Pat Kilner

Like most folk, my love of railway life stems from childhood memories. So I guess that steam rail travel, for me is synonymous with Welsh holidays in the 1950/60’s. Travelling from Manchester to Aberdovey involved changing at three, or four stations, providing much entertainment for we children. Carriages with corridors, windows that opened with a leather strap, grit and smoke in the air and on the sandwiches! The sounds, smells and thrill of the annual holiday! Hard to believe now, but freight trains ran along the flat sand to the jetty in the centre of Aberdovey, more exciting stuff to explore and not a sign of Health and Safety, photo attached! We still return for family holidays and never miss a trip on the Talyllyn Railway, always choosing the open carriages whatever the weather!

I have had an interest in photography since an early age and often borrowed my dad’s Yashica 35GT 35mm film camera for all manner of shots.

I moved on to digital photography about 10 years ago, starting with an entry level Nikon DSLR and now use the Nikon D750. It was about this time that I became interested in railway photography and had the good fortune to be invited to take images for the East Lancashire Railway. 

I strive to capture the drama and romance of steam and diesel in different settings. Much of my photography is spontaneous and challenging but I also enjoy rail charters where there is a better opportunity to get that special shot.

Pat Kilner

All images in this gallery © Pat Kilner