2017 The Torbay & Dart Explorer

50007 Hercules and 50049 Defiance at different stages during The Torbay and Dart Explorer tour run by Pathfinder Tours.

The tour started at Burton-on-Trent behind locomotive 66129 for the first leg to Worcester. Upon arrival, this was replaced by the two Class 50s which worked the tour forward from Worcester Shrub Hill to Kingswear and the return to Worcester, a total of 383 miles for the one-day trip.

The destination of Kingswear was reached by running over the preserved-line tracks of the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

On the outward leg the tour experienced a significant delay at Bromsgrove waiting for a replacement driver. Fortunately a spirited performance by the Class 50s ensured that the time was recovered well before the destination was reached.

Date: 2017-09-16