BR '8P' 71000 4-6-2 'Duke of Gloucester' was an occasional performer on the Sunday 'Torbay Express' runs between 2010 and 2012 and here are seven that I managed to capture with my trusted Camcorder.
Starting at Bristol Temple Meads station on August 21st 2011 ‘she’ has Brush Type ‘4’ 47815 (D1748) 'Great Western' idling behind her tender whilst making a spirited start for the Devon coast. About 13 miles down the line just north of Yatton station we catch her speeding across the fields and over the Middle Rhyne Bridge on September 4th 2011. Moving to the station now on June 5th 2011 when footbridge repairs have treated us to a temporary structure for a lucky shot with 47815 again in place and again we mustn’t blink, then a little further south to a farm crossing, still in sight of the station, we get a longer look without a ‘47’ present on August 5th 2012.
Next we are down at Worle Junction where the loop line to Weston Super Mare branches off. Again in sole charge the Duke makes light work of this manoeuvre on July 18th 2010, and we follow her round to Weston Super Mare station where she is seen arriving beside an HST that preceded her down from Bristol and is now waiting to return on September 19th 2010, a stirring start is made, but I have to apologise for some poor panning. Finally, we find ourselves at Uphill Junction on July 25th 2010 getting a great view of the ensemble from the lovely high Brunel Bristol and Exeter arch north of the site of Bleadon and Uphill station.
As the passage of the Middle Rhyne Bridge was so swift I have included a slow motion sequence of this which I think is worth a watch.
Here’s hoping we get the Duke back on the main line again soon.