Epic slog. Sometimes temporary speed restrictions as in this case (at the overbridge at Plympton just before the start of the bank) then produce something really worth watching/or being there on the day of course. Thanks for watching.
The lack of a runup seems to have been a problem here, but the line between Plymouth and Newton Abbot is shocking, climb, drop, climb, curve, curve, climb,drop,curve etc etc
Temporary speed restriction in place on the day because of a bridge clearance issue just before the start of the bank. You could argue that the variable gradients and undulating curves of the Devon Banks mean that this stretch of railway is one of the best, or perhaps the best (for steam) in the UK. Thanks for watching
Thanks to Railtrack bodging new ballasting, from memory the new track level was too high, okay for modern traction but borderline for a GWR Castle, we were treated to this fabulous effort/entertainment but it was a close run thing. It was reported in the national railway press after the event that boiler pressure on Nunney Castle was at a critical level by the top of the bank so the onward run towards Totnes was taken leisurely as the intrepid duo recovered.
@@Locohauledtrainsuk Looked pretty straightforward to me. The speed fell very slowly to 15 mph at the summit, a routine figure in steam days. Each loco had 6½ coaches, well within the steam days limit of 9. Maybe Nunney had steaming problems caused by an inexperienced fireman, someone I'd have sympathy with as they are simply unable to get much practice. In the past Nunney very nearly failed to make Hemerdon and Dainton West (with 8) due to low boiler pressure but AFAIK there is nothing wrong with the engine
Been simmering since the end of timetabled loco hauled services in the early/mid 2000's. For me who always acted responsibly in such situations it is a shame but understandable in light of known accidents from window hanging over the years. Plenty on RU-vid of idiotic behaviour going right back to the 1970's (Footex excursions) & from the final years of the class 40's for example (early/mid 1980's) when these engines had a cult following.
