7 April 2013 Railway Touring Company operated 'The Atlantic Coast Express' from London Waterloo to Exeter and return via Yeovil Junction in both directions. The original plans to use 34046 'Braunton' (not yet ready) and 30777 'Sir Lamiel' (not gauged) were scuppered and in the event the train ran with 57601 on the rear. The diesel hauled the return as far as Laverstock (east of Salisbury) where the train reversed and 34067 'Tangmere' took over again to London Waterloo. The tinder dry conditions (a cold easterly wind that has lasted for far too long) fortunately did not result in any fires perhaps helped by some alleged assistance from the diesel!

Yeovil Junction. A brief pause to await the arrival of an up train.

A clean engine and tidy rolling stock.

(Photo courtesy Bob Tucker)

Right time departure.

57601. (Photo courtesy Bob Tucker)

Crewkerne (Photo courtesy John Cornelius)

(Photo courtesy John Cornelius)

(Photo courtesy John Cornelius)

Axe Crossing (Photo courtesy John Cornelius)

Honiton Tunnel (Photo courtesy Dave Tozer)

Honiton (Photo courtesy Dave Tozer)

Mount Pleasant, Exeter. Two SWT units lead by 159008. The steps to the left of the picture are a reminder of the short-lived halt opened by Southern Railway in response to bus competition. It is also difficult to recall the coal distribution depot where the caravans are now stored (and of course the previous concrete works). There are still sidings (I think) beneath the growing trees! A plan to use the sidings for the storage of rolling stock seems to have come to nothing. (Photo courtesy Dave Tozer)

Mount Pleasant, Exeter with 34067 now at the rear of the train. (Photo courtesy Dave Tozer)

57601 at Coker Wood, west of Yeovil on the return. (Photo courtesy Bob Tucker)

(Photo courtesy Bob Tucker)

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