Kemble - station, facilities, improvements, events and incidents - merged posts

[whole diary]

[JayMac]

Possibly.

The following ITV West Country news report briefly shows the drain cover in one shot. I'd assume the shot (at 1:19) was taken on the same day as HRH's visit. The shot could, however, be from before or after the royal visit; pre- or post- temporary replacement.

http://www.itv.com/news/west/update/2013-07-25/full-report-on-prince-charles-visit-to-kemble/

But photoshopping of the Press Association image is just as likely.

[Phil]

The Press Association and/or BBC^» (British Broadcasting Corporation - home page) photoshopped the image.

I was intrigued enough to contact the garden redevelopment team leader, and received the following response:

Hi Phil

Thanks for your email and for your interest in our project at Kemble.

I was present at the opening and can confirm the drain cover was still in place and uncovered. From looking at your photos, I think the only conclusion is that the camera angle played tricks in this regard.

I do hope you have chance to travel through Kemble at some stage to enjoy our garden and thanks again for your interest.

Kind regards

Sarah Tennant-Bell
Liaison Officer

[Chris from Nailsea]

Hmm ... 

That's not a camera angle playing tricks. 

I think the Kemble station garden redevelopment team leader is being commendably diplomatic in her response.

I do, however, share her hope that I, too, will have the opportunity to travel through Kemble again fairly soon! 

[TonyK]

As if we didn't have enough controversy with HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s))...


Of course, no-one will be travelling through Kemble for a little while just now, despite the kind sentiments expressed by Ms Tennant-Bell.

[JayMac]

On reflection I think it might well be the camera angle. Or rather, where the photographer is standing and the focal length used.

In the Press Association photo, Brian is to the left of the bottom edge of the far bench, almost in line with the middle of the far small crescent shaped patch of garden.

In my and bobm's photos the drain cover is almost in line with the nearer of the two crescent shaped patches of garden. The PA^▸ (Public Address (broadcast loudspeaker announcements) or Passenger Assist (railway staff providing physical assistance to passengers with mobility issues), depending on context) photographer was probably stood on or very near said drain cover. Focal^▸ (Friends of the Atlantic Coast Line [Newquay]) length, photographer position and parallax differences between the PA, my and bobm photos have created the impression that the drain cover wasn't there during Brian's visit.

The next time I'm at Kemble I shall try to replicate the PA's photo and prove my theory. 

[Phil]

As if we didn't have enough controversy with HS2^▸ (The next High Speed line(s))...

There's nothing can compare with a Royal cover-up story though. Not even HS2.

[Red Squirrel]

On reflection I think it might well be the camera angle. Or rather, where the photographer is standing and the focal length used.

I'm sure you're right - the 'Brian' pic was taken with a Why Dangle Len's.

[bobm]

I can't compete with Sapperton Tunnel's excellent photos.

However I spent an enjoyable half hour at Kemble station the other night.

Came across this sign connected with the redoubling - shame the proof reader had a day off.



..and as darkness fell an excuse to use my new filter...

[JayMac]

Loving that second photo. Nice filter. 

Looks like the sort of thing used by 'Top of the Pops' vision mixers back in the day. Only thing missing from the photo is a pop band riding high in the hit parade. 

As for the first picture.... 'Gloucesrer'? 

[chuffed]

Agree with you there BNM ...you could set up a dance troupe called Justin's Jerkers rather than Pan's People.....

[Chris from Nailsea]

Probably second only to Nailsea & Backwell, Kemble is my next favourite station. Melksham is a noble third, obviously. 

Taunton is a non-starter, so far as I'm concerned - as readers of this forum will probably have gathered by now. 

[bobm]

Just for you Chris - the Kemble ghost train...

[Sapperton Tunnel]

Just for you Chris - the Kemble ghost train...

What a couple of fantastic photos, bobm. They are far, far better than mine. The 'Ghost Train' taken from the footbridge is incredible. The windows in the end screen are incredibly sharp. That was not an easy shot to do - the floorboards on the footbridge flex when you walk over them for a start, so I presume that you did not use a tripod, but rested the camera on the handrailing.

This is actually one of the best shots I have ever seen taken from the footbridge and just oozes atmosphere of the station settling back down again after the interruption from a train that dared to call.

Going back 50 years or more we used to bike to Kemble Station and cause a bit of mayhem. It was easy to climb onto the roof from the footbridge and I shall never forget the look on the driver's face of a Hymek hauled Swindon to Gloucester train as he looked around from the water tower to see 4 lads sitting on the edge of the roof above those windows!!
   

[bobm]

We will agree to disagree on who has the best photos ST!

You are right though - I did use the footbridge as a rest rather than a tripod - which I try to avoid using on railway property for obvious reasons.

It is the first time I have taken a photo in that style - and part of the credit must go to bignosemac who put the idea in my head.

The most remarkable thing about the photo is that it features a train I had just got off!  A bit of a rush to the footbridge to be in place for its departure.   

[JayMac]

It is the first time I have taken a photo in that style - and part of the credit must go to bignosemac who put the idea in my head.

Why, thank-you, Sir!

My only recent long exposure night shot at a station wasn't as good as bobm's though. Still, not bad for a digital compact. Again with the camera resting on a footbridge: