Monarchs Of The Mainline - UK Steam Compilation 2021

Video Description

Mainline Steam Compilation 2022 Out Now ! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-oFItAUTh7g&lc=Ugw5QlC3QpNrcRVtWTR4AaABAg&ab_channel=MarshSteamVideos%E2%84%A2 The mainline steam scene for 2021 would start late this year due to the ongoing Covid -19 pandemic and operations didn't get going until May, almost half a calendar year had passed without the turning of any wheels. This year would see Saphos Trains consolidate their position as the second biggest player in terms of operations and excursions. Later on in the year we would see Vintage Trains make a delayed comeback to the Mainline steam market with their popular Shakespeare Express Sunday trains plus with the added inclusion of a selection of in house diesel excursions, which were marred by a few mechanical and operational issues. The return to steam of 7029 'Clun Castle' was also delayed due to mechanical issues which set back the full return to steam 7029 into the late summer but once the revered Castle Class returned she was soon back to her best. As usual West Coast Railways provide the bulk of the action as the main operators for steam and without them these videos would cease to exist. On a side note we are now seeing an increase in the use of diesels on the rear, though this is because Saphos Trains and Vintage Trains are now solely responsible for recovery costs on the mainline and in the case of Vintage Trains their whole train is Vacuum braked only, meaning a thunderbird rescue locomotive which is dual braked would be needed and there are not many across the network. While there is a diesel on back of many excursions, there is only a few occasions throughout the year where I've witnessed the rear end helpers take control and assist heavily, the majority stay quiet and at worst will take their weight with minimal power. So, in regards to this year there has been some great highlights and notable performances. Loco of year for us has to be Bahamas ! The double chimney Jubilee has spent the bulk of its time this year in the south and its exploits on the Royal Duchy will be remembered for a long time. Other notable scenes this year would see 35018 'British India Line' thunder over the S&C and Ais Gill on the first steam excursion of 2021. 60163 Tornado also put in arguably the best performance of 2021 with an all out attack of Ais Gill on the Pennine Explorer with 13 coaches on the hook. There was also the two Lickey Bank specials with 7029 Clun Castle and 6233 Duchess Of Sutherland laying siege to the 1/37.7 incline, with two awe inspiring approaches to Bromsgrove Station ! There was also an LMS double headed climb of the Lickey Bank featuring 45231 & 46100 which was lively. Clun Castle also signed off from its Shakespeare Express duty with a barnstoming run through Dorridge station on a summer Sunday to remember. There are plenty of other notable scenes and they are revisited in the video. Looking ahead to next year, we should see the return of 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley and the potential returns of 71000 Duke Of Gloucester and 70000 Britannia. The Great Britain Steam tour will also finally return and 34067 Tangmere should feature after completing its loaded test runs in Autumn of 2021. I hope you enjoy our compilation of all our videos from another turbulent year on the UK Mainline !