60007 "Sir Nigel Gresley" takes on 'The Welsh Marches Express'. Filmed Thursday 27th July 2023, released same day.

60007 "Sir Nigel Gresley" would be the motive power for the 'Welsh Marches Express' for a second time in 2023, when it put on an amazing display of Gresley A4 power and elegance as the tour sped across the Welsh Marches.

The tour started out diesel hauled with 47828 and 47712 from High Wycombe to Bristol Temple Meads, where 60007 would take over the reins. Then 60007 would head northwards through the Severn Tunnel to Newport and onwards to Hereford and Shrewsbury via the Welsh Marches Line. On the return 60007 would pick up the same route on the way back to Bristol, where a diesel was waiting to take the tour back to High Wycombe.

We first pick up the tour at Horfield bank, where 60007 left bristol 14 minutes late, although it put on an assured performance on the 1-in-75 incline. Unfortunately by the time 60007 reached Severn Tunnel Junction it was 25 minutes down, which meant it missed it's 10 minute stop at Maindee North Junction. This allowed 60007 to make back time causing timings to become incredibly tight. Therefore a quick dash was made to Llanvihangel bank where we were just in time to see 60007 put down the power with minimal to no diesel assistance. After an 1 hour and 10 minute break in Hereford, we pick up the tour again at Wistanstow accelerating away from a speed restriction a little further south. This allowed 60007 to show it's full strength on a load equalivlent to 15/16 coaches. By this point 60007 was again about 25 minutes late (again!) meaning our last planned shot at Sutton Bridge Junction was not possible. So after having started early to make the trip down to Bristol, we decided to call it a day and head home closing the curtain on an amazing day of streak chasing.

Locomotives:
-BR Class 47 No. 47712 "Lady Diana Spencer"
-Ex-LNER Class A4 No. 60007 "SIR NIGEL GRESLEY"

Locomotives UK

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