Merchant Navy - 35005 Canadian Pacific

Rebuilt Merchant Navy class steam locomotive at the Bluebell Railway just south of London. Grabbed in a hurry and processed with LightZone - my version of PS just doesn't want to work on my (ageing) G4 PowerBook.

Named after the many shipping lines that existed in the middle of the last century, these giants of UK steam were the dog's whatsits until electrical and diesel traction came along. Usually found working heavy trains south from London to the far west, or boat trains to Dover, or Folkestone, the Merchant Navies were withdrawn from service and in the blink of an eye only a couple were left.

Canadian Pacific has just been taken out of service as it's 10 year boiler certificate has expired. The overhaul process is long and driven by manpower, money and the many other locos in line before it. Don't expect to see this monster back in service for a while :-(

BTW, the small plate at the bottom of the smokebox door says 70G - that means it's "home" shed was Weymouth, a resort on England's south coast - at least that's what I think - I'm not at home and can't check.

Nikon D2x, 12-24mm Nikkor zoom