6808 1959-06-27 Hemerdon
GWR Grange 4-6-0 No 6808 Beenham Grange and King No 6016 King Edward V with the 8.20am SO Penzance-Paddington (066) near Hemerdon on 27 June 1959.
Peter Kerslake says "Heading from the woods and now facing the final stsrtch on Hemerdon to its summit the "King" is losing steam from all the usual and wrong places but its pilot 6808 seems to be working well, the load being over the ten coach maximum for an unassisted "King".
Unless this service is booked to call at Newton Abbot 6808 will drop off on the approach to Newton Abbot station and go over to the shed allowing 6016 to continue to Paddindgton on its own.
The late Peter Gray has doubtless reached this location either from following the line down the field from the bridge at the top of the bank or by a difficult trek from his lower location and through the woods, not easy with no pathway!"
Photo: P.W.Gray / Rail Archive Stephenson