A few months ago I bagged the above shot of EWS locomotives taking a weekend rest at Peak Forest. Unfashionable as the 'Red Death' might be with enthusiasts at the moment, I reckon EWS red/gold is going to be one of those liveries that stands the test of time and is remembered with fondness long after it's demise. 20 years from now (assuming I survive a couple more decades of solvent abuse) I've no doubt that I'll be picturing it glowing in the sympathetic yellows of late afternoon sunlight, as seen here - harmonising with the magnificent Derbyshire hills.
Contrary to popular opinion, I firmly believe we've just lived through one of the most interesting and modellable transition eras in the history of diesel and electric traction. The influx of new GM motive power has sat alongside an ample selection of old favourites. New super-wagons have rubbed shoulders with the staple fare of previous generations, such as 4 wheel tanks and MGR hoppers. A bewildering array of modern multiple units are only just ousting the vestiges of their first generation ancestors. Liveries in particular are at their peak, from the point of view of variety - I've always been enamoured of the juxtaposition of Virgin and Intercity Swallow colours on the WCML, and the celebrity repaint trend has enhanced things further.
Truly a transition era to cherish. The explosion in digital photography and the internet means recent years have been recorded like no others before them, even if our beloved modelling magazines barely reflect the fact. Barring the almost total lack of suitable motive power from the RTR trade, the millenium transition certainly offers me far more D&E modelling potential than it's more famous steam/diesel antecedent. Will things ever be this good again?
Currently On My Stereo: Placebo - Without You I'm Nothing