www.sdronline.org.uk

Saturday 23rd April 2011 and Dukedog 9017, minus its nameplates, is rostered on

a mid-morning Buckfastleigh-Staverton-Totnes Littlehempston service.

Seen here in a previously unpublished photograph on the sweeping Bulkamore curve.

Photograph Copyright © Sarah Anne Harvey

PTS COURSES FOR LINESIDERS

We are pleased to announce, on behalf of the South Devon Railway Trust, that bookings for PTS courses for linesiders is now open. The fee will be £15.00, and there will be and additional fee of £10.00 for a lineside permit which will then be valid until 31st December 2012.

Candidates are asked to present themselves with two identical and current passport sized photographs.

To apply for a place on a PTS Course please email John Haslam at john.haslam@southdevonrailway.org

PROGRESS AT SOUTHPORT LEAT

DAY 21

Painting of the metalwork on the bridge is now complete, with all coats having been applied, with minimal delay caused by the weather, (see my last report below). A detailed inspection of the bridge, including measurement of the beams, was made by Denver Woodward, the SDRT's Civil Engineer and sent to the consultants. With no additional remedial work being necessary the way was clear to remove scaffolding, which had supported the material 'cocooning' the bridge, and the lay the new deck timbers.

These timbers arrived on Friday 3rd February at Staverton and were loaded straight onto a well truck for transport to the bridge. This part of the operation necessitated manual labour and since the timber weighs in at 65lbs per cubic foot it was no easy task for those involved. Once at the bridge the task was easier since the mini digger stationed there could act as a 'pusher' to get one end of the board onto the ground enabling a strop to be got round to complete the lift.

Nudging the boards off the wagon

Laying the beams properly is due to start on Monday 6th

The timber repacing the old Douglas Fir decking is ekki or azobe (its other common name), and it's sometimes also known as red ironwood. It grows principally on the West Coast of Africa, from Sierra Leone to Nigeria and the Cameroons in the heavy rain forests and swamps. Classified as "exceptionally heavy" ekki weighs in at an average of 65 pounds per cubic foot and is considered by many to be one of the most durable of all the African woods.

Typical applications for ekki include wharfs, bridges, sea fences and river pilings because of the wood's strength and resistance to decay. It is also used for other forms of heavy-duty construction such as the decking on flat back lorries and trailers, railway sleepers, mine shaft guides, heavy-duty and parquet flooring. Other reasons that the wood is so well suited to heavy construction and marine uses is that the wood is resistant to insect and fungal attack. One of its more interesting uses is as the running track for the rubber-wheeled trains of the Paris Metro.

Once the decking is complete a membrane will be laid over it and the PW Gang can start laying brand new sleepers, replace the rail and ballast it all by next weekend. It's a tight schedule but at the moment everything is looking good for a return to a full service next weekend.

UP, UP AND AWAY

Friday 3rd February 2012

Side and end detail of the ex GWR slip coach

The lift begins

Home and dry

On Friday 3rd February the South Devon Railway said goodbye to the old, Edwardian it is thought, ex Great Western Railway slip coach. It has been bought by Dave and Lizzy Stroud, of St Germans in Cornwall, who started Railholiday Ltd in 1998. Dave and Lizzy have bought some fairly historic coaches over the years in various states of decay and then beautifully restored and converted them for self catering holiday use.

In January 2011 Dave and Lizzy could be found at Buckfastleigh with their friend Nic, dismantling the protective wooden structure that had been around the coach for many years. Finally, after preparatory work at both Buckfastleigh and their site at St Germans, the coach was ready to be moved. The SDR is extremely happy the slip coach is going to a new home where it will, in time, receive a huge amount of external restoration and internal refurbishment to very high standards.

To find out more about Dave & Lizzy's coach restoration work, together with photographs visit

www.railholiday.co.uk

DAYS* 11 - 15 - SOUTHPORT LEAT BRIDGE

DAYS* 9 -13 - CADDAFORD RELAY

* Days are counted as working days

Monday 23rd January saw in day 11 at Southport Leat and day 9 at Caddaford. At Southport work had commenced on Friday 20th to apply the primer coat of paint, which is the state the bridge was in when we visited on Saturday to achieve an unobstructed photographic record of the beams for the SDRT. All metal surfaces will receive primer, two undercoats and a top coat. Both primer and undercoat are a mix of paint and epoxy, which forms a strong protective barrier against the elements. The big 'but' is that it has to be applied at a temperature of 5^oc or above so overnight frosts will not be the desired weather this week. It is anticipated that painting will be completed by, or on, Friday 27th.

Saturday 21st January and the primer has been applied to the beams.

This view of the bridge looks towards Staverton and illustrates the angle at which the Leat passes below.

During this week Andy Matthews and the PW Gang expect to get the last of the new rails into place down at Caddaford. Sleeper adjustments at the new joints are also well underway and this work will continue around the curve, past the fixed distant and as far as the farm crossing. So far the weather has been kind to Andy and co, enabling this relay to proceed at an excellent pace. And, as our next picture shows, the SDRT's expenditure on high numbers of Junior Hacksaws and spare blades has been drastically reduced.

The powered rail cutter at work. The clamp on the right ensures a clean vertical cut.

MEANWHILE BACK AT BUCKFASTLEIGH

Work on ex G.W.R. 57xx 0-6-0 Pannier Tank No 5786 continues.

The boiler has been stripped from the frames and awaits it's turn to enter the boiler shop.

DAYS* 5 & 7 - SOUTHPORT LEAT BRIDGE

DAY* 5 - CADDAFORD RELAY

Tuesday 17th January 2012

* Days are counted as working days

Friday 13th and scaffolding work continues to enclose the bridge.

Here the 'roof' or 'lid' is being overlaid with corrugated metal sheets.

The sides of the construction will be hung with a plastic membrane.

A platform was built over the leat and under the main beams.

This was boarded out, covered in a plastic membrane and then

overlaid with hardboard in order to protect the leat from debris.

Tuesday 17th and shot blasting is underway at Southport Leat Bridge. The bridge

is now fully encased to protect the surrounding environment from the dirt and debris.

It's a solitary job for the shotblaster who is also fully encased to protect him as the grit

is sprayed from the nozzle under pressure. I managed to get these pictures when the grit

hopper was being refilled and the operative was waiting for the all clear to start blasting again.

Completion of this part of the operation is expected to be late on Wednesday 18th.

It's the end of the line at Caddaford......

(Until the end of the coffee break)

Tuesday 17th and day 5 of the relay down at Caddaford. Progress is excellent with much of

the replacement rail in place from Nursery Pool Bridge to half way around the curve.

However they're not home and dry yet; there is still much to be done so any additional

volunteer help would be much appreciated..

With concerted effort a rail can be manouvered alongside the chairs and then with

a final push, slid over the side of the chair and into place. Who needs to pay for

an expensive gym when you can use all of our equipment, burn a few pounds off with

some experienced trainers and all for FREE. That's life with the PWAY gang!

DAY 3 - SOUTHPORT LEAT BRIDGE

DAY 1 - CADDAFORD RELAY

Wednesday 11th January 2012

At Southport Leat Bridge the contracted scaffolders moved onto site. Their 'poles' and other equipment had been unloaded from road transport at Staverton and then conveyed up to the Bridge by rail. Not an easy task this one since the bases of the poles were in the leat, although the Environment Agency had lowered the sluice gates from their regular positions, in order to lessen the flow of water. So equipped with the latest Kings Road fashion accessory (shiny black waders) the build began; and now we'll let our photographs tell the story.

Working on and below the bridge

These beams are to be shotblasted	The old Douglas Fir decking has been removed
Viewpoint is from the Totnes side of the bridge	Photographed from the sluice gates and towards Totnes

By Friday morning the bridge and scafolding will have been cocooned in a white mesh ready for shotblasting. This will protect both the Leat and surrounding environment from the inevitable dust particles which will be produced by the shot blasters.

SDR General Manager Dick Wood asks for co-operation from all staff and volunteers in the following matter :- "as the area at Southport Leat is a construction site and off limits to all, other than those who need to be there or who are invited to do so, I have agreed with the contractor today that we will actively discourage our members from visiting the site other than looking at it from public areas. We will put update pix onto our websites so that people can see the progress which is being made without going into a restricted area and putting themselves at risk."

MEANWHILE............... down the line at Caddaford

A band of permanent PW staff and volunteers were starting work on the Caddaford relay. They too, like the team at Southport Leat Bridge, were enjoying glorious sunshine with clear blue skies. At this stretch of line - from Nursery Pool bridge to Caddaford curve - the line closely follows the River Dart which was running swiftly as it still carried the previous week's rain away from the slopes of Dartmoor.

Perhaps it was a combination of the weather and the beauty of the adjacent landscape that spurred them on but this team of eleven men managed to lift just over 20 chains of rail in a little over a morning. Maybe they were, as they say, making hay whilst the sun shone. Nevertheless it was a good start to another time constrained program of improvement to the infrastructure of the railway. The Permanent Way Gang will welcome any help they can get from volunteers at this time on this project. If you have even just a few hours to spare then contact Saunders House in the first instance on 01364 642338.

Wednesday's working party were :-

Andy Matthews, Tony Phillips, Matt Tarrant, Paul Watts Butler,

Mike Webb, Nick Wakeling, Ernest Elsworth-Wilson,

Paul Trevett, Charlie Dennis, Richard Salter, Jeff Collins.

Looking towards Nursery Pool Bridge,

River Dart lies to the left.

Looking towards Caddaford curve.

The removed old rails lie outside of the chairs,

new rails in the four foot.

My thanks go to

Paul Coates, Managing Director, Ultim8 Construction Ltd

and Colin Stevens, Site Foreman, Ultim8 Construction Ltd

for permission to access and photograph at Southport Leat Bridge

DULL, DISMAL AND MILD..........

AND THAT'S THE WAY THE SDR PREFERS IT !

It may well be winter and there are no daily train services during the 'closed season', but there is no way that the South Devon has ground to a halt and hibernated. In fact some staff and volunteers could justifiably claim that, for them, it's the busiest time of the year.

Between the last Mince Pie Special running on January 2nd and schools' half term break around 13th - 17th February, when the railway traditionally re-opens for a week of daily services, there is an enormous amount of work to get through. It's a period when, for example, the Permanent Way gang can take possession of the line for relaying and maintenance, albeit for a few short weeks. So by them dull, dismal and mild is just right, thank you very much.

Perhaps the largest project to be undertaken by the railway this year is the refurbishment of Southport Leat Bridge - midway between Staverton Station and Nappers Halt. Specialist contractors have been employed to carry out the work in what can only be described as an 'awkward area' since there is no direct road access to it. As our photograph below shows, the PW team prepared the ground by lifting rail, sleepers and ballast last week in readiness for the contractors moving in on Monday 9th January.

Looking down the line towards Staverton. The River Dart and the sluice gates that control

the flow to the leat can be seen through the guard rails on the left. The work that will

commence here effectively cuts the line in half.

The PW gang are moving to the Caddaford section to relay the line from Nursery Pool through the curve that runs alongside the main Dartington - Buckfastleigh road. It is hoped that when the Caddaford and the Southport Leat projects are complete the severe speed limits on these sections will be removed, leaving only the restrictions at Totnes Littlehempston Station still in force.

At Buckfastleigh it is just as busy and during the week leading up to Christmas I visited the Boiler Shop where work on Taw Valley's boiler continues. The sheer size of the firebox and grate area is awe inspiring and whilst we were there final work was being carried out on two new siphons which have been manufactured from scratch by the Boiler Shop Team.

Above - one of the siphons stands alongside the firebox.

Right - grinding an angle on the baseplate of the siphon.

Below - the first siphon has been lowered into the firebox.

An Unusual View of the SDRE

Workshops

The picture of the wheel pit and wheel drop area is unusual in that this view is not normally obtainable because of the locomotives occupying that line.

On this particular visit I arrived in the middle of 'changeover day', when completed work on a loco and wheel sets for the tender of 34007 Wadebridge had been towed out whilst 5526, 5542 and 9466 were waiting to take their turn in the workshop.

We leave you with a couple of colour photographs from the final day of Mince Pie Specials - Monday January 2nd, which was also the first sunny day for what seemed an eternity over Christmas. On the left is Mike Stabbs fairground organ and childrens' merry-go-round. On the right three rather elderly, but beautifully restored, Morgan three wheelers; whose owners had popped into the Refreshment Rooms for afternoon tea, but not before giving me permission to photograph their pride and joy.

SDR HAS THIRD RECORD BREAKING

SEASON IN A ROW

Whilst 2011 was yet another grim year for many UK businesses, the South Devon Railway bucked the effects of the economic recession by chalking up its third record breaking season in a row and carried over 112,000 passengers for the first time -- an appropriate finale for the SDR’s 20^th anniversary year.

After the last Mince Pie special train ran on New Year’s Eve, the line had clocked up its best ever operating results by beating the three highest previous season’s figures that were achieved in 2007, 2009 and 2010.

In December alone, some 10,000 passengers rode on the line’s Santa, Carols and Mince Pie trains, a figure which is now the norm for Winter traffic.

And, when the year’s final passenger figures were totalled, they showed that 102,021 adults and children, plus another 10,379 children aged under five, rode the line in 2011 bringing the total carried to 112,400. This was an increase of 853 (0.84%) on the previous record set in 2010 of 111,989 (101,168 excluding children under five) and also beat the 2009 figure of 107,895 (99,591 excluding children under five).

Achieving over 100,000 passengers for the fourth time in five years, especially during a severe economic recession, is a major milestone for the line. Using like for like statistics, the 2011 passenger figure of 102,021 represents an increase of around 1.5% on the first 100,000 plus record season figure set in 2007 of 100,449 visitors.

The impressive figures show that our former Great Western Railway branch line is going from strength to strength as one of Britain’s oldest heritage steam railways having first opened 42 years ago at Easter 1969. The SDR has now chalked up a grand total of 1,768,343 passengers since it took over the line 20 years ago, increasing passenger numbers almost every year.

Passing through some of the West Country’s most delightful and unchanging rural scenery, the SDR prides itself on the quality of its heritage experience and literally transporting visitors back in time to the heyday of the old GWR and British Railways Western Region.

The SDR 'Steaming Ahead'

South Devon Railway Trust General Manager Dick Wood, who became the line’s General Manager in November 2008 and also has been a regular volunteer since 1972, said: “Naturally, everyone on the SDR can feel very proud of achieving our best ever results with a record number of passengers carried in 2011. I hope that we can continue to beat the recession in 2012 too by offering our visitors a great day out.

“Our success has been achieved by not only broadening the SDR’s undoubted nostalgic appeal to people of all ages but also by providing better visitor facilities and investing in our future year on year.

“Also, we now promote the railway as a great value-for-money day out for families under the ‘Three Great Attractions, One Amazing Day’ banner alongside our linked attractions at the award winning Totnes Rare Breeds Farm and Buckfast Butterfly & Otter Sanctuary.

“We know that our visitors come back again and again to not only enjoy the sights, sounds and smells of steam in the Devon countryside and to soak up this nostalgic and most relaxing form of transport, but also to see the varied animal attractions at both ends of the line.

“The SDR now operates nearly all year round and trains will run on 259 days in the 2012 season when we will also have a number of great special events. The coming year marks the 140^th anniversary of the line being built in May and suitable celebrations are being planned.”

SANTA by STEAM

We caught 5526 departing Buckfastleigh with the last Santa by Steam service of the day on Sunday 18th December.

Chris Bowden on the regulator and Ernest Emsworth-Wilson on the shovel on a gloriously sunny afternoon.

Yet another year of Santa by Steam and yet another year of a 100% sellout of seats. In the current economic climate, when high street shops are bemoaning low sales and some heritage railways have had to cancel trains through lack of bookings, this is certainly an achievement. And the reason why? Well that is best explained by an entirely unsolicited email from one of our customers :-

"We have just had a trip on the Santa Express.

It was absolutely brilliant. From the moment we arrived until we left it was fantastic. That staff are so friendly, nothing was too much trouble. Dr Foster asked our son if he wanted a look at the engine room and that made his day, and my husbands! We were so well taken care of. There were lovely warm mince pies and drinks. Santa was great as well, he took his time and was very good fun, there were a few adults in our party as well and they enjoyed it as much as the children. We enjoyed the singalong too which was a nice touch. The train had a great atmosphere and the staff made it so special

All in all, it was fab. Can't thank you enough and we will definitely be back.

The Green family"

Well all of our staff, whether volunteers or paid, work exceptionally hard to make these Santa trains really special for our visitors of all ages. Even the most hardened Christmas cynic would have to admit, on seeing the faces of passengers disembarking at the end of a return trip, it's a job well done!

The tree seen here being felled alongside the A38 and directly above the main platform headshunt is a larch. This larch and many others like it alongside the A38 between Plymouth and Exeter had been infected with a disease called phytophthora ramorum. Phytophthora ramorum is a fungus-like pathogen of plants that is causing extensive damage and mortality to trees and other plants in parts of the United Kingdom. It has also been found in a number of European countries, but mostly on plants and shrubs, especially rhododendron, viburnum and camellia, and has caused significant damage and mortality to many trees and other plants in parts of the USA.

Until 2009 few trees in the UK had been infected but then it was found infecting and killing large numbers of Japanese larch in the South West. In 2010 it was found on Japanese larches in Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

David Hinde, Highways Agency senior environmental advisor, said: "Phytophthora ramorum spreads from spore producing plants such as larch and rhododendron and kills most trees that it infects. Trunk roads provide one of the potential pathways for its spread. Spores can be spread through the air or in rain, and may also be carried on vehicle tyres, footwear, tools and equipment."

"No existing chemical treatments are capable of combating the pathogens, so the trees have to be felled," he added. About 330 trees will be cleared from Haldon Hill, 163 from Bickington and 157 from Marley Head, near Plymouth, the agency said.

About 11,000 infected Japanese larch trees will be felled to try to prevent the virus spreading from the foliage to other tree and plant species around the country.

INCOMING.................!

