bbusschots' photostream  

Irish Rail 071Class GM diesel loco number 083 exits the sharp curves near Blakestown level crossing as it heads back home to Pearse Station in Dublin with the last RPSI Santa Special of the day.

There was a lot of cloud, but I finally got lucky, and got a kiss of soft evening sun over the scene.

Irish Rail 071 Class diesel loco number 083 navigating the curves on the approach to Leixlip on the home leg of the afternoon RPSI Santa Special on 11 December 2011.

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Irish Rail Class 071 loco number 083 rounds the corner at Blakestown level crossing and starts to tackle the series of turns between the crossing and Matt Goff Bridge. You'll also notice that there is quite a gradient, but that's not a problem in this direction.

083 is on the home stretch of the last of two RPSI Santa Specials on the 11th of December 2011. The specials ran between Pearse Station in Dublin and Maynooth, and then back. As you can see by the long shadows and warm light, the weak winter sun was already low in the sky when this shot was taken.

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Irish Rail 071 GM diesel loco number 083 approaching Pike Bridge along the banks of the Royal Canal at Pike Bridge with an RPSI Santa Special.

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Irish Rail 071 class GM diesel loco number 083 approaching Leixlip along the banks of the Royal Canal having just passed under Matt Goff Bridge with an RPSI Santa Special.

(Best viewed large on black - hit the 'L' key or click on the photo)