During 2001 and 2002 I was able to enjoy and photograph prime Southern steam close to home on the Lee Valley Line. This was in pre-digital photography days and in all three instances not in the best light, so the results are not as clear as I would like.

One would think that in mid September one would be blessed with bright clear days, but on 13th September 2001 the lighting level was almost at a wintry low. Here is 35005 leading the down Cathedrals Express over the former Mill Pond at Broxbourne on its way to Ely.

Well off home rails and under the wires again, this time passing Carterhatch Lane, Enfield Highway, whilst working a Steam Dreams Cathedrals Express to Ely on 5th December 2001. By this time the working was 6 minutes down which is remarkable given that the native WAGN Railway services that morning were delayed by up to 90 minutes, a factor which almost resulted in the photographer not getting home from a night shift in time to take this picture.

The same location, Carterhatch Lane, Enfield Highway, which is only 5 minutes walk from my home, but eight months later. On a not so summery evening on 28th August 2002 this is the up Cathedrals Express, again from Ely.

Carterhatch Lane is on the Southbury Loop and a century ago there was a halt in this location. Given my three local stations are now at least a 20 minute walk away, a station here would be very convenient!