www.sdronline.org.uk

Conceived originally as a kind of independent and unofficial monthly magazine, it has developed more into a daily paper with up-to-date news and now our new pages of Galleries of images from recent events.

At the end of that first month last year, we had received 154 visits compared with our current month which is now receiving an average of 245 visits a day!

Total visits for the twelve months to lunchtime yesterday (Tuesday 15^th) are 51,616 with a massive total of 142,697 pages read. I expect the number of hits on the website to exceed just over five million before the end of the month.

With the website name being sdronline, using Google and the name South Devon Railway has always been a problem for us. At the end of November 2009, we could be found on page 21 of Google – and that was only if you had the stamina to plough through 20 other pages to get to us! But, for several weeks now, we have been the sixth entry on page 1 having gradually worked our way up.

So, the intention of this website is still, wherever possible, to be the first with the news, thereby filling a void for staff, volunteers and visitors alike. We would like to thank all of you who have remained ardent readers over the past twelve months and welcome those of you who have just joined us.

And so, with some pride, we wish ourselves ‘Happy Birthday’ and will do our best to ensure there are many more to come. It’s certainly been a year to remember!

Sarah

THE SUMMER DIESEL GALA

UP CLOSE N' DIRTY

With the newly painted warning panel D6737 leaves Bishops Bridge

Class 20 20118 arrives at Bishops Bridge loop	With D6737 making more smoke than one of his cigars, driver Jon Morton takes a short goods down the line
D7612 waits for the road at Bishops Bridge	Crompton 33002 leaves Buckfastleigh with a Sunday aftrnoon train

Out in the country - D7612 with a branch goods

To view more images from the Diesel Gala Click Here

And for those of you with withdrawal symptons for steam - and of no particular relevance to the SDR

6024 King Edward I passes Red Rock and heads towards Dawlish

on the Torbay Express 13th June, with Exmouth in the background

Dia del Pare, Ziua Tatălui, Festa del Papà,

Dia do Pai, Tevo diena, Día del Padre, Vatertag.

Just a few different ways of saying Father's Day

and therein lies a story!

It's often thought that Father's Day is a modern invention devised purely for commercialism and also for the fact that if women could celebrate Mother's Day then men should be allowed to have their day too. Well the former wasn't really true, but a lady by the name of Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington did believe that fathers should also have their only special celebration and through her efforts the first observance of Father's Day is believed to have been held on June 19, 1910 in America.

Of course politicians in America spotted an opportunity for some media coverage in their favour and a bill to accord national recognition of the holiday was introduced in Congress in 1913 but it was not until 1966 that President Lyndon Johnson issued the first presidential proclamation honoring fathers, designating the third Sunday in June as Father's Day. Six years later, the day was made a permanent national holiday when President Richard Nixon signed it into law in 1972, just 59 years after the idea was first mooted in the House. In the meantime 54 other countries around the world were celebrating Father's Day, in their own ways, on the third Sunday in June with many other countries putting aside a special day at other dates throughout the year.

There were even arguments about how the day should be written - should it be Fathers' Day or Father's Day? Well the records show that the discussions went something like this. Although the name of the event is usually understood as a plural possessive (i.e. "day belonging to fathers"), which would under normal English punctuation guidelines be spelled "Fathers' Day", the most common spelling is "Father's Day", as if it were a singular possessive (i.e. "day belonging to Father"). In the United States, Dodd used the "Fathers' Day" spelling on her original petition for the holiday, but the spelling "Father's Day" was already used in 1913 when a bill was introduced to the US Congress as the first attempt to establish the holiday. (Hopefully this lengthy explanation will prevent a flood of emails to this site which start "I don't wish to be a pedant but..........")

But where is the significance of all of this to the South Devon Railway? After all the intention of the site is to bring you news of the Railway. 'Seempuls' - on June 20th the SDR are running a special Father's Day lunchtime Dining Train. Now what better way to get the family together to give Dad a special treat? A tip top menu in the comfort of our heritage Dining Saloons "King George" and "Duchess of York" both of which were built by craftsmen in 1937 and which will be hauled by a steam locomotive. The Dining Train is conveyed down the line to Totnes through countryside, that looks particularly beautiful at the moment in it's coat of spring greens, and which closely follows the course of the River Dart. During the return journey cheese and biscuits and coffee are served.

It's such a different way to give Dads a very special day to remember and Mums will be equally relaxed because they don't have to cook. The American comedian Bill Cosby once said, "Fatherhood is pretending the present you love most is soap-on-a-rope." Well the lunchtime Dining Train running on Father's Day 20th June is a bit more special and memorable than soap-on-a-rope and there are some tables still available. For more information and to book telephone 0845 345 1466 (local rate).

