Steam hauled runs over the West Highland line south from Fort William have generally provided plenty of entertainment and the run in November 1990 was no exception.
My favourite Black 5, 5305 was motive power and, over the years I've heard 5305 worked hard on more than one occasion but never as hard as it was worked this day.
This recording begins as we round the Horseshoe Curve after Bridge of Orchy and ends passing the County March Summit.
Once round the curve on the final 1 in 55 gradient to the summit driver Mick Welsh later told us that he had the regulator fully open and had gradually extended the cut-off until approaching the summit he had the engine working in full forward gear. This was sufficient to maintain a speed little over 30 mph passing the top of the climb.
Turn the volume up and enjoy this!