Flying Scotsman in Wiltshire

"The Cathedrals Express" on the London Paddington to Salisbury route, photographed today at Little Langford. Very little exhaust produced on a lovely sunny day.

Nice capture. Should I point out that a steam loco emits smoke rather than exhaust? Exhaust is emitted by internal combustion engines, ie diesels. Did the train have a diesel at the rear today or have they become more trusting that it won't break down now?

John, a steam locomotive does emit exhaust, what comes out of the chimney is a mixture of flue gases from the fire and exhaust steam from the cylinders. In fact the force of the steam exiting via the blastpipe and chimney draws air through the fire and is vital for combustion - if the loco is not working -for instance whilst stopped at a station or drifting downhill, use of the "blower" may be needed to keep a decent air flow over the fire. I was out taking pictures of 92212 on the Mid-Hants tonight and absolutely no exhaust visible as the air is too warm and humid.

I don't agree with you but not to worry even if you're probably technically correct. I've never heard anyone saying a steam loco is emitting exhaust. Smoke, yes. Steam, yes, Exhaust, no! They never called it exhaust when I was a lad! But bring on the diesels and the air was full of it.

Well I have to agree to differ on that one John, when I go on 'photo charters, we talk about exhaust all the time.I do have to agree with you re diesels though.....


Thunderbirds are GO! by Arle Images, on Flickr

But this is nicer......


Diverted Boat Black and White by Arle Images, on Flickr

I cannot recall anyone referring to it as exhaust back in the golden steam days, but now it is used as a generic term for emissions of fumes from anything. Not my car though as it's a Nissan Leaf !

Going back to the image All this chat about what comes out of the funnel at the top is exhausting

It's nicely captured but it's a little too close to the edge of the frame, like it's exiting the image and not into it.

Nice shot, I like the way you caught just about all of it, but agree with Gareth on the lack of space at the front.

Fair comment re: lack of exit space. There was a trusty diesel on the rear, you just can't see it in my shot because of the curve.

Hopefully a better shot with a bit more breathing room :

Nice spot to take the pic just of the bend works well.

Regards Ian

I really like that.

A great composition. Lovely colours and tonal depth. Seriously very, very good.