Rolling through the tulips

On my yearly assignment to photograph miniature traction engines in Spalding I have had to find the best locations to for my shots. Quite the best place is the area of woodland that from mid-April to early May has colourful drifts of tulips. These flower successfully because the tree canopies at this time of year still let through plenty of light. Nonetheless, the sun is welcome for this photographic task because it illuminates the subject and shows of the colours to better effect. This particular traction engine was carrying not only the builders/owners but also, in a trailer, their basset hounds.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10

Miniature traction engines

A few days ago I was involved in a task I've undertaken for the past four years - photographing a model engineering and hobby show at Spalding, Lincolnshire, for some friends. One of the attractions that happens on each day of the weekend event is a miniature traction engine "road run". This involves a procession of twenty or so of these vehicles (all hand-built, usually by the owners) from the event centre car park , through the woodland and gardens adjoining the Springfields Shopping Centre, to a point near the shops themselves. For fifteen minutes or so they rest, let off steam and sound their whistles as they provide an unexpected attraction for the shoppers.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Olympus OMD E-M10