Speed to the West: 2017 on the Railways

Well, with the new year now under way, it's time to take a look back at what was 2017. Undoubtedly, this was the year of the end of Southern steam, which saw many events take place on heritage lines and on the main line, marking 50 years since the end of steam on British Rail's Southern Region in 1967. Adding to this theme was the long-awaited return to the main line of 35028 'Clan Line', following a 2 year long overhaul at Crewe. Another notable return to the main line was fellow classmate of 'Clan Line', 35018 'British India Line', following a lengthy restoration from scrapyard condition at Carnforth. 70013 'Oliver Cromwell' also made her much-anticipated return to main line, for the first time since 2014, after repairs were undertaken on the boiler. The year also saw a number of returnees on the heritage line circuit, from, both, overhauls and full on restorations. These include: 80078, 41313, 34081 '92 Squadron', 926 'Repton', 5526 and many more. The world of narrow gauge railways welcomed some new blood this year, in the form of No.762 'Lyn', an improved replica of the original Baldwin locomotive that ran on the Lynton Barnstaple Railway, before closure in 1935. After successful trials, she is now "back" on the L&B, being based at Woody Bay.
This year also saw a number of locos bowing out of service, in need of overhaul. Including: 30053, 34070 'Manston', 7812 'Erlestoke Manor', 1369 and 46115 'Scots Guardsman'.
There have been a fair few memorable moments on the main line and on heritage lines alike: 46100 working solo over the South Devon Banks and into Cornwall, with 'The Royal Duchy; 45699's stonking performances during her run to Gloucester in March; 35006 tackling the 1 in 60 gradients between Alton and Medstead, on load 8, during the Mid Hants Railway's 'End of Southern Steam Spectacular' gala; 46233 and 60009 both taking trains over the steep and twisting climb of Sapperton Bank, and 35028 making her debut on the Torbay Express runs, to name a few!
I'd like to take this moment to thank everyone who watched and supported my videos throughout the year and, of course, all those involved with the restoration and running of those beautiful beasts that we adore so much, and the railways they run on. Without whom, none of this would be possible. Happy New Year to you all.
Thank you.

[@SpeedToTheWest]

Hey, if you liked this video, please consider subscribing, as well as hitting the notification bell, so you're always up to date on my latest videos! I'm also on Twitter and Facebook, so I'd really appreciate it if you dropped a like/follow on those pages, thanks! Twitter: twitter.com/SpeedToTheWest Facebook: facebook.com/SpeedToTheWest/

[@Therickrollkid]

I subbed =)can I get a shout out in your next vid?

[@anandsravanapudi4234]

Beautiful and lovely shots of the British countryside with the steam train in it! Simply awesome! Nicely edited. Sweet sounds of the birds once the train has gone...simply great!

[@paulgmarriott]

Lovely old chuffers. What's not to like about these ferroequine beasts. Great video!

[@peterfitness1929]

Excellent video, and thanks for the captions, it’s good to know the locations and the locos.

[@andywillis2650]

Agrree with you there, always nice to know where the filming has taken place - despite a couple places being familiar :)

[@crab5mt]

Excellent video! Many thanks for uploading it.

[@jrcrawford4]

Pure cinematography. My lord did you pose the horse?! SUCH good shots!

[@noggin48]

Superb collection, indeed!

[@SpeedToTheWest]

Thanks! 😄

[@robmasterman]

Absolutely superb as always, I featured a few times, so thanks for that....Hope you both have a wonderful 2018....Regards...Bob

[@georgefranklin4872]

Great job - very enjoyable background as I work!

[@dutchsteamworks3548]

Beautiful video!

[@tobys_transport_videos]

Great stuff! I enjoyed your outtakes of 2017 video, and this review of 2017 looks to be just as good! This year (2018) marks 50 years since steam finished altogether on British rail, so no doubt by mid year (and the time I arrive in the UK!) there will be steam specials and steam railway galas nationwide!

