7029 'Clun Castle' - The Great Western Railway 1Z48 - Dawlish - 11/05/2024

Saturday 11th May 2024 saw Ex GWR 4-6-0 'Castle' Class, No.7029 'Clun Castle' reprise its starring role hauling the legendary 'The Great Western Railway 1Z48' - running between Plymouth and London Paddington. The tour marked 60 years since 'Clun Castle' achieved the then-fast-ever non-stop steam-hauled run between Plymouth to Bristol Temple Meads in 1964 - only bettered by sister 'Castle', No.5043 'Earl of Edgcumbe' during the 50th anniversary recreation in 2014. Sadly, the challenging Devon banks foiled a reprised record run, with No.7029 ‘Clun Castle’ stalling on Hemerdon bank (due to dragging brakes on the coaching stock), thus requiring assistants from British Rail Class 47, No. D1755. Captured in superb sunshine, we see No.7029 ‘Clun Castle’ as she sweeps along the glorious Devon coastline at Dawlish with first leg of the day from Plymouth to Bristol Temple Meads. Loco List; Steam Ex GWR 'Castle' Class 7P 4-6-0, No.7029 'Clun Castle' Diesel British Rail Class 47, D1755 Hope you enjoy!