24th June 2023

The GBRf Class 69 locomotives are uncomfortable reincarnations for a died-in-the-wool "Grid" fan like myself. But they are an interesting locomotive and will no doubt have their followers. Mostly Class 56 on the outside but all EMD Class 66 inside, these engines kind-of look right, but sound so wrong.

At 10.02 nos. 69005 "Eastleigh", in BR green, and 69006 "Pathfinder Railtours - Peter Watts 50 Years of Service 1973 - 2023" handle the Pathfinder Railtours "Mazey Day Special" trip as they exit the tunnel. 1Z69 05.44 Tame Bridge Parkway to Penzance. I guess no. 69005 is a "nod" to the former BR Class 33 no. 33008 "Eastleigh" which also wore these colours. It's worth noting too that whilst this was the first passenger working for the class in the West Country, this wasn't the first visit of Class 69 - a week or so previously another pair had worked to Devon and Cornwall on weedkilling duties.

I videoed this train and you can see it on my You Tube channel - link here: https://youtu.be/0Y_26ShxRzI

I almost forgot to start the video!