[@giuseppegulino]

complimenti per questo bellissimo video bellissimo convoglio epoca con una stupenda locomotiva grazie di cuore un caro saluto giuseppe

[@LaZeRJET]

This is A Really Great Video (Speed To The West) keep up the great work

[@ballineveryday8439]

hi lazer

[@idontwantacallsign]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@mikebutler3263]

Just superb !

[@christopherflynn4094]

I was in yesterdays video and im here again! first south devon shot im front window. Another great video.

[@SpeedToTheWest]

Thanks again! :)

[@christopherflynn4094]

Speed to the West if i appear in anymore i shall ask for royaltys and a credit at the end!!!

[@SpeedToTheWest]

[ *deletes all videos featuring Christopher Flynn* ] :P

[@ArmbarArcade]

I SEE YOU!! *waves*

[@flybobbie1449]

10:00 is a good spot, the trains would chuff away climbing the gradient. I would sit sometimes lunchtime, bag of chips just to the right of tunnel on the hill and watch the trains pass.

[@WOLFROY47]

again guys well done

[@gregorymartin6488]

All that power and speed from a bucket of water and a scoop of coal...amazing....

[@torinbrennan7883]

I love your Chanel ❤️❤️🤩🤩🤩

[@missasinenomine]

25.43 Good switch. Quick!

[@TrainzSpotter]

Nice Video👌

[@michaelsmith9582]

Great film beautifully shot, does anyone agree with me that for such a great locomotive Flying Scotsmans whistle always sounds so feeble definitely should be changed

[@WOLFROY47]

its probably a good thing that their not every day, because, people would forget how special they are

[@WOLFROY47]

thomas and family are definitely busy little chaps, and not just in railway sidings and marshaling yards

[@Therickrollkid]

Wow this is good also thxs you gave me some ideas for my channel

[@davidrowan6556]

Where is that woodville crossing hut? Love to get some pics off that

[@briankruse3584]

Here in Baltimore,the kids are expecting Sir Topham Hatt (Fat Controller) to arrive.

[@EChannel1]

Occasionally, why do I zoom out after steam has passed?

[@BenjaaaGC8]

3:35 this is a camara?

[@metrochrysler11]

Hello, with your shot of the line next to Charnwood Water on the GCR, were you able to access that location without a line side pass? Thanks

[@SpeedToTheWest]

I was indeed, it was filmed around the back of the Cedars Hotel. You can just about see the fence in the bottom of the shot. Hope that helps :)

[@metrochrysler11]

Thanks very much!

[@missasinenomine]

3.34 That's how they did it in the old days. Throw out the mail; & catch the new!

[@SBCBears]

43:43 The Flying Scotsman lives up to its name.

[@paulgmarriott]

Yes, lovely. But it needs a more manly scotsman's whistle.

[@SBCBears]

@@paulgmarriott Being American and liking British railways, I am let down by their whistles.

[@WOLFROY47]

a steam gala is not a full time event, its the occasional display of steam trains, for a short time, maybe 3 days

[@NotStellamae1008]

Fun

[@mattburke7151]

At 35:55, what the heck are those big black blocks?

[@kingofthemonsters3712]

Hay bale

[@alvinalvian1564]

Halo aku dari indonesia

[@andrewponton4250]

Quick question have you noticed how Clan Line's name plate changes colour from Black to Red

[@gwr3845]

I think she has one either side of the different colours

[@andrewponton4250]

Kirk Heath... She has got 2x name plates one in black for the pullman tours and the red set for the other tours

[@gwr3845]

Andrew Ponton ah right. Wasn’t sure if it was her or another engine. I thought it had a black one on one side and red the other haha.

[@markissboi3583]

👨‍💻Try watching Australia 🚂-🚋-🚋-🚋💭 Toot The Train Ride the GHAN Adelaide to Darwin 4,000- Klm i always fall asleep 😳👍 3hr video all the towns stations are tagged & special tourist spots of intrest worth a look 👍👉🐨💭🤳🚨

[@maggiegriffiths2156]

silly man running across the line

[@enderplant]

Britain better than American...