Recent arrivals for attention by South Devon Railway Engineering include Dennis Howell's beautiful pannier tank 9466, now resplendent in BR black. No stranger to SDR metals the locomotive was fitted with new water tanks and a smokebox door manufactured here at Buckfastleigh during its previous visit. On that occasion 9466 journeyed from Plymouth by rail to transfer to our metals at Totnes; this time however the arrival by road haulage was a little less spectacular. We understand that this new series of work will center around the bunker.

Another arrival was this 0-6-0 outside cylindered saddle tank locomotive - No 34 Portbury - built by the Avonside Engine Company for use at the War Department Shipyard at Portbury, Bristol during the first World War. In 1922 it was transferred to the City Council's Avonmouth Docks where it worked with sister locomotives before retirement in the early 1960s. It was subsequently given to Bristol City Council for their projected industrial museum and in 2001, after a complete restoration, steamed again.

It carries the livery it wore when first built, of all over grey (including the buffer beams) and a black smokebox door. The grey is relieved by white and black lining. On either side of the saddle tank it carries the legend of its then owners I.W.& D. (Inland Waterways & Docks).

MEANWHILE..................

In the loco shed I found 5526 and 3205 being gently warmed through

for the weekend's Santa by Steam workings

go on, admit it, it brings back memories of sneaking past the Shed Master's office

with pencil and notebook in hand!

AND THE STARS

COME OUT AT NIGHT

Yes it's that time of year again - Santa by Steam - a total of thirty trains over ten running days. And in his travelling Grotto It's That Man Again, handing out presents to a host of smiling and grateful kiddiewinkles. Well ok, not all are smiling, there will inevitably be a few snarlers, screamers and grunters in there too. However everyone - children, Mums & Dads, Grans and Grandpas - will have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of a fourteen mile round trip in such beautiful countryside and the festive ambiance created by the South Devon Railway and its volunteers.

Passengers on the first train of the day will find their coaches lovely and warm when they board at Buckfastleigh, but how did that happen if the coaches were standing in the station overnight, in sometimes freezing conditions? After all it's not as if the train has a central heating system!

Well actually it does and it's fed by something a little bigger than a standard domestic gas fired boiler. You see we have a mobile boiler, a giant kettle on wheels and more than that it tows the coaches up and down the line all day just to make sure our passengers are kept warm. Yes you're right first time it is of course the steam locomotive, which feeds steam through all the coaches to heat up all of the small radiators tucked away at feet level. Dashed clever those Victorian engineers don't you know!

Throughout the night of the day a Santa Special runs, the locomotive stands at the head of the train supplying the coaches with steam, beginning the long process of warming them through. But you can't just fill up the firebox with coal, stand a fireguard in front of it, go home and slink into bed. No way, no how, no, no, no! That fire has to be fed throughout the night, as does the boiler have to be fed with water. It calls for watchful eyes and helping hands..............(did you hear the distant fanfare?)

Watchful Eyes and Helping Hands

Left Charlie Dennis and right Rodney Cox on the overnight steam heating turn, photographed on the footplate of 3205.

Sunday 4th December 12.16am

And so the stars do come out at night over Buckfastleigh, they are the volunteers who work a twelve hour shift, normally from 7.30pm to 7.30am to fire and water the locomotive on steam heating duty. It's cold, it's dark and it can often seem like one of the longest twelve hours of the year. They work in pairs and take it in turns to snatch a couple of hours sleep in one of the coaches. They have families, generally have daytime jobs and they have a lot of something else - a very old fashioned word and concept - camaraderie! That is something that prevails amongst all of the volunteers on the railway. It leads to new friendships, new skills and a new outlook on life; whatever age they may be.

The South Devon Railway simply could not operate without the volunteers' help and hard work. They can be found in every department of the railway but there is always a need for more help and new volunteers. If you are interested in becoming a SDR volunteer, want to find out more and to be put in touch with the volunteer movement you can telephone the railway direct on 0843 345 1420.

As I got into bed and pulled the covers over at around 1.45am this morning I thought about Rodney and Charlie still out there at Buckfastleigh looking after the locomotive so that our passengers would be warm during their journey. Next Friday and Saturday there will be different Charlies and Rodneys but they'll be doing the same job - with watchful eyes and helping hands. So when you ride our trains you are not only supporting the South Devon Railway but a whole army of volunteers, some of whom are often unseen, who put in many hours of their own time.

For photographic techies footplate image:-

Nikon D3, Sigma 12-24mm, ISO 2500, 4 secs @ F11, available light.

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY TAMPER

ENTERS SERVICE

As part of an on-going development plan, the South Devon Railway has over the past year or so been investing considerably in its infrastructure, with several high profile tasks having been completed on the Permanent Way (PW), the most visible being the complete relay of the platform and loop lines at Buckfastleigh station.

The investment has not been confined to the normal materials used in maintaining and upgrading works, but has also seen some significant items of plant purchased. Most are smaller machines such as rail grinders, generators, rail disc cutters and a variety of drills, to name but a few, however two purchases have been considerably larger.

The Road Rail machine was purchased in late 2009, entering service in May 2010. This machine has been of great benefit to the PW Department and is in near daily use.

The second and largest purchase was made in August 2011. Numbered DR73274, the "new" machine is a series six 07-16 plain line tamping and lining machine. Built in 1978 as Works No. 1544, and weighing 44 tons, the machine first saw use in the North West, being based initially at Manchester. It later went on to work on the former Southern Region, before again returning to the North West in 2005. Following the demise of Jarvis Fastline the machine was stored at Nottingham before eventually moving to Hitchin. It was from here that the machine was purchased by the SDR.

The machine undertakes two basic functions. The first is to pack the track to its correct transverse and longitudinal levels, and the second is to ensure the track retains its correct alignment, be this straight, transition or circular curve. The two main items of equipment that carry out these tasks are the tamping banks, and the lining and lifting carriage.

The tamping banks would normally utilise 16 individual tamping tools, however DR73274 only uses 12, the four outer most tools having been removed many years back when the machine was converted to allow it to tamp on electrified lines equipped with a third rail.

Having had a full check over of its various systems and Cummins engine, DR73274 was pressed into service for the first time on Tuesday 20th November. The first task was to lift, line and tamp the section on the Totnes side of Staverton gates, this having just been relayed by the PW Department. Timber sleepers have been used to help maintain the wonderful atmosphere that is part of the charm and delight of the station and its surrounding area. Ballast from the nearby Stoneycombe Quarry has also been used, although unlike years past, this now arrives by road rather than by rail.

Under the watchful eye of PW Manager Andy Matthews and Assistant Tony Phillips, machine operators Andy Dyer and Kevin Staddon set to work. A little over 30 minutes later and with the first "pass" complete, the track was level, set to correct cant (cant is the railway equivalent to camber on a road) and also to the correct alignment. Being as this section consisted of all new materials a second pass was made to ensure everything was tightened up and left safe ready to operate passenger trains over. (See photoraph above)

The SDR's team of Platelayers, both paid and volunteer were on hand to watch the machine in action. The smiles said it all really, had this section been done manually instead of with the machine, several days would have been spent lifting the track with jacks, and then packing with shovel or kango hammer, the ballast under each individual sleeper. The track would also have had to be slewed to the correct line using a large gang of men, the movement being achieved with large metal bars. Instead of many days hard physical labour, the machine did all the work in just under an hour.

Happy that all was working well with the machine the next stop, after a short run up the line, was just outside Totnes station. Here a 1/2 mile long straight, known locally as the Royal Mile was to be treated to a maintenance tamp. Having now been joined by another experienced tamper operator, Steve Jarrett, it was this time decided to try out the ALC system.

DR73274 is fitted with many modern features such as TPWS (Train Protection & Warning System), OTMR (Data Recorder), NRN Radios, TCA (Track Circuit Actuator) and ALC (Automatic Lining Control).

ALC is a computer based system that is used to calculate the correction values for maintaining the track. Having fired up the on-board computer, the first task was to undertake a measuring run to record the existing track parameters. With this run completed the tamper returned to its original starting position and after the required target data had been input manually, tamping and lining commenced, the ALC system continuously passing data to the measuring systems.

Once again the machine took little time to complete the work required, the end results being clearly visible to the untrained eye. With a now fading light, a final task for the day was to undertake a further maintenance tamp of the transition leading from the above straight into the curve towards Totnes. This task was completed in darkness, the machine being well equipped with lighting to allow it to operate safely after dark.

By the end of the day the tamper was stabled back in the yard at Staverton, and the 15mph temporary speed restriction (TSR) along the Royal Mile had been withdrawn, whilst the section at Staverton would see passenger trains return at line speed, the use of the tamper resulting in no requirement for a temporary speed restriction to be imposed.

The investment made by the SDR is already being repaid and the machine will be used again after Christmas to tamp and line the section between Nursery Pool Bridge and Caddaford (resulting in the removal of yet another TSR), and at various other locations along the line.

Later in 2012 the tamper is also expected to receive a repaint, its present Jarvis red livery being replaced with something more in keeping with the heritage era.

I am very grateful to Andy Matthews for supplying me with such a comprehensive report

HORRIFIC SCENES AT BISHOPS BRIDGE

AFTER TRAIN DERAILS

SUNDAY 20TH NOVEMBER

FOUR FIRE APPLIANCES RUSH TO THE SCENE

AS MANY INJURIES REPORTED

The first pump negotiates the narrow lane that leads to Bishops Bridge loop just minutes

after the first emergency call had been made.

So the scenario had been set for a full Fire Brigade exercise - a passenger train derailment involving four coaches with many passengers suffering injuries and some trapped in the coaches. The brigade's information was that the derailment had not occurred close to a main road and could only be reached by traversing narrow country lanes. And to complicate matters even more because of the weight of a fully loaded fire appliance they could not use Staverton Bridge to cross the River Dart. Thus the exercise began with the arrival of the first pump from Totnes.

These are the sort of problems the brigade would have to face in a real emergency not just on the South Devon Railway but on any heritage railway in the country. And it's not the first time the SDR has provided facilities for a full emergency incident exercise, which this time involved four appliances; two from Totnes, one from Buckfastleigh and one from Dartmouth.

A group of volunteer passengers, who were going to act out some pretty serious injuries, had been assembled and took up their positions on the train. SDR volunteers manned the signal boxes, supplied footplatemen, a guard and even then swopped duties as casualties. We'll let the pictures tell the story of a railway incident at Bishops Bridge on a rather lovely sunny autumn afternoon.

Cl 25 D7612 was in charge of the special train entering Bishops, having gained the authority to do so from PICOP whilst the line was still in engineers possession.	The first Totnes crew to arrive needed their short ladders to gain access to the carriages in order that they could assess the situation as far as casualties were concerned.
When the second Totnes pump arrived the crew were appraised of the situation inside the carriages in order that they could disperse toareas where urgent help was most needed.	Four persons were travelling in this compartment, two had non life threatening injuries and were led to safety. One young lady was trapped by her legs under a seat and one female with suspected head and neck injuries was unconcious on the floor.
The younster is well and truly trapped under the bench seat and the crewmember's problem is a lack of space to work in.	After some very patient work, without disturbing the injured female on the floor, he has partially freed the victim to a sitting position.
This view shows the limited space the firemen had to work in since the train derailed opposite a row of parked ECS - empty coaching stock.	Suddenly there were shouts that a fire had started in the Buffet Car. Two firemen immediately donned their breathing apparatus and prepared to enter the carriage with a hose.
Fortunately the fire was under control quickly before it had time to spread through the carriage.	The walking wounded were now being led away to safety by the firemen.
This lady was eventually carefully removed from the carriage and sent for further treatment to her injuries.	At the end of the exercise the fire crews gathered for a preliminary debriefing although a more in-depth one would be carried out back at their stations.
I am grateful to the crews of Buckfastleigh, Totnes and Dartmouth Fire Stations for their help and tolerance in achieving these images.	Photographs Copyright © Sarah Anne Harvey

P.W. PROGRESS AT STAVERTON

In just five working days, some of which were in most unpleasant weather, tremendous progress has been seen at the first Staverton relay. The old ballast was cleared and the trackbed re-leveled to receive a membrane which should stop the weeds growing back through, (the white material in the photographs). Last Monday's work consisted of spacing the sleepers, levering the track into the chairs and hammering in the wedges. All the fishplates were oiled up and refitted ensuring the correct gaps at each rail joint. 4 permanent way gangers and one volunteer (Steve Ash) managed the whole job in around five and a half hours. The track will be slewed, gauged and ballasted during the remainder of the week.

A 'DIRTY' DAY IN THE PICNIC COACH!

Well ok, perhaps that's not the title that Andy Stevens gave to his Model Railway Skills Day - Improving and Weathering Wagons - but it was held in the Victorian Picnic Coach and delegates were making their models dirty. These days railway modellers are presented with a stunning array of fully detailed models straight out of the box, but one of the problems is that, with a few exceptions, locomotives, coaches and wagons are in ex works condition. That is to say they are in a pristine scrubbed and polished condition, clean and bright with numbers and lettering that can be read. And those of us who remember the big railway pre 1968 know that that's not how the stock actually looked. When the Devon Diesel Society's class 37 returned from hire recently it was dirty and work stained, exactly how it should be and we all silently cheered.

Andy Stevens shows his group of modellers an example of a weathered wagon. Note the dirt around the

underframe and brake hangers, even on a brand new 'ex works' wagon it wouldn't take too long for it to

become work stained with oil, grease and track dust.

Andy's Skills Day on Weathering was for modellers of all experience levels as he demonstrated various weathering techniques that can be employed without the use of an air brush. Delegates had brought their own models and it wasn't long before they had plucked up the courage to start dirtying them up with paints and weathering powders. Run under the auspices of the South Devon Railway Association all the monies received from the day were being put towards the restoration of former GWR pannier tank no.6412. Progress on this locomotive has been rapid in the last few months but now funds are urgently needed to complete her and as someone's logo suggests "every little helps!"

The delegates get 'dirtying' on their own models in the morning session.

THE SDR'S ANNUAL FUND RAISER

FOR THE ROYAL BRITISH LEGION

Saturday November 12th and once again the South Devon Railway were supporting the Royal British Legion''s Poppy Appeal by running the one day 'Driver for a Tenner'. By paying ten pounds, all of which is donated by the railway to the British Legion, members of the public are able to drive a steam locomotive from Buckfastleigh Station to Caddaford and back. Of course there is expert help on the footplate from the fully experienced driver and fireman who accompany each 'trainee' and it's a great chance to make some childhood dreams come true. And more than that the sun shone giving new life to those glorious autumn colours; let us hope that our donation, in some small way, can bring new hope to someone in the Legion's care.

For many years the SDR's link to the British Legion has been through one of its own drivers - Ron Reynolds - who told me that the Driver for a Tenner is just one of the fundraising projects he has been involved with for the Legion over the last few days. So well done Ron, well done to the SDRA volunteers who helped on the platform during the event and also thank you to staff member Marina Mitchemore who organised the forward bookings, organised the driver certificates and gave up her day off to meet and greet all those who drove Collett no.3205.

Left to right: Ron Reynolds, Bob Vaughn, Chris Bowden, Colin Harmes.

The Royal British Legion was formed on 15 May 1921 bringing together four National Organisations of ex-Service men that had established themselves after the Great War of 1914-1918. The main purpose of the Legion was straightforward: to care for those who had suffered as a result of service in the Armed Forces in the Great War, whether through their own service or through that of a husband, father or son. This year is, therefore, the 90th Anniversary of the Legion, to which end a special headboard had been made for the locomotive by Chris Bowden; who is also one of our volunteer drivers.

Two footplate crews, seen in our picture above, took turns to look after the visitors on the footplate; Ron and Chris worked together whilst Bob and Colin formed the second team.

WINTER TRACK WORK AT STAVERTON COMMENCES

On Monday 7th November the Permanent Way Gang, with volunteer help from Steve Ash and Richard Salter, began work to lift track on the Totnes side of Staverton's level crossing gates. Around 300 feet was removed in five hours by the gang and with the aid of the Road Railer machine the sleepers due for replacement had been lifted onto the engineer's train (seen in our log train report).

The PW Gang are constantly up against the clock and this scheduled lift and relay has to be completed before the first Rotary Santa Train runs in 16 days time. Any volunteer help is welcome, the back breaking days of lifting sleepers and rail by hand and brute strength are gone - now the Road Railer fulfils that function. So even if you have just a few hours to spare then please contact Andy Matthews via 01364 642338/643536; your help will be much appreciated by the rest of the gang.

Looking towards Totnes and showing the work achieved on the first day.

THE LOG TRAIN

Class 37 6737 pauses at the Royal Mile as more logs are loaded aboard. Sunday 6th November.

Sunday November 6th brought another day of glorious sunny weather, just the right conditions to lift the spirits and a few logs at the same time. Which is why a group of South Devon Railway volunteers were waiting patiently at Staverton Station to be picked up by the engineer's train, hauled on this occasion by Class 37 6737. Once everyone was on board the train headed down to the Royal Mile, just outside of Totnes Littlehempston, where a large number of logs had been stacked by the Cutting Back Gang. Working every Wednesday, John Harris and the gang of regular volunteers, have cleared the Mile of years of old growth. This has opened up views from the trains quite spectacularly on the landward side of the line. The stacked logs are cleared by this special train and its volunteers once or twice a year - at Christmas time you'll find the open fires in our Booking Halls and Offices are fuelled by these logs.

Logs produced by the lineside clearance are sold off commercially - if you are interested in buying quantities please contact the South Devon Railway on 01364 643536.

Just over 20 volunteers joined in on this the second log collecting train of the year.

A FINE SUNNY DAY AND PLENTY OF ACTION

November 5th, the day of the Diesel Gala, turned out to be one of the brightest and fine days we have seen for a couple of weeks, being a welcome change from what has seemed an endless procession of dull grey skies and drizzle. It was a day promised full of action with eleven service trains departing from Buckfastleigh and Totnes Littlehempston and action was what we saw, although not all of it was welcome.

Class 122 Railcar W55000 departs Buckfastleigh with the first

service for Staverton and Totnes Littlehempston at 09.20.

Class 25 D7612 brings the engineers train in from Bishops Bridge

for use on the line the following day.

