4th May 2024 The Branchline Society operated one of the most whacky railtours Taunton has ever witnessed on Saturday 4th May 2024. The 'May the Fourth be With You' charter operated as 1Z73 06:48 Eastleigh - Exeter Central operating via Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton, Salisbury to Westbury with No.33012 and GBRf Class 73 No. 73136 'Mhairi' in 'top and tail' formation either end of the London Transport livered 4TC set. At Westbury three Class 59 locomotives from Freightliner were added. The incredible combination of No. 59202 'Alan Meadows Taylor - MD Mendip Rail Limited', No. 59101 'Village of Whatley', No. 59104 'Village of Great Elm' No.33012 and No. 73136 'Mhairi' are pictured passing Silk Mills with a potential 11,450 horse power on the lading end of the train. Upon arrival at Exeter Central the three Class 59 locomotives returned light engine to Westbury while the Class 33 continue along to the Southern route to London Waterloo. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

4th May 2024 The 'May the Fourth Be with You' tour organised by the Branch Line Society raised more than a few eyebrows when three Class 59 locomotives from Freightliner were added to the train at Westbury for the run down to Exeter on Saturday 4th May 2024. The consist comprised of No. 59202 'Alan Meadows Taylor - MD Mendip Rail Limited', No. 59101 'Village of Whatley', No. 59104 'Village of Great Elm' added to No.33012 leading London Transport 4TC set and No. 73136 'Mhairi'. The colourful consist is captured at Whiteball running as the 1Z73 06:48 Eastleigh to Exeter Central. On arrival at Exeter the Class 59s were removed from the train with Class 33 & Class 73 'top & tailing' the 4TC set continuing to London Waterloo via Honiton, Yeovil Junction and Salisbury after a short layover. (Photo: S A Ginn)

4th May 2024 The Branchline Society operated one of the most whacky railtours Taunton has ever witnessed on Saturday 4th May 2024. The 'May the Fourth be With You' charter operated as 1Z73 06:48 Eastleigh - Exeter Central operating via Portsmouth Harbour, Southampton, Salisbury to Westbury with No.33012 and GBRf Class 73 No. 73136 'Mhairi' in 'top and tail' formation either end of the London Transport livered 4TC set. At Westbury three Class 59 locomotives from Freightliner were added. The incredible combination of No. 59202 'Alan Meadows Taylor - MD Mendip Rail Limited', No. 59101 'Village of Whatley', No. 59104 'Village of Great Elm' No.33012 and No. 73136 'Mhairi' are pictured passing Silk Mills. Upon arrival at Exeter Central the three Class 59 locomotives returned light engine to Westbury while the Class 33 continue along to the Southern route to London Waterloo. (Photo: Brian Garrett)