Reviews

Fairburn Tank in The Lakes" was the title for Timeline's November outing with 42073 at the Lakeside and Haverthwaite line, but little did the unwary participants anticipate how close to actually being under water this event threatened to be as the River Leven surged past the Linsty Green location providing an interesting diversion from the rather sombre first day's shoot in the perpetual gloom of The Lakes at their most miserable. Undeterred, Neil and his willing co conspirators, the two Peters, pressed on and, with some relief from the rainfall later in the day, and despite awesome ASA readings, a reasonable selection of images was procured along the branch. A satisfyingly filling early dinner in the L and H restaurant and night shoot starring the motionless Linda completed the proceedings for Day One, with an optimistic weather forecast for the morrow in the minds of those with two days suffering booked. To everyone's relief Thursday dawned with hills visible and a prospect of brightness and so it came to pass that the sun did wilfully illuminate Sowerby Bridge's finest and her diminutive train at most of the key locations along the line. Opinion seemed to favour the rock face just east of Haverthwaite Tunnel as the master shot, but the woods approaching Newby Bridge must have been a close second with their autumn tints sparkling in the sunshine. The morning ended with some reflective views over the reed beds approaching Lakeside, after which a return to lunch at Haverthwaite was made as the sun gave way to clouds portending the arrival of the storm-named-Abigail. Rain and increased gloominess over lunch saw an exodus of participants before a superbly smokey afternoon departure to Lakeside, but once again, Neil's personal hotline to God had already secured the services of the golden orb and I think there was a general feeling that Timeline had made the best of what originally seemed most unpromising circumstances. Notwithstanding day one's adversities I enjoyed this charter and thank Neil, Linda, the Two Peters and all the staff of the L and HR who made it possible.

Pete S

The Wellington hanger event exceeded my expectations. The careful consideration of the limited numbers involved allowed for all who attended to move around without disturbing others in the confined area. All other photographers were polite and considerate and it made for a thoroughly enjoyable experience. I have come away with the results I had dreamed of...so very happy. My thanks to Neil and the team for his valuable suggestions as regards technique, and also for making certain that everybody got both the angles and the time required to achieve what they wanted.

Bob A

I have attended three shoots with TLE at East Kirkby, and all have been expertly run by Neil and the team. Always on hand to accommodate any ideas that we photographers have, Neil and his team also offer photographic advice should we need it. In large groups for such shoots as nighttime engine runs, the team are very good at making sure people move around, allowing everybody to get their shots from different angles. This doesn’t happen with another company I use, and it really makes a difference. Neil and the team are also very good at organising the re-enactors. I enjoy the TLE events and would not hesitate to recommend them.

Rob H

As a regular visitor to East Kirkby and Just Jane, I enjoy the oppressive to take part in TLE. Neil & Alan are brilliant in the way that they are there for all your needs and are very approachable particularly if you need a little technical help. I’ve attended photography events with other operators where re-enactors forget they they are chiefly there for us the customers, but the way that Neil & Alan get the guys and girls to to do repeat walks, or when they hold a certain pose for a few seconds. The banter is also good, and I particularly like the fact that we are all encouraged to be friendly and aware of each and to be polite. I cannot recommend TLE highly enough and look forward to a shoot containing the Mosquito in 2020. Rob Hayton

I recently attended my first TimeLine Event at Didcot, having just joined as a TLE member  - Winter in the shed - what a great experience! Merging together my passion for social history and photography I was really looking forward to the event - and I wasn't disappointed! The venue was brilliant - old, authentic and atmospheric - even more so due to the smoke machines and steam from the trains.  Together, with professional, flexible, approachable and adaptable re-enactors, the perfect backdrop and atmosphere for railway shots was created. The cameo's set up by the TLE team were thoughtful and considered and the team ensured each photographer got the shot they were after.  Fellow photographers were polite, enthusiastic and willing to share their tips and techniques.  I really enjoyed the event and have already booked up for several more in the near future!

Belinda E

 I had a fabulous day out at Papplewick pumping station (Nottinghamshire) where I met ladies and gentlemen of Victorian Steampunk persuasion. They were all superbly dressed, very photogenic, happy to pose as instructed amidst the engineering backdrop of the Victorian pumping station. A truly fabulous day out and shared with many like minded photographers. Nigel S