Making its first public appearance after a repaint to return it to BR green, Class 20 D8110 rolled through the loop and then backed onto its train to form the 10.00 departure from Buckfastleigh. Modern traction enthusiasts had turned out in great numbers to see, photograph and ride behind the Cl 20 - and very 'ex works' condition it looked too. Hopefully it may weather down a little over the coming months.

Class 20 D8110, looking resplendent in its BR green livery, lifts the 10.00 am service out of Buckfastleigh towards Paper Mill Bridge.

Unfortunately D8110 failed just outside of Totnes station but within a short space of time a rescue plan had been formulated and the 20 returned to Buckfastleigh ignominiously behind the Crompton 33 002.

An unscheduled double-header as 33 002 pilots D8110	Class 33 'Crompton' 33 002 waits to take the four coach set to Totnes.
View of Buckfastleigh's main platform from the cab of 6737, showing just how high the driver sits in a Class 37	It really was not D8110's day, failing again on its second run, this time at Riverford (Hood) Bridge. D7612 was despatched from its own service train to effect a rescue and is seen here bringing D8110 and train into Bishops Bridge loop.

I leave you with one of my favourite images of the day - Class 37 no.6737 in its last public appearance in the current livery. During the winter it will receive some attention as well as a repaint. Seen here leaving the loop at Bishops Bridge with a train for Staverton and Totnes Littlehempston.

IN THE NEWS THIS WEEK

The Half Price Weekend

Footplate Assesments

Diesel Gala Repaint sneak preview

THE HALF PRICE WEEKEND

Saturday 29th October, first day of the traditional end of season Half Price weekend, started pleasantly enough with a mild temperature and a few bright spells over Buckfastleigh, but by just turned midday that all changed as a band of most unpleasant heavy drizzle set in for the rest of the afternoon. But our visitors, regular passengers and supporters weren't put off by the weather and at the end of the day's running over 1000 souls had been carried up and down the line. Many services were 'full to the brim' with all seats taken.

Rostered locomotives were the Collett No.3205 carrying a headboard celebrating its 65th birthday (the exact date is thought to be Monday 31st October); and everyone's favourite small prairie - No.5526. Last train of the day was a single car auto and if you look closely at our picture you can see the rain hammering down around the smokebox as they leave Buckfastleigh for Totnes Littlehempston.

Its 4.30pm as 5526 takes the single coach auto out of Buckfastleigh on the last turn of the day.

FOOTPLATE ASSESSMENTS

During the Half Price Weekend Colin Kerswill, a main line Traction Inspector and a huge supporter of the SDR for many years, was on hand to assess some of our footplate volunteers. Everyone who works on the footplate has to follow very strict rules and guidelines from when they start their training as a cleaner to when they are passed out as competent enough to drive a locomotive. The traditions, knowledge of the Rule Book and other legalities are no less strict on a heritage railway than on the mainline.

It may seem to members of the public that steam locomotives are driven and fired by enthusiastic amateurs as a 'weekend pastime' but nothing could be further from the truth - whatever the age of the volunteer. Both volunteers and management alike are extremely proud of the professional standards achieved; not only on the South Devon Railway but on every heritage railway in this country. It is part of Colin's task, therefore, to make sure that those strict standards of professionalism are being met and who better than someone with a lifetime's experience of the railway and the footplate.

Above Colin congratulates Ian Mills who is now a passed cleaner, meaning he can now fire the locomotive. Right - "A Tale of Two Colins" Colin Harmes receives his congratulations from Colin in a novel manner. Colin H progresses from fireman to auto fireman. Unfortunately our own strict safety rules prevent us from relating "A Tale of Two Colins"
On Sunday Russ Mckee passed from fireman to passed fireman, meaning he is now qualified to drive.	And last, but by no means least, Rodney Cox. Rod progresses from driver to auto driver.

NOVEMBER 5th DIESEL GALA

Word on the street reached me that one of the diesels being rostered for this event was being repainted in BR green. Dodging the security patrols and CCTV cameras I managed to get into a workshop where I discovered the Class 20 receiving its new paintwork. So here's the picture I 'snuck' as a preview of what we will see next Saturday 5th November.

6737 was parked up having returned from its lengthy hire period and is in a 'work stained' or 'weathered' condition. It's how many of us remember this great class of modern traction; but don't miss the opportunity to photograph it on Saturday 5th, as it will be the last chance to see it in this livery!

VETERAN FIREMAN DAVE DADDS

LAST DAY AT THE SOUTH DEVON

Dave Dadds (left) and Dave Knowling on the footplate of Collett 0-6-0 no.3205

Veteran fireman Dave Dadds has worked for many years on the South Devon Railway. He started back in 1996, and for several years has been one of the regular Monday team, working with Dave Knowling. On Monday 24th October Dave saw out his last day, as he is about to move to Sussex. SDRT Director Neil Smith was on hand to wish him farewell and thank him for his wonderful contribution to the South Devon.

The two Daves served on the footplate together in the morning, with a combined age of (sshhh) 145. We should point out here that the age of the Ashburton Branch is 139 years. In the afternoon Mark Ireland took over from Dave Knowling, steadfastly refusing to give our reporter his age in case some other record be set.

WORCESTER LOCOMOTIVE SOCIETY

ENJOY A DAY OUT BEHIND THEIR LOCO

12.22pm Saturday 24th September and ex GWR 57xx pannier 5786 has just passed MP 1 at the end of the Royal Mile.

This was the first of three round trips along the line for the pannier hauling three Toad brake vans for members of the Worcester Locomotive Society who own the locomotive. Later in the day 5786 would make one Buckfastleigh - Totnes - Buckfastleigh trip with the five coach chocolate and cream set and finally a special dinning train service for WLS members.

On Friday 30th September the 10 year boiler certificate for 5786 will expire and this week will be the last chance to see the locomotive in action for some time. Someone had chalked on the smokebox door "The End is Nigh" - in our opinion something of an over dramatisation, since the locomotive is not about to be scrapped or languish in a breaker's yard for another ten years. However, as can be seen from the photographs, areas of the front and rear ends had been spruced up with a coat of white paint and the number plates on the cab sides had been given a light blue background.

The WLS special draws into Staverton during its second run down the line

5786 was built at Swindon works in 1930 and was bought by London Transport in 1958, where it ran for a further eleven years until 1969. It spent its last years on BR in South Wales where, believes Ben Greening of the WLS, it was not unknown for some of the Welsh loco sheds to paint a blue background on the number plates.

We leave you with one last picture of 5786 as it returns to Buckfastleigh 14.46pm Saturday 24th September

THE 'JINTY' AT WORK

Ex LMS 3F 47406 heads for Caddaford with the 10.43 ex Totnes service to Staverton and Buckfastleigh

on Sunday 28th August.

Passing pannier 5786, awaiting it's next turn of duty, the 'Jinty' brings in the 15.13 ex Totnes to a

crowded platform at Buckfastleigh, with Andy Matthews on the regulator. Sunday 28th August.

A FIRST GREAT WESTERN

AND A FIRST FOR THE REAL ALE FESTIVAL

A huge cheer went up as a Cl 150 two car Sprinter entered Staverton Station, right time at 19.25 on Saturday August 27th.

The unit had originated at Exeter St Davids, calling at Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot and Totnes NR to pick up

passengers coming to the Real Ale Festival. The transfer to South Devon metals was made without hitch and the unit

then continued direct to Staverton. This was the first time a Class 150 had travelled our line and a first for the co-operation

between First Great Western and the South Devon Railway in running this public service train.

Having spent a part of the day giving brake van rides to visitors at Staverton on Saturday, the ex LMS Jinty was coupled

to Collett 3205 as pilot for the Staverton - Buckfastleigh 16.15 service. Seen here exiting the Bishops Bridge loop.

The Jinty was then rostered on the last steam hauled service of the day and is seen here departing

from Staverton at 18.30 on the return leg from Totnes Littlehempston to Buckfastleigh.

On returning to Buckfastleigh I discovered this Landrover in BR colours parked in front of the station buildings.

It's undoubtedly a stunning refurbishment by Alasdair Page and we'll bring you the story of his hard work

on the vehicle in due course.

And finally! The Sprinter made one trip to Buckfastleigh, where it is seen here awaiting to depart with the 21.15 service to

Staverton, Totnes NR, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Dawlish and Exeter St Davids - and that really is a first!

The Rails and Ales Gala continues today and on Bank Holiday Monday 28th August.

THE JINTY ARRIVES

Delayed by a week due to a transport vehicle failure, the ex LMS 3F 'Jinty' was unloaded this morning Thursday 25th August, at Buckfastleigh and transferred to Yard No. 4 after the departure of the first two service trains. It didn't take too long for Ray Lee the C.M.E. to fill the boiler and tanks and start a fire to begin the slow warming up process.

Another old favourite photographed in service today was 57xx pannier 5786, which has been away on hire for some months. Seen here topping up the tanks before taking the 15.45 departure down the line to Totnes Littlehempston. With a ticket about to expire there is a good opportunity to watch the pannier in service over the coming Rails and Ales Bank Holiday Weekend which runs from Friday through until Monday, with the Real Ale Festival in full swing at Staverton Station on all four days.

For full details of the weekend's event click here

WOTTA LOT THEY'VE GOT!

PREPARATIONS FOR THE BANK HOLIDAY WEEKEND'S

RAILS AND ALES FESTIVAL STEAM AHEAD

Left to Right

Andy from Gargoyles Brewery (Festival Sponsors), Andy Matthews (DDS – Event co-ordinator & Festival Organiser),

Steve Jervis (DDS), Jon Morton (DDS Festival Organiser), and Neil from Gargoyles,

standing in front of 53 barrels of ale at Staverton Station.

Well the boys from the Devon Diesel Society have broken previous records for the number of ales and ciders on offer at the 2011 Rails and Ales Festival - 41 ales and 11 ciders. Not only that but they are holding the prices at an astonishing £2.50 per pint. You'll have to go a long way this weekend to find an offer like that! Andy Matthews tells me that they've also redesigned the layout of the bar, which is situated in the old goods shed at Staverton, and that it is looking better than ever this year.

With a full program of steam trains running and a visiting ex LMS 3F 'Jinty' there's a definite Somerset and Dorset flavour to the event. The SDR are even running extra evening trains until late, to connect with National Rail services running to Totnes NR from Plymouth and Exeter, where a few minutes walk will take you to Totnes Littlehempston Station to board our own service trains for Staverton.

To view a printable list of the ales and ciders click here.

For full details of the weekend event click here.

For the WTT (Working Timetable) click here.

LITTLE AND LARGE AT BUCKFASTLEIGH

Saturday July 30th, Buckfastleigh station and two items of rolling stock - one new to the railway and an old favourite get an airing. The 2.15pm service train had departed for Staverton and Totnes Littlehempston and it was time to give the 09 shunter D3721 in its ex works BR green livery a first test run. Once in full service this locomotive will be a great asset to the railway - handling with ease a full rake of coaches.

Within minutes of the 09 arriving in the loop the distinctive sound of a Wickham trolley could be heard as DS3321 trundled from the PLOG shed road into the main platform. The Wickham trolley was a railway engineering personnel carrier, used on British Railways as a Gang and Inspection trolley. It was introduced in 1948 and over 600 were built between then and 1990. However D Wickham and Co built their first trolley back in 1922 for the 3ft 6in gauge Taltal Railway in Chile and during their lifetime some 12.000 vehicles of various Wickham designs were built.

Some designs had a standard four cylinder motor car engine, such as the Ford Anglia car 100E engine, to provide power through a standard three speed gearbox to a final chain drive transfer gearbox which included the forward and reverse selection. The diminuitive size of the motorised trolleys is captured in the photograph below.

The Worcester Locomotive Society, who own the Wickham, refurbished and repainted it in the PLOG shed whilst the South Devon Diesel Traction group worked on and repainted the 09. Well done to both groups for the finish achieved with both vehicles.

WE PREVIEW THE AUGUST AND

SEPTEMBER GALAS

- THE SDR ARE ABOUT TO PULL OFF TWO MORE STUNNING EVENTS -

AN SDRONLINE EXCLUSIVE!

Whilst memories still abound of the railway's superb Easter Cambrian themed gala, which included the sight, sound and performance of Dukedog 9017; the second major gala of the season during the August Bank Holiday looks certain to be another winning cocktail of home based locomotives and a very special guest!

Yes the men in high viz suits at Saunders House (affectionately known in some quarters as 'The Kremlin') have given me some advance details of the four day Rails and Ales August Bank Holiday weekend and also the September Heritage and Transport Gala; both of which have a distinct Somerset and Dorset small engine flavour. If the Cambrian themed Easter gala lit the touchpaper then these two late summer events will surely see the fireworks fly.

Let me give you a clue to our visitor. Between 1930 and 1966 locomotives on the S.D.J.R. included many LMS types and then later on, when the Western Region took over, 10 class 5700 0-6-0 pannier tanks and 9 2251 class were also based there. Records show that our own 3205 worked the line, although it was never based there, however I can't find an exact date for that. More importantly, and here's the give away, 14 LMS 0-6-0 3F 'Jinty' tanks were allocated there at some time during those 36 years and numerous others of the class were seen on the line.

Yes, you've guessed it, our visiting locomotive is none other than LMS 'Jinty' No 47406, currently running in BR livery, and not only will it be in steam for the August Rails and Ales Gala but will remain on the line to take part in the September 10th and 11th Heritage Transport Gala.

With our own 5786 pannier back on the SDR from Chinnor in time for the event and the Jinty coming from the railway's friends at the Great Central Railway this promises to be an exciting two events. My understanding is that the 3F and 3205  will run double headed from Buckfastleigh to Bishops Bridge on Saturday 27th August. 47406 will then detach and run early afternoon brake van rides at Staverton. Later in the afternoon it will then pilot 3205 back to Buckfastleigh where it will return to passenger duties. It's been requested that when the loco is loaded at the GCR it will be right way round to face Ashburton on arrival at Buckfastleigh.

During the later Heritage Transport Gala it is hoped that on the goods side the 3F will appear on a milk train ( S&D Bailey Gate style); a parcels train and a mixed goods. For many of us, seeing a Jinty in the flesh, will bring back memories of the early Triang OO guage model - often running on layouts towing a couple of crimson and cream coaches which seemed to bend in the middle giving a banana like appearance.

In June 1983 47406 became the 147th out of 213 locomotives to leave the Barry scrapyard.  Fifty seven years earlier in December 1926 the loco was outshopped from Vulcan Foundry in Newton-le-Willows becoming LMS No 16489 and in May 1950 was renumbered 47406, being finally withdrawn from service in December 1966. Acquired by the Rowsley Locomotive Trust for use on Peak Rail it was subsequently bought by Rogger Hibbert, still the current owner, who has restored six locomotives including three which were in Barry scrapyard condition. 47406 was no exception, having been stripped of parts by the restorers of the other nine Jinties in preservation. On the 29th January 2010 the 3F was officially returned to traffic at the Great Central Railway's winter steam gala and pretty well stole the show from an impressive line up of Stannier locomotives and BR Britannia Oliver Cromwell.

The Rails and Ales Gala takes place at the South Devon on 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th August and this year the Devon Diesel Society, who organise the Ale Festival at Staverton Station, have increased the number of ales and ciders on offer to over 50. This is the most ever of any of the DDS festivals and is based on their enormous past successes. All that and more as they keep the price per pint down to an astonishing £2.50. With that and such interesting steam - what a weekend we are promised!

The Heritage Transport Gala runs on Saturday and Sunday 10th/11th September and includes a large number of historic and classic motor vehicles.

Photograph Courtesy and Copyright © Andy Matthews

LIVE THEATRE COMES TO

TOTNES LITTLEHEMPSTON STATION

In an age where we can download films onto our televisions, computers, mobile phones and iPads it is easy to get out of the habit of physically going out to the cinema. In the same way fewer people are going out to watch or listen to live entertainment, although through the efforts of local theatres in the Bay and amateur dramatic groups there is still a good choice of live shows to be found.

And now through the efforts of the Totnes Littlehempston Station Group a touch of culture comes to the South Devon Railway with a production of Shakespeare's Twelth Night being held on Friday July 29th in the station grounds. Personally as a teenager forced to study Shakespeare's Tempest and Merchant of Venice for English Literature O' level I have my own thoughts about the playright but this production, by the Idle Theme Theatre Company from East Devon, promises to be something else. It's a two hour show that is claimed to be very funny and with what appears to be a cut down cast of nine there is bound to be some frenetic acting going on.

It's an outdoor production of course and in traditional terms 'curtain up' is at 7.30pm, with the gates to Bulliver Bridge opening at 6.00pm to give time for a picnic in the lovely grounds that lead down to the River Dart. You are advised to bring your own seats, cushions or rugs to sit on and if if does rain the production will transfer to under the canopy on the platform. But please note that for security reasons the gates will be locked at 7.30pm and re-opened at the end of the performance - so latecomers will not be able to gain access. There will be a bar and light refreshments will also be available.

Tickets are £10.00 for adults and £7.00 for those under 15 years old, available from Totnes Littlehempston station or Chris Mackenzie-Thorpe on 01803 752420 or email Chris at cmtkgwr@yahoo.co.uk . One of the actors in this professional company is Totnes Group member James Mackenzie-Thorpe so do go along and support this entertainment, and the railway group's share of the profits will go to station funds.

BRIAN COCKS FUNERAL 15th JULY 2011

Led by the Rev. David Hardy the casket is borne between a uniformed guard of honour towards the waiting train.

Mourners attended a special early morning service at Buckfastleigh Station conducted by the Rev. David Hardy, SDR Railway Chaplain of the Railway Mission before the funeral cortege of family and friends travelled on a special train down the line to Staverton for what was Brian's final journey by rail. Up to 300 mourners had been expected and an additional carriage had to be added to the train before departure. Railway staff wore their best uniforms as a mark of respect for Brian who was always immaculately turned out on the footplate, and they too travelled on the train over the line which had played such a major part of his life

The train was hauled by former GWR loco No. 1369 -- the first engine Brian Cocks drove on the Ashburton Branch line as a volunteer in 1967 and, even though he was very ill at the time, also the last steam loco he travelled on for a short distance in May this year with his wife June and old friend and Fireman from the 1960’s Colin Harmes. At Staverton Station a second guard of honour was formed including volunteers from Staverton and Totnes as family and close friends continued their journey by road for a private committal in Torbay. Later in the day a Memorial service at St. Luke’s Church in Buckfastleigh was held, again with a high number of people attending.

