15th Nov 1992
Trainload Construction-liveried 56039 doubleheading with NSE 33114 is an unlikely combination on the former Southern route, but this is the “West of England Coalpower” railtour, operated by DC Tours. Not quite “coal power”, given that the 56 actually worked off Westbury on Somerset stone trains! Should have drafted in one of Toton’s or Tinsley’s “Grids” to be authentic! Nevertheless, “Grid” power on “The Mule” is not to be sneezed at!
The train, the 1Z33 09.58 London Waterloo to Exeter St. Davids, digs in ready for the climb up Honiton bank near the village of Whitford, on the approach to Seaton Junction, at around 13.20. I’m standing on Hampton Bridge, with the backdrop of the Axe Valley beyond. The train is actually putting on the power after observing a PW restriction. Lovely racket too!
The train returned later in the afternoon, after dark. I’m certain that a Class 56 will have graced the rails of East Devon before, or since, but this has been my only sight. So far.....!
This was a good weekend for exotic motive power on “The Mule”. The previous day a pair of Class 20s travelled over the route to Exeter, on a tour to Okehampton. But sadly I was not around to see that one, much to my disappointment.
The train, the 1Z33 09.58 London Waterloo to Exeter St. Davids, digs in ready for the climb up Honiton bank near the village of Whitford, on the approach to Seaton Junction, at around 13.20. I’m standing on Hampton Bridge, with the backdrop of the Axe Valley beyond. The train is actually putting on the power after observing a PW restriction. Lovely racket too!
The train returned later in the afternoon, after dark. I’m certain that a Class 56 will have graced the rails of East Devon before, or since, but this has been my only sight. So far.....!
This was a good weekend for exotic motive power on “The Mule”. The previous day a pair of Class 20s travelled over the route to Exeter, on a tour to Okehampton. But sadly I was not around to see that one, much to my disappointment.
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Also in: Seaton Junction, Devon
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