www.sdronline.org.uk

I had looked forward to this first program of a new series (Wed 5th May 9.00pm) ever since NG started advertising it in every other break a couple of weeks ago. Railway enthusiasts have done quite well lately - the absolutely superbly filmed Indian Hill Railways on BBC; which really illustrated the problems facing those lines and the staff who run them, as well as giving us stunning views of the beautiful Indian landscapes. And then there are the endless re-runs on several digital channels of Pete Waterman's series of four programs on British railways; interesting in themselves with Waterman's sometimes laid back presentation indespersed with his sheer enthusiasm, excitement and unerring dry sense of humour at just the right time.

But as interesting as the National Geographic subject was - Britain's railways at war - somehow I just couldn't get into it. It started well enough with the reason for building light railways in Europe during WWI clearly explained, but then drifted off into an overly long section on the Ffestiniog Railway; a subject worthy of a program to itself. I began to lose concentration and there was nothing in Cruickshank's presentation to keep me glued to his every word, in fact by the end of the program I found him downright irritating! I rallied slightly as we got into the WWII section but again from the wealth of knowledge we have about the part played by railway men and women in this country and the amount of archive film from that period, he seemed only to scratch the surface. Perhaps it was me, perhaps I missed a huge chunk - I did catch myself nodding off at one stage. However I will be glued to my haunted fishtank again next Wednesday as he tackles the subject of I K Brunel.

In contrast the program that followed was one in the series "Britain's Greatest Machines" and it was the one about the development of our earliest railways. To my mind Chris Barrie has matured greatly in his presentation style which I'm entirely comfortable with, and although I'd seen this particular one before I sat through it again. Now here is a presenter who held my attention throughout and whereas many programs on early railway development inevitably start with Rocket, Chris Barrie delved further back than that and we saw some interesting and often miraculous (for the period) machinery.

At the end of it all we shall have to wait until next week and see how Dan Cruickshank deals with Brunel - actually almost too large a subject to compress into a 46 minute program anyway.

3205 UPDATE

Thursday 6th May

Since I last visited the Workshops much

work has been done towards completing

the assembly of all pipework and cab

fittings. The kit of numerous parts that

could be seen on the Workshop floor and

benches is gradually diminishing as the

loco nears completion. There is still much

to be done in the way of testing each new

assembly but work has now commenced

on rubbing down the old paintwork on the

tender. Our specialist painter told me that

the smokebox will be the first section to

receive paint and that by the end of next

week we will see many areas receiving

undercoat. The air of excitement around

the site continues to grow daily.

Tightening large nuts in a confined space

can be a red knuckle ride if you're not careful!

In the smokebox the superheaters are in place.

Getting that perfectly smooth surface is a tedious job.

The dome awaits placement.

The numberplates - awaiting the same TLC that

the rest of the locomotive has received.

We signal the release of a new look Bulliver

- delivered to Association Members any day now

and available from Expressway Models soon.

(Under new Editorship)

A NEW TELEVISION SERIES

GREAT RAILWAY

ADVENTURES

WITH DAN CRUICKSHANK

Branded as

"The great untold drama

of the British railways"

Wednesdays at 9.00pm from May 5th

National Geographic Channel

In an effort to bring you the finest images to accompany our reports, even when the subject of our lens is a few yards outside of the South Devon Railway's boundary, we try to create a link that will grab your attention and rivet it to our article. We believe that we have excelled ourselves with this, probably the most tenuous link ever in the short history of this website.

GNOME FROM GNOME

We understand that this gnome, whose name and age we have not been given, hitched a lift on the front of 6024 King Edward I at Exeter St Davids when it hauled the Royal Duchy to Par on Saturday 1st May. Apparently it was attempting to return to its home gnome colony alongside the track a little way north of Totnes Littlehempston station, from whence it had strayed. Its intention was to jump from the front of the locomotive if it slowed on the way through Totnes mainline station, which unfortunately it was unable to do as the train had been given a green light and passed through going like a rocket.

It was last seen at Par station in a public telephone box in what was presumably a 'gnome phone home' call.

