Incredible Scenes on The Atlantic Coast Express. 5th & 8th Sept. 2014
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2014
- Although not exactly as intended when this four day tour was first publicised, the simpler itinerary and rather “mixed” loco roster proved a wonderful spectacle even though it did not please the “purists”. It is not the first time this year that we have seen the unusual pairing of 34046 and 5029, this time in deference to the Southern theme, with the Bulleid on the front although rather acting the ventriloquist dummy to the exhaust of the GWR Castle behind! The East wind brings typical September hazy conditions as the days get shorter and the countryside takes on those first hues of the autumn to come. Below Kilmington, where the River Yarty meets the Axe, Tangmere appears from under the A35 as she gathers herself for the assault of Honiton Bank, hitting the lower slopes as she disappears into the sun. The gates have already closed at Pinhoe and I have just time to join the jostling crowd on the down platform for a grab shot. Hoping to get that elusive glancing light from the afternoon sun we go to Rattery Bank where, despite the excessive foliage, the results were not too bad. Finally to Devonport Station where the sounds regularly upstage the visuals as the train heads on towards Penzance. Day 4 hailed the return leg and we see 34046 & 5029, after arriving early from Penzance, leave St David’s and head for Riverside Yard. The main event of the day and probably the whole tour was the promise of steam banking up the infamous 1 in 37 on the sharp curve between Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central Stations. The hazard of this climb is amply illustrated by the short SD clip of the ill fated Somerset & Dorset tour I captured in 2006 (10/10 to anyone who spotted my mistake in numbering the 4MT!!) and so Network Rail took a big risk in letting this go ahead without diesel backup - and it was close........VERY CLOSE! Thank goodness it was dry. With all the excitement over we see 34067 depart for Victoria and 34046 shuffle back onto the down line in order to re-join 5029 down at Riverside Yard. Thanks to all involved and especially to Network Rail for taking the risk with a midweek schedule. Enjoy the action.
Love seeing any clips of Bulleid pacifics. Takes me back to my train-spotting days on the Southern. Great video. Thanks.
Hi and thank you for your much appreciated kind comment and memories. Best regards, Alan
It's a real treat seeing steam put to work. That steep gradient called for finessing the train up and around the sharp curve at the top, well done to the engineers.
Thanks for the quality upload.
Hi and thank you for your kind and informed comments, they are very much appreciated. Best regards, Alan
Very nice 👍 video many thanks for the showing very best wishes .
Hello Roger and thank you for your kind and much appreciated feedback. Best regards, Alan
Please don't slip, please don't slip, PLEASE.....Phew!
(You can almost feel it! )
Great driving., great filming.
Hi and thank you for your kind and amusing comments.... it was thinking the very same as you describe as I viewed from platform level and just saw the top of Tangmere struggle into view (edited out of the clip for continuity) , a repeat of 2006 definitely looked a strong possibility! Best regards, Alan
That footbridge at Central got a good steam-clean, if nothing else! Great video, thank you.
Hi and thank you for your kind and amusing comments. You certainly would not have wanted to be walking over that part of the bridge when the safety valve released. Maybe Tangmere's owners should put in an appropriate bill for bridge cleaning to N.R.! Best regards, Alan
absolutly sublime! The sound, and filming quality is spot on. And what a wonderful sight. Double Headers, Banking assistance, light engine runings! Its all there!
Tomas
Hello Tomas and thank you very much for your kind comments, I am glad that you enjoyed the clip. Best regards, Alan
To add to my previous post, forcing St Davids bank a case of a race horse doing a cart horses job.Superb filming skill just to be in the right place to capture the pure strength of a well managed steam loco.Would O.V.S.B be pleased,I am sure he would.
Many thanks Peter, your kind and interesting comment are much appreciated. Alan
Love it when the Castle gives the Bullied the Hurry up!
Hello Nigel and thank you for the amusing observation, glad you enjoyed the clip. Regards, Alan
A brilliant video Alan as always. And credit too to Mrs Steamclips for playing her part in this wonderful production, especially the ascent to Exeter Central. It's always an advantage to be able to cover the same scene from two angles. I also appreciated the inclusion of the last time steam attempted the climb in 2006. Nice touch that.
Love the shot of the train leaving under all bridges in the sunset. That was truly special how the light hit the colour of the loco. Wow. Loved this video. Too class filming.
Thank you for such glowing feedback Chris, I really appreciate it. Best regards, Alan
Well done again Alan.It takes me back to school boy days going to visit my nan in London pulled by a Bullied,magic.As others have said bit of a sweat on the bank.Cheers.
