34046 "Braunton" heads to Weymouth | Steam Dreams Excursion 27/06/2023
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 Published On Jun 27, 2023

Operating under the Steam Dreams banner for the Locomotive Services group, Ex-SR Rebuilt 'West Country' Class - 34046 "Braunton" would be joined by BR Class 47 - 47614 to provide the traction, as the pair headed for the seaside at Weymouth.

The tour started out of London Victoria behind 34046, travelling via Feltham to Byfleet & New Haw, where the excursion joined the South West Mainline as far as Worting Junction. The tour then ventured onto the West of England Mainline, working through Salisbury to Yeovil Junction. BR Class 47 - 47614 would then take control, working the tour to Weymouth via a reversal up to Yeovil Pen Mill. Meanwhile, the Bulleid pacific was turned and serviced at the Yeovil Railway Centre, prior to chasing the tour to Weymouth. With 34046 back in charge, the consist would make a dash up the SWML back to Byfleet & New Haw, working onward to London Victoria.

After the brief passenger stop at Woking, 34046 laid down the power as it accelerated the tour around the curve west of the station, before passing beneath St John's Hill Road. Moving westward, the Bulleid pacific was now up to speed, hauling the consist through Grateley. Facing tinder-dry conditions, it wasn't a massive surprise to see the Bulleid take a cautious approach to the gradient at Semley. The cameras then took some time out to witness the Bulleid being turned at Yeovil Railway Centre. Setting up at Bincombe, the Bulleid pacific is seen gliding towards the seaside in the deep cutting between the tunnels. After rumours of a lineside fire near Upwey, though not caused by "Braunton", it was only to be expected that 47614 would be providing assistance to the Bulleid as the consist climbed Upwey bank. Finally, and in a similar manner, the consist departed Northam Junction on its way up the SWML, passing beneath Horseshoe Bridge.

All footage filmed on Tuesday the 27th of June 2023.

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