The special train runs alongside the River Dart on the way to Hood Bridge. Note the Southern discs on the front

of the loco as a mark of respect to Brian who started his career on the Southern Region of British Rail.

OF ALL THE CARS, IN ALL OF THE WORLD........

YOU HAD TO CHOOSE THIS ONE TO BREAK INTO!

Sunday 10th July - and the 1940's Weekend does not continue without incidents

Parting is such sweet sorrow

But work must continue - in the field hospital

but there's always tea to make

and your new car to show off

or entertainment to be found

and if you missed this year's 1940's Weekend we look forward to seeing you next year.

We're often accused of telling shaggy dog stories on this website...........would we ever!

Photographs Copyright © Sarah Anne Harvey

SPY APPREHENDED ON TRAIN

During a regular Identity Card check on one of our trains on Saturday 9th July, M.P.s arrested this gruesome looking character, believed to be a foreign spy, who apparently had a false I.D. card. A Miltary Police spokesman told us that there were several give away clues. His I.D. Card gave his age as 32 years old and he only spoke a primative form of pigeon Devonian. Here at sdronline we would have spotted the clue straight away - no English gentleman would turn out in such a scruffy pair of shoes, even in wartime!

And so the South Devon Railway's 1940's weekend got of to a flying start. The weather remained dry and visitors turned out in their droves, many of them in 1940's dress. Trains departed Buckfastleigh and Totnes Littlehempston with few spare seats and passengers were entertained by an onboard ENSA party for a large part of the day.

The pegs were used when the Band played

'Hang Out Your Washing on the Seigfried Line'

At Buckfastleigh the Soundhouse Brass Band performed quite beautifully at 11.00am and 4.00pm, inbetween times travelling to Totnes Littlehempston to play at 1.30pm; all performances lasting between 45 and 60 minutes.

Another attraction that drew large audiences were the South West Lindy Hoppers, led by Jane and Derek. Lindy Hop is the original Big Band Swing Dance that was so popular during the 1940's and brought over by the American troops stationed in this country.

Seemingly unpeturbed by a UXB the dancers performed to the music of the Big Bands

Of course no wartime event would be complete without the watchful eye of the Home Guard

protecting the area as seen in our photograph below.

Meanwhile - somewhere down the line (for security reasons we can't divulge the exact location)

on the Military Train the American contingent were showing us their method of shooting clay pigeons -

with an anti aircraft gun mounted on a Lomac wagon.

We'll leave you with another picture of the Lindy Hoppers - our 1940's weekend

continues until 5.00pm on Sunday 10th July.

Our thanks go to Dale Johnson for bringing his wonderful Austin Van.

For more details go to www.therealdadsarmy.co.uk

OF DOG COLLARS AND RAILWAYS

Why is it, you hear people ask, that so many of the clergy are deeply interested in railways? Well compared with any other occupations such as lawyers, accountants, dentists, doctors, firemen, builders or any kind of manual workers I doubt the percentage for the clergy is actually any higher. It's just that those of the clergy, especially Anglicans, became rather well known public figures.

Perhaps Canon Tony Chesterman, for many years serving in the railway town of Derby, had the answer when he suggested that the ultimate source for steam enthusiasm could be found in the prophet Isaiah (Chapter Six) "I saw the Lord ... and His train filled the temple ... and the temple was filled with smoke." Yes maybe, but I wonder was that Temple Meads, St Pancras or York? However I'll take just four of the clergy as examples 'of dog collars and railways'.

The Rev. Alfred Henry Malan, M.A. was born in Dorset back in 1852 and subsequently educated at Magdalen College, Oxford. He successively became Vicar of Altarnun and Perranarworthal in Cornwall and wrote on a wide variety of topics. He was also an avid photographer who was extremely enthusiastic about the broad gauge of the Great Western Railway and befriended one Thomas Tunstall, who was the shedmaster at Newton Abbot. Tunstall encouraged the Rev. Malan's photography giving him access to the broad gauge locomotives and consequently the good Reverend probably photographed more of them than anyone else. In the twenty-first century his rather beautiful photographs are historically extremely valuable and he also collected the nameplates of many broad gauge locomotives - an important collection which can be found in the Steam Museum in Swindon.

Another master photographer was the Rev. Eric Treacy (1907 - 1978) who later became the Bishop of Wakefield. He begain his railway photography 'part time career' just after joining the clergy in 1932 and joined the Railway Photographic Society in 1935. Unlike many of his contemporaries he described his pictures as 'emotional rather than technical', befriending drivers and fireman in his congregation and often persuading them to make smoke for his pictures (would I ever!) Treacy was a prolific producer of books of his railway work and even now any newcomer to railway photography would be advised to borrow some from their local library and study his techniques. His work of the railway in the landscape, particularly the wilderness surrounding the Settle and Carlisle, is the benchmark for allcomers. Eric Treacy, the Bishop of Wakefield died at Appleby station in Westmorland whilst photographing Evening Star - the last steam locomotive built for British Rail. The National Railway Museum holds a little over 12.000 of his images.

We move on rapidly to one of the real characters of 'railway orientated' clergy, the Rev. Edward (Teddy) Boston, who in 1963 founded the Cadeby Light Railway. This two foot gauge railway ran around a tract of land, which also contained the vicarage in which he resided, with steam, diesel and petrol driven locomotives many of which, along with a variety of quarry wagons, were ex contractors. Teddy Boston was a short, round, jolly person given to the occasional burst of Anglo Saxon language especially during run ins with his traction engine 'Fiery Elias' on the way down to the local village and shops; where he would park up whilst doing the shopping. He loved entertaining what are best described as 'railheads' who would play for hours with the two foot and a huge model railway in a shed in the garden. His great friend was the Rev Wilbert Awdry and stories have it that he (Teddy) was the model for the Fat Controller character in Awdry's railway books. This however is incorrect but the Rev Awdry did feature them both in a story as the 'Fat Clergyman and the 'Thin Clergyman'. It has been reported that the Bishop could never have moved the Rev. Boston to another parish since moving the vast internal and external collections of railwayana would have given the Church Commissioners nightmares for life.

And so we come to the Clergyman who is the 'grandaddy' of them all; and I'm sure the Awdry family won't mind me referring to their father, the Reverend Wilbert Vere Awdry OBE, in that manner. Wilbert Awdry's father was the Vicar of Ampfield, near Romsey in Hampshire and in 1911 Wilbert was born in Romsey. Both he and his younger brother George inherited their father's love of railways and that love was sealed in 1917 when the family moved to within sight and sound of the Great Western Railway's approach to Box tunnel in Wiltshire. Wilbert was ordained at Winchester in 1936 and married Margaret Wale in 1938.

Wilbert Awdry takes up the story in some of his own writings, "After curacies in various places, we moved to Kings Norton, Birmingham at the end of 1940 and it was there, two years later when our son Christopher, caught measles, that the first stories in what have now become known as the Railway Series were told to amuse the invalid.

"That Christmas I made Christopher a small, simple wooden model engine out of odds and ends, later christened Thomas. At Christopher's urging I made up stories about Thomas too."

In May 1945 The Three Railway Engines was published with a print run of 22.500 copies and sold for two shillings (10p), which was quite an expensive sum but reflected the problems of paper supplies through the war years. The first Thomas stories followed in 1946 with the second book 'Thomas the Tank Engine'. The rest of the story is history, 26 books in the Railway Series with his son Christopher writing further stories later; 15 series on television between 1984 - 2011 with a total of 368 episodes. Wilbert Awdry was awarded the OBE in the 1996 New Year's Honours List for his services to children's literature but his health had deteriorated and he was unable to travel to London to receive it. Instead it was presented to him at home by the Lord Lieutenant of Gloucestershire. At the age of 85 Wibert died peacefully at his home in Stroud, Gloucestershire in March 1997.

On the 15th June 2011 Rev Awdry would have been 100, and to celebrate the centenary of his birth the South Devon Railway's Museum has mounted a small exhibition of his life and times. Veronica Awdry, Wilbert's eldest daughter, and her husband Richard are long time friends of the South Devon Railway, and on Monday June 20th Veronica kindly officially opened the display of her father's life and times. Wilbert was a member of the South Devon Railway Association and our photograph shows Veronica pointing out a copy of his membership card, during her opening speech.

I managed to get some time to speak to Veronica and mentioned that Wilbert must have seen some of the early episodes of the television series, which she told me he had enjoyed and approved of. He was a stickler for writing his books in such a way that in the stories strict railway practice was observed - something that was not always apparent in later series not written by him or son Christopher. We spoke for some time about the importance of reading to our children which inevitably leads to a child wanting to read for themselves and Veronica pointed out that the success of her father's stories was also due to the fact that he never spoke or wrote down to children. Another reason for success is that the stories are not aimed at boys alone, they are simply appealing to all children of all ages.

In that respect all children like a happy ending to a story and one biographer wrote of Awdry's stories, "Engines learn from their mistakes. Virtue is rewarded, and the highest accolade is to be a Really Useful Engine."

In the book 'Troublesome Engines' which Veronica is seen holding on the left one of the scenes depicted by the artist C Reginald Dalby, is of a group of adults and children is on the platform watching Percy. In fact the family are the Rev Awdry and wife Margaret, Christopher, Veronica and her younger sister Hilary.

The exhibition "The Rev Awdry: his life and times" is on display in the Railway Museum

on Buckfastleigh's main platform until the end of the 2011 season, with free entry.

To view the fascinating website 'The Awdry family - Home of Thomas the Tank Engine' click here

You can see and travel behind some of our own 'Very Useful Engines'

at the South Devon Railway which is open daily until 30th October

OUR YOUNG VOLUNTEERS HOLD THE FUTURE

OF THE SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

At sdronline we are always pleased to report on the progress of any of our young volunteers. All those aspiring to footplate duties, for example, start at the very bottom of the stack - cleaning and preparing locomotives for their day's running. It's a learning curve few would envy; turning out of bed at three or four in the morning to light up the fire; crawling around in half light finding dozens of oiling points - some only accessible from underneath the locomotive; getting filthy and at certain times of the year getting very cold into the bargain. And then there's the Rule Book to start learning and all of this as a volunteer.

But training on the South Devon Railway is reckoned to be some of the best you can get. There's always an experienced railwayman at hand to help you along the way and age old traditional railway comradeship is there for the taking. It's no wonder then that our youngsters can, within the time frames of tradition, progress very quickly onto the footplate itself. Here there are a multitude of new skills to learn, not least of all the most important task of boiler and fire management.

The SDR has its own three appointed Assessors who watch over cleaners and footplate crews during the training period; and when they believe a candidate is fit to move onto the next step of the training ladder a senior engineman is called in to carry out a formal assessment of their abilities so far. Colin Kerswill, a Traction Inspector for many years on what he terms 'the Big Railway' and well known on our branch as a friend of many years standing, carried out two assessments on Saturday 11th June.

First up for scrutiny by Colin was Alasdair Page, who after a trip down the line with Colin on the footplate and a verbal examination of the Rule Book was passed out for firing duties.

Of course it's not only younger volunteers who are assessed, it's a continuous process. Let's ask the question "when is a fireman the only person on the footplate when a train is travelling down the line?" And the answer? When the driver is over 100 feet and two coaches away driving the train from the front driving compartment of one of our auto coaches.

It's a bit different to firing when the driver is standing next to you and the responsibilites are greater. Therefore additional training is involved, even for a fireman with many years experience. And so Colin's second assessment was of Dave Hall, who at the end of the day succeeded in becoming a passed auto train fireman.

Our congratulations to both of them - job well done!

Upper - Colin congratulates Alasdair Page and lower Dave Hall

THE SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY'S

NEW BOILER SHOP IS OFFICIALLY OPENED

10th June 2011

Local champagne cider flows over the 700 ton John Shaw Vicing Press

during the official opening of the new Boiler Shop Facility

At an official opening ceremony today (Friday 10 June), 50 representatives from many leading UK heritage lines, the heritage railway industry and other guests gathered in Devon to see what has been achieved at Buckfastleigh in under nine months in establishing a truly impressive new boiler shop facility. Last August, one of the UK heritage railway movement’s most respected steam boiler repair specialists and engineering firms, R.K. Pridham Engineering of Tavistock, was acquired outright by the South Devon Railway’s then recently created engineering company (SDRE) at Buckfastleigh.

In a significant step for the whole heritage railway movement, all of the Tavistock-based firm’s specialist boiler repair and manufacturing equipment, including the large specialist presses and huge dies needed to make complex boiler components, were moved lock, stock and barrel across Dartmoor to the SDR. Run by father and son duo Roger and Paul Pridham, the firm of R.K. Pridham Engineering was established in 1975 and they built up a pre-eminent reputation in the world of railway and traction engine boiler repairs. Roger and Paul Pridham continue to work with the South Devon Railway as consultants.

Dick Wood, General Manager South Devon Railway, gives a brief introductory speech

before the opening ceremony

Lower row, left to right :- Rob le Chevalier (SDRE), Cllr Rufus Gilbert (Chairman South Hams DC), Roger, Linda and Paul Pridham, Cllr Dennis Smith (Chairman Teignbridge DC), Cllr Ann Young (Buckfastleigh TC), Denver Woodward (SDRT).

Upper row, left to right :- Allan Cash (SDRA), Richard Elliott (SDRE), Dick Wood, Peter Richardson, Andy Stevens (SDRT)

Devon born actor, comedian, writer and director Peter Richardson gave the opening speech. Perhaps best known for 'The Comic Strip Presents....' television series which ran from 1982 - 1988 on Ch 4, and 1990 - 1993 on BBC, Peter is also a huge friend of the South Devon Railway and Heritage movement.

Peter's work directing films includes : The Supergrass (1985), Eat the Rich (1987), The Pope Must Die (1991), The Glam Metal Detectives (1995), Lust for Glorious (1997), Stella Street (2004), Churchill: The Hollywood Years (2004)

Commenting today, Roger Pridham said: “Choosing when to retire is never an easy decision to make, especially when you want to see your life’s valuable work continue into the future. But, with the sale of our prized engineering assets and the transfer of our staff to the South Devon Railway last year, we knew that our business was in safe hands for the future.

“The South Devon Railway already had a well equipped engineering workshop to which they have added the boiler making facilities of R.K. Pridham Engineering.

“The SDR’s engineering staff are highly skilled and experienced in a range of services, from metal fabrication and presswork through to the manufacture of parts for former GWR and other steam locos, plus rolling stock, to the full restoration of steam engines.

“We will be working closely with the South Devon Railway for the foreseeable future and are confident that this development is the best way to preserve and develop the skills and facilities we have built up over the years.”

Left - the 700 ton press is about to apply pressure to the top and

bottom of the bottle - another SDR novel innovation!

Upper - the bottle is opened and the champagne flows.

The SDR do not recommend trying this at home!

After the formal opening guests were given the chance to tour the new Boiler Shop, the main Engineering Workshop and outside A Shop the huge wheel press. SDR staff were on hand to explain all of the processes carried on in the works.

We'll conclude with some comments from the South Devon Railway's General Manager, Dick Wood who said, “Creating a new boiler shop is not only important to us for repairing our own railway engines in the future, but also for the whole heritage railway movement and traction engine sector too.

“This boiler shop safeguards both the skilled expertise of boiler making and equipment in the UK for posterity, and also has ensured that some very skilled engineering jobs have been retained and created in the West Country.

“Having successfully moved all of the equipment to Buckfastleigh where much of it is now installed, the key message from today is that it’s business as usual and we can tackle most boiler repair jobs.

“Everyone involved has worked hard to make things work, and the important benefits of the boiler shop will come in the years to follow. We have high ambitions for the future success of our expanding engineering operations, making the SDR a real beacon of railway engineering excellence.”

BRIAN COCKS

ENGINEMAN and RAILWAYMAN

1940 - 2011

It is with great sadness that we report the passing of our great friend Brian Cocks.

Brian lost his battle against leukemia on Friday evening June 3rd 2011.

Our thoughts are with June and the family.

Brian Cocks Tribute Page

Brian Cocks served the South Devon Railway for over forty years, not only as an engineman but also in a wide variety of railway departments. As one of the South Devon’s best loved characters Brian was an out and out gentleman, who always had time to spare to answer any railway questions put to him. He took a special interest in encouraging and training our younger volunteers, not only on the footplate but in all railway matters.

Therefore I feel it appropriate to establish a ‘Brian Cocks Tribute Page’ for you to email this website with your memories, thoughts and reminiscences of such a great man. Emails will be added to this special page on a daily basis. In co-operation with John Brodribb, Curator of the South Devon Railway Museum, these will then be collected over the coming weeks and months and with additional research and information by John, will form the core of an archive; available for everyone to see in the Museum.

Please use the following email address to send your words tribute_page@sdronline.org.uk

To view our Tribute Page click here

THE TRAIN NOW STANDING..........

Is the Waterloo, Southampton, Bournemouth and Weymouth train

Some passengers on Tuesday's and Wednesday's service trains this week may have been suprised to discover that, according to the destination boards on one of the coaches on the carmine and cream set, they may have been bound for stations further afield than Staverton and Totnes Littlehempston. Museum Curator John Brodribb explained that these original destination boards from the 1950's, were placed on Southern Region expresses working out of Waterloo to Weymouth via Southampton Central and Bournemouth. They would have been seen on the sides of green Bullied coaches or standard BR coaches, painted green, as used on those boat train expresses.

John went on to say that they had been attached to the coach as a tribute to Brian Cocks, who of course began his long railway career on the Southern Region. The boards are normally on display in the railway Museum, along with others from the same era.

The 'long distance train' leaves Buckfastleigh Station, Wednesday 8th June.

A TALL STORY

Well to be precise this is a tall and wide story - about a conifer tree that stood next to the lamp hut which stands next to the signal box at Bishops Bridge. For those of our readers who may not be too familiar with the line, Bishops Bridge contains a loop line where our trains can cross each other before continuing their journey on the otherwise single track lines to Buckfastleigh or Totnes.

