Dramatic Rescue of The Torbay Express, 4464 (60019) Bittern. 19th Aug. 2012

I had initially written-off filming today's Torbay Express because of thick fog and "mizzle". That is until the sun started to break through just as 4464 was due to leave Paignton for the climb to Churston. I therefore decided to hurry down to the beach at Broadsands, a stone's throw from my house, in order to see how a large-wheeled Pacific would tackle the very testing climb in such damp and humid conditions. The sea mist is still hanging around as Bittern rounds the headland and labours over Broadsands Viaduct. The local Class 25 is sensibly added and applies full banking assistance to the A4, suffering virtually zero adhesion, plus 12 coaches, a big load for a Class 25! Things did not look good after another major slip slowed the train to a snail's pace over Hookhills Viaduct and up into the steep cutting. As I strolled back my fears were confirmed when the train suddenly re-appeared back down onto the viaduct after failing to make the summit at Churston Station. A quick dash home for the motorbike quickly got me to Bascombe Road Bridge just in time to see 7827 Lydham Manor, called up from its train awaiting departure in Paignton Station, attach to the rear to get things underway again, making this the second double-banker I have filmed this year!! Some impression of the grade can be seen, compared to the siding on the left, as 7827 disappears around the corner. Eventually, panic over, 4464 shows off its wonderful lines and colour scheme in the sunshine whilst turning at Churston. And finally, in spectacular visibility, we see Bittern heading back to Bristol against a background of Torbay in all its glory. What a day! And something for the passengers to talk about for years to come!!

[@siobhan104]

Superb film. Great opening shot with the beach huts and Bittern up in the clouds. And what a sound from the Manor as it was banking. First class. Thank you. All the best.

[@HughFromAlice]

Great shots! Can't be easy for footplate crews working so near to the limit of adhesion. No wonder the GWR loved it 4-6-0s!!! Loved the shot of the pull away which showed 60019s kylchpap exhaust and its starting wheeze. Once that tough Manor got a grip they powered off round the bend!!!!.…☁☁☁☁☁⁘⁙⁙……Hᴜɢʜ…..ツ

[@kellyashfordtrains2642]

Well done, Lydham Manor. You know where there's a will there's always a way. Sam would have been proud of you.

[@Steamclips]

Hi Kelly and thank you for your valued comment. Regards, Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your kind and interesting comments. With steam locomotives it is not a question of outright power but how much of that power you can convert into traction. Bittern has plenty of power but is designed for speed on the relatively flat East Coast routes, not the steep twisty Westcountry routes. That's why A4's suffer down here, especially in damp conditions! Thank you for subscribing and I hope you find my material interesting. Welcome aboard! Alan (also a GWR fan!)

[@vmgrd34]

First class camera work and editing. An object lesson for all other KZbin railway videotographers. No rapid zooming in and out. No flash-panning. No wind noise. Carefully selected viewpoints. Excellent work, everyone should subscribe.

[@Steamclips]

Hello any thank you very much for such kind comments, your positive feedback, which I suspect is from a fellow photographer, is very much appreciated. Best regards, Alan.

[@waremblem3405]

And best of all, no "coaching the viewers"! (American TV, same for the World Cup. "You gotta, he gotta, they gotta" (got to, have to), etc. Annoying as hell).

[@4001firstdiesel]

4464 made a pretty gallant effort to restart its train. Impressive beasts, A4s.

[@daviddoyle3247]

Great n enjoyable. Steam n Diesel sounds are great. Thank you 😊👍

[@Steamclips]

Hello David and thank for your kind and very much appreciated comment. Best regards, Alan

[@EMuksteam]

A fantastic video,What a eventful day for the passengers & all crew members involved with the tour Thanks for posting 5*****

[@R08Tam]

Superb cinematography showing this absolutely beautiful engine in all her glory

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your kind and much appreciated comment. Best regards, Alan

[@jayfmiller]

Nice video and very interesting. Folks in the UK are fortunate to have so many live steam locomotives operating and so frequently.