Our errant gnome can be seen on the front of 6024

as it passes our buffer stops at Totnes Littlehempston

What is not clear in this photograph, except under extreme enlargement on our large monitor at home, is the identity of the man driving the locomotive. In the knowledge that Colin Kerswill would be on the footplate of the down St Davids - Par leg of this railtour I spoke to him during last week and asked if it were possible for him to give a wave to the camera as he passed. In fact the enlarged image appeared to show that Colin was in the driver's seat and our final image shows that we were given a long sound wave on the whistle as the King first came into view. Having passed through Totnes the regulator was obviously pulled right over for the climb up Rattery Bank and the sound from 6024 was that unmistakable and unforgetable four cylinder beat of an ex G.W.R. express locomotive in full cry.

We get a long 'sound wave' from 6024 King Edward I

Updated : - Colin K contacted me today (Sunday) to confirm that he was driving KE1 when it passed Totnes and had taken it up the South Devon Banks and down into Cornwall.

SQUATTERS DISCOVERED AT

TOTNES LITTLEHEMPSTON

During the extensive shunt that took place at Totnes on Monday 26th April a family of five were discovered squatting in one of the bay sidings at Totnes. However in common practice with other local squatters they had made their temporary accomodation in an eco friendly way, out of straw and other natural materials picked up along the way. We were a little disturbed to find the very young children 'home alone' and can only assume their parents had popped out for supplies.

On a more serious note we are not going to disclose on which item of rolling stock the nest was found for the birds' protection and assure you that only two photographs were taken in less than thirty seconds so as not to frighten the parents away. We are advised they are thought to be a family of robins.

Home alone and hungry

A MARATHON SHUNTATHON

AT TOTNES

Following the departure of the last service train of the day from Staverton to Buckfastleigh at 4.40pm, and its passage through Bishops Bridge loop a special set off for Totnes on Monday 26th. Made up of the Kitson 'Carnarvon', the three car DMU and Permanent Way Department's tool van the train was topped and tailed by D2246 and the Yorkie. Its mission on arrival at Totnes Littlehempston was to thoroughly shunt the bay sidings, removing some stock and replacing it with other - not least the Kitson which is now on public display.

But before all that could happen there had to be a reconnection to the bay sidings from the main running line, solved by the simple expedient of lifting a rail and refitting, temporarily, the nose of the point that will eventually be the permanent connection. Well simple in theory and in practice thanks to our perfectly honed permanent way gang who leapt into action (well the youngsters did at any rate.) With much sweat in evidence on what was a perfect and rather warm spring evening, and with much heaving, pushing and grunting the job was soon accomplished and cautiously tested.

What then followed was a pure ballet of shunting movements of some complexity, carefully choreographed by our own Mr Andy Matthews. Those of us watching were bewitched by every single movement of stock. We were left breathless, bewildered - even dizzy as stock passed back and forth before our eyes. We ached for more; but it was past our dinner time and really we just wanted to go home.

At last, after a life saving cup of tea provided by Alan Lovegrove and the Totnes Station angels, the shunt was completed; Carnarvon standing proudly at the end of the bay platform, the DMU lurking behind and a few trophies to be towed back to Staverton and beyond. The temporary connection was disconnected, the running line left intact and by about 8.40pm it was all over.

A short gallery follows and the bulk of the images will join the queue of promised photographs needing to go on the site, which I regret due to illness last week has created some delay. However normal service, as they say, will be resumed shortly.

The 04 runs round the loop with Carnarvon	Passengers no more - a typical branch line scene of the 60's
The nose of the temporary connection is levered into place	A rarely seen view of the rear of the bay platform
The Kitson in its new home	and looking at home with a row of trucks
The traditional and obligatory group photo of the major players	We leave you with Kelvin (see no evil), Ernie (hear no evil) and Rolf Harris about to play his diggery doo

WORK ON COLLETT 3205

GATHERS MOMENTUM

(UPDATED MONDAY 26TH APRIL)

Much of the work carried out since I last visited the Workshops has been on the various steam and other pipework in the cab and within the bowels of the locomotive and thus not showing in the latest photograph. However the completion of the boiler banding is visible as is the cab roof now lowered and fitted in position. I promised details of the livery that 3205 would be outshopped in and it is B.R. lined green with later lion and wheel.

