GWR 0-6-0PT 9466, The Looe Valley Explorer, The Royal Albert, 26th Sept. 2010

Ably assisted by West Coast heritage diesel 37 685, no. 9466 fills the Looe valley with nostalgic GWR sound and colour on a wonderful late September day. Although I chose locations randomly through the day, I have stitched them together in line order. Starting from Looe and seen from across the river on a crowded promenade, the clouds clear just in time for a sunny departure. Terras bridge crossing is reached in more overcast conditions, with a healthy crowd assembled on the roadway to watch the show. Next is Causeland station, deep in the East Looe valley, passed at a speed which seems alarming for the rickety reverse curves! Reversing the switchback at Coombe Halt, where 9466 takes an active part in the push up the hill, was a bit of a grabshot, as was the arrival (just for completeness) at Liskeard, as I just arrived in time at each. Later, 9466 seemed to sneak up on us in the darkness at Saltash, thankfully a short scheduled stop allowed the camera to be switched on before the whistled departure. I love the whole atmosphere of steam in the dark and as the train crosses Brunels masterpiece, the cab and carriages look really cosy whilst we brave the chilly breeze on the road bridge.