Looking at the gallery pictures of the 50's bought back many memories of the Salisbury Exeter route.
Its a journey I still make from time to time but the magic has gone with the 159's.
The 50's certainly added something special, I used to time them and rembembered Elgar, just ex works making a fantastic run to Exeter, topping over 100mph + on many stretches. Could have made Exeter half an hour early if it weren't for the passing loops.
The 47/7's replacing them were dreadful, one broke down one evening on Honiton bank and had to wait hours for rescue 47 which wasn't much better.
Lost days now and I miss them, but was glad to be there and have the memories
