Toton yard sunrise on January 4, 2003

While photographing steam was still a priority, I was heading to the Great Central Railway for its postchristmas Winter Gala. The conditions were sub-zero and with a slight easterly wind.

However, as old habits die hard, I decided to call in for a look at Toton Yard out of interest. Although 66175 appears to be the subject matter as it creeps towards its destination with a coal train, it was the conditions that grabbed me – it was only five minutes after sunrise on Saturday, January 4, 2003. The sky was pink, and a few minutes later it was golden. I chose this photo, as it includes Ratcliffe Power Station, which is on borrowed time, being one of only three coal-fired power stations remaining in the UK. As I write this, China has 1082 coal-fired power stations - food for thought!