34067 Tangmere slogs up Exeter Bank with 34046 Braunton banking

Exeter Bank, the second steepest mainline gradient in Britain after the Lickey. Located on the last half mile of the London Waterloo to Exeter mainline (literally just off my doorstep!) With just half a mile of 1 in 37 but with a long sharp curve from start at Exeter St Davids leading all the way up to Exeter Central. This very steep gradient can take a huge toll out of anything that climbs it except modern diesel trains.
On the 50th anniversary of the last Atlantic Coast Express working, 34067 Tangmere headed the Exeter to London Victoria working of Steam Dreams's Atlantic Coast Express. This meant Tangmere had to be assisted up the bank by fellow rebuilt class member 34046 Braunton who acted as a banking engine. This was the first time since the mid 1960's that a Bullied had been assisted up the bank by steam! As Tangmere emerges out of St Davids tunnel with its sanders out in full force on the tracks, the combination of the steep gradient, severe curvature of the track resulting in poor adhesion and a load of 12 coaches (weight totaling roughly around 450 tonnes) It very much nearly took the toll on the whole train. But without a single slip the whole train just makes it up the climb.
All around were lines of photographers alike on the road bridge aswell as the very curious general public that came out to see this very rare spectacle.