but I actually prefer montages like this, to be obviously montages, hence I left the different borders and levels. I saw a photo in a car book many years ago that I liked so much I try to do them when I can).

Thanks for all the comments everyone.