Speed To The West: Main Line Steam & Diesel Compilation (2024)

With 2025 now under way, it's time for the traditional compilation video reviewing the footage I managed to capture of the British railway preservation scene in 2024. This first of two videos focuses on action along the national rail network, with a second dedicated to covering heritage railways. Some personal highlights include: the long awaited return to the main line of D1015 'Western Champion', following its successful loaded test run as it piloted an Avonmouth cement train. We also had the sight and sound of a GWR Castle tackling the South Devon Banks for the first time since 2014, as 7029 'Clun Castle' worked a 'Z48' anniversary train to Plymouth. Later on in the year we were treated to double headed Castles over the banks, as Clun was joined by 5043 'Earl of Mount Edgcumbe' to work 'The Mayflower' to Plymouth. Another returnee to the main line in 2024 was 35028 'Clan Line', following some extensive repair work. Its first run back took it to Westbury with the Belmond Pullman set and the performance up Upton Scudamore on the return run is something I'll never forget! Finally, it was lovely to see 70000 'Britannia' making a few more appearances later in the year. Always a favourite loco, but had become a bit of a rarity in my neck of the woods, in recent years.

As always, thanks for watching, and thanks to all the people and organisations who put in the hard work to make the things I film even happen in the first place.

I hope you enjoy the video. If you did, please like, comment, subscribe, click the notification bell and all that other fun stuff. Thanks!

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

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00:00 D1015, Standish Junction
01:36 46100, Hailey Farm
02:50 44871 & 45407, Coates
03:57 44871 & 45407, The Lickey
05:05 35028, Potbridge
06:04 35028, Upton Scudamore
07:37 7029, Bourton
09:02 7029, Follaton
10:26 7029, Hemerdon (Stall)
13:54 7029, Hemerdon (Restart)
15:46 7029, Newton St Loe
17:35 D1015, Shrivenham
18:39 D1015, Wanstrow
20:06 35028, Lower Wyke
21:12 35028, Stowell
22:30 35028, Bincombe Tunnel
24:22 46100, Oddington
25:36 D1015, Hailey Farm
26:34 70000, Bourton
27:41 70000, Radley
28:45 35028, Hailey Wood
29:41 35028, Frampton Mansell
30:45 34046, Marley Lane
31:54 7029 & 5043, Beambridge
33:15 7029 & 5043, Rattery
35:21 7029 & 5043, Hemerdon
36:59 7029 & 5043, Stoke Canon
38:18 5043, Culham
39:49 44871, Crofton
40:57 70000, Bedwyn
42:12 70000, Crofton

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