[@Steamclips]

Hello Jay and thank you very much for your kind remarks. You are quite right that we are lucky to see so many trains hauled by steam on the mainline and hopefully many more to film this coming season. Best regards, Alan

[@TheJohnscot]

Excellent camera work. Being an amateur camera buff myself I can appreciate the finer points and technicalities shown here. My favourite engines are the Bayer- Garratts. This piece of video work deserves the Oscar equivalent. Thank you.

[@Steamclips]

Hello John and thank you for your very kind feedback. So glad that a fellow photographer appreciates my work. Best regards, Alan

[@LLLLLLLLLucas]

The P&DSR prairies and Manors often have 7&8 coaches which they manage at 20 mph up Churston bank unassisted often facing tender or bunker first. I Think More route familiarisation is needed :) and i'm sure P&DSR would be happy to explain the tactics of their beautiful but challenging railway. Thanks again for the great VID

[@savodent]

I don't know how I got to this video while searching for a Vauxhall Corsa thermostat but I am very glad I did, Brings back great memories of 65 years back when as a lad I lived at Broadsands and spent all my spare time down by the railway. Thanks for taking the trouble to post this magical video.

[@barbelmeister]

+savodent The beauty and enigma of KZbin.

[@MrHeesbeen]

I hope that looking for spares for your Vauxhall Corsa, brings you many happy times in the future savodent.

[@westerleighwerek1493]

Excellent capture of mixed double banking, great sound, bet punters would be happy with that every week!

[@Steamclips]

Hi Mike and thank you for your kind comments. I am sure that you are right about the punters but not sure if the P&DSR would agree! Alan

[@koreanature]

Wow, My best friend, Thank you for your hard work in making the video. I enjoyed the good video. Have a happy day.

[@Steamclips]

Hello and thank you for your kind and very much appreciated feedback. Sorry for the late response, I have been off-line for 4 weeks. Best regards, Alan

[@tm502010]

An American who truly enjoyed this great video and the useful documentation you provided with it. Too many just show video without explanation and context, leaving the video far less useful for any but the best experts on equipment, location, and situation. Thanks for going the extra mile.

[@Steamclips]

One of the nicest comments I have ever received, thank you so much, I truly appreciate your kind remarks. Best regards, Alan

[@andrewmarvell982]

tm502010 i

[@jeffryblackmon4846]

The setting is simply gorgeous! The English blood in me wants to travel there to enjoy the sites firsthand. Thank you.

[@Steamclips]

When you get here be sure to enjoy the view whilst eating a Devonshire Cream Tea, then you truly will be in "paradise"!. Thank you for the nice comment. Best regards, Alan

[@Linesider1]

Superb sequence full of interest and very well filmed and edited. Many thanks for the upload, David.

[@motorcollection6635]

Thannk you for sharing, you caught definetely the best moment when the "Elegant Blue" went on the hill again. Amazing !!!

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your kind comments, glad you enjoyed. Alan

[@af757]

Lovely video, very well presented and documented. A real pleasure to watch all the way through.

[@Steamclips]

Many thanks for your kind comments Andy, I really appreciate your positive feedback. Best regards, Alan

[@flossie5432]

Thanks for posting.No doubt there was some old codger watching when all those carriages were being added saying "Ye 'll never make the climb to Churston with that lot, me lovely"....;-)

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your interesting comments and questions. Yes, 4464 returned to Churston light engine (the platforms are designed for huge holiday trains!), turned, then went to Paignton for servicing before reversing back to Kingswear to take up the train. The Torbay Expresses were well supported and will run again in 2013, motive power has not yet been published. Alan

[@pab47able]

Fantastic video work, Thanks for showing PP

[@Steamclips]

Thank you for your kind and very much appreciated feedback Peter. Best regards, Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your very kind and amusing comments. You are pretty accurate regarding my rush for the bike! God bless Gerry Anderson!! Alan

[@uksteammedia5510]

Absoloutley brilliant shots! 5 Stars. Just cant believe Bittern wasnt powerful enough on its own to get up that bank. Congratulations to Lydham Manor, and it just shows why the GWR is better than the LNER! Sam.