THE SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

QUIZ No 67

On a well earnt day off from work

would you prefer to get your hands dirty by

a) Mowing the lawn

b) Decorating the smallest room

c) Cleaning out the kids' rabbit hutch

or instead

get your hands on the controls of a steam locomotive

and then get your hands on one of these

What better way to spend your leisure time than driving a steam loco which is hauling coaches up and down one of the prettiest heritage lines in the country? In a never to be forgotten experience you can spend a day on the South Devon Railway doing just that under the guidance of some of our most experienced drivers and firemen. Not only that but your day will be packed with visits to the loco shed, the workshops, one of the signal boxes and other areas not generally accessible to the public. It's a chance to see behind the scenes, chat to experts who are only too willing to tell you how a heritage railway ticks before climbing aboard the steam locomotive that you will be driving and firing during the day.

And with just a few places left in June and July (before the Footplate Experience Days are suspended during the busiest weeks of our high season two trains in service timetable) now is the time to book. For a full account of what you can expect during the day read the report of someone who took part. Maureen Douglas-Green's telling of the day's events starts with these words, "Nothing can prepare you for the sense of responsibility that some of life’s experiences throw at you. When, at the end of the day, you have been left in a state of absolute awe and wonder, you know that day will live in your memory for the rest of your life."

Finally the footplate of a steam locomotive really isn't just a male domain, two of our volunteers are lady firemen and ladies of all ages are welcomed aboard the Footplate Experience Days. For Maureen's account and photographs of her day click here.

South Devon Railway footplate experience courses make a superb and memorable gift. To check dates and availability and to book, call 0845 345 1466 or e-mail info@southdevonrailway.org

A NEW FRONT END COLOUR

FOR CLASS 37 D6737

In a surprise move the Devon Diesel Society rolled out a repaint to the ends of their Class 37 diesel locomotive D6737, which will be running in this coming weekend's Summer Diesel Gala. DDS spokesman Andy Matthews told me that "We have evidence that the loco carried this livery several years ago when yellow ends were applied, as a stop gap until they were repainted blue, to a number of diesel loco’s whilst they were still in green livery. The loco will only be staying like this for just over a month – when it will re-enter the workshop for body work and a full repaint in early July. It will then emerge in green with small yellow warning panels – as it was when built."

The 37 is rostered on passenger and goods services during the Gala on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th; hauling the crimson and cream set on Saturday and the chocolate and cream set on Sunday, a combination which is sure to please enthusiasts.

A COUNTRY BRANCH LINE

TO BE PROUD OF !

Who could fail to have felt a quickening of the heart beat, a stirring of memories at the sight and sound of the Collett Mixed Traffic Locomotive 3205, back in public service after a five year absence. If ever a locomotive looked 'just right' it is this one and Buckfastleigh once again echoed to its familiar bark as it started its journey down the line. And the number of people who turned out to watch and ride behind it confirmed that it is the undoubted star of the line.

Although Saturday's weather put a dampener on the first day's proceedings Sunday and Monday were at least dry, bringing out the visitors in numbers necessitating the use of the field as an overflow car park. At Staverton the Real Ale Bar was a huge attraction as the station took on a new look in the area between the coach in the bay platform and the goods shed. Here an excellent patio appeared which was furnished with garden tables, chairs and parasols. More additional seating could be found on the main platform side too as visitors watched the passing of trains clutching their pints and pies and then absorbing the absolute peace and quiet of the countryside surrounding this pretty station when the train had departed.

The line itself is perhaps at its most beautiful at this time of the year amidst a multitude of vibrant spring greens and the never ending movement of birds seeking food for their young. At Woodville, as I waited for a train to pass, a buzzard settled on the arm of a telephone post not fifty yards away and kept me company for at least five minutes as it took a breather from soaring high above the fields. And in the background the soft gurgling of the River Dart, quite low at the moment but oh so clear.

On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 1st, 2nd, 3rd June the railway is running its two trains in service timetable, with frequent departures during the day; and so if you missed the Gala Weekend there's still time to come and visit and ride this wonderful country branch line.

I've added a gallery of photographs taken during the weekend, click here if you'd like to view it.

A SOGGY START TO THE

BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND

At Woodville 3205, the carriages and the photographer get a good soaking

during one of the many showers of the day. A typical Bank Holiday then!

Best refuge from the rain? The Real Ale Bar at

Staverton Station, which had a steady stream

of visitors and sales all day.

In a rare moment of dryness 5786 hurried past me

near Riverford Bridge with the afternoon goods

from Staverton to Buckfastleigh.

And I leave you with my own personal 'shot of the day'

5786 pilots 3205 on the 16.35 departure from Staverton, where it had been

attached to avoid a light engine movement to Buckfastleigh on such a busy day.

Still raining but at least the cooler temperatures lets us capture some dramatic steam!

SCENES AT STAVERTON

AND BISHOPS BRIDGE

Friday 28th May

Collett 3205 gets away from Bishops Bridge with ECS for Buckfastleigh.

The stock will be needed for this weekend's 1950's and 1960's Gala.

S & T have been repainting the bracket signal which

guards the entrance to Bishops Bridge loop

at the Ashburton end.

3205 simmers patiently in Staverton Yard. Having brought

the Branch Goods down from Buckfastleigh

she awaits a path home.

I couldn't resist trying out the 'Previously Owned' gyrocopter I've just bought on Ebay

for this shot of the 14.45pm ex Buckfastleigh service train about to enter Bishops Bridge loop.

