10th Aug 1992

Time is running out for loco-hauled trains on "The Mule", and despite having been ousted by higher horsepower traction such as Class 50s and Class 47s, it was a fact that the dependable "Cromptons" were often "called to arms" right to the better end! We have to remember that these locos replaced the hydraulic "Warships" in 1971/2. And here they are, still performing sterling service on these demanding services. No. 33102 rasps away from Axminster, at Cloakham, on the 17.38 Exeter St. Davids to London Waterloo. The train was actually a staggering 75 minutes late so I suspect that it was a replacement for a troublesome "Duff"!