Hello Tony and many thanks for your kind and interesting comments. I am glad to have re-kindled such fond memories. Regards, Alan
Hi Christina here, thank you so much!
You are very welcome Christina, thank you for your kind comment. Best regards, Alan
oh for tthe kings of steam love it love it you cannot beat it the sound the smell the sight
long live steam for ever and ever.
Many thanks for your enthusiastic comment Timothy, glad you enjoyed the clip. Best regards, Alan
I love when these lovely steam trains attract a lot of people, better than any other locomotive of today. It's just... amazing.
And the faces of the people on the stations, they don't know what's happening and I love it!
Interesting video thanks for sharing
Hi and thank you once more. Your kind comment is much appreciated. Best regards, Alan
Stunning steam locomotive that tops speed reaches 2020 chilli
Hello and thank you for your valued comment. Regards, Alan
A wonderful assembly of clips - thank you!
Hello Peter and thank you for your kind and very much appreciated comment. Best regards, Alan
I've watched this several times now and the drama of that climb in Exeter is so intense. The suspense is just as strong every time.
Hi again John, many thanks for your further comments. I am glad that you are enjoying the clip so much. Regards, Alan
Eminently satisfying film work!
Again, many thanks Richard. Alan
Absolutely fantastic filming and regards the steep climb between St davids to Central I know about this gradient very well and am simply amazed that that such a long train 10 or 11 coaches could actually ascend that gradient with only a banker on, when I was trainspotting back in the 1950s todays event would never have happened, once again many thanks for the video.
Hello Terry and thank you for your kind and most interesting comments. Things have changed a lot around there since the 50's, except the gradient of course!! I used to travel up from Paignton in the 1960's (on a platform ticket!) to watch the last days of Southern steam at St Davids and remember the permanent way gang who would jump down to realign the track because the Westcountry's would spin-up so violently on departure for the climb to Central!! Best regards, Alan
She had a bank engine helping her
Hi Steamclips this vid brought back lots of happy memories. I remember seeing the A.C.E at Salisbury in the 60's. Thanks for the memories
Hello Michael: I am flattered by the very nice comments that you have left lately and so glad that you have enjoyed the clips and had good memories. Your positive feedback is very much appreciated. Best regards, Alan
Your best video since the Royal Duchy at Dawlish 2 years ago! As you say, just as well it was not raining - the adhesion characteristics of 2 Bullied light pacifics in the rain on that 1 in 37 curving gradient don't bear thinking about! Maybe there should have been a "W" class tank engine doing the banking? Wonderful stuff!
Hi and thank you for your kind and very amusing comments. I think even the Castle on the back would have made a big difference, but it was an all Southern affair and rightly so. Regards, Alan
Steamclips, thanks for some entertaining footage. You may enjoy seeing the Australian Standard Garratt "City of Canberra" clips on this site too. Recently returned to steam, and when last heard of some difficulties with the oilers and valve tuning on the front right were being had, but work was in progress when I saw it a few months ago.
Hi and thank you very much for the kind and interesting comments, I will take a look at the footage of the Garratt as you suggest. Best regards, Alan
Codenwarra Cove h
Superb footage 💖💖💖💖🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳👊👊👊👊😍😍😍😍😍😍
Glad you enjoyed Derisley. Many thanks for your kind feedback. Best regards, Alan
It's a struggle for any engine to get up a steep incline without stalling. OK, this might not have been to everyone's liking, but I loved seeing a Southern and Great Western engine double-heading. My favourite part of the whole video.
Once again Kelly, thanks for the nice comment. Kind regards, Alan
Very good indeed - great sound and good locations. John
Thank you John, your kind comments are very much appreciated. Regards, Alan
On A.C.E. train I was surprised of how noisy a quiet loco sounded like when she had feet dug in. And I thought the castle did majority of the doubleheading work only based on sound. Great work by all the train crews and film crew as well.
Thank you for your kind and interesting comments Collin. Best regards, Alan
Somebody has a dirty grate but it sure is wonderful seeing the old ladies of steam again
Hi Alan,
Great video I really enjoyed watching. Super scenes around Exeter, something I have not done. Well done, thank you for putting this together. Geraint
Hello Geraint, I hope you are well and have had a good filming season. Thank you for your kind remarks and hopefully other tour operators will include this climb in their itineraries now that N.R. have apparently become more relaxed about allowing unassisted climbs to take place. If so, see you there! Best regards, Alan
Superb video Alan Well captured Some great locations. Thoroughly enjoyed . We saw this tour as well. At Exeter Central you were standing near us a certain places on the platform Will upload later C&A
Hi C&A: I met a few "regulars" lineside on this tour, pity you did not know who I was on the platform, maybe you will recognise me again somewhere and introduce yourselves. Thank you as always for your kind remarks, they are very much appreciated. Alan
You sure know your stuff and again great camera work.
