'Braunton' from Bristol to Kingswear. Sunday, 7/7/19

Posted yesterday by Saphos:

''We are pleased to report that 34046 ‘Braunton’ has passed her fitness to run examination today and thanks to our hard working team of engineers, staff and volunteers she is all ready for our English Riviera Express tomorrow (Sunday 7th July 2019).''

Timings thanks to RTT. <BJ>
1Z27 http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55439/2019/07/07/advanced
1Z28 http://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/train/U55440/2019/07/07/advanced

 

Very tame over Whiteball compared to last week. Was expecting something the same given the 9 minute deficit, Tornado solid as usual on the Saturday with plenty of showing off.

 

Braunton on the return leg crossing the Huntspill.https://www.flickr.com/photos/79185888@N04/48224630371/in/dateposted-public/

 

My footage of Braunton tackling Whiteball Bank on the outward leg. The video also features BIL on The Bournemouth Belle the previous day. Enjoy.

 

Two photos of 34046 on its trip to Kingswear on 7th July.

34046b1 by The34097 posted Jul 8, 2019 at 10:07 AM

Near Powderham on the run down to Kingswear and scattering the birds as it passes

34046b3 by The34097 posted Jul 8, 2019 at 10:09 AM

Leaning into the curve passing Langstone Rock on the return trip to Bristol

 

Just a side note in regards to the trip, there was a video on FB of two linesiders putting out a fire at Cogload Junction on the return leg, which they used their own fire extinguisher to no avail and had to call out the Fire Brigade to finish the job, not sure if this will trigger a steam ban, as it didn't look too serious.

 

There is another video on Twitter (posted by a Plymouth MP travelling on a service train) of a lineside fire near Tiverton Parkway. Video was posted at 11:43am on 7th, and was retweeted by the Devon and Somerset Fire Brigade

 

Given the very dry period most of the country presently experiences, coupled with high temperatures and standing crops, a steam ban would not be surprising.