The Great Britain, 27th & 28th April 2019.
The twelfth edition of The Railway Touring Company’s epic railtour around the U.K. headed from Paddington to Plymouth on Day 1, straight into the teeth of Storm Hannah as it reached Devon. Seen attacking Rattery Bank, the Duchess makes a fine sight as the sun breaks through. The main camera perched high near Barleycombe Solar & Wind Farm is taking the full force of 50+mph winds in the back as 64233 takes it on the nose as she climbs to the foothills of Dartmoor with blowing safety valves adding to the chaotic soundtrack. Having sampled the big pacific’s climbing abilities, Day 2 was all about recording her at high speed and the very best place to do this is at Exminster. Although the worst of Hannah has passed the weather has turned dull, damp and gusty, (with the roar of an airliner overhead climbing from Exeter airport not exactly helping!) but witnessing a big maroon pacific with matching coaching stock steam past at 75mph (+?) certainly helps lift the spirits! and notice the waggle at the rear of the tender as she comes under the bridge!!! Leaving Exeter St Davids after a water stop, the Duchess gets into her stride up the Exe valley, passing Woodrow Barton, taking “The Great Britain” onwards out of Devon on its way to a further 7 days of touring. Thank you to the organisers, support staff and of course, the fare paying passengers who keep this annual “steam spectacular” on the rails, long may it continue.