A diary of Tramway Demiel

Lovely pics again, Mikey. I've just been looking back over the previous 9 pages of this thread, and it's incredible how it's changed in less than a year...

I'd say I like the last pic best, but then I'm biased - but they're all great really!

Great shots Mike, looking really established now!

BTW did you have any luck with the night shots?

First night rain, second night got a standby gig. perhaps tonights the night!!

Mikey

mikeyh wrote:

First night rain, second night got a standby gig. perhaps tonights the night!!

Mikey

Should be a good night with clear skies. We're off to see the fireworks in Rouzede.

Well, this pic is the best of the bunch!.14 taken; either too shakey or light not right. My standard tripod is absolutely useless, must get a mini one;



Mikey

As the lady once said,for your first try you did`nt do to bad.


Van still stainzless and fed up with this hot weather.

Mikey
Try a block of wood or a bean bag so you can get the camera at G Scale eye level.
When you have got the position of the camera where you want it and you are ready to shoot, hold the camera rock steady on the support with one hand and press the button with the other.

Good first effort Mike. If you only took 14 that's an excellent first go!

Paul's absolutely right about getting the camera low down, you really don't need a mini tripod, if anything they can be a bit of a hindrance at times. As you know I have the advantage of a raised trackbed, but I still set the camera down on the ground at track level or even on the track, a piece of ply is good if you've power to the track - stops the camera shorting the rails.

bon chance

Been practising the advised techniques this evening but before it gets dark. Getting down real low has really improved things;



Mikey

A cracking pic Mikey

thanks Paul. One with a bit of background;



not as impressive IMHO.

Mikey

mikeyh wrote:

Been practising the advised techniques this evening but before it gets dark. Getting down real low has really improved things;

Mikey

Excellent shots Mike - Looking forward to more!

All power to your shutter finger!

Saturday at Demiel;







After some heavy rain yesterday, today is back to 31 degrees and getting hotter. Also with effect from 3/9 the Dordogne,Charente , and many other departments are on maximum water restrictions (thats where your tank comes in useful Brian!)

Mikey

Too hot to run any trains yesterday and today so we have been starting to build our live steam area. Got the abri up and the gutter fixed ( to save all that lovely rainwater (whenever it chooses to appear!). Picking up the roof panels tomorrow.





Mikey

Market day at Demiel. The tram is bringing the shoppers in;







The market is busy, but the shoppers take time out to watch the dancing bear;



Mikey

The dry weather is slowly having an effect on some of the plants;



Mikey

mikeyh wrote:

The dry weather is slowly having an effect on some of the plants;



Mikey

Probably not the best time to be planting new conifers! But I have been using the sprinkler on the layout every day!

I;ve been too frightened of the 5,000 euros fine!

mikeyh wrote:

I;ve been too frightened of the 5,000 euros fine!

That's where having a 7,500 litre rainwater tank comes in Or can I still be fined

No you're 'fine' Brian. just like using a large water-butt (very large!)

Mikey

These water restrictions, is it like hosepipe bans that we've had over here in recent years, or is it more than that?

Very similar Clive. you cant use a hosepipe to wash cars,water gardens, top up pools etc I guess the main difference over here is that it depends on the state of the nearest river. Ours is the Dronne which is in a critical state. 2k up the road in the charente they have three rivers all critical but they have no restrictions. What pees me off is that water is an expensive commodity over here but the farmers (who admittedly pay a bit more) have their water cannon going 24/7! Ha but not now!!

mikey

Funny isn't it - over in Gran Canaria a few years ago, they were having water shortages pretty much year round, but a tour guide told us that golf courses are exempt! You could kind of excuse farmers watering crops, but bloody greenkeepers!!!!!

Theres something not quite right there!!

mikey

First run of the Automotrice;



Then the heavens opened for the first time in weeks!!

mikey

Automotrice looking great, Mikey! - in Vienne, a stream near us disapeared completely; our pond was the lowest it has ever been and yes the farmers were still shooting water at their maize. An eco group emerged who went round at night turning off the irrigation machinery and leaving polite notes saying that they really didn't want to be thanked for saving the farmers thei water bills...