Excellent set, every one of them is stunning.
David

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

Great image.
David

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

For lineside action shots when trains are moving at speed its always the DA*50-135mm lens for me. If I had a DA*2.8 200mm lens I would use that for action shots although the zoom allows me to pull back and shoot more frames.
For static and close ups its nearly always the DA*16-50mm lens but I sometimes use the Sigma 10-20mm lens, especially for cramped spaces or abstract details.
The great railway photographers of the past, long before there were any zooms or telephotos, standard lenses were all they had so the present day 50s would be the nearest. They always seemed to get their pictures pin sharp and cropped in using darkrfoom skills.
David

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

Let me add my praise to the superlatives already heaped on this very enjoyable set of images. Well worth the cold morning bike ride Mat.
David

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

There's a happy band of North Easterners on Pentax User Forum. Welcome to another one.
David
PPG: http://www.pentaxphotogallery.com/artists/davidtrout

Thanks for the link. I've given it go. Nothing south of Ullapool though so no Ben Lomond or Eilean Donan.
David

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

Coach and Eight Stan. Its a rowing reference not a horse drawn carriage.
David

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

Some of us from up here manage to penetrate the deep south west fairly frequently Andrew so go on give it a try sometime.
Actually I think we in Durham/Northumberland/North Yorkshire/Cumbria are in the best location. Anywhere on the British mainland
is within a day's drive. Perhaps a long day's drive but doable.
David

PS: Re the crop, don't do it. Leave the rocks in

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

Glad you are out and about again Cliff. That's a fine shot of a fine engine.
David

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

I don't miss the top panel on the K30 although I'm used to it on the K5. You can still see the info in the viewfinder or on the rear screen, although its not there all the time. The K30 is an excellent camera and at the current price must be one of the best bargains in photography.
David

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