60007 Sir Nigel Gresley roars up Filton Bank and the Welsh Marches - Welsh Marches Express - 10/5/23

After her successful return to service last year, LNER A4 no. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley made a welcome return to the main line in 2023 with the first of many tours in the South West which made me totally excited. Also, it was the first railtour since returning to service in her classic BR Express Blue livery which she looked absolutely stunning. She headed the first of a few Welsh Marches Expresses that she'll be in charge of from May over the summer towards September from Bristol to Shrewsbury. The tour was eagerly anticipated as it was not just the first time I'd seen her on the main line since 2014, she also ran on my birthday which made me very happy indeed. The weather was pretty mixed with the occasional sun with mostly clouds and a few showers on and off, but luckily as the engine powered through the places I filmed from, the rain was well away which was good.
My first shot was on Filton Bank on the climb out of Bristol. I arrived in good time and was hoping for a really nice climb up the steep Filton Bank which poses an early challenge for the A4 on her heavy load of 12 coaches plus a diesel in tow., Unfortunately, the A4 left Bristol 15 minutes late, but she sounded magnificent with her iconic chime whistle echoing through the neighborhood and the chuffs sounded on point as she made light work of Filton bank. A very impressive performance indeed.
Afterwards was supposed to be Abergavenny, however, despite making up for lost time at Newport and running on time, signalling problems meant that she was stuck behind a service train and as a result was running late. After scouring the area and realizing that it was very busy at the locations I planned to film Sir Nigel Gresley, I made a quick drive to Tram Inn to get her at speed towards her water stop at Hereford. I arrived just a few minutes before the train came into view, which was great. The A4sounded brilliant as ever as she thundered around the curve and her chime whistle once again echoed nicely through the countryside.
My final shot was at Moreton on Lugg where I filmed Bahamas on the Great Brittain XV. I arrived there in good time and was very fortunate indeed. The sun was out whilst waiting for her until threatening rain clouds were going to potentially make it difficult to film Sir Nigel Gresley. However, she left Hereford 40 minutes late and by then the rain clouds were gone and replaced with sun and clouds. The A4 scampered along running 45 minutes late, but not running at her usual high speed which was unusual but still looked the part as Sir Nigel Gresley heads towards her destination of Shrewsbury.
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[@gretchenchadwick8343]

My son says if they painted Sir Nigel Gresley silver it would look just like Spencer the Duke & Duchess of Boxfords private engine from Thomas and Friends.

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

Running late or not, Sir Nigel Gresley is still a credit to the main line.

[@robertbate5790]

Nice of shots, and sounds good too. Thanks 👍👍👍

[@SimonTog]

Super video :)

[@user-oh6ze3dq6p]

Why do British steam locos exhaust steam so cleanly????

[@steve-ip6qs]

living in the past looks and sounds very appealing watching that vid