Day out to Great Western Heaven

My first visit to the heart of Great Western Railway heritage at Didcot was a real treat. Not only did I get to see a visiting locomotive from the Bluebell Railway, but also enjoy photographing in the magnificent engine shed. The highlight was watching the two 14xx class tanks in action, giving a wonderful taste of classic auto-coach action working throughout the day. In this blog we explore the Railway Centre but also some new photography with a new toy.

A few weeks ago, I said goodbye to my Google Pixel 6 Pro after its battery swelled and the screen popped off. So, with a new phone in hand, the iPhone 16 Pro, I thought I’d share a quick review. Didcot made the perfect test run: a relaxed day out where the cameras could take a step back while the phone handled the everyday shots.

Uncomfortably Comfortable - No65 looks very much at home with her SECR green paint amongst the Halls, Prairies, Manors, Castles and Kings of the Great Western Railway.

Camera Stats: Camera: Nikon Zf, Focal Length: 43mm, Shutter Speed: 1/100 Aperture: f/6.3 ISO: 100

The journey to Didcot was fairly straightforward, and I chose to avoid London—not just for the cost, but also because going via Reading only added about ten minutes. That small detour was worth it, it limited my time on the Class 700s (I still haven’t shaken the memory of commuting on them!) and gave me the chance to enjoy the scenery along the North Downs line.

This also became the perfect opportunity to put the iPhone’s video capabilities to the test. A friend of mine has always said the iPhone produces superb video, so I tried both the standard 1x mode and the time-lapse feature. I don’t use time-lapse often, but it seemed ideal for capturing the journey in a quick video. Both modes worked really well, though I did find the time-lapse a little limited in understanding how many seconds it had recorded.

The King of GWR - Sporting the racy British Railway express blue livery, No6023 “King Edward II” recently returned from the Greatest Gathering stands resplendent in the afternoon sun. Hopefully one day we will see this graceful locomotive back in steam.

Camera Stats: Camera: Nikon Zf, Focal Length: 30mm, Shutter Speed: 1/250 Aperture: f/7.1 ISO: 100

I’d managed to persuade (not that it took much!) mikedoestrains to join me on the trip, and we met at Didcot Parkway. The journey itself was uneventful but enjoyable, it was nice to be back on a Class 165, and Reading station impressed me with its modern design. Another first for me was travelling on a Class 800. While they’re perfectly capable, they just don’t compare to a Class 91 in my eyes, my fondness for Mk4 coaching stock probably shows there.

We arrived ahead of opening time, and it was a real treat to hear three locomotives being prepared for a day of action on the demonstration lines.

The main draw for me was No. 65, a locomotive I’ve frustratingly missed twice before while away on holiday at other railways. This trip finally gave me the chance to capture it on camera, along with another visitor, 14xx class tank No. 1450, and Didcot’s own pioneer No. 1466.

I spent the day experimenting with a mix of gear—my Nikon Zf (24MP, paired with the surprisingly capable 24–70mm f/4 kit lens) alongside the iPhone’s Fusion camera, which can push up to 48MP.

This visit was the perfect chance to trial both the iPhone and my camera side by side. When photographing around the shed, I tend to reach for the 24–70mm f/4—it gives me a flexible range without the distortion of a wide-angle, which can make everything feel too distant.

When testing new gear, I like to pair it with something familiar, and the Nikon Zf gave me that solid baseline to compare against the iPhone. My first subject was No. 65, a locomotive I’ve photographed many times before, making it an ideal benchmark.

Take a look at the shots below, what do you think, does the Nikon or the iPhone come out on top?

