Photos from Llanmynach

[Tigger]

Many thanks Ted - in spite of looking at the table yesterday I'd forgotten the relationship with the old DIN system!

One of my favourite films was Ilford FP4, the 125 ASA black & white film.  Dad always swore by it and all the photos I used to take for the News in its earlier days were on FP4.

[tedp]

I did a lot on Tri-X although it had a tendency to go grainy. A professional photographer told me to expose it ruthlessly, then make very soft prints to get the best results. Good old darkroom days... I think I still have my equipment stashed away somewhere.

[Tigger]

I used to work with Dad in the darkroom.  I loved it; I spent many hours with him and learned a lot of his techniques.  I still have all the gear stashed away; sadly it's unlikely to be used again.  What I do now in Photoshop is much the same as Dad used to do in the darkroom!

[berryr99]

My Dad had a friend who had a darkroom and we used to go and help him with developing films. I was facinated by the way a picture appeared out of nowhere.

Its interesting that even modern day technology uses "dodge" and "burn" to describe techniques.

Bob

[Tigger]

That's what I loved about it Bob.  A few test strips and once you were happy, you framed the neg in the enlarger, exposed the paper and then the picture slowly appeared by magic from a blank sheet of paper in the developer tray.  you had control over when to stop the process and you always knew whether you'd overdone it by how fast it appeared.  Into the rinse tray, sloosh it about a bit - and all the others in there - and then drop the oldest two or three into the fixer tray!  Then there was a bucket of fresh water by the bench for the ones that had been fixed.  Oh yes, I nearly forgot - the heater which could be slid along under the trays and the thermometer in the trays to ensure it all worked properly.

No it's not thread drift because we're still talking about photos! ;D Besides, it's MY thread!!! ;D

[berryr99]

David,

I'd forgotton the details of the process, thanks for reminding me - I would have only been about 9 or 10 at the time but I do remember seeing the negatives develop before your very eyes and being told not to touch anything !- technology has taken all this away I fear.

Please keep the pics coming

Bob

[Tigger]

As requested Bob!!

I've just finished dealing with this one and re-sizing it so here you are!  (And it gets us back on subject!)

Dolgoch crosses the Sychnant viaduct on her way up to Mynydd-yn-Bwlch with a train of slate empties.  Based on Dolgoch viaduct, the brickwork is by Superquick which was all I could find in 1976/77.  The corner and arch stones are also Superquick, with the arch stones individually applied.  Lime streak from the mortar were dry brushed using Humbrol 'unbleached linen'.  I never got around to finishing it off with the handrail but nowadays that's an advantage because there wouldn't be enough chearance for 'Argyll' or the VoR locos, even if it looks unfinished.  Behind this scene is a large print of the only photo of many I've taken which actually suits the situation.  I took it from the small footbridge which is a little way upstream from the prototype viaduct!

The loco is based on photos of Dolgoch as she was in 1951, unpolished pipework not very straight and a cluster of valves on top of the boiler.  Krystal Kleer was used for the glazing which helps to disguise the thickness of the cabsheets.

[tedp]

If it wasn't for the Arnold motion just visible under the loco (no I'm not picking nits!) it might be taken for a real picture, in that brilliant lighting. The detail on the stock and on the bridge is reproduced larger than life.

Very atmospheric, David.

[MickT]

I echo Ted's comments David, an excellent nay outstanding photograph!

The Roving Reporter sends his compliments and hopes that one of these days it may be possible for his personal transport to be able to cross the viaduct for a snapshot opportunity!

Mick

[berryr99]

Blimey, that's a good 'un !

Falls into the category of "I wish I had taken it"

As yet another side issue...and this may be the wrong part of the forum to mention it...I wonder if one of the clinics at next year's convention could be about model railway photography and maybe where it has specifics for NG layouts ?

Bob

[Tigger]

you're very kind, gentlemen!  The advantage of a decent floodlight, eh?  Apologies for the chassis I thought I mioght get away with it but Ted's eyes are too sharp! ;D ) but there you go - the loco is a pre 1980 machine!

Mr Roving Reporter Sir, now that the line is being used on a more regular basis we'll have to arrange for your personal transport to be off-loaded in the yard at Llanmynach for a tour.

Bob - it might be a thought for something in the clinic for a basic lesson on photography.  There are a few of us who can show our techniques - Ted, Mick, Brian Love and me to name four.  My only problem is the timing of the Convention.  It's timed for the 40th anniversary of the Society's founding but I'll be in Scotland at around that time playing big (well, bigger) trains so I'm not sure if I'll make it.

Meanwhile, I've had a twiddle with the above photo.  See what you think of a sepia version...

[tedp]

Ooooh - lovely - very 1890....  ;D

[berryr99]

Yes, very effective in sepia.

Sorry you won't be at the 40th, but playing with trains is always a good excuse !

Bob

[MickT]

It appears to lack............colour


;D

[MickT]

David,

I am honoured that you have included my own name amongst those you have mentioned regarding their photographic prowess, but I would submit that, whilst Brian, Ted and yourself are acknowledged expert model railway photographers in studio posed settings, I am merely a humble point and shoot opportunity snapper at events and exhibitions. I have picked up a few tips during the 15 years I have been digitally snapping but it really is a case of quantity over quality from me with the laws of statistics determining that from several hundred shots there are almost always one or two good ones!
Still looking forward to a future opportunity to snap the L&TR however!!
Regards

Mick