Preston Whistlers: D213 Andania and D345 depart Preston on October 30, 2021

For the past few years, Preston has been my local station and it provides fantastic subjects, particularly useful for keeping the photographer busy with night shoots during the shorter winter days. There is always so much going on and so many different angles on offer; whatever your genre or style, there are plentiful opportunities.

This image was taken recently, during some typically inclement weather, of the Class 40s, D213 Andania and D345, being coupled to the train prior to departure to the South West with the 1Z40 charter, ‘The Devonian Double’, to Plymouth on October 30, 2021.

I always find this type of shot a huge challenge; trying to get everything technically squared away while battling the miserable conditions. This makes it all the more satisfying when you get home, pour a warm brew, and find that one of the selection of compositions stands out from the rest.

I think I would be fair in saying that, between the ECS arriving and the charter leaving, there were quite a few ‘gentlemen of a similar age’ reliving fond memories of their youth!