Special arrangements had to be made over the weekend to transport a 72-ton engine through Devon roads on its way to Appledore Shipyard.

Because of its weight and size it was not possible to bring it by direct route and the journey from Manchester was via Exeter and Holsworthy. 

Extra power was called for in tackling Woodford Hill, part of which is a 1 in 6 gradient, and a ‘tug’ went out from Bideford to assist, as seen above.
On the last stage of the journey the value of the new eastern by-pass at Northam for such traffic was well illustrated.

Gazette article dated 24 November 1972