Black 5 44932 & 34046 'Braunton' take on the Berks & Hants route - 15/04/2023

Saturday 15th April would see 2 steam hauled railtours take on the GWML & the Berks & Hants route in the space of no less than 80 mins, with Black 5 no 44932 hauling Day 1 of the Railway Touring Company’s mega tour “The Great Britain XV” from London Paddington to Plymouth & return to Bristol, whilst West Country no 34046 ‘Braunton’ would take Saphos Trains’ “The Great Western Envoy” from Hanwell to Bristol & return
Starting off with the GBXV 44932 is firstly seen departing London Paddington at the start of the 9 day tour of Britain, next she’s seen charging through Maidenhead hot on the heals of a local train infront, then following a water stop at Newbury Racecourse the 5 is seen lifting its consist through Hungerford Common on the charge to Savernake with no assistance from the 47 at the back
Finally comes ‘Braunton’ and once again seen at Hungerford Common (this time slightly east) the Bulleid lifts its 12 coaches plus dead 47 on the rear towards the climb to Savernake with a few whistles whilst bringing on an impressive show!

[@michaeltaylor1869]

Hi many thanks for posting your lovely video on CZcams very nice camera work cracking video well done bye for now Philip

[@mikeman1536]

Engine at the end. Is it helping to push?

[@johnkeepin7527]

Could do, but not all the time. However, with some specials, one of the reasons for them being there is to provide electric train heating(ETH); some of the stock requires it (the old BR Mk2 air conditioned type). Some of the rakes do have their own generator cars as well - often for kitchen car power supply.