For the duty signalman in the box it is quite important that he has good sight of the loop and main lines, in order that he can check that the train entering the loop has come to a stand in the correct place at signal no.33. As we shall see from the following photograph that view had been obstructed by an unprecedented rapid growth upwards and outwards of the conifer in the last few months.

The signalman's obstructed view of the loop line from inside the signal box.

For safety reasons the tree had to be removed and of course being a conifer it would have been an all year problem which would rapidly have got even more serious. And so the tree was felled, restoring the clear view of the loop and onwards towards Buckfastleigh.

Photograph left shows the tree felled and the restored view of the loop and main lines

looking towards Buckfastleigh.

Shows a picture of the tree that isn't there anymore

A STEAMY WEEKEND

Collett 3205 storms the incline at Stretchford with the 13.45 ex Staverton - Buckfastleigh Sunday service

With temperatures slightly lower than the average the West Country Branch Line Gala weekend was a photographer's dream as the SDR's locomotives produced plenty of smoke and steam, which is not always visible as temperatures climb at this time of the year. We weren't too happy with the all pervading drizzle which followed us around the line on Saturday and periods on Sunday, but it certainly persuaded passengers to join our trains rather than taking their chances on the beaches.

So at the end of the third day of the event passenger receipts were excellent and many people had visited Expressway Models and the Refreshment Rooms. After a slightly slow start on Saturday lunchtime the Cider Festival at Staverton began to pick up and whilst we haven't yet got figures for the number of pints consumed we do know that it was another great event for the Devon Diesel Society who organised and staffed it. Similarly, speaking to Rod Budd of the Staverton Preservation Group their sales of pasties, tea and coffee were, as usual, exceptionally good. With only a few cheese pasties left over the Group will be forced, unfortunately, to consume them before they get stale.

All in all, with trains running to time throughout, it was another very successful and well suported South Devon Railway Gala. We conclude with another couple of 'steamy' pictures and look out for a full gallery of Sarah and Maureen's images in about seven days time.

5526 and the brake van demonstration train at Woodville, heading for Totnes on Saturday 28th, 08.51am.

In some of the heaviest drizzle we encountered 1369 hauls the two coach GWR branch line train

on the Saturday 16.02 Totnes Littlehempston - Buckfastleigh service

A RARE WORKING

Permanent Way Manager and Driver Andy Matthews got a little more than he bargained for when he returned the GWR smokebox train reporting numbers the South Devon Railway had borrowed from the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company for the Easter Gala. As Andy arrived at the Paignton Station on Thursday 19th May, 2-8-0T no.5239 had just arrived with the early afternoon train from Kingswear, but had then been declared a failure due a problem with one of its springs.

Andy takes up the story, "Whilst talking to the driver, it became clear that they did not have a Class 25 driver available and it did look as if the last train of the day was going to be hauled by the Class 08 shunter. Being me, and seeing an opportunity to help them out of a predicament, I offered to drive their Class 25 for them……so the 16.15 Paignton to Kingswear and 17.00 return saw me at the controls of D7535. On the return journey the crew did say that this was also the first time the Class 25 had worked a passenger train through the up platform at Goodrington."

It seems to us at sdronline an opportune moment to point out that within the heritage railway movement of this country there is a spirit of helping one another out in times of 'incidents' however large or small. Only recently the South Devon Railway, along with many other heritage lines, stepped in with a weekend of fund raising to help the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway which had suffered two devasting land slips in the course of just twelve months. Long may this spirit of co-operation live on.

Andy Matthews takes the driver's seat of D7535 as the 17.00 hours train leaves Kingswear for Paignton

1st FOR No 1, THOMAS TO TOTNES

Allan Cash (Inspector), Ben Greening (Driver) and Alex Heath (Fireman) look pleased

with their efforts as they and Thomas take a short break after gaining Totnes Littlehempston.

For the last service train of the day and on the final day of the 'A Day Out With Thomas' weekend, the little tank engine was given special permission to take a train all the way down the line to Totnes Littlehempston. I'm grateful to Tom Breed, who was guard on the train for his report of the adventure. Tom told me, "In all the time I've been working for the SDR I don't believe Thomas has ever left Buckfastleigh to pull a proper train down the line. Thomas didn't seem to have any problems with the 5 coaches that I could tell from the timings I jotted in my guard's journal, and Driver Ben Greening told me Thomas was a modified J94."

THE BBC 'FLOG IT!' TEAM FILM AT THE

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

Presenter of BBC's 'Flog It!' Paul Martin with Museum Curator John Brodribb

BBC 2's 'Flog It!' team arrived at Buckfastleigh in May to shoot a section for this popular programme which will be broadcast in the Autumn. Some time was spent in the Museum where John Brodribb guided the cameraman through a series of displayed photographs, largely of the line before preservation. Paul Martin, the presenter, then joined the footplate crew of the 10.45 departure for Totnes Littlehempston for a journey down the line filming as they went.

In the programme members of the public take their antiques along for valuation and with help from the experts try and make money by taking a risk selling them at auction.

STAVERTON'S LEVEL CROSSING GATES REPLACED

Closing the old gates for the last time.

When the last service train of the day had departed for Buckfastleigh on the 18th April, Rich Morrison was on hand to photograph the 40 years old level crossing gates at Staverton being closed for the last time. The gates had been opened and closed for thousands of times over the years, in all weathers, and the timbers were in need of replacement. After manufacture by an outside contractor completely new gates were transported to the goods shed at Staverton where they were painted by the Staverton Preservation Group of volunteers.

The following day Andy Matthews and members of the Permanent Way Gang moved in to take down the old and erect the new gates. Major work was completed in a day with tidying and finishing taking place on the second day.

During the course of the work trains were signalled by hand as required - the protecting signals being held at danger due to the removal of the gates and loss of the interlocking. The Crossing Keeper, operated under the jurisdiction of Bishops Bridge Signalman, and was responsible for the operation of the crossing and for providing handsignals as required throughout the day.

The new gates were lifted into place with the assistance of the Road - Rail machine.

For once the PW Gang had the benefit of decent weather for such a major project.

NEW WEBSITE LAUNCHED

South Devon Railway Photographers Sarah Anne Harvey and Maureen Douglas-Green have launched their new website 'Twin Lens Reflex'. With new processing, printing, framing and training facilities currently under construction in the South Hams the pair, at the moment geographically separated by 30 miles, will be able to work more efficiently together. There are currently 15 galleries of their 'other' work available for viewing on the website but railway photography is not forgotten as it will also be a showcase for their main line steam images. You can view the new site by following this link http://www.twinlensreflex.org.uk

FIRST IT WAS A LAMB

NOW IT'S TOADS ON THE LINE!

WHATEVER NEXT?

Collett 3205 and four Toads caught on the line at Woodville

It had to be Friday 13th for these four Toads which, along with two other brake vans, were caught on the line at Woodville. Although this section of the line is now well known for the 'wanderings of wildlife' these Toads were not there by accident having trundled down from Buckfastleigh to Totnes for a proving run after a week of inspections and servicing in preparation for their appearance at the SDR's West Country Branch Line weekend on 28th - 30th May.

At that event, which includes a Cider Festival at Staverton, the six guards vans will appear on all three days as a demonstration train; and it is thought to be the first time six brake vans will have travelled the line since the Plymouth Railway Circle trips in the 1960's. Yesterday however the train terminated at Staverton, being part of stock positioning movements, and then 3205 was attached to the 'B' coaching set to return with it ECS to Buckfastleigh.

On the testing run from Buckfastleigh to Totnes Littlehempston.

The Collett and brake vans reach the end of the Royal Mile.

The four Toads belong to the SDRA, SDRT, Staverton Preservation Group (SPG) and Nick Perring & Trevor Hodgson and others. The BR van is also Nick & Trevor's and the Shark is SDRT. We have posted a preview of the events at the Spring Bank Holiday West Country Branch Line weekend and Cider Festival, you can find and view them by clicking here.

'LUCKY' THE LAMB MAKES GOOD PROGRESS

ONCE AGAIN SDRONLINE BRINGS YOU THE NEWS FIRST!

A lucky lamb indeed - to have been rescued from the South Devon Railway's track and lucky to have been given a lot of expert tender loving care by Barrie Tolley and his team at the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm. And it's all down to their many hours of patience and care that Lucky was fit enough to enjoy her first day out in a paddock at the farm on Sunday 1st May. She's not fully recovered yet by any means but Barrie told me that she is now well on the way and for the first time started to bleat again today.

So now all the people who have called the SDR and the Farm to find out how she is, will be able to go and see her as she hopefully gets stronger and a little less nervous day by day.

THOMAS AT THE SOUTH DEVON

Thomas seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself at Caddaford whilst hauling the Shuttle back to Buckfastleigh

Whilst the weather was not quite as bright and sunny as the Easter weekend, the crowds turned out in large numbers to enjoy a Day Out With Thomas during the May Bank Holiday. With six return trains a day to Totnes Littlehempston, where there are brake van rides in Toad pulled by Duck; and ten Thomas Shuttles to Caddaford there is lots to see and do. A Day Out With Thomas continues through Bank Holiday Monday.

5526 and 1369 top and tail the Toad on its way to Totnes, Sunday 1st May	'Duck' is away with the first brake van ride of the day as 'Charlie' waits patiently for his next turn
Enjoying the ride on Toad at Totnes	'Julian' arrives at Staverton with the 12.55 service to Totnes Littlehempston

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY CELEBRATES

THE ROYAL WEDDING

The 10-45 Buckfastleigh-Staverton-Totnes service is hauled by prairie no. 5526 on April 29th,

suitably decorated as a tribute to the Royal Wedding

Driver Richard Smith and trainee fireman Alistair Page (left) are about to take the train down the line as guests were arriving at the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton at Westminster Abbey. As Kate Middleton and her father arrived at the Abbey our first service of the day was leaving Staverton for Totnes; and it's arrival back at Buckfastleigh co-incided with the happy couple emerging from the Abbey as husband and wife.

ALERT FOOTPLATE CREW

IN LINESIDE RESCUE

A very weak young lamb was rescued by an alert loco crew near Totnes on the South Devon Railway on Easter Sunday after the steam train crew made an emergency stop to avoid hitting it on the track.

As regular readers of this website are very aware we do not rely on woolly facts to bring you breaking news and never bleat about the bush when the truth needs to be told. Whilst we were not at the scene of the incident which occurred on Sunday, yet another roasting day during the Gala Weekend, our news comes from a reliable source – Dick Wood, General Manager South Devon Railway. Dick related the following facts to me and very sheepishly told me of his part in the rescue.

“The observant loco crew of Driver Lance Hale and Fireman Charlie Dennis spotted the animal laid between the rails near Woodville by the River Dart and brought the 11.40 train from Buckfastleigh to a rapid halt -- I was travelling on the train at the time and, after we stopped, I looked out to see the crew climb down from their engine and gently lift the tired and dishevelled looking animal up onto the footplate where it was looked after by Charlie until arriving at Totnes a few minutes later.

“From the train, I rang Barrie Tolley, the owner of the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm which is adjacent to our station at Totnes, and asked him to try and be on hand to take delivery of the lamb and to then look after it as he is not only an animal expert but also keeps lambs himself which are always popular with children and visitors.

“Upon arrival at Totnes, I picked up the very tired and grubby looking lamb from Lance and Charlie who were both very pleased not to have run the animal down with the train. I suspect they were glad to hand it over because the poor animal was not looking at all well.

“So, I set off down the platform holding it tightly much to the amusement of both staff and passengers and one of our volunteer workers, Ian Yolland, grabbed the shot from the train. Various other people took photographs as I walked along with the lamb which, very unusually, was extremely docile and looked tired as well as being covered in a mixture of dirt, most of which had deposited itself on my clean white shirt!

“Barrie then took over and immediately got his staff put the lamb into a quiet shaded area to recover after feeding it some liquid and antibiotics. So far, the male lamb's condition hasn't improved too much, but Barrie is hopeful it will recover and has asked another SDR volunteer John Bunting, a retired vet, to have a look at it later today.

“The lamb was only partly weaned by the look of it but unusually had no markings so we have no real idea who it belongs to as yet.. We presume it had escaped from a neighbour's field and then got lost on the railway after being separated from its mother.”

And a late update from Dick Wood to this story is as follows:- "Staff at Totnes Rare Breeds Farm have called the lamb "Lucky"….. It is now showing signs of recovery and, if it continues to do so, people can see it tomorrow and during the week -- a lot of visitors who saw what happened have asked about the lamb's 'rescue' during today.

Charlie Dennis, the fireman who rescued the lamb, has been given a new nickname by his colleagues -- Larry, as in "Larry the Lamb"……"

We’ve heard since that Charlie is racked with worry and that the poor lamb, which was not in mint condition, probably thought that it was for the chop when it saw the train coming...!

CAMBRIAN THEMED EASTER GALA

OFF TO A GOOD START

Good Friday saw the first of four days of the South Devon Railway's Cambrian themed Easter Gala, on a day that started cloudy with a couple of showers but which had, by lunchtime, disappeared leaving a hot sunny afternoon to enjoy the trains. And with passenger, goods, milk and parcels trains running behind a variety of locomotives there was much to see during the busy running schedule.

The Cambrian is not the only thing being celebrated this weekend. 2011 is the 20th Anniversary of the South Devon taking over and running the railway from previous encumbant the Dart Valley Railway. A lot has happened in those twenty years to improve the railway and there's no better way to see the progress than take a trip down the seven mile branch which is looking pretty spectacular at the moment. The Gala runs through the weekend and Easter Monday.

HUGE SUCCESS OF OFFICIAL

LAUNCH

On a brilliantly sunny day on Tuesday 19th April Dick Wood, General Manager of the South Devon Railway, commenced the official launch of 3GA by welcoming a number of guests from local councils, Devon County Council and the tourist industry. The tour began when guests were shown around Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies by David Field. In the otter enclosures we watched in wonder as these beautiful creatures took food from the hand of their keeper as he sat in the enclosure. Then it was an inspection of the newly refurbished kiosk adjacant to the car park, a quick look at the SDR's very popular miniature railway which runs around and through the gardens, before boarding the Dining Train for a finger buffet during the journey to Totnes Littlehempston and the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.

Barrie Tolley guided our guests around his extremely busy farm where they were just in time to watch a group of children bottle feeding a number of very young lambs which had been placed in their arms. Even grown ups find it hard to resist the charms of feeding and petting lambs, goats, donkeys and owls but all too soon the delegates boarded their waiting train for the journey back to Buckfastleigh, and on the way enjoyed a Devon cream tea in the saloon coach.

Some of our guests in front of Collett 3205 which carried a suitable reporting number.

L - R Cllr Christine Marsh, Chairman of Devon County Council; Barrie Tolley, Totnes Rare Breeds Farm;

Cllr Judy Westacott representing South Hams District Council; Cllr Tony Whitty, Mayor of Totnes;

Cllr Stephen Purser, Chairman of Teignbridge District Council: David Field, Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies.

Cllr Judy Westacott later said, "I hadn't visited the Butterflies/Otters or the Rare Breeds Farm before, but have, of course, been on the steam trains. It was a day to remember - a train journey beside the beautiful river Dart, lots of wildlife, a good lunch and superb cream tea and, to top it all, brilliant sunshine! Everyone we met was informative and enthusiastic and made us all most welcome."

Speaking today Dick Wood, General Manager South Devon Railway commented, "Thanks to the high level of professionalism shown by everyone on the SDR involved in the launch, both on the day and in advance, the whole event ran like clockwork. I was very proud of the way our team pulled together and delivered such a top quality experience which was flawless."

HUNSLET 'GLENDOWER'

ON DISPLAY AT EASTER

Privately owned Standard Austerity Hunslet, Works No.3810-1 'Glendower', is to go on display at the South Devon Railway over the Easter Bank Holiday. Built in 1954 by the Hunslet Engine Co Ltd the locomotive was owned by the National Coal Board and saw it's main duties in the South Wales coal fields, working in the late 60's at the Hafodyrynys Colliery. Glendower was purchased for private ownership in 1973 and moved to the Dart Valley Railway (now the South Devon Railway) in 1978 where she was one of the early mainstays of the locomotive department.

The standard austerities were powerful engines and were as ubiquitous as Stanier Class 5's. Indeed the T.E. of the Hunslet with its two 18" inside cylinders is 23,870 lbs as opposed to a Black 5 with two 18.5" cylinders and a T.E. of 25,455 lbs. And to top it all their bark, with a full load and the regulator open, is said to match that of a 9F. Glendower last ran on the South Devon in 1995 and is not in service, requiring extensive boiler work. She will be on display in the PLOG road from Good Friday through to Easter Monday.

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

LAUNCHES NEW MARKETING

CAMPAIGN

TO ENCOURAGE MORE VISITORS TO DEVON

Just in time for the long Easter weekend break, three of South Devon’s leading tourist attractions have joined forces to offer visitors a full and extremely varied day of activities that will have something to appeal to almost everyone – and all, effectively, on a single site linked by a steam railway! Launched on Tuesday 19th April 2011, the new family-oriented, value-for-money marketing initiative called: “3 Great Attractions – 1 Amazing Day” got underway involving the South Devon Railway; Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies, and the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.

The ‘3 Great Attractions – 1 Amazing Day’ initiative is designed: to expand and enhance the enjoyment for visitors to all three attractions by offering them a full day out with a variety of activities and hands-on experiences. And it gives real value-for-money to families via attractively priced joint tickets.

For example, to visit all three attractions the cost is: adult £19.10, children (5-14 years) £13.00, senior citizens £17.40, & families £58.10 (two adults & two children).

But by encouraging visitors to remain on one site for a whole day even greater savings can be made because car journeys and fuel costs are reduced as the steam trains of the South Devon Railway link the two animal-based centres. Besides all of that at Buckfastleigh, which is just off the A38 Devon Expressway and just 25 minutes from Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay, there is ample free car parking.

Commenting on the ‘3 great attractions – 1 amazing day’ launch, South Devon Railway General Manager Dick Wood, said: “We hope this new joint initiative will attract many more visitors to sample what has to be one of the best value and most varied days out in Devon. We have something to interest people of all ages and interests ranging from otters, exotic butterflies, owls, red squirrels and rare breed animals to a leisurely seven mile train ride through stunning scenery hauled by a GWR era steam locomotive.

