The 1 in 37 gradient between Exeter St David’s and Exeter
Central required trains heading up the hill to have an additional push from a banking
engine. This Maunsell ex-SR Class Z 0-8-0T, photographed at the lower station by
John Dyer in 1961, was employed to do just that.
Cycling up Oxton hill recently, I could have done with one
myself. First, I was overtaken by an octogenarian on a mountain bike with
chunkier tyres and smaller wheels than me. Adding insult to injury, he turned
round as he passed me and offered me a tow. I scoured his bike frame for signs
of electrical assistance but could not see any. Then it was the turn of a
slightly overweight couple to climb past me, though they, at least, admitted to
having powered assistance, which I’d already spotted. I still hadn’t reached
the top when a proper cyclist with drop handle bars fairly shot by. I’ll be
ready next time. I’ve even oiled my pedals.
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