Duchess and the pond

The steam hauled “The London Explorer” Derby to Euston to Derby via Kettering was re-routed in the week to go via Nuneaton meaning that it would go through Rugby at 09:48 this morning so Dave and I arrived at Rugby Station in time for a coffee not realising when we ambled up to the platform that she had already arrived some 15 minutes early. Thankfully LMS Coronation Class 4-6-2 no 46233 Duchess of Sutherland was just waiting for the off being pampered by the crew and admired by a small crowd so managed a few shots though had to fight all the electrification furniture along with slow clearing fog.

record shot on our arrival

starting to pull away and sounded great due to the echo off the nearby factory's

about the best uncluttered pic I could manage

distant shot approaching the remains of the old birdcage bridge

Once I had finished shopping in town I popped down to the pond to look at the Black-necked Grebe Bob had found and a chance to have another look at the first winter male Scaup.

immature male Scaup now losing its blaze

distant record shot of the Black-necked Grebe
(last 3 photos by Bob Hazel)