100 m.p.h.? 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley. English Riviera Express. 2023 Wind Up

Here is a short compilation in route order of unpublished clips of this season’s Saphos Trains “English Riviera Express” tours featuring 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley, including "a dream" finale. I was hoping for two more clips before publishing but the substitution of 46100 Royal Scot for the remaining Saphos tours has curtailed matters as those runs will feature in another video.

We start at an unusual location on the “down” leg at Kingskerswell where we see 60007 emerge under the Aller No3. Overbridge through wind and drizzle as she heads up the valley before bursting past in a dramatic close up.

Next to Goodrington Sands in what became fairly typical weather for this summer. Heavy drizzle is passing into the background as the A4 appears at the currently unused Goodrington Halt and climbs past the hardy beachgoers braving the conditions. A quick dash and re-position provides a “going away” shot around the headland into Broadsands Bay.

The return is first captured at Teign Harvey on the Teign Estuary where 60007 seems to be lazily cruising down the riverbank. However, when you consider that 6ft 8in driving wheels cover 210 feet (nearly 65m) every 10 revs you will find that she is travelling quite quickly and making a fine sight in the process!

Around the coast at the farthest end of the Teignmouth Sea Wall is Holcombe near the mouth of Parsons Tunnel. Once again we catch brave souls shrugging off the elements before quickly climbing up to rail level for an uninterrupted and close up view of the passing train. Mercifully, the sea walls here and at Dawlish (for the most part) have not been defaced with Network Rail fencing! ….. Yet!!

Our last location is again an unusual spot (only easily accessible on two wheels) overlooking the wetland reserves at Exminster Marshes. 60007 is finally allowed “off the leash” running at 71.6 m.p.h. on this 100 m.p.h. stretch and makes a fine sight as a little afternoon sunshine starts to break through.

WHAT IF???

What is she were allowed maximum speed here? what a sight that would be!

Let’s increase video speed by 40% and find out.

It has been a real privilege to see and film such a magnificent machine in Devon during the season, her lovely lines and shiny blue livery have definitely brightened things up!

Chapters:
0:00 Titles & Kingskerswell
1:12 Goodrington Sands
3:28 Teign Harvey
5:27 Holcombe
7:50 Exminster Marshes
9:02 100 m.p.h.