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for the kind comment. It is true what you say although Brits and DoG seem to cope because of better traction. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for the kind and interesting comments, thanks also for your subscription. Yes, there does look like a fair amount of dust in the remaining coal at 10:57 but the wide shallow firegrate on an A4 can burn almost anything, they probably picked up better stuff at Paignton. Alan

[@pauledstock225]

Oh man, what a great video! I loved watching the action, turning the engine, etc. Wow! And the photography is fantastic...every detail on the engine visible and clear as glass! Thank you. (I don't post comments like this very often, but this one impressed me.)

[@Steamclips]

Hello Paul and thank you so much for your most kind and encouraging comments which I can assure you are very much appreciated. Best regards, Alan.

[@Steamclips]

Thank you again for your always welcome comments and observations. It was just one of those days and I was in the right place. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Thank you very much, glad you enjoyed. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi Andrei: thank you for your kind and interesting comments as always. Visiting locos usually have a local driver on the footplate for this very reason. The problem with the A4 has always been adhesion. Couple that with the conditions, 13 coaches and a very twisty climb and you have all the ingredients for an interesting spectacle! Alan

[@JohnPW22]

Brilliant stuff - what excitement and captured superbly!

[@Steamclips]

Thank you for your kind comments David, they are much ap[opreciated. Alan

[@scooby2142]

Beautiful video. Looks like a perfect English summer's day. Fantastic shots across the bay with train action to boot. What could be more perfect ? Many thanks...

[@Steamclips]

Many thanks for such kind comments, glad you enjoyed the clip. Best regards, Alan

[@clivereid9339]

Steamclips

[@Steamclips]

Hi David: thank you for the kind comments, it's always nice to hear from one of my "Favourites". Best regards, Alan

[@justcheck6645]

Absolutely brilliant video, particularly of the turntable operation. Best I have seen, congratulations!

[@Steamclips]

Hello and thank you for such a nice feedback message, I really appreciate it. Best regards, Alan

[@TomRuthemann]

Really like your opening shots of the beach and the surroundings. Gives that video a certain something. Excellent!

[@Steamclips]

Many thanks Tom for your kind and very much appreciated comments. Best regards, Alan

[@wasitacatisaw83]

What a beautifully filmed video. Fantastic to watch.

[@welsh_Witch]

What a rare pairing of locomotive power there is something you don't see every day

[@Steamclips]

Thank you for your valued comment Liam. Regards, Alan

[@barrywhitley2535]

Great video Alan, many thanks.

[@Steamclips]

Thank you for your kind and much appreciated comment Barry. Best regards, Alan

[@DEOO100]

that is just awesome, thank you so much.

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your kind comments. Interestingly, the Manor had a very serious problem getting up the same stretch this morning in drizzle after at least 2 weeks without rain, I wished I had been on the same bridge as I listened to all the commotion from my bedroom window! Unlike the A4, it did finally make it to the top without help. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your interesting comments, the incident has caused much debate here and I am glad that you have contributed. Alan

[@djburland]

An amazing event, A4 at the front and two bankers

[@Steamclips]

Hello David and thank you for your valued and much appreciated comment. Regards, Alan

[@philipdixon6456]

Really great video. Many thanks, and congratulations on the sharp photography

[@Steamclips]

Many thanks to you Philip, your kind comments are very much appreciated. Best regards, Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your very kind comments. Much apprerciated. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your subscription and your kind & interesting comments. This climb has particular difficulties because the reverse curves approaching the last steep section effectively increase the load and wipes off speed. This is a big problem for Pacifics with their relatively light axle loading because they lack the adhesion required to get things going again, especially in damp conditions. Alan

[@MikesMovies]

Absolutely bloody marvelous! really enjoyed that!

