After what felt like an eternity of lockdown, the opportunity finally arose for a proper outing with my camera in hand. My destination? The picturesque village of Marsden in Huddersfield. The plan was simple enough: a short train ride from Slaithwaite to Marsden, followed by a leisurely stroll back along the Huddersfield Narrow Canal. But as often happens when exploring, a new, more intriguing path presented itself.
Just a stone's throw from Marsden Station lies the magnificent Standedge Tunnel, a true marvel of engineering. My initial goal was to capture a pristine shot of the tunnel entrances. Despite my best efforts, getting a clear, unobstructed view proved challenging. However, while scouting for a higher vantage point, I found myself captivated by the rhythmic rumble of approaching trains. It was then that I decided to shift my focus and capture these powerful machines as they prepared to plunge into the darkness of the tunnels.
Catching the Newcastle to Liverpool Service
One particular highlight was the 10:46 Newcastle to Liverpool Lime Street service. I managed to capture it at 12:47 as it gracefully crossed Bridge 61 over the Huddersfield Narrow Canal, just moments before disappearing into the tunnel. The train's unique identification number was N03709, and its headcode was 5341.
Equipment and The Experience
These shots were taken on July 25, 2020, with my trusty Nikon D3300 SLR. This outing wasn't just about getting great photos; it was also my very first proper trip out with my camera since the easing of COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions in the UK. The simple act of being out, exploring, and pursuing my passion felt incredibly liberating after months of confinement.