First class camera work with the steadiest of hands makes this a superior steam video. I've only just found it and you have a new subscriber. Thanks.
Hi Chris and thank you so much for your kind remarks, they are very much appreciated. Thanks also for your subscription, welcome aboard! Alan
Superb video. Good performance from Tangmere and Braunton there on the 1 in 37. And the scene from the S & D tour. :)
A stunning video Alan, and yes it appeared Nunney was doing most of the work in the early part of your video, loved the shots of the climb from St Davids to Exeter Central, you are to be congratulated 10/10 for your video, thanks for sharing, it's a like, cheers...Bill
Hi Bill: thank you for your very kind comments and I am glad you enjoyed video so much, it was a very successful and unusual tour. Best regards, Alan
Fantastic video! Once again, all the drama is there. Congratulations.
Noel
Hi Noel and thank you for your kind and encouraging remarks, they are much appreciated. Alan
Thought I'd already subscribed, but watching 2014 Atlantic Coast Express, and "subscribe"is showing in red, so perhaps sinility has got me early! Lot of it about.Anyway have clicked subscribe.Really excellent footage, most enjoyable, thanks for making the effort.Looking forward to viewing more of your work.
The section starting at 3:30 with the two locs working together is great!
+020Dutchy Cheers my friend, glad you enjoyed. Regards, Alan
+Steamclips some 60 yers ago when I was still a kid the family and me went on a camping trip to Zwitserland, in Holland the steam locs were long gone, all diesel electric that time. But in Zwitserland these beauties were still active. After my parents put up the tent they noticed I wasn't there anymore, so they all started looking. They found me later opposite the camping at the railroadcrossing looking at these trains come by. Never forget the feeling of standing so close with a steam locomotive passing by. Spent many hours at that track...
+020Dutchy Thank you so much for sharing such wonderful memories, you and I did similar things 60 years ago!!! Alan
8:14 I was on that trip! Truly awful day. So many decisions taken on that tour were bad! From over booking it and putting on 3 extra coaches, to taking the outer line to not leaving the diesel on from Lydeard!
I feel your pain Jamie! Although it was unique viewing from the line-side, the consequences of the poor organisation became the subject of a pretty intense enquiry with ramifications still effecting charter tours today. I think that is why it was so brave of N.R. to allow another unassisted climb on this occasion. The one "sensible" decision on your trip was the pathing onto the "down" line for the climb where the larger radius of the curve presents a slightly easier gradient and reduced flange friction (i.e. load). That change of track however messed up most photographers planned shot, mine included! Regards, Alan
True, although apparently there was a speed restriction over the points at the bottom of the gradient which took out all of our momentum, think we were only doing 10mph when we started the climb. Hit the inner line with more speed, reckon we'd have probably made it. Pocket Rocket not exactly the best engine to have on the front of a train.
Comprehensively captured and thoughtfully described. Thank you for your efforts and for posting this video. I also add my thanks to Network Rail who clearly have hearts as well as suits.
Hello John and thank you very much for your kind remarks. It certainly was a rare occasion and I hope not the last time we see unassisted climbs up this bank. Best regards, Alan
We must remember when locos pulled up to Exeter central from St Davids they did not have many seats full,and the banker would have worked hard as when that banking job done back to St Davids yard to wait for the next up train ,could be quiet some time.As a 15 year old I worked in the Reeves yard next to the line.
Great footage
Hello Owen and thank you for your kind comment. Best regards, Alan
Some great shots there Steamclips , very enjoyable viewing ,and thank You for sharing them with us , but i would like to point out one teeny weeny little mistake on Your editing of the 2006 clip , You describe the 4MT as No 76079 when of course it was No 76009 ! I expect it was just a slip of the pen in Your excitement to get it uploaded ! Still, that aside it was a very enjoyable watch and i look forward to seeing Your future uploads , thanks .
Hi Mike and thank you very much for your kind comments and for pointing out my error, as Homer Simpson might exclaim: Doh!!!! Unfortunately as I have included the mistake in the titles I can only put a correction in the description. An interesting point is that (including myself) no-one else seems to have spotted the error, so, well spotted. Regards, Alan
Absolutely amazing footage . best I've ever seen with regards to steam trains and I've watched few believe me.keep up the work!
