Another LMS pacific that entered into West Country territory was that of 6201 Princess Elizabeth. The loco was rostered in to haul the Cathedrals Express from London Victoria to Penzance and return three days later. Starting off at Whiteball the LMS powerbred puts in her strength hauling nine coaches plus a Class 47 diesel at the rear doing very little. After servicing at Exeter the loco worked alone to Penzance. At Dainton I was in for an unexpected surprise, just as the late summer sunlight shone out Lizzie emerges in a cloud of black clag, smoking up the climb to the tunnel despite the leaking of the drain cocks. Later in the evening history is made, 6201 crosses over Brunel's grand designed Royal Albert Bridge thus becoming the first ever of her class to cross the bridge and into Cornwall, just like the Duchess did the previous month.
Three days later on Sept 20th, Lizzie runs the return working. She is seen making the long climb through the Glyn Valley between Bodmin and Liskeard. Hemerdon was the next and provided the most pyrotechnic scene of the run, the loco once again clags and slogs up the 1in42 climb. In the final shot sees Lizzie works up to Whiteball tunnel in fine style thus concluding what was a fine two runs.
It is ironic to think that 6201 last came down to the West Country in October 2006 and as a 17 year old I had to privilege to travel behind her never knowing I would see her again 10 years later.