The return of D1015 'Western Champion' to the main line in early 2002 was what many enthusiats had dreamt of happenning. 
This popular, stylish diesel hyraulic class 52 had last done this back in the mid-1970s. After many years of effort it was well
capable of express speeds which on this occassion had brought a charter down from London Paddington to Paignton where it is pictured.
The date is April 2002 and we were shortly to enjoy a return journey to the Capital.
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Photo from James & Martin's Picture Collection Copyright 'Jampics' m.hawkes7@ntlworld.com