The 'copter will allow me to move around the line much faster!

ROAD-RAILER IS A BIG HIT

WITH THE P.W. GANG

The Liebherr 312 Road Railer proved itself on Wednesday evening when the permanent way gang replaced a track panel in the main platform line at Buckfastleigh. Much of the hard labour involved in lifting old sleepers out of the track bed and carrying them away was removed by the machine's lifting capabilities. It then set to work removing the old surface and loading it straight into the waiting wagon - another back breaking chore when done by hand.

Work started after the stock from the last service train of the day had been stored in the loop headshunt and the road-railer, followed by the P.W. train, rolled through the platform line and into action.

The P.W. gang operate on Wednesday evenings throughout the summer and Andy Matthews hopes that now some of the more physical tasks have been taken over by the Liebherr a few more volunteers will turn up to help out - there's even time for a teabreak as the machine saves so much time.

With the track bed levelled to Andy's specification the new sleepers were lifted in, two at a time in a matter of minutes, to very appreciative smiles and much head nodding from the gangers.

HEAVY FREIGHT 2-8-0 3803

LEAVES FOR THE GWR

On Monday 24th May 3803 slipped quietly away from Buckfastleigh, bound for the Gloucester Warwickshire Railway to take part in their 'Cotswold Festival of Steam' which is all part of the Great Western Railway 175 Years celebrations. It's the first time that 3803 has been hired out to any railway since her return to steam on the SDR, and the locomotive will be gone for 12 weeks. We understand that some of our own volunteers will be going to the GWR and we hope to bring you reports and photographs of 3803's progress as they visit.

A SUNNY SATURDAY AT TOTNES

On the hottest day of the year so far I visited Totnes Station to check out a rumour that the Association's chief signmaker had left his mark on yet another part of the railway. And it was true - as I passed over the quaintly named Bulliver Bridge, which gives passengers access to the railway's Totnes Littlehempston Station from Totnes Town, there it was hanging proudly for all to see. Well done CB, another 'propurr job' which gives clear notice of what is beyond the bridge.

Work has restarted on painting the bridge, abandoned in the late winter months due to the adverse weather conditions. Whilst nowhere near as big a project as the 2011 planned repaint of Brunel's Saltash Bridge, Bulliver has 28 panels per side, consisting of 14 spindles each and with four sides to each spindle to rub down and paint that's no mean task.

The picnic area between the bridge and platform looked particularly splendid after some attention by Ian weilding a 'no bovver hovver' mower and it really is a lovely area for passengers to enjoy a picnic on the gently sloping grounds which reach the banks of the River Dart. There are also some picnic tables and benches, ideal for families, at the platform end of the grounds.

Along the platform I found Chris Mackenzie-Thorpe lavishing some tender loving care on the now upright red telephone box, the sheer weight of this defeating all previous attempts to get it up from its horizontal position on the platform. On arrival after purchase it took two hours to transport it the 464 yards from the BR Car Park to the SDR station. Chris reckons the box will have been fully restored by 2011 when the public will be able to enter the kiosk to view the planned full size Totnes Station Museum in its Tardis like interior.

I couldn't help visiting the Rare Breeds Farm after I heard they had some new arrivals. Access to the farm can only be gained from the South Devon Railway's platform and it's well worth a visit, as an ex lifelong towny I love the place and it deserves its award winning status. I can't resist showing you a good 'aaahh' picture and here are some of the new arrivals.

Meet the Kids	Stop staring at me. I'm trying not to make a pigs ear of eating these chips!
	Left - this tiny baby owl is a very new arrival and hasn't yet been named. Above - a familiar site to many passengers is farm volunteer Pete who brings one of the owls to the platform to meet the trains.

Our final image is of Bulliver Bridge and hanging from the central upright the new signs.

THE BEGINNING OF THE END

AS THE COMPLETION OF 3205 IS IN SIGHT

When I visited the Workshop today, Thursday 13th May, I discovered Mike and his daughter Caroline, our expert painters, applying the first undercoat to the locomotive body. Last night they finished the majority of the first undercoat on the tender and on the smokebox. 3205 will receive two undercoats and two topcoats before she is towed out of the Workshop to be lit up for the final boiler tests, perhaps sometime next week.

Everything is now in place for the Collett 0-6-0 3205 to take a starring role in the SDR's upcoming 50's and 60's weekend on the Whit Bank Holiday May 29th, 30th and 31st alongside the home steam fleet of prairie 5526 and pannier 5786, both in BR black livery. Diesels will be represented by Class 37 D6737 and Class 25 D7612, both in BR green livery.

A LONG TIME COMING

BUT WORTH THE WAIT

With all the modifications necessary to give the Liebherr 312 Wheeled Excavator extra operational facilities now completed and all the insurance inspections passed, the SDR's newest piece of equipment finally rolled into action today, Monday 10th May. It was driven to the railing point beyond the PLOG shed and then ran through the station and into the yard where it immediately set to work scooping up loco ash and loading it into two Grampus wagons.

The Liebherr road railer runs into the yard for the first time.

Left - the road railer sets to work on the ash pile

Above - the road and rail wheel arrangement