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Quick Guide
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Photographer's Guide
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Memories
Summer Diesel Gala
1940s Weekend 11th/12th July
How Do They Do That?
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Website updated 6-45pm Monday 8th February 2010
Details of where to find the latest updates will now be given in the right hand column of this page
A MESSAGE FOR 2010 FROM
DICK WOOD, GENERAL MANAGER
SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY
“Way back in 1969 when the South Devon Railway reopened for its first reincarnation under the Dart Valley Railway’s ownership, the heritage steam railway phenomenon was very much in its infancy with just a handful of lines able to run trains, and with steam traction still banned from the national network after its August 1968 swansong.
“So, our embryonic steam line embarked upon a remarkable journey into the unknown – one that no one could really know how long it might last or whether the line might even survive its first season. There was, and still is, a world of difference between the events of the classic British comedy film ‘The Titfield Thunderbolt’ and reality.
“Four decades later, and with a very successful 40th anniversary year under our belt, the railway has answered all those who doubted if we had a future and the SDR is now carrying around 100,000 passengers every year. The SDR Trust has been running the line now since 1991, and we expect to shortly have the formal transfer of the Transport & Works Order to us.
“The success over the years is largely due to the recreation of a very friendly and quintessentially GWR branch line which has appealed to visitors of all ages and interests. But let’s not forget none of it could have been achieved without great efforts by a host of people who have supported the line through both thick and thin, and there are happily a good number still with us today who have been around the railway almost from day one.
“Each new year in the life of the South Devon Railway is an exciting but sure footed step forward and 2010 will be no exception. The Great Western Railway celebrates its 175th Anniversary this year and some of our special events and galas will reflect this. There is a continuous program of updating and improving our visitor attractions, our Museum for example which is currently undergoing a refurbishment that will provide for the multimedia requirements of the 21st century. Above all we shall be continuing with the traditions of our typical country branch railway and upholding those standards we have created to ensure a wonderful day out for our new visitors and those who return year after year.” Dick Wood.
Photograph Copyright © Maureen Douglas-Green
All photographs on this page,unless otherwise credited,
are Copyright © Sarah Anne Harvey and Maureen Douglas-Green
sdronline.org.uk
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Train Times
See Below
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Whilst the Railway does not operate
a daily service during the winter months there are still dates to note
in your diary for special events.
From Autos to Railcars
February 14th - 21st
See Forthcoming Events Page
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LATEST WEBSITE UPDATES
TWO for One
Latest News Page
Little and Large
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sdronline doubles its visitor numbers
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Updated message from
Dick Wood, General Manager
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Official Photographs
of W55000 Railcar
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Operation Pied Piper
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Photographers at Work
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A Glimpse of Spring
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Name and Shame
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W55000 refurbishment unveiled
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Brighten Up Your Monday
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A historic photograph of the Bubblecar
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The Line in Winter
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And not a footprint in sight
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W55000 progress report
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South Devon Railway
achieves record figures in 2009
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