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

Despite a gloomy weather forecast, Saturdays photoshoot at North Weald, was absolutely superb, with excellent photo opportunities. Some late afternoon sunshine, preceded a clear evening, when both aircraft were 'fired up'. With thanks to Neil. his team, the re-enactors, and the chief pilot of Hanger 11, Peter Teichman.

Neil E

This week saw my first outing with TLE, a charter with GWR 0-6-0PT 1369 on the South Devon Railway from Buckfastleigh. The day was most enjoyable! Within the limitations imposed by a lack of watering facilities (for the loco, not the participants!) and the fickle nature of the sun, the event was well-run and I came away with some nice shots. I've already booked up for a second event with TLE next month, and expect I will do more in the future. Highly recommended!

Brian T

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've just attended the All American Pin-up shoot at North Weald, & can't praise it highly enough! It's my first time behind the camera at one of these events, having been involved as a re-enactor in the past. Pre shoot communications & the organisation was faultless, & I found everyone really friendly & helpful. That includes Neil & the TLE staff, all at Hangar 11, & the models.  I should also include the other photographers as well! What a friendly bunch, & all eager to share help & advice, & most considerate about keeping out of shot! I loved the event, shot hundreds of images, (several of which came out ok). I'll certainly consider another event in the future, and anyone who has thought about doing one, just do it!

Pete M

A great event last friday evening at STEAM in Swindon. The set ups were really good with so many re-enactors giving the impression of a busy station. The smoke machines worked a treat creating a realistic atmosphere. A mention here for Zab who worked hard all evening marshalling the re-enactors for us to get such good pictures.

Andrew B