In a different class

Enjoying a centenary year, its history and record are insurmountable. Weighing in at 96 tons and over 70 feet long it has a record breaking speed of 100mph and has clocked up 2.5 million miles. I’d seen it once at the York Railway Museum. Proudly displayed on its wheelhouse in its striking Bruinswick Green livery – it was truly a sight to be behold – an icon of British engineering history. To have it then literally pass my back garden fifteen years later was something not to be missed. After all, it’s not everyday the Flying Scotsman comes to town. I’m happy to confess that I’ve always been a bit of a closet train spotter from the days when I was a nipper. Born in Ealing I would often drag one of my elder siblings down to the Broadway to watch the trains. By then steam engines had been phased out and replaced by Diesel locomotives. My Dad and brothers would harp on about the age of steam but I wasn’t to know anything different. Instead, I learnt to love the sound of sizzling tracks, before one of those Diesel beasts would burst from the station tunnel, belching fumes and pulling its fleet of carriages. My favourites were always the Class 52, which serviced the Western Region and were a similar weight and length to the Flying Scotsman.

Back then we always went on holiday to Cornwall because of family connections but the M5 was still under construction and the journey by car was so long and boring – nothing changes I hear you say. However, the car train from Olympia was then available. The journey was a massive adventure – especially as it was an overnight trip and the loco was always a Class 52. Some of those early memories of waking as the train tracked along the Exe estuary before breaking out at the Warren accompanied by the fever pitch excitement in our family compartment at that first glimpse and smell of the sea were priceless – they stay with you for ever.
Much has changed for me and our railways since those halcyon moments. Sadly the days of jumping on a train and settling down to an insipid Ham sandwich with a can of Strong-bow whilst admiring the scenery are rare nowadays. The onset of disability means railway journeys require military planning and for peace of mind and finances its often easier to drive. I still find them cathartic and nostalgic though, especially now that l live close to the main line, so the Scotsman’s visit was always going to be a special occasion. What with all the new foliage on the trees our view is obscured somewhat so to get the full panorama of the occasion I suggested to Julie we watched it pass at Cockwood Harbour. It seemed fitting considering Brunels atmospheric railway gambit – which originally made up the South Devon Railway, was ahead of the game, so we settled down by the Anchor with a few other enthusiast’s to await its coming. When it arrived – on time – I don’t think anyone was disappointed. It glided past in its striking green with that evocative sound of puffing steam and hissing air pumps filling the air. I had my camera ready but sods law would see a camper van suddenly stop in front of me ruining the shot. Thankfully though Exminster resident Andy Wilson saved the day with his picture for the front cover which captured the moment perfectly. All in all though despite my view being momentarily curtailed by the inconsiderate driver it was a grand day for train spotting. The Flying Scotsman was truly magnificent and worthy of the accolades. It was in a different class.