“This year is also the 20th anniversary of the South Devon Railway taking over the Buckfastleigh branch line, and we are holding a special ‘Cambrian’ themed event over Easter weekend to reprise the era of steam railways in Wales complete with visiting engine No. 9017 Dukedog Class “Earl of Berkeley” operating alongside our own engines Nos. 3205, 5526 and 1369.

“We are running trains every day from now until the end of October, so the ‘3 great attractions - 1 amazing day’ scheme is going to be an added bonus for all of our visitors, especially those on fixed incomes. Most people have now felt the recession’s bite and are looking for great value for money days out.”

To find out more about this exciting new initiative the South Devon Railway has produced a new website with full information for visitors, to view it click here.

SOUTHERN COMFORT

Wednesday 13th April 2011, 35028 'Clan Line' passes through Sydney Gardens on its way into

Bath with a VSOE London Victoria - Bristol - Victoria tour. This location is as well known amongst

railway photographers as the Teignmouth sea wall, giving classic views of classic locomotives.

And the link with the South Devon Railway is? Well, apart from keeping the number of ex Southern footplate crews at the SDR happy with the photograph and perhaps reviving a few memories for them; a party of 17 MNLPS Clan Line Support Crew and their wives were visiting the South Devon this weekend. Their host was none other than Colin Kerswill who is a regular Traction Inspector on 35208 and a volunteer at the South Devon. To hear Colin waxing lyrical about the excellent mechanical condition and steaming capabilities of the locomotive, let alone its consistently pristine appearance it wouldn't be too difficult to believe that it is his favourite steed.

Travelling down to Totnes with the party on Saturday morning and listening to them talk it's clear to see what a dedicated band of engineers these people are. It's no suprise, therefore, to learn that Clan Line is considered to be one of the most reliable steam locomotives on the main line today. On Friday Colin guided the party around the site including of course the shed, Engineering Workshops and the new Boiler Shop, where at the moment work is progressing on Taw Valley.

It has been a completely difference experience for the Clan Line Team who are normally hurtling along the main line at breakneck speeds. On the seven mile length of the SDR they have been able to study a completely different facet of steam railway preservation on a country branch line and seeing every aspect of how we operate, from lever signal boxes and the token system to the crossing of trains at Bishops Bridge. Colin had even arranged that each member was able to experience life on the footplate of a vastly smaller locomotive than theirs.

Clan Line, VSOE restored Pullmans and a two car auto train hauled by a prairie tank are worlds apart. Yet the level of service we strive to give to our respective passengers is top class, and the degree of dedication in both the main line and country branch worlds to keep this great steam heritage of ours alive, is something to be admired.

Colin Kerswill (far left) and some of the Support Crew of 35208 'Clan Line' after an 'amble'

down the line behind prairie 5526, crewed today by Russ and Howard.

BUCKFASTLEIGH'S RAT PACK!

The South Devon Diesel Trust are now the proud owners of two Class 25's, with the arrival today 14th April, of D7541 'The Diana' from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. They are affectionally known by railway enthusiasts as 'Rats' , apparently because they could be found over the whole of the BR system and were therefore 'as common as rats'. A total of 327 were built between 1961 and 1967; D7541 being built in 1965 and D7612 in 1966 - both at the Derby works of BR.

Buckfastleigh residents may well have wondered what was going on at the SDR today with the arrival by road of two diesels and the departure of another. We'll let our photo report take up the story.

D7541 was first in and off the low loader. It did look, how can we put this, to be in a bit of a state; but the SDDT crew seemed more than happy to have a project to get 'their teeth into'.	20118 was then loaded and departed for Sherringham on the North Norfolk Railway, where it will take part in their Easter Gala. The Routemaster bus RM1872 is seen passing the parked load, the bus being two years younger than the loco!
Getting the 73.2 ton 'Chopper' out around the tight bend at the top of the drive was not without its moments as the low loader grounded and needed a few inches extra lift by the tractor unit.	About an hour later old faithful D7612 arrived from the Gloucester Warwickshire Steam Railway where it had been on hire for some months. It's due to run during our own Easter Gala.
Within twenty minutes of being unloaded D7612 had been started up ready for a short, but intensive, shunting session.	We leave you with another photograph of the two Class 25's side by side - a site we may not see again until the estimated four year restoration of D7541 is completed.

CLASS 20, 20 118 TO LEAVE THE SOUTH DEVON

We photographed 20 118 returning from one of its last working trips down the line on March 27th this year

The South Devon Diesel Traction Ltd's Class 20 no.20 118 'Saltburn-by-the-Sea' is to leave SDR metals this week, having been purchased by the Harry Needle Railroad Company in Derbyshire. It's unclear at the moment if the locomotive is moving to the Barrow Hill Depot or going out to another heritage railway.

20 118 was originally numbered D8118 and built in February 1962 in English Electric's 'Robert Steven Hawthorn' Factory at Darlington. Having laid idle for four years the '20' arrived at Buckfastleigh on the 10th December 1999 and was first started up in preservation on 26th May 2000.

FREE SALT AND VINEGAR!

The Buckfastleigh Station Group are running one of their ever popular Fish and Chip Supper Trains on Sunday April 17th. There are still seats and tickets available for everyone - you don't have to be a member of the SDR, just contact Denis Johnson at the Buckfastleigh Booking Office on 01364 642338. Timing is 6.30 for 7.00 pm and at £11.00 per ticket to include a return trip down the line and your fish and chip supper it's something of a bargain. Other goodies can be found at the Real Ale Bar on board and of course there is the inevitable raffle.

CLASS 25 - NOW THERE WILL BE TWO

On Thursday 14th April the South Devon Diesel Traction Ltd's Class 25 D7612 will arrive back from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway where it has been on hire for several months, returning to service at the SDR's Easter Cambrian themed Gala. However a second member of the class will be joining the SDDT's stable on Friday 15th when D7641 arrives from the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

SDDT spokesman Peter Burrows told me D7641 had not run for some considerable time and whilst the locomotive was complete it is estimated that there will be a four year program of work before the loco is likely to run again.

AN EXCELLENT TURN OUT

FOR THE 'CLEAR UP' TRAIN

9017 simmers in the early morning sunshine as the Clear Up Gang get to work loading logs stacked

after recent lineside clearance work. It's 08.54am, Sunday 10th April and a perfect day for the job.

After a call for volunteer help to clear the lineside of stacked logs and other debri, eighteen turned out to board the train departing from Buckfastleigh at 8.30 on Sunday morning. Under a cloudless sky Andy Greening, Toby Roberts and trainee Alistair Page on the footplate set out for the first loading point at Caddaford, pictured above. The old saying that "many hands make light work" was never more true as about a quarter of a mile of lineside was cleared quite quickly before the train set off for the second stop at Bulkamore.

With the first service train of the day departing Buckfastleigh at 10.45 the works train was required to reach Bishops Bridge by 10.30 and hand over possession in order that crossing could take place. In fact the works train reached Bishops well before, allowing Andy Matthews and his team to shunt some of the photo charter goods wagons, that had been attached, back into the sidings at Staverton.

It's undoubtedly hard work for all involved, but volunteer company is always good fun and the rewards come from returning passengers who were already saying that the line this year is looking better than ever. We're fortunate at the South Devon Railway in running through the most beautiful seven mile stretch of countryside, much of it following the River Dart closely; and the continuing work program of controlling lineside growth is preserving one of the railway's most precious assets - the view through the carriage window.

NAMEPLATES FOR SDR LOCOS

WE PUT YOU OUT OF YOUR MISERY!

Well if ever this website caused a furore is was as the result of the announcement that the SDR were planning to name its locomotive fleet! Many of you realised that this dire news was published on April 1st and as one correspondent put it, was "an elaborate April Fool" , or was it? Well we are more than happy to confirm that it was an April Fools Hoax and that the SDR has absolutely no intention of naming its locomotives.

One thing for certain is that the majority writing in were absolutely against the idea - and quite rightly so. Therefore our plea is now that you know the truth relax! Your favourite heritage railway is going to remain just that, a railway reflecting the great history and traditions of the GWR and Western Region of BR.

To view the emails we received follow this link.

GOOD NEWS FOR PHOTOGRAPHERS

WITH 2010 LINESIDE PERMITS

7.46am Wednesday 6th April 'Dukedog' 9017 runs past milepost 6/1 with a Photo Charter milk train.

An aspect for photography opened up by the recent work of the Cutting Back Gang

The South Devon Railway Trust have asked us to publish the following statement, issued on Wednesday 6th April 2011.

LINESIDE PHOTOGRAPHIC PERMITS

"Due to delays in preparing the Personal Track Safety (PTS) training scheme, Lineside Photographic Permits for the South Devon Railway with an expiry date of 31st December 2010 are now valid until 31st May 2011, without further charge. Those who have already applied for permits are being contacted directly.

" Permits expiring 31st December 2011 are still available for those with PTS cards issued by Network Rail or other major heritage railways.

"South Devon Railway Trust apologies for any inconvenience this delay may have caused."

Effective immediately (Ed)

9017 RUNS DOWN THE LINE

Dukedog, 9017 Earl of Berkely, runs into Totnes Littlehempston with the 2.15pm

ex Buckfastleigh - Totnes service, on an afternoon proving run 2nd April.

The footplate of the Dukedog had three drivers on it, two of whom were assessors and all three had 98 years footplate experience between them. Of course there was no pressure on 17-year-old trainee fireman Ernie then, especially so working on what to him was a strange engine! But with all three drivers handling the loco carefully and in largely the same way, they agreed that Ernie coped brilliantly. Just another example of the SDR’s policy of giving opportunities to and encouraging our young volunteers who are, after all, the future of the railway!

To view more photographs from yesterday and for some preview details about the Easter Gala

– follow this link.

YOU SAW IT HERE FIRST!

THE DUKEDOG ARRIVES AT LAST

After the disappointment of not being able to have the Dukedog for the 2010 August Bank Holiday Rails and Ales Gala due to boiler problems, 9017 Earl of Berkeley finally arrived at the South Devon late on Wednesday afternoon and was off loaded this morning Thursday 31st March. Once loco and tender were re-united she was brought into the main platform line with two coaches and the BG after departure of the 12.15 service train to Totnes Littlehempston, when we achieved this photograph of her.

The Dukedog is booked out on five consectutive days of Photo Charters week commencing 4th April with a different train formation each day and of course is one of the stars of the Easter Weekend Gala which has a Cambrian theme this year.

SHOP MANAGER TERRY BUCK RETIRES

The excitement of the Dukedog's arrival was tempered this afternoon as the railway said goodbye to a good friend. Terry Buck has managed the Expressway Models shop through some pretty extensive changes in the last four years and he and his team have turned it into what is probably the finest model and gift shop in the county.

General Manager Dick Wood congratulated Terry on his retirement and presented him with a complete set of Alfred Wainwright's Guides to the Lakeland Fells, walking being one of Terry's hobbies. A huge card signed by staff and volunteers and a cake with a small circular working model railway then appeared. However Terry will not be disappearing into the setting sun forever as he plans to return from time to time for volunteer duties, but in the meantime we all wish him many happy years of retirement.

SDRT ANNOUNCE PLANS TO NAME THE LOCO FLEET

In an unexpected announcement today the South Devon Railway Trust revealed plans to name each steam locomotive in the fleet. In a statement issued Thursday 31st March they stated that following a survey amongst visitors to heritage lines in other parts of the country it had been found that the public preferred to see named engines. This, the survey had concluded, was probably due to the popularity of Thomas the Tank engine and his named friends.

The Directors pointed out that a precedent had been set, many years ago, when the railway was in the hands of the Dart Valley Railway where some locomotives had been named. However the current SDR fleet would receive the traditional GWR splasher nameplates and not the rectangular ones placed on the boiler sides. Whilst the SDRT hadn't intended to announce this for another month it was felt that whilst experiments with the prototype plates and their fitting were being made, word would leak out giving rise to rumours and speculation.

As Photographer in Residence I was invited along this morning to see and photograph the first plates being fitted to Collett Mixed Traffic loco 3205, with permission to publish a photograph and the story straight away.

I have been asked to stress that these are obviously the prototypes and are not as yet, therefore, in the finished colours. There will be a rolling program of naming each loco but the first will be the Collett carrying the name "Steel Heart". I did ask who had chosen the name but was simply told that the suggestion had been anonymous.

Each of us will have our own thoughts about this controversial decision, some in favour and some vehemently against the policy no doubt. In order for you to be able to express your thoughts and views, here at sdronline we are going to set up a special email address within the next few hours and will publish any emails we receive on the subject. We leave you with a photograph of General Manager Dick Wood with the nameplate and his expression seems to show his thoughts quite clearly.

To express your views on locomotive naming at the SDR please send an emails to nameplates@sdronline.org.uk

STATION ENTRANCE DRIVE TO BE RENAMED

Formal permissions have been sought from Teignbridge Council Highways Department to rename the entrance drive to the station. During their recent Annual Line Inspection (which includes all areas of the railway) Trust Directors commented on the much improved views as visitors enter the railway site. Much of this has been down to the inspiration of Dick Wood, who has done much to tidy up the whole site. Dick is very keen to provide an all round floral display in our gardens and the area lining the entrance drive. This year he has overseen the planting of over 1000 daffodils along the verges of the drive, of various species, which will give a colourful display right through into May. In honour of that they have chosen to rename the entrance drive Dicksdaffs Drive. Council considerations of this nature can take weeks to get passed, so for the moment it's fingers crossed.

LIVING HISTORY AT THE

SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY

This group of young evacuees arriving at Buckfastleigh Station were tired and bewildered after their long journey

from London. A local schoolteacher met them off the train and waited with them as they were placed into their

new temporary homes in the safety of the Devon countryside, far away from the blitz in London.

During the two days Tuesday and Wednesday 29th & 30th March some 90 evacuee children arrived at Buckfastleigh, not from London but from Blackawton School, nr Dartmouth in the South Hams. Accompanied by six teachers, also in 1940's attire and having been waived off from Totnes Littlehempston Station by their parents who had also entered into the spirit of the event by dressing the part, the children were to spend over two hours at the South Devon Railway's Buckfastleigh Station.

In the forecourt were parked a WW2 ambulance and despatch rider's motorbike supplied by volunteer Colin Harmes and the children were able to climb in and investigate the ambulance as Colin's daughter Abbey explained what the various pieces of equipment were used for. Another group were exploring the garden created to illustrate how crops of vegetables were grown to keep up food supplies during the war and here Dennis and Chris Taylor were on hand to explain the techniques and answer all questions. John Brodribb and Wendy concluded the visit by showing the children around the museum.

These groups of children from years 3, 4, 5 and 6 have been visiting several locations over the past few days to study wartime conditions in Britain, under Key Stage 2 of the curriculum. Teacher in Charge Tom Pether said later, "Thank you. Everyone, children and adults, had a fantastic time. We really appreciate the effort and enthusiasm of all of you. It was very special and the children will have many precious memories. Please pass our thanks to all your team."

As time allows over the next few days we will put up a full photo report of the activities of the 'evacuees' whilst they were at Buckfastleigh. For the complete set of photographs created click here.

WHAT A GLORIOUS WEEKEND!

Sunday March 27th 10.13am. The peace of the river bank is hardly disturbed as Brian Cocks, in the driver's seat of 5526 with the 10.00am departure from Buckfastleigh, coasts the loco and train towards Hood Bridge. All around is the sweet aroma of wild garlic; overhead crows are squawking in some angry dispute and behind me three ducks are dipping, tails aloft, into the softly flowing waters of the Dart. The grass is throwing off its dull winter coat and covering the rotting remains of last year's growth with a new vibrance. Patches of yellow primroses and celandines on the grassy lineside banks compete for the warm sun that slowly burns off a soft haze.

All of this really is the essence of the South Devon Railway. And on this Half Price Weekend, with two whole days of glorious sunny weather that warmed our backs in a way we'd almost forgotten, our passengers - old friends and first time travellers - experienced the line in all its beauty. As the final service drew to a halt on Sunday the line had carried a stunning 1,644 passengers! After what had seemed a long winter break the line had once again sprung back to life.

In between the 45 minute service, which provided nine trains a day, there was plenty for visitors to see and do. The refurbished Museum is proving popular and a short step away there was the temptation of the Station Group's home made cake stand and some splendid jewellery made by one of the members. The South Devon Railway Association had a small recruiting display for new members and volunteers and as usual the Refreshment Rooms and Expressway Models and Gift shop proved to be very busy. Also having a busy day were the volunteers who run the miniature railway around the charming garden and picnic area.

Now who could resist these - well not many apparently. The cake stand had sold out on each day by just after lunchtime!	Jewellery through the looking glass. A charming display of her artistic skills by one of the members.
"Parting (of cash) is such sweet sorrow." Except when you're paying for a sticky cake or the lightest sponge in the county!	The garden area is a riot of colour and the miniature railway runs all the way around it.

And finally it was good to see our pannier tank no 1369 stretching its legs down the line after many months of being on hire to another heritage railway. It's seen here, at the end of the day, shunting empty coaching stock at Buckfastleigh.

"STEAM AID" RESULTS FOR THE GWSR

On Saturday 19th March the South Devon Railway added three steam services to the normal 'Bubblecar' service to raise money for the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway, which had suffered to devasting land slips on its railway in twelve months. (For the full story scroll down this page.)

Today, Saturday 26th March, I caught up with Dick Wood, the SDR's General Manager, and asked him how the fundraising had gone. He told me, "It was a superb effort by everyone involved and we have to give a huge vote of thanks to 66 passengers who took up the fundraising offer and travelled on the steam hauled auto train. In addition our Museum collected some extra money by getting children to blow the whistle on our static loco exhibit Ashley, bringing the total donated by our wonderful visitors to around £350.

I had hoped that the directors of the South Devon Railway Trust would agree to match the amount we collected but in fact they have very generously donated more than that. So we are now in the position to be able to send the Gloucestershire Warwickshire the sum of £1000 towards their fund for what are going to be some very expensive repairs."

