10th May 2025 The infamous Western Champion returned to its former stomping ground on the 10th May 2025 hauling Vintage Trains 'South Devon Explorer' charter. No. D1015 'Western Champion' hauled 1Z77 07:27 Birmingham New Street - Plymouth charter in top and tail formation with recent Vintage Trains purchase No.37240 as far at Bristol, where the Western continued solo over the Devon Banks to Plymouth with the Class 37 following. Upon arrival at Plymouth the Class 37 re-joined the train for the return journey via Buckfastleigh and the South Devon Railway. (Photo: Brian Garrett)

10th May 2025 BR Blue mainline registered Western No. D1015 'Western Champion' rounds the curve at Nynehead on the 10th May 2025. The loco was hauling Vintage Trains 'The South Devon Explorer' charter as 1Z77 07:27 Birmingham New Street - Plymouth bringing the Western back to its former stomping ground in the south west. (Photo: Lee Robbins)

10th May 2025 British Rail Blue liveried Western No. D1015 'Western Champion' passes Fordgate on Saturday 10th May 2025 operating Vintage Trains 'The South Devon Explorer' charter. The was operating 1Z77 07:27 Birmingham New Street - Plymouth. (Photo: Ian Draper)

10th May 2025 In the glorious sunshine of the morning of Saturday 10th May 2025, No. D1015 'Western Champion' enters Devon returning to the Westcountry with full yellow ends. Captured on the summit at Whiteball it was running as the 1Z77 07:27 Birmingham New Street to Plymouth charter ‘The South Devon Explorer’. Supporting loco No.37240 was detached from the rear on arrival at Bristol to follow the tour light engine running about 20 minutes behind through to Plymouth. (Photo: S A Ginn)