A Bulleid Pacific decked out in full Golden Arrow regalia would show its sights once again in the lead up to Christmas, as Locomotive Services’ West Country Class no 34046 ‘Braunton’ would head Saphos Trains’ last railtour of 2023 on Saturday 16th December 2023, this being “The Christmas Golden Arrow” from Gloucester to Canterbury West & return with the Bulleid taking the steam leg from Hanwell

Capturing the West Country in all its glory we first capture her on Bearstead Bank through the village of Weavering as she tackles the 1in60 gradient with minimal assistance from the Class 47 on the back of its 12 coach consist, after a water stop at Lenham 34046 is next topping the short 1in110 gradient on the approach to Deanry crossing near Chartham on the final approach to destination at Canterbury

The return journey was captured all in darkness providing for the spectacle of nocturnal steam, with station shots being the most ideal for the lighting Braunton is firstly captured at Martin Mill once again taking on the 1in64 gradient in style, the late departure from Canterbury and an unscheduled stop at Dover Priory meant we could gain an additional shot at Folkestone West as the 4-6-2 flies through making up for lost time, unfortunately the camera temporarily lost focus on the zoom out but better than nothing for a bonus shot

Finally 34046 is captured whilsting through Edenbridge as storms through enroute to Redhill and eventually Hanwell, once again my camcorder lost focus albeit worse then the previous shot so this shot is provided from my backup camera (actually my iPhone 11!), again better than nothing!

Thank you once again to Thomas for his invite for the car chase and along with Ed & Sam for the usual company