Scotland NG Gathering 2016: Projects

[simato73]

Re the West Highland Line - it seems that there is only one steam train per day, leaving Fort William at 10.15am. The "ordinary" (non-steam)  service takes 35 min to reach Glenfinnan station, with a few stops en route, so you can expect the steam service to be a little quicker - perhaps 25 min - as it does not stop until the end of the line at Mallaig. I would aim to be in position by 10.30 at the latest, which means starting the walk-in not later than 10.00. I might come with you; we'll see.

Dave, I have been looking on the webpage of the Jacobite here:

http://www.westcoastrailways.co.uk/jacobite/dates-times-prices-jacobite-steam-train.cfm

and they say that there are two trips per day, the first day of operation being Monday the 9th.
Where have you seen that there is only one journey per day? And also light-wise do you think it would work better in the morning or in the afternoon; I think light direction could be better in the afternoon.
Also there is the possibility of shooting the train as it goes toward Fort William, maybe from the south side of the bend (to be facing the incoming train); do you think it would work?

[David Paterson]

The service starts on the 9th with one train per day, going up to two trains per day later in the month. I'll seek out the website which said that.

[Fons Baerken]

Wishing all participants a wonderful foto-experience.

[Bjørn Rørslett]

The 9th also contains the rare event of a Mercury Transit. A steam train puffing over the viaduct with the sun + Mercury as a backdrop must be an even rarer scene.

[David Paterson]

The 9th also contains the rare event of a Mercury Transit. A steam train puffing over the viaduct with the sun + Mercury as a backdrop must be an even rarer scene.

And somewhat of a technical challenge?

[Øivind Tøien]

Since I started the Mercury thread I should probably advice that Mercury will be a very small dot compared to Venus, so a lens setup with an adequately narrow angle of view is called for.
This dpreview post has an image from a previous transit.
http://www.dpreview.com/forums/post/57488974
The 300mm PF + TC-14E on AW1 or similar sensors should be a travel-able setup though.

[Erik Lund]

Thanks Øivind! I have stacked the TC20E III and TC14E III on the PF 300 either on D810 or borrow Bjørns Nikon 1,,,

[Mike G]

Also Saturn and Mars may well be visible in the Southern sky quite close together, I have been watching them for a few weeks now!

Sorry chaps but a clear sky and at 0430 needed!

[Bjørn Rørslett]

You have the TC-14E.3, Erik? splendid, always wanted to see how that TC fares in combination with my 200/2 AFS. I use the TC14E.2, which is very good and also useful for my early 300/2.8 AFS.

[Erik Lund]

Yes and F-mount is cut to fits most lenses now

[Danulon]

Simone, hope that the damage can be repaired in time!

Another thing I'd like to do is to shoot the Glenfinnan railway viaduct when the steam train passes (Harry Potter anyone?).
I have found departure times from Mallaig and Fort William but nothing hinting when trains might be passing Glenfinnan.
Dave, have you got any suggestions?

Sounds interesting!


Anyone able to give an estimate of the distance to the train, i.e. which focal length would be recommendable?


Still pondering which lenses to take and which ones to leave at home... (cabin baggage restrictions)


Thanks in advance!

[simato73]

Simone, hope that the damage can be repaired in time!



Sounds interesting!


Anyone able to give an estimate of the distance to the train, i.e. which focal length would be recommendable?


Still pondering which lenses to take and which ones to leave at home... (cabin baggage restrictions)


Thanks in advance!

I've been thinking the same and have no clear cut answer.
I tend to think that a short to medium telephoto will be my first port of call, but we'll have to see on site.
A wide angle will probably "dilute" the view on the curved viaduct and the incoming train might look too small, but on the other hand I don't want to close up on the train too much.
I do however have an idea of the place from where I want to be shooting the train when it comes from Fort William, and perhaps a different one for when it comes back from Mallaig.

[Frank Fremerey]

I contemplate not to bring the D3 at all but leave it with the D600 for MF and D500 for AF which are fit for the job and
share the same infrastructure.

Lens wise 200-500 for Papageientaucher and other Wild Life.

Then the
AF-S: 50,24,85,60micro,
AI-S: 35,200micro both not chipped

More than enough I guess.

Can someone make me a Sunfilter for the 200-500???
How much will it be?

[Erik Lund]

We will prepare some filters in various sizes that we can share!
Free of charge

[Erik Lund]

Steam train and viaduct - Sounds like 6mm focal length