45596 Bahamas Triumphs Over The Devon Banks

Sunday 1st August was set to be one of the highlights of the 2021 main line steam calendar, as the South Devon Banks would echo to the sound of an LMS Jubilee for the first time, maybe not just in preservation, but possibly ever. This honour went to the unique double chimney member of the class, No.45596 'Bahamas' - currently enjoying a summer holiday in the south of England - working the Taunton to Plymouth and back section of 'The Royal Duchy'. With a load of 9 coaches and some testing weather conditions, she would be working right to her limit on some of the toughest climbs in the country, providing an awesome spectacle for those who flocked to see her.

We begin at Beambridge, perched on the banks of the A38 road. After several medium to heavy showers, Bahamas is seen leaving the outskirts of Wellington and steaming nicely up the 1 in 86 section of the climb to Whiteball Tunnel. With only a 14 minute stop in the loop at Tiverton Junction on the outward run, a mad dash ensued to arrive at the next location ahead of the train. This was managed with minutes to spares and we see ourselves just west of Tigley on the climb of Rattery Bank. Having been brought to a stand after Totnes, on the lower end of the bank, from what was believed to be a signal check, we capture the Jubilee slowly recovering speed on the more gentle 1 in 90 gradients, following an epic struggle up the steeper climbs to Tigley.

The next big challenge for Bahamas would come on the return, as the 2 mile long 1 in 42 climb of Hemerdon Bank beckoned. Given her 6P power rating and the 9 coach load, this would be one hell of a test for the locomotive and her crew. With the down IET thankfully cleared in time, we see Bahamas giving it her all up the final 3/4 mile straight to the summit at Sparkwell, beautifully backlit by the evening sun. The minimum speed on the climb has been quoted as 9mph, with 11mph carried over the summit. Not bad going indeed!

After two long slogs, it's only fitting that our last shot should be very brief, as we catch a glimpse of Bahamas speeding past Pugham Farm in the setting sun. This was very much a last minute reposition, due to the crossing, just around the corner, getting far too noisy for my liking. But, I hope you like it all the same.

Timestamps:

00:00 Beambridge
01:53 Rattery
04:29 Hemerdon
08:54 Pugham Farm

Filmed on a Panasonic HC-X1500 with an Audio-Technica BP4025 microphone.

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