We were walking back to Powderham from the path by the Exe Estuary when we started to see photographers forgathering, making their way to the most accessible spots for a good view by the railway line.

“There’s a special train coming by at one-thirty,” offered a man in a duffle coat.

“Which one?” asked Chris (who is a closet train-spotter).

“The Sir Nigel Gresley,” answered the man who looked like an ancient mariner.

“Ah,” Chris smiled and turned to me, “we had better go back home then and get the cameras out.”

“Is the Sir Nigel Grisley a rare train then?” I asked. “Not a nice name,” I added, pulling a face.

“Gresley, and yes, it’s a nineteen-thirties train,” answered Chris.

I’m always amazed at Chris’s knowledge. And here are some photographs, hot off the press, should you happen to be interested….