45690 Leander with a monstrous climb of Hemerdon Bank with the last Royal Duchy of 2021 - 12/09/2021

I've been to Hemerdon numerous times to film various types of engines going up the 1 in 42 Hemerdon Bank out of Plymouth, but this run featuring 45690 Leander hauling the last Royal Duchy of 2021, is probably right up there as the best one I've filmed from this particular location. The outward produced a mixed bag of results for me, the engine as ever sounded marvellous in both locations at Whiteball and Rattery, but the Hemerdon run blew both the shots out of the water to such an extent that the shot you're about to see deserves to be solo.

I arrived in good time and with heavy clouds all over the area, I decided instead of going to the sidings, which was my original decision, I decided to film in the field where the last stretch of the 1 in 42 is before reaching the summit by the bridge. However, it turned out to be an inspired decision, as the shot was just spectacular. With good company leading up to it, the light began to get much worse as the sun got lower in the clouds making lighting not great, but I didn't care about the lighting conditions, I cared about the locomotive's performance. The engine left Plymouth on time and was making good strides towards Hemerdon. Luck was on our side, as an IET train was supposed to play a part in whether we got blocked off or not, but the IET was running quite late meaning the possibility of us getting bowled was never on the cards. The engine sounded absolutely marvelous as she roared through the woods and eventually coming into view. The exhaust was just incredible and the noise as the engine not only passed my camera but also by the bridge was just phenomenal. Probably one of the best soundtracks up Hemerdon I've had for a long time. Let's hope she returns to Devon sooner than expected or any Jubilee for that matter.

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