One of the best ways to catch the full glories of steam locomotion is in cold weather, preferably in the snow.
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The cold atmosphere maximises the visible effect of the smoke and steam.
![](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=680x10000:format=jpg/path/sc2cdead4efa54ea0/image/i34fbbfe1d021516c/version/1598206325/image.jpg)
The snow reflects light back onto the subject, especially on a dull day, providing diffused illumination saturating the colours adding to the mood.
![](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=890x10000:format=jpg/path/sc2cdead4efa54ea0/image/i3a8a441457fa79e3/version/1598206364/image.jpg)
When the locomotives are working hard in the cold weather, the effects can be truly spectacular.
![](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=620x10000:format=jpg/path/sc2cdead4efa54ea0/image/iac7e6df4ed5f3fcb/version/1598206422/image.jpg)
If you glance back then, from the corner of your eye, you may have a brief encounter with the ghosts of past times that once travelled on these trains still haunting the platforms, before they vanish into the steam.
![](https://image.jimcdn.com/app/cms/image/transf/dimension=620x10000:format=jpg/path/sc2cdead4efa54ea0/image/ia9f473d7f701ea5a/version/1598257601/image.jpg)
If the opportunity presents itself, go snow loco and photograph steam locomotives in the snow. It can be hugely rewarding.