A team from South Devon Engineering is now working daily on the Collett Mixed Traffic 0-6-0 at the Buckfastleigh workshops. During a visit yesterday (Thursday 22nd) the smokebox door was undergoing its final fitting and adjustments, and the boiler banding was being affixed. A third group could been seen in the pit underneath the locomotive. 3205 is due out of the works on a, as yet, unspecified date in May.

There is a great deal of excitement amongst volunteers and staff across the whole of the South Devon Railway at the prospect of seeing a great favourite (and the only one of its class to be preserved) return to steam within the next few weeks. At sdronline we shall be visiting the workshop every three days or so to bring you the latest news and photographs of progress. In our next report we also hope to bring you confirmation of the livery to be carried when the locomotive is outshopped.

A SUNNY SUNDAY AT STAVERTON

The Devon Diesel Society's Class 04 shunter emerged from the PLOG Shed today, Sunday 18th April, where it had been receiving extended maintenance since the beginning of December 2009. D2246 has been repainted into green livery, but will run for a short period without the more customary yellow and black ends. The shunter was immediately pressed into service to haul the 0-6-0 Kitson 'Carnarvon' to Staverton. In a few days time the Kitson will complete its journey to Totnes Littlehempston where the loco will be put on static display.

There is no more tranquil place than the idylic country station of Staverton on such a beautiful day as today. To sit and sample the evocative sight, sound and smell of a branch passenger train halting for a few minutes before continuing on its journey to Buckfastleigh or Totnes is not to be missed. And when the train has departed and its whistle no more than a distant sound, the peace of the stunning Devon countryside pervades all else as nature busies itself with the onset of spring. Many passengers break their journey here to take the level riverside walk, some even bringing picnics to enjoy on the banks of the River Dart. There is no better place locally to escape the troubles of the world and immerse yourself in nature at its very best than the area around Staverton Station.

Class 04 D2246 at Staverton	Carnarvon and Toad at Staverton
57xx pannier 5786 heads into Staverton from Totnes	Staverton - a typical G.W.R. country station
The ladies room at Staverton	Where time stands still - for as long as you want!

DANGER...........MEN AT WORK

If it takes seven men to lower the old platform sign................how many........? The old platform sign had seen a few years of winter rain, snow and frost and the decision was taken to produce a new one. The Buckfastleigh Station Group sprung into action and a smart new one has been hung in its place. Right - the new sign is bolted into place Photograph courtesy of and Copyright © Kelvin Ellis.
Bet they don't tell their Mums they do this!	The Dining set is Brian Cocks' pride and joy and he makes sure it sparkles before each time its's used.
A new consignment of Acme Thunderer Mk 3c whistles were received for use by the station staff and here we see Chris testing every one before use.	A Japanese film crew came to visit the SDR in connection with a program they were making on Broad Gauge. Here one of our young TTI's is interviewed and with his basic knowledge of a few Japanese words - Nikon, Canon, Panasonic and Sony - he managed quite well.

And I go in search of the wild primroses which grow in abundance down the line in early Spring. A few days of sun

and so much vegetation is showing signs of waking up - a good time to come and visit the railway.

I found this embankment lined with primroses down near Riverford (Hood) Bridge. Ex G.W.R 2-8-0 no. 3803 passes with the

12.15pm Buckfastleigh - Totnes Littlehempston service train.

THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN

OR SO THEY'D HAVE US BELIEVE!

But in fairness in seven days the Kitson 'Carnarvon' had been rubbed down, primed, received a grey undercoat and the top coat to spruce her up. With a little cosmetic refurbishment to complete the locomotive will then be taken to Totnes Littlehempston station and put on permanent display. Andy Greening told me he had a great affection for the locomotive he cleaned, fired and eventually drove some years ago. The team from the Worcester Locomotive Society who worked on the repaint are Giles Gilbert, Andy and Ben Greening, Chris Wilkinson, Luke Wills, Ian Catling and Brian Croker and are to be congratulated on a fine job completed in such a short time. For these photographs the original name and number plates had been bolted on, but for security purposes when the loco is on display it will carry reproduction plates.

Giles has written to me asking that I publish the names of others in the WLS who were not around when the photograph was created but who all put in an equal amount of work to those already mentioned. They are:- Matt Ellis, Toby Roberts, Alistair 'The Guvna' Parsons, David Nowell and Bob.

