6024 King Edward 1 + 70013 Oliver Cromwell, The Devonian, 22nd Oct. 2011.

Surely one of the most mouth-watering prospects of the year: a GWR King plus a BR Britannia, a combined Tractive Effort of 72,450lbs, vs. 12 coaches over the Westcountry Banks in glorious autumn colours. At the first location I chanced the long shot on the "wrong" side as far as sun and strong southerly wind were concerned, above Beam Bridge on the climb to Whiteball. Next to another high level position above a well known location but this time with the sun behind and the main road mercifully quiet. Overlooking Tigley, the train storms up through the trees and emerges out on to Rattery Bank, finally disappearing once more into the trees approaching Marley Head tunnel and the foothills of Dartmoor beyond. For the return leg, the first location just had to be Hemerdon, where the bridge became packed up to three deep! Although the earlier sun had long gone, the results made it well worth the 90 minute wait in order to get a good position. The passing HST must have been really frustrating for those on the left of the bridge! Next, a drive straight up the A38 as the train negotiates the long way around the coast and after a quick getaway from Hemerdon, we found ourselves approaching Exminster with just enough time to grab a shot with literally seconds to spare as the pair race through in failing light on this high speed stretch. Finally in heavy cloud, giving a real portent of the winter nights to come, 6024 and 70013 take a well earned rest and water at Exeter St Davids before heading out into the night towards Taunton, Bristol and the end of an awesome steam tour. Congratulations and a big thank you to all involved.

Category:

Travel & Events

Tags:

• steam
• train

[Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your kind response and for subscribing. Alan

[Steamclips]

Thank you so much for your very kind comments Tim. I will be out for my first filming of 2012 tomorrow (last run of 6024 to Paddington), so should have it uploaded by Monday. Thanks also for your subsciption. Alan

[duckfan0000]

Excellent shots of a fantastic rail tour, matching liveries, good weather and almost all matching stock. Fantastic clips, really enjoyable to view!

[Steamclips]

Hi and many thanks for the kind remarks. It truly was a great day. Alan

[1Z64]

A brilliant video Alan, covering fully what turned out to be a fantastic trip that ran to time all day. Every shot's a winner but hat's off to you also for making it from Hemerdon to Exminster in time. Something I managed a few years back following the Duke and I know it's not easy. Thanks for posting.

[Steamclips]

Hi Martyn and thank you for the very kind comments. A lot of what we do needs a bit of luck, if I hadn't got away so quickly from Hemerdon and the traffic been heavier, the Exminster shot would have been out of the question. Another good thing about that bridge is that you can park very close by or even on it as it is little used. Alan

[swearingkevo]

Excellent set of clips..a fav`d from me

[kebl0597]

Finding this very late - what a super set of clips, and a great progression from country to city. I enjoyed them all - the long shots set the scene beautifully, then Hemerdon was magnificent! The departure from Exeter contrasted beautifully with the subdued light and the King being characteristically sure-footed :-) That's definitely going on my favourites, and a subscription coming your way. Much appreciated. Tim

[Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for the encouraging remarks. Alan

[Steamclips]

Hi again and thank you. Alan