[@Steamclips]

A pleasure to receive such kind feedback. Best regards, Alan

[@4001firstdiesel]

Thank you for uploading the video.

[@Steamclips]

Hi Hugh and thanks again for the kind and interesting comments from Down Under. Amen to your GWR sentiments. It certainly was lucky to get the action which most missed. Alan

[@AndreiTupolev]

Sounded like the 25 was doing nearly all the work. Crew unfamiliarity as I think that's the first time Bittern's worked that, i wouldn't be surprised. Lovely panorama in the last clip.

[@Steamclips]

Hi EM: as you can see, strange things happened down here on Sunday and I am glad that I decided to go out at the last minute. Thank you for the great comments, much appreciated. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your interesting comments. Luckily the track had dried by the time 7827 had been attached, which gave 4464 a chance to contribute to the re-start, she certainly sounded good being so near to the chimney. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your subscription and your kind comments. What you say is true, welcome aboard! Alan

[@Sowerbylads]

Superb video, loved the sequence of the A4 on the turntable. Thanks for posting. Regards, John.

[@Steamclips]

Thank you for your kind comments David, they are much appreciated. Alan

[@uksteammedia5510]

This is simply why the GWR is the best!

[@rorymacve]

I think it adds a little bit of extra fun to the passengers service. Sure they were delayed, but how many people can say that they climbed Churston Bank with an A4 being assisted by a BR Built Manor and a Class 25? Wonderful video there sir! Fantastic! :D

[@Steamclips]

It certainly was the worst possible conditions for a light-footed Pacific! Alan

[@6024kingedward1]

Yes, Goliath 5239 is still there - poorly at the moment. They bought another 2-8-0T (4277) a couple of years ago. Goliath has no trouble getting a 13 coach train plus stalled loco going again, did so with Tangmere and the Torbay Express a few years back. She would have done better than the Manor, which did a pretty good job herself with almost no adhesion from the A4

[@dcg12b]

Fantastic footage!! I've seen a double banking before but never a steam and diesel combination so very well caught!! A4's can tackle any gradient easily its just unfortunate that the weather conditions made things difficult. Though it did make for an interesting display. Brilliantly captured!! :)

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for the kind comments. Thanks also for subscribing, I hope you find other things of interest on my channel. Best regards, Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hello John: thank you for your subscription (welcome aboard!) and for the kind comments. The A4 looks splendid in its current form. Alan

[@smilevideobritain499]

top class presentation.

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your kind comment. Best regards, Alan

[@Steamclips]

Glad you enjoyed it Bill, thank you for your kind comments. Alan

[@martinlewingt]

excellant video

[@JonJaffa]

Really nice to watch. Steam loco's and the seaside, what more can you want.

[@Steamclips]

Thank you for the nice comment Jon, glad you enjoyed the clip. Regards, Alan

[@6024kingedward1]

7827 rescued 60009 7 years ago on the same climb. The A4 stalled further down the bank. Dry rail that day, but no class 25 that day though

[@Welshman2008]

It's my favourite part of the UK (after Wales of course) and it has one of if not the best railways in the UK

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your kind and delightful comments, start them young!! Alan

[@oscarwylder]

Pure audio organism (lol) well recorded - subbed.

[@Steamclips]

Hi Oscar: Thank you for your kind feedback and subscription, welcome aboard! Best regards, Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi John and thank you for your very kind comments. Alan

[@ewoutro]

cool video! it must have been confusing for all those bystanders. enjoying the south- western coast and suddenly an north eastern engine goes by!