ITS NOT ONLY PASSENGERS

WHO RECEIVE A HUGE WELCOME

AT THE SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

When 70013 Oliver Cromwell and Black Five 44871 arrived from Network Rail's mainline last Easter weekend each came with their own coach and support crew who service the locos and prepare them for their next mainline run - in this case Plymouth to Bristol hauling that leg of the prestigious Great Britain III tour. It was only yesterday that I wrote the following about the South Devon Railway in the lead article:- "Its attention to the needs of passengers and the welcome they receive from our volunteers and staff is legendary." Well as the following letter, received by General Manager Dick Wood, shows that welcome is extended to the railway's 'working visitors' to.

Dear Dick

Now that I am back home and the dust is starting to settle from my time away with 70013 (although the locomotive continues its journeys around Scotland), I am taking the earliest opportunity to write, expressing our gratitude to you, and all of the team, on the South Devon Railway for the reception that Oliver Cromwell and support crew received.

Although we only spent a couple of days on the SDR, and the locomotive did little more than stand in the yard at Buckfastleigh for much of that time, the way that 70013 and the whole support crew were accepted into the SDR fold was fantastic.

The lengths to which volunteers and paid staff alike went to ensure our visit was as smooth as possible really were much appreciated.

From the moment 70013 crossed from Network Rail metals on to the South Devon Railway, nothing seemed to be too much trouble. The friendliness, support and encouragement from everybody connected with the SDR was little short of amazing.

I sincerely hope that, despite the setbacks over the weekend, the SDR benefited from the brief visit by both 70013 and 44871 and, should a similar opportunity arise in the future, that a repeat visit can be arranged.

Even though we were only with you for a few days, we were made to feel so welcome that the whole support crew felt it a wrench when the time came to depart.

Please pass on our sincere thanks to everybody involved on the SDR for making our visit so memorable.

Best regards

Chris Williams

(On behalf of the 5305 Locomotive Association)

Oliver Cromwell enjoys a spot of the old Buckfastleigh Riviera - sun and palm trees -

a far cry from Scotland where the locomotive has been in the last few days

NOW WE'RE REALLY

FLYING

SDRONLINE SMASHES ALL

PREVIOUS VISITOR

FIGURES

We reported at the beginning of February that the number of visits to our website had reached a new high for the month of January with 5419 visits. In March of this year we have seen another huge increase of 36.8% over those figures bringing the month's total to 7412 visits. Since opening this website in June 2009 we have seen a sustained month on month increase in visitor numbers proving the need for a vehicle which will bring news to staff, volunteers, passengers and those planning a future visit the South Devon Railway.

There will be no let up of sdronline's intention to bring news to our audience when and where it happens; and in a manner befitting the communication needs of 2010 and the coming years. Whilst our heritage steam railway is quite rightly steeped in the traditions of the Great Western Railway and subsequently British Rail Western Region, there can be no excuse for lagging behind in either the content or presentation of the news and events that the South Devon Railway has to offer its passengers and visitors.

The railway's Easter Transport Extravaganza was an undoubted success, especially with the last minute news that two famous main line locomotives were to be hosted on the railway for four days. This website is proud to announce that in the first few days of April we received 3818 visits from people seeking news of 70013 Oliver Cromwell, Black Five 44871 and the changes the SDR were making to the timetable to accomodate the best possible public views of them.

Although the South Devon Railway is not one of the longest heritage railways around it does run through some of the most beautiful countryside that England has to offer. Its attention to the needs of passengers and the welcome they receive from our volunteers and staff is legendary; in short its an exciting place to visit on a family day out featuring steam trains and additional attractions at either end of the line. Sdronline will continue to be first with the news, bringing you the latest information, articles and pictures on a regular basis so why not add us to your 'favourite' list as so many others have done.

'ON SHED' WITH 70013 AND 44871

Britannia 70013 Oliver Cromwell and Black Five were being prepared for their return to the main line today Wednesday 7th April. Both passed the 'fitness to run' tests and were to be found in the yards at Buckfastleigh where their support teams were oiling, greasing and polishing them. Not even the Support Coaches escaped a good wash and brush up. Everyone at the South Devon Railway will be sorry to see them go - we've all got quite used to seeing 'big engines' around the place; both Ian Riley and his 44871 team, and Chris Williams and his 70013 team are most welcome anytime they wish to return!

