Following on from her exploits on this year's annual Great Britain railtour, LMS Princess Coronation 6233 'Duchess of Sutherland' took 'The Windsor Flyer' from Ely to Windsor and Eton Riverside. The train originated in Norwich, being diesel hauled to Ely. Here, the Duchess took the reigns for the run to Windsor, following the Fen line to Cambridge, the last passenger pickup, the train would then travel through Royston and Letchworth to reach Hitchin. Along the Hertford Loop and water would be taken at Watton-at-Stone. The train would rejoin the ECML at Alexandra Palace and would have a crew change at Finsbury Park. Crossing the WCML at Willesden, the train would run through Brentford and Staines to reach the destination.

6233 is seen shortly after departure from Ely at Cawdle Fen. Situated next to the on the Ouse Valley Way, Ely's Gothic Cathedral stands prominently along the skyline. After a 20 minute delay during the loco change, the Duchess is seen steaming under the Ely Bypass, the cathedral dominating the background. As the loco continues to get into her stride, the noise from the chimney grows ever louder. Creating a substantial trail of steam, 6233's driver, Jim Clarke, keeps the regulator wide open to get the train up to speed and try to make up for lost time. The 11 coach train passes the camera between 35.11mph and 41.07mph, with no assistance from Class 47 47815 'Great Western' on the back, making an equivalent load of 15 coaches!

Having seen the Duchess at Cawdle Fen, we had planned to catch her again at Bayford, on the Hertford Loop. Unfortunately, heavy traffic en-route ment we weren't able to get there in time.

Another great performance from 'Duchess of Sutherland' as she continues to prove how a strong, powerful and loud Stanier's Big Lizzie is in preservation.

Filmed on a Panasonic TZ70.

Enjoy.