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your interesting comments. Although not the favourite of the preserved steam press, there are few preserved lines that can match the P&DR for quality of stock and wonderful views. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Thank you! Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for the kind and interesting comments. I guess to most bystanders these days a steam engine is a steam engine, no further questions asked! Alan

[@84asrd84boxy]

A superb video Alan, one up to the Manor born for coming to the rescue, It's a like from me, and added to my favourites, cheers...Bill

[@MrMoorkey]

Thanks for the upload! Very nice video! Also, you now have my three year old squealing 'Mallard, Boco, and Douglas!'

[@abloogywoogywoo]

That 25mph speed restriction is absurd. How are locomotives expected not to stall on the climb when weather conditions aren't favorable? Health and Safety gone mad with power... as usual. The Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway has a severe 1 in 24 gradient just after the rail over bridge near Big Pit. The railway inspectors thought it fun to impose a 10mph speed limit there, knowing full well a train would easily get stuck going uphill. Thank goodness they appealed, and won to have it increased to 15.

[@neildahlgaard-sigsworth3819]

abloogywoogywoo it's the max allowed by the Light Railways Act.

[@jimyoung2188]

Nice view, beaut sounds but its still GWR to the rescue, good video,THANKS

[@Steamclips]

Hi Jim and thank you for your kind comments, they are much appreciated. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hello Michael and thank you for your kind comment, glad you enjoyed. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for the nice comments. Good old GWR bark, nothing like it!! Alan

[@jimyoung2188]

thank god for the GWR AGAIN rescuing A4s seems to be quite common these days

[@MrMoorkey]

Also, as an artist, and photographer, the final few minutes has about five or six photo / painting opportunities. I am so jealous!

[@Steamclips]

Hi Daniel: thanks for your comments, sounds like you had a good time. Alan

[@Steamclips]

You are very welcome David, thank you for the kind comment. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hello Chris: cheers my friend, glad you enjoyed. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi Ali and thank you for your kind and interesting comments. You are quite right about the loco swop: in 1925 Pendennis Castle was loaned to the LNER for comparison with their new A1 pacific and was shown to be better in all respects. The LNER learned a lot from the Castle and applied this knowledge into all subsequent Gresley pacifics, so we can thank the GWR a certain amount for splendid loco's like Mallard. Google: "UK Preserved Steam Locomotives" for J class 0-6-0 survivors. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi David: thank you for the kind comment and for your subscription, welcome aboard! Alan

[@cliff.needs.1142]

Again another loco Id have loved to seen.

[@pwblackmore]

Hi Alan... YT brought this up again... I bant be complainin' tho. One of my top 3 favourites. And then YT gave me a link to "a4 bittern in trouble as it stalls on the tobay express at waterside 14/09/14"... I won't say who the videographer is/was, but it's not a patch on yours: terrible wind noises, shaking long shots (prob because of wind), too many cuts. He did catch some wheel-spin - that was good. BUT, there's no indication that the rail operator learned for the mistakes of 2 years earlier - can't even find if there was a banking loco. To put it in the modern vernacular: You rock, Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for your interesting question. The problem on the day was the damp conditions after a dry day before, which left the track very slippery. In fact if it had been pouring down, it probably wouldn't have been as bad! The tight curve at the top of the cutting effectively increased the load which the 25 on the back was barely coping with, hence the stall and return to the viaduct and the need for further assistance. Alan

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for the kind comment. Alan

[@RienkMebius]

A cosy sound, this exhaust in the cutting.

[@TheStephengthompson]

Dramatic footage indeed Alan, right place right time to get that shot . Regards Steve

[@Steamclips]

Hi and thank you for the interesting comments. Alan

[@BritishTrainVideos]

Fantastic complimation and well shot. Good thing it didn't happen on on Network Rail!

[@superbracey]

5:43 - I like how both drivers give their respective locos some power for the benefit of the cameraman.

[@vikingsmb]

it wasn't for show mate, they were genuinely trying to get the train up the gradient as the gradients on that line are severe

[@hurleyfunbags]

Excellent film. Looks like A4's and Spamcans aren't fond of this bank.

[@cutmasterc7]

great video as allways.