34046 'Braunton' Slogs Over Upwey Bank 26/06/19

Back running in her correct identity, Bulleid West Country No.34046 'Braunton' makes a visit to the seaside town of Weymouth. Hauling Saphos Trains 'Dorset Coast Explorer' 34046 hauled the train from Bristol to Yeovil Pen Mill. Coming off the train to be serviced at Yeovil Junction, Class 47 D1944 took over as motive power, to bring the train into Weymouth. We pick up the action at Bincombe as D1944 speeds through the Tunnels on the final approach to Weymouth. Several hours later Braunton is seen running light down Weymouth to join onto the front. With 10 coaches and the 1 in 50 gradient ahead, D1944 was on assistance dutys for Braunton, as the locomotive blows off approaching Bincombe tunnels on Upwey Bank. With a pathing stop at Maiden Newton, we able to get ahead of Braunton and see the locomotive put on a nice display, climbing the southern approach of Evershot Bank. With no assistance the train disappears into the summit tunnel on its way back to Bristol.

[@holmesjunction]

Nice shots and sound. Pity about WC policy on banking compared with others.

[@04clemea]

What WC policy?

[@holmesjunction]

The one that appears to call for a push whether the steamer needs it or not (just in case).

[@04clemea]

@@holmesjunction they don't have a just in case attitude, the diesel is only there for a operational reasons. If they were that worried about the steamer breaking down, they would never let it out on the first place. I really don't get why so many people have to make a point about it, this isn't the days of steam anymore, with turn tables and banking engines at every shed. If it wasn't for a diesel, many of these tours just wouldn't run.