Many thanks Lee I really appreciate your very kind comments. Best regards, Alan
Superb video Alan great locations qqquality mate enjoyed watching cheers for sharing a like from me
Hello Steve and many thanks for your very kind remarks. Thanks also for your subscription, welcome aboard! Alan
Even the smaller West Country class could manage the A.C.E without the need for a diesel pushing.
i think i can, i think i can. i know i can :) great clip steamclip .:)
Hi Allan and thank you for the nice comment. Looks like we had similar childhood reading!!!! Best regards, Alan
also noted a helper engine on the rear . ( a banker engine )
A big part of the problem with climbing Exeter BAnk is that the locomotives they are using to assist are not really 'ideal' for the job. In a perfect world they would have an 8 coupled frieght engine assisting or a couple of panniers. Perhaps they could 'borrow' one of the Dartmouth Railway 2-8-0T's or for complete steam heaven borrow both. What a spectacle that would be, and absolutely no chance of stalling!
Superb set of clips once again, Alan. We were certainly given a feast of steam over the weekend. Hell was that close at Exeter, good job neither slipped. Don't know why they didn't use Nunney as well to do some banking, would have been less risky. Keith
Hi Keith and thank for your kind and always welcome comments. I entirely agree with your suggestion about Nunney, a double banker would have been very special but I think the fact that the tour was a celebration of all things "Southern" the GWR power was deemed innappropriate and unnecessary. Best regards, Alan
Fantastic footage there! odd things going on at the end, almost out of steam then gets into the station and blowing off like mad
Hi and thank you for your kind and interesting comments. Bulleid boilers were famous for free steaming, all it needs is an enthusiastic fireman to restore full pressure, which they clearly had on the day!! Thanks also for your subscription, welcome aboard. Alan
O wow nice when the Sanders are are working.
You get it! traction is everything!! Kind regards, Alan
Really Nice Video Indeed of the Bulleids & 5029 "Nunney Castle" working the Atlantic Coast Express in 2014 - For a Southern Bulleid & GWR Steam Enthusiast - This video has been very interesting to watch - Keep up with the Southern & GWR Steam Videos - 5 Stars*****
Hi and thank you for your very kind remarks. Thanks also for your subscription, welcome aboard! Regards, Alan.
First time I've seen this video having read a note of it in Steam Railway great action at Exeter well done.34067 seemed to struggling couldn't 34046 given a bit more push it didn't look like it was putting much effort into the job?
Hi and thank you for your interesting comments. Having talked to a number of people "in the know" since, it would appear that it looked more of a struggle than it actually was and both crews had the job well under control. I am not sure that I entirely believe that statement, but it did make an exciting climb! Alan
Never mind the purists, just enjoy the spectacle!
Well said Terry, glad you enjoyed. Regards, Alan
Was für eine schöne Englische Landschaft und steam Lokomotiven.!! God save the Queen and England 🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂🚂
Hallo Heinz und vielen Dank für diese freundliche und enthusiastische Antwort, es wird sehr geschätzt. Freundliche Grüße, Alan
What a shame the Barnstaple /Ilfracombe line was taken up, not only was it a fantastic scenic journey but now the traffic is ridiculous and I'm guessing the people on the coast wish it were operational. Not only that but it went through our farm when I was a toddler, it's a golf course now and I live in the NE.
I think I can. I think I can !
Thank you for your valued comment, you sum the action up nicely! Regards, Alan
The 34067 train is Rebecca from Thomas and Friends but it's dark green.
12 carriages + diesel to tow, that must have took some head scratching and it looked like it was going to run out of puff, how experienced are these drivers, I have some books here that give stories of steam and how some drivers could use a lot less water and less coal for the same journey with the same load. Could be down to inexperience on some drivers or just laziness on others.
I drive cars, not steam engines, but I figure it's an art to get the best out of these beasts.
Hi Arnold and thank you for your interesting comments. Having talked to the crew and others afterwards it would seem that gentle application of power on these "light" pacifics gives better results regarding traction on climbs. It looked a struggle from the lineside but was probably going to plan from the footplate! Regards, Alan
@@Steamclips You are bang on the money. I often see videos headed ------ struggles over gradient X --- but when you watch the engine is not losing speed and the safety valve is blowing all the way. That is good driving. My father who joined the GWR footplate in 1942 and retired in 1989 from BR --- always used to say in steam days (and in diesel on occassion) the best way to climb a hill with a heavy load was to listen to the engine and let her settle down into what was the engine's comfortable rhythm for the conditions that day. He spent most of his career in South Wales with loose coupled unbraked mineral trains over some of the countries most severe switchback gradients, afer which driving heavy summer saturday Cardiff to Plymouth and beyond trains was an absolute doddle.
