30th August 2008

Life is full of "if only's (I think I have the puctuation right there. If not, tough). In this case I am saying "if only" I took up photography "proper" 6 to 7 years earlier than I did, and then I would have shots such as this of Westerns when they were still in service. But alas, I did not, just too young, so I have to satisfy myself with views such as this of preserved Class 52 Western no. D1015 "Western Champion", roaring past Dawlish Warren at 12.10 on the 1Z23 10.10 Bristol Temple Meads to Kingswear "The Dartmouth Arrow (for the Red Arrows)" rail tour, operated by Past Time Railtours. It had taken the down loop line non-stop for some reason, but a good job too as the speed would be restricted through that line and the train would have to accelerate out!
Look at the exhaust as the power is put on. I can hear it now in my mind!

The locomotive is actually masquerading as D1005 "Western Venturer" on one side only. The irony was that the Ted Arrows' display was cancelled due to low cloud, so the passengers went to Dartmouth Regatta instead. I'm sure the Western fans on board cared little where they were going.