The Bluebell Railway’s New Build Giants of Steam gala brought together some of preservation’s most exciting modern locomotives — Tornado, Lady of Legend, Beachy Head and Betton Grange — for a weekend of photography, videography, and friendship amid ever-changing Sussex skies. From golden sunrise to driving rain, here’s how the three-day steam spectacular unfolded.

On a recent visit to the Buckinghamshire Railway Centre, I had the pleasure of seeing GWR Hall Class No. 6989 Wightwick Hall looking resplendent in her brand-new red livery. This striking transformation isn’t just for show — the locomotive is set to feature in the upcoming Harry Potter TV series! Join me as I photograph her cinematic new look and enjoy the brilliant setting of the Buckinghamshire Rail Centre.

Join Sharpthorne Steam for a four-day photographic adventure at the Severn Valley Railway Autumn Steam Gala 2025. From night runs with the Camelot 73082 to historic double-headed National Coal Board locomotives, experience the sights, sounds, and challenges of capturing steam in motion across Worcestershire and Shropshire. Tips, panning shots, and behind-the-scenes moments make this a must-read for railway enthusiasts and photographers alike.

The Swanage Railway’s Autumn Steam Gala was all about capturing the return south of Schools Class No.926 Repton in her stunning Maunsell green. From early morning starts and missed opportunities to that perfect golden hour moment, this blog takes you behind the lens of Sharpthorne Steam.

A day of GWR magic at Didcot Railway Centre! From seeing No. 65 in steam and exploring the sheds to testing the iPhone vs Nikon Zf for railway photography — this blog blends story, locomotives, and photography tips for enthusiasts and content creators alike.

Step back in time with my visit to Southern at War at the Bluebell Railway — one of the UK’s best WWII re-enactment events for steam railway fans. This blog covers everything from lineside steam photography tips and hidden shooting spots to exploring wartime exhibits, vintage military vehicles, and classic locomotives like Standard 4 Tank No. 80151 and Sir Archibald Sinclair. If you’re planning to photograph heritage railways or thinking about getting a PTS lineside pass, here’s a look at what it’s really like — brambles, ferns, and all!

When Class 50 50008 Thunderer thundered out of Princes Risborough with coaching stock bound for the Mid Hants Railway, it marked an unforgettable start to this year’s Diesel Gala. Dive into the story behind the move, plus our roundup of the best sights and sounds from the Watercress Line’s unmissable diesel event.

Step back in time with Sharpthorne Steam at the Severn Valley Railway’s Trains Through the Ages event — where iconic steam giants share the spotlight with heritage diesels. From black & white photography with Hagley Hall to nostalgic snaps of the mighty Western Courier, I share my favourite shots, film recipes, and insider tips on editing RAW images to bring railway history to life. Whether you’re a steam purist, a diesel convert, or just here for the photography secrets — this one’s for you.

Over three unforgettable days, the Cuckoo Line gala with four lovely steam locomotives, one diesel loco and one DEMU, provided a look back into the end of British Railway steam. There were headboards, painting of smokeboxes and fantastic community sprit in this gala that could be a contender of gala of the year. So grab your favourite beverage and read all about an amazing weekend on the Spa Valley Railway.

The first time I have experienced diesel traction at 125mphs when we blast up the East Coast Mainline and heads towards Stanhope to experience the Weardale Railway and get some Class 31 haulage in the loco yard before taking the HST back to Kings Cross for a round trip of just under 600 miles in a day!

The race to see Britannia is on, can an icon of British engineering help us catch another icon of British engineering. In a race to get the perfect shot.

A blog from a fantastic day out with friends during the Hastings Unit Tour to the Bluebell Railway on the 17 May 2025. A run down of the days lineside photography.