The Railway Touring Company's "Dartmouth Express" had been postponed because of the sea wall damage at Dawlish but re-instated after the timely and much praised repairs carried out under the management of Network Rail. Substituting for a beleaguered 70000 Britannia, 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley cuts a dash as it speeds over the Exminster Marshes to Powderham, the only decent stretch of "A4 friendly" metal west of Exeter. A local Rugby Union match in progress at Queen's Park plus a strengthening wind from the sea provides the backdrop for the arrival for servicing at Paignton where the Easter holidaymakers are out in force to witness the activities. Not having much luck with the sun so far it was a real bonus that the late afternoon provided clear skies for the departure from Kingswear where 60007 makes as noisy a departure as I think I have ever heard from an A4, augmented by what seems like a leaking gland on the right cylinder!! Finally to Cockwood where the evening sun sparkles on that highly effective B.R. blue livery.