Most enjoyable - just watched the 8th Ex St D to Ex C bit. Go back to steam days, I don't think you'd have ever seen a 12 coach train with just two locos, it would have had at least three. Someone must have an old working tt with permitted loads per loco/s. I was at Exeter C on 14 Aug 1964 for the last up steam hauled ACE, and 34084 with 5 on the ex Padstow section stalled just out of sight of the up platform, was rescued by 41321 sent down wrong line and attached. Operationally it would have been far better to have had 5029 pushing as well. That the two Bulleids made it with an overweight train was pretty miraculous.
Hi and thank you for your kind and most interesting comments and I agree entirely with your conclusions. I was a regular visitor to platform 3 in the last days of steam (travelling from Paignton on a platform ticket!) to watch London bound trains leave for the climb to Central. Apart from the regular two bankers as you say, do you remember the small permanent-way gang that occasionally used to have to jump down and re-align the track after an episode of ferocious slipping from a light pacific? I saw that on a number of occasions! Best regards, Alan
Steamclips I was from Bath, saved pocket & Sunday n/p round money for a week's SW Rail rover in '63 and '64, mainly for high speed steam Salisbury-Exeter, plus some branch line visits & ACE from Padstow thro' to Salisbury.
On the 1/37 to EXC..I think if 34046 had pushed too much..Tangmere would as Unrebuilds do..lost her feet..Did look a bit lazy but..It made it,,!
There is no way that it should of made it form Exeter Dt David’s to Exeter Central. That is the steepest gradient in the country. Lickey being 1:37.7 and this being 1:37, plus it on a sharp bend with a 15 mph speed restriction at the bottom.
10.00. Where's the Z class when you need one? I don't believe that they would have attacked the 1 in 15 at 15mph from the bottom too back in the steam days. Never did get around to asking my Salisbury workmates who were firemen back then.
Thank you for your interesting and much valued feedback Kris. Kind regards, Alan
🙂😄
Obviously the driver of 34046 hadn't read the instructions that he supposed to provide assistance, and just thought he'd add 140-odd tons onto the back, so it looked like Tangmere was taking the equivalent of about 16 up there with not much assistance to speak of.
I have to agree with you Andrei, things did seem a little lazy at the rear! Alan
Maybe but to be fair by the time the second loco came into view then most of the train was on levelish track.
Braunton was pulling its weight. It's just that by the time it came into view the majority of the train was already over the top and preparing to stop. You can hear the brakes squeaking on the coaches. that was why Braunton sounded so relaxed.
Should of been able to pull that weight easily
Battle of Britan? 3:52 Brittania TMT 7000 and Castle Class
Hi and thank you for your query. The locomotives at 3:52 are "Re-built Westcountry Class" 34046 Braunton and "Castle Class" 5029 Nunney Castle. "Battle of Britain Class" 34067 Tangmere appears in the sequences at the beginning and the climb at the end. 7000 Britannia did not feature on this tour. Regards, Alan
9:10 it's all your fault?
I probably should have disposed of that banana skin more carefully James!! Regards, Alan
@@Steamclips haha
It’s a wonder the passengers didn’t have to get off and push that train on some of those incline’s,not a very good performance.
Hi David and thank you for your valued comment. I recall watching steam trains on this climb in the mid sixties and can tell you that this scene is no different than in those days. This is a 1 in 37 on a sharp curve from a standing start so the aim is not to climb quickly but to maintain adhesion, which these crews did very well compared to the clip of the overloaded excursion I inserted. The timings between Exeter St David's and Exeter Central back then were always generous as a consequence! Kind regards, Alan
Good grief poor old Tangmere is struggling with a few hundred tuns at 09:55!! Where was that taken, looks as bad as SHAP!! OMG DONT PULL BRAUNTON TENDER FIRST SACRILEGE!!!
Hi again: believe me, that climb is MUCH worse than Shap: a standing start straight into a 1 in 37 on a sharp curve!!!! Regards, Alan
Poor locomotives. Not the type of work they are built for.
+Rienk Mebius need a couple of E1's in the rear