Ask any Great Western fan what route 5043 Earl of Mount Edgcumbe should take, the answer you'l most likely get is simple the Devon banks. The Castle's home route, where it belongs!
April 28th 2012 was the day 5043 showed the true power of a double chimney Castle over the steeply graded Devon banks, thus becoming the first double chimney Castle to work solo over the route since 1964.
This sell-out run was really well anticipated by both the enthusiasts, linesiders and passengers on board, therefore it was little excuse for anyone to miss this run, and for those who failed to make the effort to see this spectacular run, start regretting now as you missed out on catching something really good on your camera!
Beginning at Whiteball summit 5043 emerges from the tunnel in wet weather conditions hauling nine coaches in total (one coach more than 5029 when doing the Cornishman run the previous year) At Dainton the normally quiet rural atmosphere is shattered by the roaring sound of a double chimney Castle, running half hour late 5043 thrashes up the steep climb in fine style with the cut-off at 45% and reaching the summit at around 35mph, an impressive sight to those who witnessed it.
Was Dainton enough? Well at Hemerdon it was even more better. 5043 now on the return working makes an impressive slog up the two mile 1 in 42 climb, fireman Alastair Meanley certainly makes the engine smoke as the Castle creates an impressive clag. Ex fireman Bill Rundell who fired on the Ian Allan Special on 9th May 1964 was a guest on the footplate at this point. The last scene catches 5043 passing the site of Burlescombe station, not the most well executed scene as I forgot to tighten the tripod head properly.
A very special thanks to Vintage Trains, the Tyseley support crews, West Coast Railways and Mr Bob Meanley.
© Ryan Skinner, GreatWesternMGM