The SVR, Severn Valley Railway, where there is only one location where you can get trackside looking pictures without actually going trackside.

You may recognise the station?

The engines rostered this particular day were Stanier Mogul BR 42968 (now operating in its original LMS guise as 123268) and GWR Pannier Tank 5764 (now out of service and in the engine shed).

The footplate crew have been briefed to wave to the visitors at this spot I suspect, though they are a friendly lot anyway, and we all waved back enthusiastically. I guess it's programmed into us 😀.

A short/medium long lens of say 90mm to 135mm or an equivalent zoom is ideal for taking pictures from this spot.

It was a shame that 42968 was coasting down hill and not having to work hard and so there was no smoke and steam to be had from the chimney. Also the guy in pink hanging out the carriage window with his video camera rather draws the eye and detracts from the aesthetic of the composition, but such is the way of the world.

So the place is... Highley station, Engine House café veranda. Be prepared to move around a lot to get the best angles (it's a big space) and be nimble on your feet accordingly.