THE ANNUAL LINE INSPECTION

Friday 25th March saw the annual line inspection by the directors of the South Devon Railway Trust. As is

the normal practice the directors travelled down the line in the ex GWR Saloon No 9005, an ideal vehicle for the task due to the extra observation windows at the carriage ends. This year it was hauled by Collett No 3205 which was returned to service in May 2010. We caught up with the train where it had stopped for an inspection of Hood (Riverford) Bridge.

This train travels non stop to Totnes Littlehempston but on the way back stops at various points when the directors have an opportunity to detrain and inspect various works that have been completed during the winter season. This year, unlike the 2010 inspection when it bucketed down with rain, it was a perfect spring day for them to observe just how neat and tidy the lineside is after the combined efforts of the Cutting Bank Gang and the recent visit of the flailing machines.

THE COMPLETION OF THE NAPPERS RELAY

We also reported recently on the relay of the road crossing at Nappers Halt. This job was complete save for the tarmacing over the actual crossing which could not be done until the tamper had visited that section of the line. The tamper completed its work on Monday last and the tarmacers moved in yesterday, timing their work perfectly to coincide with the Line Inspection, which as the directors observed was looking a very neat and tidy job.

The tarmac is laid and rolled at Nappers Crossing,

now why can't they do such a good job with our roads?

I wanted to caption this one

"The Boys From The Black Stuff"

but then it occurred to me that I might be thought of as

irreverent, so I won't.

SDR WILL RUN ‘STEAM AID'

BRANCH LINE SPECIALS

THIS SATURDAY TO HELP STRICKEN

GLOUCESTERSHIRE RAILWAY

The South Devon Railway is putting on three extra steam trains this coming Saturday (19th March) in addition to the scheduled diesel Bubblecar service to help support another heritage steam railway in Gloucestershire that has suffered catastrophic damage from two serious embankment collapses that will cost around £1million to repair.

7903 Foremarke Hall on a Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway service

at Chicken Curve in happier days before the embankment collapse.

The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway (GWSR), suffered a serious embankment collapse in January, splitting the line in two near its Winchcombe station. This was the railway’s second major earthworks failure in less than a year. Last April, the GWSR launched a £1 million Emergency Appeal to repair its first disastrous embankment failure, closing its southern terminus at Cheltenham Racecourse. Both failures occurred following two successive severe winters. On top of that, the railway lost over £70,000 of income from its important ‘Santa Special’ season because of heavy snow. These events have combined to present the railway with what GWSR Plc chairman, Malcolm Temple, describes as its ‘gravest challenge ever’.

Mr Temple said: “The support shown by the South Devon Railway is wonderful and, on behalf of every member of our staff, who are all volunteers, I can say that we are deeply grateful for this exceptional gesture. Without doubt, this is the gravest challenge our railway has ever faced and its future depends on success of our £1million appeal – every penny of which we desperately need. This is a really imaginative idea and a great encouragement to the railway’s staff as well as being a great boost to our fundraising effort. I can promise that this is something we will never forget.”

Chicken Curve on the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway showing the collapsed embankment.

The cost of the Gotherington embankment repair, which is now approaching completion, is just under £1 million of which £500,000 has been met by insurance. The most recent failure of the so-called ‘Chicken Curve’ embankment will cost a further estimated £500,000 for which no insurance funding is available. This means that public support is vital to secure the future operation and development of this major heritage steam railway, which is operated entirely by unpaid volunteers over the last 30 years.

SDR General Manager Dick Wood said: “I realised we had a chance to use some of our planned steam crew training runs this weekend to help raise some funds for the GWSR. It’ll be a wonderful opportunity for people who come to ride on our diesel services to pay a little bit more to also go on a steam trip too and help another stricken railway with whom we have enjoyed a close relationship for many years."

“Everyone at the SDR has great sympathy for the predicament the GWSR finds itself in and I hope this special fund raising day will generate some useful money to help get them over their troubles. The three extra steam auto trains will run at 11.30, 1.00 and 3.00 from Buckfastleigh and 12.15, 2.15 and 3.45 from Totnes on Saturday 19th March. The special round trip fare of £5.00 per person will ONLY be available to passengers who have already bought tickets to travel on the scheduled diesel services."

Photographs Courtesy and Copyright of The Gloucestershire Warwickshire Steam Railway

SPARKS FLY AT NAPPERS

PW Manager Andy Matthews cuts through a replacement rail at Nappers Crossing

Nappers Crossing, on the section of line between Staverton and Totnes, is the only place a road crosses the railway by way of an ungated crossing. Both rail and sleepers on the crossing required replacing and so a temporary closure of the narrow lane down from Staverton Church to the old mill and cottages was obtained from 9.00 am Wednesday 2nd until 4.00 pm Thursday 3rd March. And with track panels to be replaced directly either side of the road crossing, which is a few yards from Nappers Halt, this was to be no mean feat of a job for Andy and the PW gang.

With NR's notoriety for over running such projects on their lines by hours and hours, my curiosity had to find out if our small gang would be able to complete the job in the allotted time. Whilst numerous problems were encountered and overcome along the way I can report that the basic job (everything bar resurfacing with tarmac) was completed with less than a half hour overrun and even then no inconvenience was suffered by the local residents. This really was a difficult job very well done.

The final bolts go through the chairs into the sleepers	and the keys hammered into place
Class 20 arrives with a truck full of ballast	which is rapidly unloaded by the Road Railer
smoothed out	and the PW gang start to lay a covering of soil -
for the first vehicle to cross without damage to tyres	job done and road re-opened.

EAST ANGLIAN STEAM

SDRE outshops two locos for the East Anglian Railway Museum on the same day!

Two locomotives from the East Anglian Railway Museum have been in the South Devon Railway's workshops at Buckfastleigh for attention. Which is the most high profile it is difficult to say! The largest of the two is N7 0-6-2T No 69621 which had been sent to the SDR for the replacement of two centre driving wheel axleboxes amongst other work. One of the axleboxes had broken in three pieces and the second one was fractured. New boxes have been manufactured and fitted plus additional work on the motion. After a test steaming, including its annual boiler exam, the engine will be returning to its Chappel and Wakes Colne base in time for a 40th Anniversary celebration marking the setting up of the Society's base there in 1971.

The second locomotive, high profile for a different reason, was the Society's RSH 0-6-0T. In this case the 'T' stands for 'Thomas Class' as it is one of the authorised 'Thomas' replicas. It had been at Buckfastleigh for reprofiling of its wheels, improvements to its lubrication system and other general work. It too will be off shortly to resume its tour of various Heritage Railway centres whilst away from its home base in 'SODOR'. Incidentally we believe that its appearance at Buckfastleigh makes it the eighth 'Thomas' replica to be seen at our Station!!

Despite the grunts from some dyed-in-the-wool SDR ex GWR and Southern footplatemen (more into M7's than N7's) we thought that the N7 had some no nonsense, no frills, rugged and absolute work horse looks about it, and therefore devote some more space to Richard Elliott's excellent photographs of it. (Editor)

I am extremely grateful to Richard for supplying the photographs and his report which we have published in full.

ONE MILLION MILES

AND STILL GOING STRONG!

83 years old, over a million miles under her belt and she can still turn heads.

2-6-2 ex GWR prairie no. 5526 maybe a grand old lady but as one of the South Devon Railway's stalwarts she puts in as much work as any other loco in the fleet and is the only working heritage locomotive in Devon to be auto fitted.

The million mile record only came to light recently. SDR General Manager Dick Wood said “My predecessor Richard Elliott, who is also 5526 Ltd Chairman, had a hunch that the engine’s mileage must be close to a million, so we took a look at the records and the February figures showed that 5526 had indeed already run 1,004,792 miles! We look forward to many more miles on the rails with this wonderful 83-year-old engine.”

Swindon Born and Bred

Built in 1928 at the GWR’s renowned Swindon works, the engine saw service all over the West Country in Cornwall, Devon, Wiltshire and Bristol before being withdrawn in 1962 and sold for scrap after working 968,577 miles. The engine then languished in Woodhams famous scrap yard for another 23 years before being rescued by a group of steam enthusiasts who then set about restoring it in 1985.

After spending some time being worked on at another heritage railway, plus a return to Swindon for other jobs to be sorted, the engine arrived at the SDR in 1993 for completion of restoration, and has been back in service since 2003.

5526 on Sunday services in March

For the next few weekends in March, the million-mile engine 5526 will share the spotlight with the SDR’s diesel ‘Bubblecar’ amidst glorious spring scenery along the River Dart. The idea behind this double billing is to show the changes that took place on West Country branch line railways during the 1950s & early

60s when the ‘new technology’ diesel railcars started to gradually replace steam on the rail network.

Now restored in British Railways plain black livery, loco 5526 will be working the mysteriously named ‘auto train’ on selected Sundays in March (6th, 13th and 20th). Auto trains would usually consist of just one or two coaches worked in push-pull mode by a small locomotive. A few of the GWR 55xx Class 2-6-2 "small prairies" were also equipped to work auto trains, and the South Devon Railway fitted 5526 with the necessary auto gear to allow the sights and sounds of a genuine auto train at work to still be enjoyed. Authentic 1950s passenger coaches complete the scene.

And then there's the 'Bubblecar'

In direct contrast, the SDR is also running a type of diesel train which replaced ‘auto-trains’ on West Country branch lines, known as a ‘Bubblecar’, on Saturdays in March (5th, 12th and 19th), plus Monday 28 March and Friday 1 April. Recently restored to its original green livery, the diesel Bubblecar W55000 used to operate in the West Country and worked services to places such as Kingsbridge and Brixham - now of course long removed from the railway map.

If you would like to travel behind our 83 year old million mile, million dollar lady or her more modern counterpart you can find the times of our weekend train services by clicking here.

OFF TO A FLYING START

That was the verdict of everyone at the end of eight days of the Half Term passenger services. Despite some pretty dull and damp days visitors turned out to enjoy a trip down the line on the unique auto train. But under the last two days of mid morning to late afternoon bright sunshine the line sparkled, as did the passenger numbers. In fact last year's record breaking figures for the same event were beaten by an astonishing 14% ! Now come on - how many organisations in this country, which is in such economic despondency, can boast that?

And no one had a bigger beam on their face than Dick Wood, General Manager of the South Devon Railway, as the figures were calculated at the end of the week's running on Sunday 27th. He announced, "Last year we carried 1,700 passengers but this year the number went up to 1,940, just 60 short of the 2000 I would love to have achieved. We had two booked coaches arrive this morning, proving that our opening up the line and running steam is an attractive proposition to tour operators at this time of the year."

"Even so this brilliant start to the SDR's 20th Anniversary Year does not mean that we can be complacent and as I said in January we are going to have to work hard to stand still. This week the volunteers and staff have worked very hard to prepare and crew the trains, their smiles when greeting and assisting visitors have never faded and I thank them all for the huge effort they have put in."

Photograph shows the busy platform at Buckfastleigh as passengers disembark the

12.00pm arrival from Totnes Littlehempston, Sunday February 27th.

MEANWHILE EARLIER IN THE DAY.......

The works train had left Buckfastleigh at 9.00am on its journey to Totnes Littlehempston where further permanent way work is to be undertaken during the coming week. Class 20 20118 was in charge of the short train which saw the newly outshopped rectank wagon venturing down the line for the first time.

Andy Matthews leans out of the cab to check the way ahead is clear. The rectank is directly behind the loco.

AND JUST TO KEEP OUR KETTLE BASHING READERS HAPPY!

We show a picture of 5526 coming off shed in order to join the auto coaches in the platform for the first train of the day. Sunday 27th February.

THE RECTANK MAKES A STUNNING APPEARANCE

Back in November last year we announced the arrival at the SDR of a rectank wagon and that on November 8th the body had been lifted from the bogies in order that an extensive refurbishment could commence. In the intervening period, and inbetween a multitude of other work, the Devon Diesel Society have completely stripped the bogies and running gear and brought them to full working order; arranged for the body to be media blasted and undercoated; and cut and replaced all of the wagon's timbers. After the final paint and lettering the wagon was rolled out from the PLOG shed on February 20th.

You can judge for yourselves from the photographs below what a magnificent job the team have made and there is a chance to see it in action when it takes its first journey down the line on Sunday 27th, departing Buckfastleigh, probably behind a Class 20, at 9.00am.

Full refurbishment of the bogies and brake gear (on the other side) was undertaken.

Looking down at the new planking on this quite rare wagon.

BREAKING NEWS - well known to volunteers and staff alike that well known folk duo the 'Cornish Flailers' will appearing down the line during the course of next week. We shall be reporting fully on their progress and are hoping to obtain an interview as well as some rare photographs of them in session.

HALF TERM RUNNING

...........but not half hearted by any means. Whilst working down the line today (Tuesday) I first heard that familiar Great Western beat of a 2-6-2 prairie approaching as it passed under Riverford (Hood) Bridge. Driver Andy Greening opened up the regulator and that glorious sound echoed around the banks of the River Dart, smoke and steam drifting lazily down the embankments. It was then that I realised how much we had all missed the sight, sound and smell of a steam train working the line since the railway's last public service ran on January 2nd.

In an instant the leading auto coach was on me. I could see Andy clearly, concentrating and operating the controls from the driving compartment, and I had my picture. A cacophony of sound as the loco passed me pushing the two auto coaches before it and then, as the train disappeared from sight around the bend behind, the countryside returned to its peaceful slumber.

The South Devon Railway is the only Heritage Line for a considerable number of miles to operate a service during the Half Term holiday. It's a chance for our visitors to get away for a day, finally throw off the mantle of a hectic Christmas and New Year and just relax in some unique transport on a trip from Buckfastleigh to Totnes and back alongside a clearly visible River Dart. Nostalgic - for those who travelled on steam trains before 1968, definitely! A new experience - for those who've never been on a steam hauled train before, unforgettable! Relaxing - well you are letting the train take the strain! And there's still time to come and visit the South Devon; four trains a day are running up to and including Sunday 27th February.

For those of you to whom heritage traction is pure nostalgia I include a picture of one of the railway's Class 20 diesels working an ECS (Empty Coaching Stock) from Bishops Bridge back to Buckfastleigh, also seen on Tuesday afternoon a little way up from Riverford Bridge.

BUCKFASTLEIGH PW RELAY

COMPLETED ON TIME

Despite some pretty awful weather since this major project commenced on Monday January 10th the Permanent Way Gang, under the leadership of PW Manager Andy Matthews, completed the main and loop lines relay on time and within budget. Everything is now up and running ready for the start of the Half Term Week of eight days of public services. This was not a simple job by any means with rail height to platform level, for example, being checked and adjusted every step of the way. The slightly lowel level of the six foot in the old layout has been raised to give an extremely neat and safe 'level playing field' to the tracks throughout the station area, as can been seen in the photograph below.

Andy Matthews said, "The PW within the station has already won much praise and in addition to both my own and the General Manager's personal thanks to all those of you who have been a part of this major project, the Trust Chairman has asked me to pass on both his and his fellow Directors thanks to all of the team's hard work and efforts."

A NIGHT AT THE MUSEUM

Some of you may have seen the 2006 film "A Night at the Museum" in which a newly recruited night security guard at the Museum of Natural History discovers that an ancient curse causes the animals and exhibits on display to come to life and wreak havoc. It starred, amongst others, Ben Stiller, Dick Van Dyke, Robin Williams, Mickey Rooney and Ricky Gervais, and was a good comedy romp.

Well I can assure and appease you all when I say that the only thing to come alive in the South Devon Railway Museum when the 1st Highweek Village scout troop paid a visit on Wednesday evening, 16th February, was our Curator John Brodribb, who held the group spellbound as they toured some of the major exhibits on view. John is an excellent educator and held the children's rapt attention as he explained the intricacies of Brunel's Atmospheric Railway and broad gauge, which failed to dominate the growth of Britain's railways. The explanation of how the UK came to have a standard time system, due to the coming of railways, was fascinating - even I forgot for a few minutes that I was actually there to work.

John Brodribb explains about 'railway time'.

Everyone seems to have enjoyed the visit !

Our own Catering Manager Graham Coates is assistant scout leader of the Highweek Village troop and is soon to be taking over as scout leader, having around twenty one scouts in his care. Also meeting weekly at the Highweek Village scout hut are active Cub (8 - 10 years old) and Beaver (6 - 8 years old) groups.

John supplied a Museum quiz which saw the group exploring the exhibits even further to find the answer to twenty five questions and then, visits to one of the railway's newly restored ex GWR Toad brake vans parked on the station line and to the Victorian Picnic Coach, brought the evening came to an end.

I'll leave the last words to John Brodribb who said, "I thought they were a great group of boys and girls who were really enthusiastic, interested and who asked some really good questions. It was a pleasure having them in the Museum."

Twenty five answers to find for the quiz !

Some of the group in the brakevan - Graham lurks at the back.

WEBSITES SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

A perhaps disappointing announcement for some is the planned closure of the steamintheblood.com website on Saturday 19th February 2011. Steam in the Blood was the showcase for Sarah Anne Harvey's 'other' steam railway photography, that of main line tours and steam specials on other heritage railways. However as Sarah would readily admit steam railways are not her only photographic remit and bearing in mind that she and Maureen Douglas-Green will have been working closely together for four years come March it was decided to formalise their photographic relationship with a new joint website.

Like Sarah, Maureen has wide ranging photographic interests, passions and skills as well as her own railway photography and the new website - twinlensreflex.co.uk - will be the showcase for both their work. It will also accommodate the photographic training courses run by the pair; Maureen's botanical and macro botanical seminars and Sarah's courses in improving your steam railway photography. A new course, coming in the next few months, will major on the use of Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Lightroom and similar programs. Photographic creativity always has continued, at first in the darkroom and now on the computer, after the shutter release button has been pressed.

The Twin Lens Reflex partnership and it's website will enable sdronline.org.uk to be kept free from commercialisation and sales of their products, which was always something Sarah was insistent on when she created this website in June 2009. The introductory pages of twinlensreflex.co.uk should be online sometime on Monday 21st February and a confirmation of that and link will be posted on this website.

