71000 Duke of Gloucester

A volcanic departure! Great stuff. I had the great pleasure and privilege to fire (and drive a bit) the Duke when he visited the GCR in 2010.

Many thanks for your input, Pete. I first posted a colour version over on the dark side this morning and I have received a comment akin to yours, "Looks like Vesuvius erupting" ;-)
The experience of seeing such events never leaves the memory bank as the vision, sound and smell gets recorded in different places.
If I could travel on the footplate of any loco from the preserved collection, my preference would be for the Duke.

Ditto... what can I say... THAT Smoke !!!

It's not all smoke as you know, Pam. There is a fair amount of steam leakage in there too and right up your street.

Wow, that's a lot of smoke:-)

A pity that stitching photos was not a common practice at that time or I could have added the upper half to this photo ;-) Re the previous comment, HFF to you and yours, Gudrun.

Same to you, Neil!

Oh - the wonderful days of steam - I loved traveling by train then. Thanks for the memories. HFF

Thank you, Helen. I find it hard to believe that most people do not have experience of travelling by such means. HFF!

A lot of huff and puff there.

You are still the master of understatement, Maurice ;-)

HFF Neil....a lot of steam and power ;)
Let´s make it like this!

We all have our dreams, Tanja ;-))

HFF to you too.

Under full steam into the weekend! ;-D

HFF, Neil!

Right, Dida...and there is no going back ;-)

HFF!

Smashing composition - I especially like the portrait orientation, which meant you could get most of the smoke in shot. Excellent Neil..!!

Many thanks, Keith. Portrait was really the only option and it's a pity that did not include the full eruption.

HFF and a relaxing weekend!

HFF, Neil ! Wish you a very nice weekend

Thank you kindly, Ulrich.

HFF and a wish you have a happy and healthy weekend.

An iconic steam train shot - love it.

I thank you for letting me know, Jeff. Enjoy your weekend!

...working hard. Fine b&W Neil. HFF

Many thanks for your positive visit, Lutz.

HFF and all the best for the WE

WOW………….

Thank you, Danielle

HFF!

gimme steam.... ; )

A fine photo. And I wish I could work out what HFF means. Not to mention 'fence photo'... :)

Many thanks for this and the many faves.
There are 2 or 3 HFF (Happy Fence Friday) groups on here, where on Fridays, members submit any kind of photo containing a fence. One group in particular is very popular and sociable.

So evocative! I'll be early with an HFF this week. :-)

Thank you, George. I hope your Friday goes well.

Must be and adventure to ride on that beauty! Great image!