60163 'Tornado' returns to the South West! The Torbay Express - 12/07/15

Resplendent in her Apple Green livery and fresh from her work north of the border, recently overhauled A1 Pacific 60163 'Tornado' took charge of the second Torbay Express of the 2015 season, the first of two Torbays to run via Bath. Starting off, we see Tornado powering away from Bath, passing through Sydney Gardens, a location I haven't been to since the installation of the "temporary" fencing alongside the wall. However, as this is the last steam tour to pass through Sydney Gardens before the line is shut for engineering work ready for electrification, I thought I'd give it a visit, the fence has even weathered kinda nicely. I had to cut into this shot a tad late, as I managed to toe tap one of my tripod's legs just as Tornado appeared, seems this little piggy just couldn't wait to get to market! Moving on, we next see the A1 powering up the final stage of Wellington Bank, as she lifts her 12 coach load up to Whiteball, a fine display in the damp conditions.

I'd planned to kick off the return working with a shot at Greenway Tunnel, then carry on to Pugham Farm. That was until we passed the heavy east-bound congestion south of Exeter due to roadworks as I was on my way to Trago Mills for a ride on their miniature railway, add to that the traffic around the roadworks at Newton Abbot and it wouldn't have worked. So, playing it safe, I went straight to Pugham Farm, where Tornado is seen speeding past with a little tune from her bell whistle. For the last shot, I decided to try out Twerton Tunnel, a location I've not actually done before. Still accelerating away from Bath and running early, Tornado makes a nice sight as she passes by on the final leg back to Bristol.

Lovely to see her again after a little over 10 months, and as much as I loved her in BR Blue, it's nice to see her back in Apple Green.

Filmed on a Panasonic HS900 with a Pro Sound L92AA microphone.

Enjoy.

[ragl]

Cracking video Kristian with well captured sound.  The locations worked well, especially Twerton Tunnel.  Many thanks for sharing.  Cheers, Alan.

[Bruno.Trains]

Very nice quality on you videos :)  Thanks Bruno

[Denjwj]

Nice video thankyou for putting it on, 73 to dad.

[TheMendipman]

Nice video with some good memories.  
My son and I used to visit Sydney Gardens regularly and I sometimes used to buzz off to Twerton Tunnel at lunch time when I worked just down the road.
Noel

[Awvaughan]

Great video. I was hoping to go out to Sydney Gardens and Twerton to see her but, in the end,  I wasn't able to. Your video shows me what I missed, though. Thanks for posting. Andrew

[GertJanBinkhorst]

Nice to see this video. I wish I'd live in the UK!

[AndreiTupolev]

Superb shot at Twerton Tnnl. Will there be a video from Trago Mills? They've got a nice little line there.

[HughFromAlice]

Gradient destroyer!!!   Nice shots Kristian. ……Hᴜɢʜ….ツ