.......AND TALKING ABOUT WEBSITES

The place to go to check out lots of useful information on the South Devon Railway is the Trust's own official site - www.southdevonrailway.co.uk . On this site is very useful information such as how to get to the railway, things to do and see, enthusiasts lists of locomotives and rolling stock - with brief histories, details of the Museum, the railway's special events and some very interesting money saving offers on joint entry tickets to the railway; Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies at Buckfastleigh Station and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm at Totnes Littlehempston Station.

Like our own website there is always something new on the official site and it's also the place to go to check out Staff Vacancies. At the moment there are very interesting vacancies for a Heavy Engineering Fabricator/Fitter at South Devon Railway Engineering's own workshops and a Second Chef/Cook at Buckfastleigh's Refreshment Rooms .

Follow the link for full details and an Application Form - but hurry closing date for applications are Monday March 7th (Fabricator/Fitter) and Wednesday 9th March (Second Chef/Cook)

http://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/vacancies

REST AWHILE AND

WATCH THE TRAINS GO BY

All of the South Devon's Railway stations have traditional platform benches for the comfort of passengers whilst waiting for or just watching the trains go by. But each year the wooden sections generally need stripping and repainting - not a difficult project were it done during the warmth of a summer's day, but an awkward task during the vagaries of winter weather when the work is carried out in the 'closed season'. The Staverton Station Group decided that they would replace the wooden slats on their benches this year using good old English oak which, with coats of stain and varnish, would remain servicable for longer periods.

Group member John Kimber took on the task and all the benches have been completed, and very smart they look too. John is no stranger to Staverton, in fact he first visited it in 1941 when his family would catch the train from Totnes, walk up the lane past the station and go for a picnic in the big field next to the present Bishops Bridge loop. Of course in those days the loop didn't exist but John remembers sailing his model boat on the River Dart and the trip on the train which normally consisted of a 14xx drawing one or two coaches.

John went to school in Totnes but was moved with all the other children to Ashburton in 1942 when the Totnes building was required for evacuees from other parts of the country. This of course meant using the train on a daily basis to get to and from school. In 1999, after working all round the world, John returned to live in Ashburton and is now an established volunteer at Staverton Station.

If you would like to join the Staverton Group and become

a volunteer at that most beautiful country station please contact

Steve Ash on 01392 434459 or email steve.ash@live.co.uk

A NEW BUILDING FOR TOTNES

When a prefabricated concrete building in the yard at Staverton became disused by the London Group it was offered to the Totnes Station Group who are always grateful for extra storage and under cover working space. Chris Bowden was duly tasked to supervise the removal from Staverton and re-erection on a site behind the two sidings at Totnes. A concrete floor has been laid together with a two brick high wall to erect the building on, and when I visited a couple of Saturday's ago construction was in full swing, albeit on a blisteringly cold day.

Chris Bowden steps up to address the troops whilst young Alex seems to have been caught for a long weight.

For information on volunteering with the Totnes Group

contact Allan Lovegrove on 01803 550236

RETURN OF A STALWART

Due back to Buckfastleigh week commencing February 14th is our ex GWR Prairie no.5526 after her trip to foreign parts north of Exeter. But there will be no long rest period for the locomotive which is rostered to haul the auto train on the eight days of half term running. Both 5526 and the crimson and cream auto coaches are great favourites with our visitors and as usual the loco will haul the coaches to Totnes and then push them back to Buckfastleigh. During this return trip the driver will control the train from the driving compartment of the leading coach whilst the fireman remains on the footplate to tend the water and the fire.

For full details of train times on our half term week services click here.

Ex G.W.R. '2884' 2-8-0 No. 3803

1:1 v 1:76

The South Devon Railway's ex GWR heavy freight 2-8-0 no.3803 at Bulkamore

The 2884 class of the GWR's 2-8-0 heavy freight locomotive was a Collett modification of the original 28xx class which had been designed by G.J.Churchward. The production run of 2800's were built between 1905 and 1919, after a two year trial period of the prototype, during which time many modifications were carried out. The class had the distinction of being the first 2-8-0 configeration to be built in Great Britain; a total of 84 being built.

The second batch, with modifications by C.B.Collett including the cab side window and curved footplate drops at the front end, were commenced in 1938 and in the four year period until 1942 another 83 were built. The South Devon Railway's 3803 is from this second batch of which nine have been preserved, along with another seven from the original Churchward 2800 class. Both variations had completely disappeared from Britsh Rail by 1965.

Hornby Hobbies Ltd announced they were going to produce 00 scale (1:76) models of both the original and modified classes, the former reaching model shops in November 2010. The first variant of the 2884 class soon followed, is in GWR livery and is numbered 3803.

The model is an excellent reproduction of the original with a good amount of daylight showing under the boiler and includes a representation of the inside motion between the frames. The boiler support plates are different from the 2800 series of locos and Hornby has that detail correct too. We understand that the second variant of this model has now reached model shops and is available in BR black as 2891. On the 17th January we wrote to Hornby to ask the story behind them choosing the number 3803 for their model, but thus far we have not had the courtesy of a reply.

Appeal for Information.

One of the members of the Devon Diesel Society, Chris Deacon, is building a model of Staverton Station and has bought a model of 3803 to run on the layout. It is known that 3803 took part in the 1948 locomotive exchanges as one of the freight locomotives, however other than discovering that the loco was sent to the 'eastern side' of the country all web searches have resisted providing any further information. The following book, long out of print, may provide further information; Allen, Cecil J. (1949). The Locomotive Exchanges 1870 - 1948. Ian Allan Ltd. This was claimed to be a comprehensive book on locomotive exchanges, giving details of each trial and the locomotives involved.

Chris has written to me asking if anyone out there has any information about 3803's trials and if you have perhaps you could send it to me at info@sdronline.org.uk so that I can pass it on to Chris who would be extremely grateful.

The models mentioned in this article and an extensive range of railway modelling equipment

are available from the SDR's own model and gift shop Expressway Models Tel: 01364 643113

(BUT THERE WERE ALSO FIVE OTHERS

WORKING IN TODAY'S CUTTING BACK GANG)

It is without a doubt the hard work of John Harris and his 'Cutting Back' gang that gives the added value to the beautiful scenery that the South Devon Railway runs through. They are in effect the railway's gardeners, but on a far grander scale to those found in the average back garden; the line is after all seven miles long. Without this constant program of cutting back many of the stunning views of the River Dart would be lost as nature's undergrowth takes over, and the many tree lined cuttings would become dark tunnels blocking out light on even the sunniest days. You might even compare it to the Forth Rail Bridge - you get to one end of the line and then you go back to the other end and start all over again.

For the last three weeks the gang have been working around mile post 4 1/2, which I found today by walking northwards from Hood Bridge for approximately half a mile, give or take a couple of chains. As I walked around a curve I knew I was getting close when that glorious smell of woodsmoke and the gentle melody of a chain saw drifted towards me.

The gang had split themselves into two sections, one cutting back and the other clearing out the drainage ditches in an area of a rock cutting where water from the high embankment (in the right of the above photograph) runs down in an alarming number of tiny waterfalls. Through numerous autumns the ditches have become clogged with leaves and silt and it demands strenuous work to get them back to a good state. And once they're dug out to the required level the heavy mud has to be cleared from the side of the track.

During the next couple of days we will prepare a more detailed photo report of the work that went on during the course of the day including:-

A demonstration by Dennis on how to control a

runaway wheelbarrow down an extremely steep slope

with a river at the bottom of it...............and

A bonus demonstration by our woodsman Chris

on how to cook curry beans, in their can,

on an open fire.

We have received the following statement from the South Devon Railway Trust regarding Trackside Permits and print it in full in response to a number of emails we have received on the subject.

"The South Devon Railway has issued lineside permits for the benefit of photographers for a number of years. Recently the number issued has increased to the extent that a charge, currently £10, is now made for a permit, in order to cover administrative costs, mainly staff time.

"In 2011, the South Devon Railway Trust is introducing a Personal Track Safety scheme, comprising a course, an exam and certificate for successful candidates, for those of its paid and unpaid staff that need to be on or about the line. Clearly there is no point in having a documented scheme of staff proficient in track safety without extending the same requirement to those with lineside passes.

"As a consequence the Trust is neither renewing nor issuing any new lineside passes except to those who have a PTS Certificate issued by SDR, Network Rail, or another major heritage railway. If an applicant does not have such a certificate, the Trust can arrange to give the training, conduct an examination and, if successful, issue a certificate at a cost of £15.

"An SDR PTS certificate will be valid for not less than three years, after which time it will need to be renewed.

"NB A PTS certificate issued by South Devon Railway will NOT be valid on Network Rail property, and neither is there a guarantee that it will be accepted by any other heritage railways.

"Any active member of the South Devon Railway Association or other South Devon Railway approved voluntary support group in possession of an SDR or other approved PTS certificate, does not need a lineside permit for the purpose of photography.

"Those wishing to apply for a lineside permit should contact the South Devon Railway Trust's Operating Manager at:

The Station

Dartbridge Road

Buckfastleigh. Devon TQ11 0DZ

"Applicants with a current PTS Certificate should enclose the certificate or present their Network Rail PTS card at our offices* together with their remittance for £10, together with a stamped s.a.e. A permit will be valid from the date of issue until the end of that calendar year.

"Applicants without a PTS Certificate should either acquire their own Network Rail PTS or get in touch with us to enquire about attending an SDR PTS Course.

*Please note that it is not always possible to issue a permit at short notice to those that just turn up, even if they have brought documentation with them. Those authorised to issue permits may be out of the office, or engaged on other duties."

FINE WEATHER GIVES A WINDOW

OF OPPORTUNITY FOR WORK ON

RECTANK BODY TO PROGRESS

There will always be certain jobs on the railway that are fine weather dependent and media blasting of the rectank body is just one of them. Several weeks of inclement weather has delayed this particular job, although the Devon Diesel Society have been working away in the PLOG shed on a complete refurbishment of the bogies for this vehicle. But on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week under blue skies and bright sun work in cleaning up the body got under way.

Of course when we photographed the operator our sense of humour got the best of us and we wondered if the contractors had misunderstood the order and sent a deep sea diver to work on a 'wreck tank'. However the nature of media blasting is such that heavy protective safety gear is a necessity for what is particularly filthy work.

Jon Morton tells me that work on the west end bogie is now complete, including re-assembly with fully operational brake gear and final painting. A start on the east end bogie has been made with the springs removed and rust removal under way; but as ever, Jon would appreciate the usual Sunday help (last week saw no less than eight working members turning up) with the usual 10.00 am start. We leave you with one last photograph of our deep sea diver with his various umbilical chords attached, together with a photograph showing the state of the rectank body before work commenced.

THE 04 CELEBRATES

A BIRTHDAY

The Devon Diesel Society's 04 shunter celebrated 10 years of finding its new home on the South Devon Railway, having been moved here from Barrow Hill on the 8th January 2001. D2246 was smartened up in 2010 with a new coat of paint and along with the Yorky is somewhat of a stalwart in shunting duties. Sometimes these hard working engines are overshadowed by the more glamourous duties of the railway's steam locomotives especially during the times they are working 'away from the public view', but their worth to the railway should not be forgotten.

MUSEUM GROUP MEET

IN THE VICTORIAN PICNIC COACH

The Victorian Picnic Coach, restored recently as a meeting room, saw the SDR Museum Group taking possession on Monday morning 10th January. This historically interesting coach, used for various SDR Board and Group Meetings, can also be hired by external organisations for small seminars, conference and general meetings.

The photograph shows one of the regular monthly meetings of the SDR Museum Group, formed to provide support for the project. Members undertake work on both the infrastructure and displays, as well as undertaking conservation on the many artefacts. Regular meetings give opportunities for discussion about the future programme, stewarding, fundraising and the myriad other activities involved. New members are always welcome - please contact the Curator, John Brodribb, via the railway. Full details are also in Bulliver.

Full details are also available for hiring the Victorian Coach by emailing info@southdevonrailway.org

or telephoning 0845 345 1420 (local rate) or 01364 643536

BUCKFASTLEIGH STATION

TRACK RELAY BEGINS

MONDAY JANUARY 10TH

With preparations of the platform track for lifting having been completed the previous day, work in removing the rails and then the sleepers began in earnest on Monday morning. As we have stressed many times there is no doubt what a labour saving device the Leibherr 312 road railer is, saving man hours and much physical effort for the Permanent Way Gang.

The PW Gang start lifting the rail at the Ashburton end. The rail will be used again on new sleepers.	Here, with chains attached to the jib, the sleepers can be pulled out from the ballast. Before the road/railer these would have been dug out manually.
Lifted two at a time the sleepers are loaded onto the PW train. Lifting sleepers from ground level to a wagon was another physically demanding and labour intensive job.	Having arrived by road last Friday the Lowmac is immediately pressed into use. For the work ahead this wagon was an extremely useful and timely arrival.

BREAKING NEWS

STOLEN PROPERTY RECOVERED

Many volunteers and staff were extremely upset last year when, as a result of a break in to the Booking Office Hall, the collection box and model of a 14xx class locomotive were stolen. A successful proscecution was subsequently brought by the police and a local youth was fined £40.00. General Manager Dick Wood gave me the following statement today, Friday 7th January.

"After last year's sad break in and theft of the Buckfastleigh Station Group's attractive collection box which featured a hand painted Class 14xx and was much missed by staff and visitors alike, I'm really pleased to report that veteran SDR Driver Dave Knowling found it today in the undergrowth by Car Park bridge whilst cutting back. We did a good trawl of the site at the time knowing that the thieves would have broken into it for the money and then discarded the evidence nearby, but we just couldn't find it. The damaged box has now been returned to the Station Group for repairs and, providing the damage is not too great, it should hopefully once again grace the station. Thank you Dave from one and all!"

MEGA WET, MEGA SHUNT

FRIDAY 7th JANUARY

Oh yes, another one of those mega shunts at Buckfastleigh, during which we all enjoyed getting a thorough soaking. At one stage in the proceedings 3205 was shunting the yard whilst the Yorky was shunting C & W and the main station area. And with a new arrival on a low loader things were, well, hectic. Of course with the Refreshment Rooms closed there were no bacon and egg wads or teas and coffees to take solace with; but by the end of a long day all the work was completed without too many tears being shed.

I've decided that the easiest way of describing the day is by means of a photo report, and on some photographs you may notice that they are embellished with stair rods.

Few people visit the dark recesses of the C & W workshop. If they did they would have seen some TLC being given to two items of stock during the last few weeks.	Both items were outshopped today, On the left a Fruit D Passenger van (the second on the line), and above the Newton Abbot Toad which has undergone some serious restoration.
The Lowmac arrived by road and will enter service on the PW train next week and will be used to carry sleepers.	Dennis Howell's pannier is shunted through the platform line to be returned to its home base by road. The weather was filthy at this stage.
The SDR's new 'economy' Dining Train gets its first trial run. In the centre can be seen the 3rd open fish & chip saloon.	The South Devon Railway regrets to announce that the 3.15pm departure has been delayed by leaves on the line.
The SDR now has four refurbished GWR Toads. These two were at Bishops Bridge today. Will we see 1960's style brake van trips down the line?	3205 waits whilst PW equipment is loaded onto the PW train (out of site) which had been used for the Bishops Bridge loop relay.
Collett 3205 arrives at Bishops Bridge with a ten coach ECS working. The tenth coach can just be seen in the centre right of the picture on the curve.	In this view, as 3205 enters the loop, nine of the ten coaches can be seen. Not a bad load for the Collett !
The ECS is backed carefully into the loop headshunt, the red arrow marks where the locomotive is at this stage. Out of shot Andy Matthews is guiding the driver in by 'walky talky'.	The road / railer was used extensively during the Bishops Bridge loop and farm crossing relay, saving the railway many man hours of work. Now it is required for the platform and loop relay at Buckfastleigh, due to start on January 9th. Here it starts the slow journey back passing 3205 in the loop as Chris Bowden, firing the Collett, gives a cheery wave.

SDRONLINE - A TRULY

INTERNATIONAL WEBSITE

Here at sdronline we've just completed our first January to December full year and in studying our year end statistics find that we've been visited by an amazing 98 countries from around the world. Even we are stunned at the response to a website that first appeared on line only in June 2009.

In the 12 months ended 31st December 2010 we received 88,669 visits by 39,038 visitors - an average of 2.27 visits per visitor. Of course averages due not show the true picture since we know that some of you visit us on a daily or weekly basis. Our various pages were read some 221,933 times during the year, and currently there are 51 pages on the website. Additionally in our first eighteen months we have published nearly 1100 photographs. The final figure to give you is that in 2010 the website received 8,469,860 hits not including those made by search engines such as Google or Yahoo.

Unofficial railway websites are undeniably playing an important part in bringing heritage railways to the public's attention. Steve Edge's superb and highly successful Unofficial West Somerset Railway website is an example of a site giving up to date news of the railway combined with postings of future events and visiting locomotives which is visited by future and returning passengers as well as enthusiasts. We have as an important part to play in the promotion of a heritage railway as do the official sites but we can only do that with the full co-operation of staff and volunteers. For the co-operation that this site receives from the South Devon Railway we thank each and every one of you.

2011 - the 20th Anniversary of the SDR taking over the line in 1991 - is another important year in the history of the line. We shall continue to cover the news as it happens in our own inimitable style and look forward to another exciting and eventful year. And now that we have joined the Devon Diesel Society and the South Devon Railway Association we can bring you even more 'insider' news as well as images of the main line steam specials that pass the end of our buffer stops at Totnes Littlehempston.

For the full list of the 98 countries who visited the website click here.

Sarah Anne Harvey

January 2011

SDR ON BBC

TELEVISION AGAIN

On Sunday 2nd January 2011 a BBC South West News Team visited Buckfastleigh Station to film a short piece on the

announcement of the Railway's record figures. John Haslam

was on hand to record the interview which is likely to be

transmitted on Monday 3rd.

On the BBC1 Breakfast Show, 6.30 - 9.00am, SW News is at

25 and 55 minutes past the hour; whilst Spotlight can be seen

at 1.05pm and 6.15pm.

John Haslam speaks to the nation!

South Devon Railway - the unofficial website

South Devon Railway's unofficial site - first with the news, pictures and information.