Basking on Shed: No 65 is on shed with awaiting her turn to go down to the turntable

Camera Stats: Camera, iPhone 16 Pro, Focal Length: 24mm, Shutter Speed: 1/3610 Aperture: f/1.78 ISO: 80

No65 in Profile - Standing on shed at Didcot, No65 is gleaming ahead of a day of demonstration runs around Didcot Railway Centre

Camera Stats: Camera: Nikon Zf, Focal Length: 45mm, Shutter Speed: 1/250 Aperture: f/6.3 ISO: 100

For the next test, I swung slightly to the right and photographed No. 6998 “Burton Agnes Hall” alongside Large Prairie No. 6106, with a glimpse of No. 4079 “Pendennis Castle” tucked away in the shed background. All the iPhone shots here were taken in Apple ProRAW at 48MP.

I usually use my phone for quick, shareable images—easy to polish in Lightroom before heading to Instagram or Facebook. The optical lenses in the iPhone’s Fusion system really help keep images crisp, but once you push past 5x, digital zoom creeps in and definition starts to drop. Like many of you, I want my images sharp and full of detail, so I kept everything here below that threshold.

Below are two examples, one with the Nikon Zf and one with the iPhone showing how I split their roles, the iPhone for quick social posts and the Zf for blog work and more polished photography.

Not What I Intended - I think it is always good to show off the negatives as well, taken with the iPhone 16 Pro but an element for me of getting used to the limitations of the phone and its digital zoom.

Iconic GWR Locos - 6998 “Burton Agnes Hall” and 6106 stand outside the shed whilst driver and fireman have a chat in front of Pendennis Castle

Camera Stats: Focal Length: 70mm, Shutter Speed: 1/250 Aperture: f/6.3 ISO: 100

From the turntable, we followed No. 65 up to the coaling tower—another moment ticked off my Didcot bucket list. Watching a locomotive being filled from the tower was genuinely impressive, and No. 65 was the perfect subject. I didn’t take stills here, but you can catch the action in the YouTube video embedded above.

Afterwards, we made our way into the engine shed, home to a wonderful mix of locomotives from both the GWR and British Rail Western Region days. The shed had some fantastic light to work with. For this part, I mostly stuck with the Nikon Zf—switching between video and stills is far easier on a camera than digging out a phone every time. The Zf also handles low light beautifully, and while midday in the shed isn’t exactly difficult lighting, it still offered some excellent opportunities, as shown in my shot of the Class 14 “Teddy Bear” below.

📸Photography Tip: In sheds or dimmer spaces, look for light spilling through windows or roof vents. Position yourself so the locomotive catches that natural highlight—it’ll give depth and drama without needing high ISO.

Mike also reminded me of the value of photographing in pairs—different eyes spot different angles, and sometimes those fresh perspectives can make all the difference.

Teddy Bear - Bathed in the midday sun, D9516 sits in the engine engine shed awaiting her next run out.

Camera Stats: Focal Length: 70mm, Shutter Speed: 1/80 Aperture: f/6.3 ISO: 100

The shed was an excellent place to explore and to chat at length with Mike about our shared love of the GWR. Mike, as a Severn Valley volunteer, brings plenty of insight, while I’ll happily admit my weakness for anything GWR—whether a 4-6-0 or a tank engine (though Southern will always come first for me!).

Inside was a fantastic line-up: Halls, Castles, Manors, Small and Large Prairies, Pannier tanks, a Class 14, and one of my favourite diesels, a fantastic example of a Class 52 in “Western Fusilier.” We spent well over an hour in the shed, taking photos and soaking it all in—Mike kindly described me as a “source of much energy,” which is probably fair! Photography and locomotives are such a passion that if you ever need a pick-me-up, I’m available for hire.

Our visit ended with a lovely chat with one of the Didcot staff about the fine detailing on Pendennis Castle’s tender. She told us her father had been a detailer—not for locomotives, but for buses, signs, and anything that required a steady hand and eye for precision. It reminded me of watching the lining being done on 34059 “Sir Archibald Sinclair”—one of those moments where you hardly dare breathe for fear of causing a slip..

Unfortunately a decal, but the fantastic workmanship that goes into the GWR company crest is wonderful to see.

