Blow Hot, Blow Cold

Getting Warmer All The Time

Photographs copyright: DAVID McMAHON

This was just one of those lucky shots. You know what I mean – you just happen to be in the right place at the right time? We were in Adelaide two years ago for a family wedding and the next day we decided to head to Semaphore Beach, despite the whipping wind and a moody grey sky.

I struck out towards the pier, in the opposite direction to the rest of the family – and that’s when I saw this miniature train. It’s a narrow-gauge locomotive that ends its run at the beach and I could tell from the sound of the bell that they were summoning the last of the tourists before it reversed away from the station.

I’m no world-class sprinter, but I sucked in the air and concentrated on a decent stride pattern as I tried to cover about 400 metres in double-quick time. I got there a couple of seconds after the train started moving, but it was still going slowly enough for me to take half-a-dozen shots.

I guess you could say this was tunnel vision. Or maybe we should make that funnel vision instead. Okay, let’s just say this shot is a hot favourite.

And I thought I'd add this picture, for a closer look at the train's headlamp. Did anyone notice the special silver gaffer tape around it in the first frame?

If you didn't, check out this shot for a smile ....


Post-script: There have been a couple of comments on this post that I must highlight here. The first one was from Jinksy, who said: "Funny, I thought train drivers usually faced front!" Yes, Jinksy, but this is Australia and we're upside down ... no, so I'm kidding. The train, as I explained, was at the end of the line and was reversing. That's why the driver was looking backwards.

The second one was from Artist Unplugged, whose witty response was: "I hope you said, 'Gotta run or I'm going to miss my train'!" Um, no, my brain didn't work that quickly. But you've made my day with your witty riposte.

Extra, extra, read all about it: I've been interviewed here. Thank you to all those who have already followed this link and checked out the interview. There have been so many wonderful comments and votes that I've tried to reply to each one personally - but you're setting a cracking pace. My humble and heartfelt thanks to all of you for the wonderful tributes and thoughts you have shared on the interview.


Visit TNChick's Photo Hunt. Today's theme: "Warm".