44871 simmers as a Support Coach gets

a wash and brush up

70013 moves to the overnight stabling point

A SAD END TO A GLORIOUS DAY

Following an incident on the South Devon Railway late afternoon Sunday 4^th April, passenger services were operated on Easter Monday 5 April between Buckfastleigh and Staverton stations only. However passengers were able to use a rail replacement vintage bus to and from Totnes main line station to Staverton.

All the day's activities at Buckfastleigh continued as normal with over 60 vintage road vehicles on display, vintage fairground rides and an intensive train service featuring three engines in steam.

The incident involved visiting loco Black Five No. 44871 when the leading axle of the engine's tender partially derailed at Nappers Crossing south of Staverton. The train was travelling at less than five mph for the crossing and there were no injuries to passengers or staff.

After a delay of some 45 minutes, the train involved returned to Buckfastleigh without incident hauled by Britannia Class loco No. 70013 Oliver Cromwell with all passengers being returned to their desired stations.

The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) was immediately informed of the incident and an internal inquiry will be held on the SDR to identify the cause and submitted to the RAIB. HM Railway Inspectorate have also been informed.

The RAIB gave permission for the loco to be re-railed on Sunday night and for the slightly damaged track to be repaired on Easter Monday.

SDR General Manager Dick Wood, who was also the loco's driver, said: "Until late yesterday afternoon, we had enjoyed an otherwise great day with two fantastic visiting steam locos from the main line which drew hundreds of visitors to see the magnificent pair. I can only apologise to our passengers who were affected by the incident late on Sunday and all day Monday. We will conduct a thorough inquiry into the possible cause and liaise with the RAIB and HMRI throughout. We anticipate resuming our normal services to Totnes on Tuesday."

On Sunday April 4th Ian Riley posted the following on The Works. "44871 did indeed have an 'Earth Fault', but subject to examination and inspection tomorrow, all should be well. The South Devon is a lovely Railway with some very friendly staff, and I wish them all the best."

On Monday a crew of volunteers and staff from the South Devon Railway worked non stop throughout the day and by late afternoon the slightly damaged track had been fully repaired and thoroughly tested. Normal daily services will resume on Tuesday.

In the last minutes of the evening sun 2-8-0 3803 successfully tests the repaired

track so that normal services can resume on Tuesday 6th April.

70013 OLIVER CROMWELL AND BLACK FIVE 44871

ARRIVE AT TOTNES.

Both locomotives and their support coaches arrived at Totnes mainline to time and after a short delay involving them shunting out of the way of a Paddington bound HST and a Cross Country unit moved onto South Devon Railway metals. They had 'topped and tailed' from Penzance with 70013 leading. After cutting off the Black Five, Oliver Cromwell with the two support coaches and the SDR five coach crimson and cream set formed the 14.17pm service train to Buckfastleigh. 44871 followed with the 15.47 service train to Buckfastleigh. Crowds of enthusiasts and photographers had gathered at Totnes Littlehempston Station to watch the transfer from the mainline to heritage railway.

The two locomotives are expected to be on static display at Buckfastleigh today, Easter Monday.

FOUR LOCOS AND A WEDDING

THE ODD RADIO INTERVIEW AND A FILM CREW

JUST A REGULAR GALA SATURDAY REALLY!

Black Five 44871 and Britannia 70013 Oliver Cromwell pass Totnes with The Royal Duchy

on their way to Penzance. They'll be back at Totnes and the SDR - Sunday 13.07 approx.

Prairie Tank 5526 on the auto train at Totnes	Heavy freight 3803 brings the 'Wedding Train' into Buckfastleigh
Bride and Groom about to set off on the Dining Train	General Manager Dick Wood was interviewed on Radio Devon this morning by Charles Nove. Photographs Copyright © Sarah Anne Harvey

CHURCHWARD 2-8-0 No 3803

TO GET A DOUBLE CHIMNEY

ANOTHER FIRST FOR THE SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

In a hastily called South Devon Railway Trust Board Meeting on Monday evening and after a sometimes heated discussion, Directors gave the go ahead for modifications to be made to locomotive 3803. Whilst some problems with steaming were encountered by footplate crews during the 2009 operating season the situation seems to have worsened during the last two weeks.

