For 2022, Saphos Trains’ ‘English Riviera Express’ has taken on a slightly different format, with each edition now beginning in a different place. In addition, rather than steam traction taking the helm from Bristol as was standard a couple of years prior, it now takes over at Taunton for the runs to the south-west. For the second edition of the tour for this year, Ex-SR Rebuilt 'West Country' Class - 34046 "Braunton" would be called upon last-minute to provide traction, as the Bulleid pacific made a welcome return to the region, with BR Class 47 - D1935 "Roger Hosking MA 1925 - 2013" on the tail. 34046 would be deputising for 70000 "Britannia", which has been failed due to issues with its valve gear.
The tour originated at Slough under diesel power, working through Reading, Newbury and Westbury to reach Taunton, where 34046 would take control. The tour would then continue south through Exeter and Paignton, and over onto the metals of the Dartmouth Steam Railway; working through to Kingswear. Subsequently, 34046 would work light to Churston to be turned, before descending through the Dart Valley back to Kingswear in order to haul the return back to Taunton, where "Braunton" would be relieved for the remainder of the return to Slough. Prior to - and after - the tour, 34046 would be stationed at Bishops Lydeard on the West Somerset Railway, for operational convenience in swapping the motive power at Taunton.
First catching the tour at Whiteball, the Bulleid pacific glided up the gradient as it headed south. Overtaking the tour, 34046 is then seen on the Dartmouth Steam Railway working up Goodrington Bank as it passed Saltern Cove, before a final capture as the consist coasted into Kingswear. After filming its light engine manoeuvres, the Bulleid is then seen lifting the tour out of Kingswear, viewed from Britannia Crossing. Heading north, a final shot would be had at Cockwood Harbour as 34046 powered away from the sea wall.
All footage filmed on Saturday the 18th of June 2022.
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