6024 King Edward 1 + 60163 Tornado, The Tamar Devonian, 25Sep10

Take two of the most powerful steam locomotives on the mainline, stick them at the front of 14 coaches and let them loose over the Westcountry banks in glorious September weather. Result: probably the most spectacular show of steam on the mainline this year -- if not ever! The best HiFi on maximum volume could not come close to the actual sound produced by this pair as they simply blasted Whiteball. I have never seen a steam assent this fast and I was glad I slackened off the pan head in order to track the pass. Dainton was treated in similar ferocious high speed fashion as seen from the view above Langford Bridge, with no hint of speed falling as they disappear through Stoneycombe. The clouds dispersed just in time for the late afternoon sun to produce glancing reflections, with Tornado as pilot for the return dash down the Teign estuary. A big brake application at the approach to Shaldon Bridge was due to a local stopping service scheduled immediately in front; an all too frequent occurrence this season unfortunately. Whatever happened to the likes of Steve Cornish, who were supposed to stop this kind of thing happening? Congratulations to everyone involved in this spectacular tour and the long awaited return of Tornado to the main line.