Work is not expected to start for a few weeks, giving time for the double blastpipes and new chimney to be manufactured in house by South Devon Railway Plc Engineering Workshops. Modifications to the draughting arrangements will also be carried out once the locomotive is in the works. Such a major change is bound to cause controversy - indeed we understand that the main bone of contention is that the look of the new front end departs greatly from the original Churchward designed 2800 class and Collett's later modifications of which 3803 is one of the class 2884.

We can only give you a 'photographic impression' therefore of what will be the new look 3803. One wag has already pointed out that change to the exhaust flow may require the use of smoke deflectors; now that would be interesting.

Photographic 'impression' of the new look for 3803

Report dated 1st April 2010

70013 OLIVER CROMWELL

AND

BLACK FIVE 44871

HEAD FOR THE SDR AT EASTER

Standard Class 7 - Britannia 70013 Oliver Cromwell

A Stanier Class 5 Mixed Traffic 4-6-0 similar to 44871

Photographs Copyright © Sarah Anne Harvey

In an astonishing turn of events these two 'giants of steam' will be visiting the South Devon Railway during the Easter Weekend and staying on the railway until Wednesday morning. On Saturday 3rd April 70013 and 44871 will be doubleheading on the Exeter St Davids to Penzance leg of the 'The Royal Duchy' railtour from London Paddington.

On Wednesday 7th April they were due to haul The Great Britain III on the Penzance - Bristol leg but due to railway industrial action this will now run to and depart from Totnes mainline station. The locomotives and their support coaches will arrive from Penzance at the SDR via our connection to the mainline sometime on Sunday. For information on the time of arrival at Totnes mainline station, visit our Special News Page for 70013 and 44871.

Britannia’ Class No. 70013 “Oliver Cromwell” and Black Five No. 44871 have the distinction of having hauled the very last steam train, the Fifteen Guinea Special*, on British Railways in August 1968. It will be the first time a Britannia Pacific Class loco has ever been seen on the Buckfastleigh branch but the type once ran over the South Devon banks in the BR steam era.

During their stay on the South Devon Railway both locomotives will be serviced by their support crews and will be on static display for our visitors. There is also a strong possibility that one of the locomotives can be used along our line on service trains but once again we must stress that this may depend on technical factors and has yet to be confirmed. Information, as soon as it arrives, will be posted on the 70013 and 44871 Special News Page and on the Easter Gala Page under Forthcoming events.

*The 15 Guinea Special was the last main-line passenger train to be hauled by a steam locomotive on British Rail on 11 August 1968 before the introduction of a steam ban that started the following day. The railtour started at 09:10 from Liverpool Lime Street. It was hauled by LMS Class 5 45110 to Manchester Victoria, arriving 8 minutes late at 10:42. No. 45110 was replaced with Britannia Class 70013 Oliver Cromwell – the last steam locomotive to be overhauled by BR – and the train departed for Carlisle at 11:06. The train arrived at Carlisle, 33 minutes late, at 15:29.

For the first part of the return leg, two LMS Stanier Class 5 locomotives, 44781 and 44871, double-headed the train back to Manchester Victoria. The train departed Carlisle at 15:44 – 14 minutes late – and arrived in Manchester at 19:00, 12 minutes late. Re-joining the train, 45110 then worked the remainder of the journey back to Liverpool Lime Street, arriving only 9 minutes late at 19:59.

9F 92203 BLACK PRINCE

IN THE HANDS OF THE SDR

At sdronline we have gained the reputation of reporting news of the railway, its staff and volunteers as it happens, wherever it happens. We have no compunction therefore of relaying the news that 9F 92203 'Black Prince' ran all day on Saturday 27th March during the West Somerset Railway's Spring Gala, in the very capable hands of two members of the South Devon Railway. General Manager Dick Wood drove and Dave Hall fired this rather beautiful and incredibly powerful machine. Our headline photograph is of 92203 slowing for the inner home signal check at Blue Anchor whilst hauling the 14.00 Minehead to Bishshops Lydeard service.

