Although not exactly as intended when this four day tour was first publicised, the simpler itinerary and rather “mixed” loco roster proved a wonderful spectacle even though it did not please the “purists”. It is not the first time this year that we have seen the unusual pairing of 34046 and 5029, this time in deference to the Southern theme, with the Bulleid on the front although rather acting the ventriloquist dummy to the exhaust of the GWR Castle behind! The East wind brings typical September hazy conditions as the days get shorter and the countryside takes on those first hues of the autumn to come. Below Kilmington, where the River Yarty meets the Axe, Tangmere appears from under the A35 as she gathers herself for the assault of Honiton Bank, hitting the lower slopes as she disappears into the sun. The gates have already closed at Pinhoe and I have just time to join the jostling crowd on the down platform for a grab shot. Hoping to get that elusive glancing light from the afternoon sun we go to Rattery Bank where, despite the excessive foliage, the results were not too bad. Finally to Devonport Station where the sounds regularly upstage the visuals as the train heads on towards Penzance. Day 4 hailed the return leg and we see 34046 & 5029, after arriving early from Penzance, leave St David’s and head for Riverside Yard. The main event of the day and probably the whole tour was the promise of steam banking up the infamous 1 in 37 on the sharp curve between Exeter St David’s and Exeter Central Stations. The hazard of this climb is amply illustrated by the short SD clip of the ill fated Somerset & Dorset tour I captured in 2006 (10/10 to anyone who spotted my mistake in numbering the 4MT!!) and so Network Rail took a big risk in letting this go ahead without diesel backup – and it was close........VERY CLOSE! Thank goodness it was dry. With all the excitement over we see 34067 depart for Victoria and 34046 shuffle back onto the down line in order to rejoin 5029 down at Riverside Yard. Thanks to all involved and especially to Network Rail for taking the risk with a midweek schedule. Enjoy the action.