Sunday 26 January 2014

Great Central Railway

A couple of shots from the day out on Saturday at the Great Central Railway’s winter steam gala. Yesterday promised to be the only day this weekend that would not be terrible weather, for most of the day this proved to be true however at about 3 o’clock we had a tremendous thunderstorm with, lighting, hailstones, the works, up to this time we had a reasonable day. As ever there was a very big turnout for this event. They had 4 or 5 locos in steam with the usual attractions of the Post Office collection run, a chance to see similar rolling stock to that of the great train robbery, a complete goods train running up and down the line. The Great Central Railway is one of the few heritage lines with a two way track in full running order, so the photographic opportunities are much better than on most lines. Two of the big attractions were the Steam Engine's “Cock O’ The North” & “Oliver Cromwell” 























© Lionel Callow 2014 

Monday 20 January 2014

Paradise Wildlife Park

  After last week’s visit to Hamerton Zoo which was a very enjoyable experience, this Sunday I decided to pay a visit to Paradise Park, Broxbourne Hertfordshire.  This zoo is very much a family friendly park aimed at educating & entertaining young children. However the presentation of the animals is not so good for the enthusiastic photographer, the usual necessary safety wire and glass restricts the ability to get good photos. They have a very good overhead gantry system in place around some of the major exhibits but due to the very high contrast light it only offered a partial solution. Maybe a visit later in the year will prove better.


Lemurs
Lemur
European Wolf

European Wolf

Wolf
Wolf

Cheetah

Cheetah
Tiger

Tapir
Meerkat
Goat

Emu
Camel
Zebra
Zebra
Zebra

Penguin

Penguin

Penguin








































































































      © Lionel Callow 2014 

Saturday 11 January 2014

Hamerton Zoo Park


Following in the footsteps of Ann Mills, my wife and I paid a visit to the Hamerton Zoo and country park near Peterborough. I had the good fortune to meet their resident photographer who very kindly allowed me closer access to some of the big cats.  We had a very enjoyable time and we will return.
Flamingo
Crowned Crane
Grey-necked Crowned Crane
Flamingo
Demoiselle Crane


Meerkat
Meerkat
Meerkat
Meerkats
Meerkats

Meerkat
Cheetah
Cheetah
Cheetah

Cheetah
Corsac Fox 


Corsac Fox in his winter coat.
Corsac Fox 
Corsac Foxes
Fox
Tiger
Tiger
© Lionel Callow 2014