GWR Prairie 5553 at the Bodmin Railway, with Guards Van ride.

On 10 September 2023, 2-6-2T No. 5553 headed both passenger trains and freight, in the form of a few china clay wagons.
The first view is of 5553 climbing sedately past Colesloggett Halt, between Bodmin Parkway and Bodmin General.
Next, the loco is propelling its short rake of china clay wagons into Bodmin General, prior to heading down the line to the Parkway station.
Finally, there's a trip back up the line (3.5 miles in 15 minutes!), viewed from the brakevan verandah. It's a fairly steep gradient of 1:40 most of the way, with the vehicles clattering along the 30 foot rail lengths. After crossing the River Fowey on a short viaduct, the train runs under the A38 and past Colesloggett Halt, then under the A38 again and the A30 before reaching the summit at Quarry Curve. As it approaches Bodmin, and an adverse signal, the monument to Walter Raleigh Gilbert (built 1857) can be seen on the skyline. The last stretch into Bodmin General passes various bits of rolling stock, including sister engine 5552. After the line from Boscarne Junction curves in from the left, the signalman takes the token and 5553 comes gently to a halt