At just the right moment Dick leant out of the cab to check the signal and as the locomotive passed me I grabbed the image below. This service is not diagrammed to stop at Stogumber giving Dick a non stop path from Williton on the long climb to Crowcombe Heathfield. With a booked time of 22 minutes between the two stations it was pretty obvious that sparks would fly, and with Dave Hall providing all the steam needed 'Black Prince' was given its head. In a crescendo of sound and smoke the climb was stormed with ease, providing passengers with a ride to remember and photographers like us chasing the train breathlessly, with some spectacular images. Our final photograph shows 92203, the boys from the SDR and the train approaching Leigh Cottage Bridge.

On Sunday Dick had a slightly quieter time of it taking a goods from Minehead to Dunster with small mogul 78019 to give shunting demonstrations in the yard.

To see our full 3 day coverage of two 9F's,

71000 'Duke of Gloucester', 78019, 80104, 34046 'Braunton' and 6024 'King Edward I'

visit steamintheblood.com later this week.

sdronline : first again with breaking news

AND HERE'S ONE TO REALLY CROW ABOUT

THE TOTNES RARE BREEDS FARM

&

THE SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

Are Awarded a Highly Commended

in the

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Awards

Totnes attractions alongside national treasures

and win a top award

Left to right - Ben Fogle, Barrie Tolley TRBF, Alan Taylor SDR, Ian Goswell Motabality Operations

The Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and the South Devon Railway, are celebrating today after being jointly honoured for being one of the best family venues in the UK for people with disabilities. The Awards reward the efforts made by attractions across the country to ensure that visitors with disabilities enjoy an inclusive, inspiring and accessible experience.

Both venues were jointly in competition with world-famous attractions such as Legoland at Windsor in Berkshire and The Eden Project in Cornwall to win a Highly Commended at the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain Awards. The Science Museum in London were the actual winners.

Mystery shoppers were so impressed with the two Totnes venues they were shortlisted in the Best Family Venue category despite having a fraction of the visitors of the other finalists.

The award winners were announced at a star-studded ceremony at London’s Tate Modern this afternoon (Monday) hosted by TV personality and adventurer Ben Fogle. The things that most impressed the judges about the South Devon Railway were the disabled parking facilities at Buckfastleigh giving close and flat access to the platform; easy access via ramps to the specially converted passenger coach and then at Totnes the ease of getting from the platform to the Rare Breeds Farm. The judges were said to be particularly impressed with the venues’ joint ticket scheme, which enables people to enjoy a full day out at the two attractions, both of which are completely accessible to wheelchair users.

Nestled in pristine countryside on the banks of the river Dart, South Devon Railway and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm have long enjoyed a close association. The farm is home to some 500 animals and birds, many of which can be petted and is only accessible via Totnes Littlehempston railway platform and many visitors purchase joint tickets. The Railway provides a nostalgic steam trip between Totnes and Buckfastleigh stations.

Totnes Rare Breeds Farm owner, Barrie Tolley, said: “I can’t believe we have been named as one of the best places in the country for families with disabilities to visit. As we re-open the farm to the public on Good Friday this is the best possible start to our year. We are simply chuffed to bits.”

South Devon Railway General Manager, Dick Wood, said: "The South Devon Railway prides itself on giving a warm welcome to all of our visitors and we recently converted a second coach to give ready access to wheelchair users or those who find access difficult. Winning a prestigious national award like this, and against some heavy duty competition, is a big achievement for us, and we are all thrilled to have done so."

I managed to get an exclusive interview with Alan Taylor - Chairman of the South Devon Railway Trust, after the Awards Ceremony had ended. Unfortunately the quality of the recording of the telephone interview is not acceptable for playing on the web but the following is a transcription of what Alan said.

“Barrie Tolley and I went up to the Awards Ceremony today at the Tate Modern which is run by the Rough Guide To Accessible Britain and hosted by Ben Fogle. To be shortlisted for the award amongst such giants of the industry was quite an accolade for us in the first place. However today we got a Highly Commended in the Best Family Venue section and were given framed certificates.

But I think that this has got to be something of a thank you as well for our volunteers and staff for everything they do both at the railway and the Rare Breeds Farm. One of the things mentioned at the Awards was how friendly everyone at the SDR and TRBF are and how welcoming everybody is made to feel when they arrive. The other thing they mentioned was the ability to be able to buy one joint ticket to the Railway and the Rare Breeds Farm. Last year was the first year we did that and this has been the vindication of it.”

Presentation photograph - supplied