81 Class Locomotives

I called into this spot today to see if I could capture a freight train or two. There was some activity as soon as I arrived and then nothing for over an hour. The trains are incredibly quiet so they suddenly appear from behind the hill without warning. The freight trains seem to mostly come around lunch time which means getting the sun in a good position is a little difficult.

For the technically interested - these locomotives first came into service in 1982. They weigh 129 tonnes and produce 2,460 kW (3,300 hp). They are two-stroke turbo diesel with a maximum speed of 115 kph (71 mph). 84 units were built with all but one still in service.

My brother is a keen railway photographer and is planning to write a history of this freight line so will attempt to locate some sites for him.