29th June 2017 BR 'Laira Blue' Class 50 No. 50008 'Thunderer' passes Norton Fitzwarren on the 29th June 2017 while working the 4Z01 12:45 Cheddesden Sidings - Okehampton hauling Network Rail Lorum Rail Grinder to the Dartmoor Railway for staff training. (Photo: Eddy)

29th June 2017 The UK Railway system can turn up some very unique and bizarre workings on the mainline. The old adage of 'never say never' couldn't of been any more true in June. Those who would of put money on three operational former British Rail Class 50's visiting Taunton in under two weeks of one another would of been in for a large payout. On the 29th June 2017, Laira Blue Class 50 No. 50008 'Thunderer' made a return to its former stomping ground in the South West by means of working the 4Z01 12:45 Chaddeston - Okehampton with a Lorum Rail Grinder in tow. The Grinder which has been purchased by Network Rail has been developed in America and will be used to train UK staff on the Okehampton branch. Thunderer is pictured at Bathpool with the remarkable working heading for Exeter and Okehampton. (Photo: Thomas Courtney)