Camera Stats: Focal Length: 33mm, Shutter Speed: 1/60 Aperture: f/6.3 ISO: 100

From here we moved over to the branch line demonstration line for a ride behind No. 65 and her Great Western coach. It was a real pleasure to see her working on another line, and even better to watch visitors, many of whom rarely get to the Bluebell, enjoy this unique locomotive. For me, this part of the day was more about soaking up the atmosphere than chasing photos. That’s the beauty of railway photography: a mix of time spent lineside and then the reward of riding the trains themselves.

The Branch Line at Didcot is short but full of character, and after a morning of photography it was nice to simply sit back and enjoy one of the shortest train rides I’ve done (and yes, I’ve also ridden the Stourbridge line!). I didn’t end up travelling on the main line demonstration line this time, as I was busy filming for video, but it was great to see 1466, 1450, and of course No. 65 hard at work.

When 1466 headed back to the shed, I took the chance to test the iPhone against the Nikon Zf once more. Didcot is fantastic for getting close to locomotives, and that’s where the iPhone really shines, its images are wonderfully crisp. But I did find the lack of manual control frustrating. Having learned how to balance shutter speed, aperture, and ISO on a camera, it’s odd to see the iPhone choose settings I’d never use, or, in the case of aperture, simply can’t on the f/4 kit lens.

📸 Photography tip: If you’re working close to locomotives, don’t be afraid to get low. A simple kneeling shot can make even a small tank engine look powerful and commanding in the frame. Likewise, if you’re using an iPhone, keep zoom below 5x to avoid digital softening, it’s better to crop slightly later in editing than lose detail in-camera.

As always, I’ve included the details behind each shot below, with one from the iPhone and one from the Zf. For me, it’s important not just to grab the standard standing shot, but also to try different perspectives. One of my favourites is kneeling down, whether with a large engine or a small tank, it gives the locomotive an even more impressive sense of stature.

Wonderful Western - What a magnificent job of the livery on No1466 as she comes back to shed after entertaining passengers on the mainline demonstration line.

Camera Stats: Camera: iPhone 16 Pro, Focal Length: 28mm, Shutter Speed: 1/4200 Aperture: f/1.8 ISO: 64

Perfect Sunlight - Gleaming paint and being the perfect portrait to photo, No1466 looks amazing on shed!

Camera Stats: Camera: Nikon Zf, Focal Length: 26mm, Shutter Speed: 1/250 Aperture: f/7.1 ISO: 100

After a few more runs with 1466 and her autocoach on the branch line, it was sadly time to say goodbye and begin the long journey back to Three Bridges. The only real bit of drama came at Reading, where I had to sprint for the 165 thanks to a fashionably late Pendolino.

So, what did I learn from testing the iPhone? For me, its camera is a clear step up from the Google Pixel 6 Pro, not surprising when you compare a one-year-old phone to a four-year-old one. But even so, I was genuinely impressed with the iPhone’s focus, colour, sharpness, and overall detail. It can’t quite match the output of my full-frame Nikon Zf (24MP), but the ability to shoot in RAW at up to 48MP is a big advantage for quick snaps in the field. Pairing those files with Lightroom makes them shine, as with all RAW files, they come out a little flat and dark at first, but the flexibility in editing is fantastic. Looking back, I probably should have listened to my friend years ago, the iPhone really does feel like the most capable camera phone on the native OS market (sorry Samsung fans!).

📸 Photography tip:
If you’re comparing phone and camera shots, always try shooting the same subject in similar light with both. It makes the differences clearer—and helps you decide which device works best for quick grabs versus more polished work.

Thanks for reading another blog something a little different this time. The coming month is shaping up to be a hectic one with linesiding at the Bluebell Diesel Gala, the Swanage Railway Southern Steam Gala, all four days at the Severn Valley Gala, and then a trip to Portugal to once again chase the 1400 diesels. It may be called a holiday, but with the early starts lined up, i will need another holiday to recover! I’ll blog as much as I can along the way, and hopefully catch up with many of you out on the gala circuit.