35028 'Clan Line' makes the rarest of trips over the Devon Banks and also makes her first visit to Cornwall in preservation as the renowned powerhouse heads the Cornishman from Bristol to Par.

The locomotive has a gained a reputation in recent years as possibly the most prolific hill climber of the mainline fleet and on June 17th, we would see her tackle the heavily graded Devon and Cornish banks.

The westbound run was exceptional, topping Dainton at 35 and although not featured here, we do see Clan Line twice surging up Tigley and Rattery Bank, she is firstly seen at Follaton where she slips on the lower part of the climb then at Tigley, on the more arduous section of the bank, an excellent 32mph and in the pouring rain !

The highlight of the run for linesiders and passengers, is the ferocious Hemerdon Bank, and this is where all the drama unfolded. Tackling the 1/42 bank is always a challenge, but given the consistent rain and load 10 on hook, and a big slip further down the bank, it meant the Bullied dug it's heels in with the sanders working overtime !

Once under the summit bridge there was still more to come with a volcanic exhaust being produced on the easier grade, which continued towards Hemerdon Sidings ! Stirring stuff and well worth the five hour wait despite the grim conditions !

Hi Richard
Glad you enjoyed it and recognize the area

There are some interesting comments on the video all generally pointing out the loco was pulling well even though it was raining. There was talk of a yellow signal towards the top great work by the crew to maintain momentum and drive

Watching her rip up the first hill was exciting not a sign it was pulling ten cars and running fast over the Hemerdon sidings wondering isn't the speed limit 15 mph over those kinda of points? LOL Must have been doing 25 min

Excellent. Really enjoyed it!
Nothing like a steam loco working hardon a dreary rainy day in the UK!