Coleford Junction to Okehampton

Coleford Junction to Okehampton

Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.

USEFUL MAPS
Members and general visitors to the CRS site will be interested in visiting http://www.railmaponline.com From the opening page a full map of the UK can be accessed which can then be enlarged to show every railway line in the UK. Not just today's network but lines from the past have been overlaid. As you zoom in sidings and even tramways become visible.

A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.

Progress report on the re-establishment of passenger services to Okehampton and hopefully beyond.
visit CRS daily and note the article about engineering work on the St Ives branch
and photographic recording thereof. There is a page on the DRSA website that is
dedicated to recording the accelerating activities at Okehampton which maybe of interest
to your audience,
Kind regards,
David Ellis

https://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org/comingsgoings <https://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org/comingsgoings>

Many thanks to David Ellis for the above link, it is very interesting.

Great News for the 18th March 2021

Good news. Today is the official launch of work on the Okehampton branch. The line now has a website:- https://dartmoorline.com/ Somewhat ironic that some 29,000 tons of ballast will be moved to the line when at the end of the line is mothballed Meldon Quarry. Dave Tozer.

Coleford Junction

Coleford Junction signal box. A view from a train leaving the double track line to Barnstaple and taking the double track line to Okehampton and beyond to Plymouth. This picture by Chris Osment is dated 1972

Coleford Junc. Picture taken from From Bubble 55016 on the 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Bow

Courtesy Mike Morant Collection

Bow station, looking towards North Tawton on the 5th September 1961. We are standing on the up platform and an up train has been accepted and the home signal pulled off.North Tawton, 5th September 1961 looking towards Okehampton. This picture is the copyright of J. Eyers and is supplied from the collections of Graham Bowden and South West Circle - with permission.

Bow. 5th September 1961 looking towards Coleford Junction, Crediton and Exeter. This picture is the copyright of J. Eyers and is supplied from the collections of Graham Bowden and South West Circle - with permission.

An interlude at Bow in 1971 with Ron Kosys

Thursday 26th August 1971. Bubble, 55016.

Interestingly, unlike my visit to the Bridport branch on the same Railrover, EVERY service had at least one other revenue passenger as well as myself (poor English but you know what I mean...).
On this day, revenue recorders were travelling on every train, recording in detail with a Dictaphone the stations between which each passenger was travelling, along with the type of ticket they were using/holding or purchasing from the guard on the train.

I spent time at each of the stations that was due to close with the withdrawal of the Okehampton service.

Had I known a Hymek would be passing through with a train of loaded ballast from Meldon Quarry I would NOT have remained on that platform I can assure you. Ron

Boz - 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Having deposited Ron the 'Bubble' departs towards Okehampton. Boz - 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Two passengers await the service towards Exeter. Boz - 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

A general view of the station looking towards Exeter. Boz - 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Hymek 7065 passes through with a train from Meldon. 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Its 15.28 on the 26th August 1971 and Rons train arrives to take him towards Okehampton. Copyright Ron Kosys

Bow station looking quite spick and span 13th April 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bow station up platform 13th April 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bow up shelter in 1985 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Bow, a general view looking towards Coleford Junction 1985 (Note how the vegetation has grown up since 1977 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Bow in 1985, looking in the same direction as above but further back showing goods shed. Copyright Keith Jenkin.

Courtesy Mike Roach Collection

Courtesy Mike Morant Collection

From a level crossing west of Bow

A smashing view of 'The Thumper' taken by 11 year old Alec Gaskell on the occasion of the 150th Anniversary of the line. This was taken from a level crossing with the farmers permission. 1st November 2015

The re-laid line - near Bow - Graham Bowden

Okehampton line relaid - near Bow 1 20th April 2021. Copyright Graham Bowden

Okehampton line relaid - near Bow 2 20th April 2021. Copyright Graham Bowden N.B, Track ballasting yet to be completed.

The track photo was taken from Butsford Bridge which is near Bow 22nd May 2021. Andrew Hickman. N.B. Trck ballasting completed.

Looking at your great website and I noticed the today’s relaying pictures at Bow, these are a great interest for me as the Meldon line (DAC) was a part of the area of my first Section Managers post in BR days. Six weeks after commencing my new post I was confronted with this derailment which is in the same location. Comments and photograph are the copyright of Graham Mann, Such a stark contrast 36 years later!

Many thanks to Graham for his picture of 36 years ago.

North Tawton

Courtesy Mike Morant Collection

No doubt where this is - North Tawton. 5th September 1961 looking towards Okehampton. The track level here has been raised considerably to improve the clearances on a nearby Rail over road bridge. This picture is the copyright of J. Eyers and is supplied from the collections of Graham Bowden and South West Circle - with permission.

An interlude at North Tawton in 1971. Ron Kosys

The dreaded notice at North Tawton, 26th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Bubble 55016 runs in past the running in board at North Tawton on the 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

The station buildings and footbridge at North Tawton. 26th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

A view from the footbridge at North Tawton. 26th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Two passengers for Bubble car 55016 ready to board the service for Exeter. 26th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

North Tawton on the 13th April 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

North Tawton 29th December 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

North Tawton in 1985, The trackbed has been raised considerably to enable a new rail over road bridge to be installed, as below. Copyright Keith Jenkin

North Tawton in 1985 - the raised bridge. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Sampford Courtenay

8/1/1867 opened as Okehampton Road
3/10/1871 renamed as Belstone Corner (no label exists for that name BTW)
1/1/1872 renamed as Sampford Courtenay

Many thanks to Mike Morant for this information

The DARTMOOR RAILWAY SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION
Operate passenger services on an irregular basis between Meldon Quarry and Okehampton with some continuing to Sampford Courtney.

The DRSA have a most excellent and very much recommended website, for much more detail, photographs etc - please click on the link below:-
http://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org/resources

For the latest update - December 2015 - Click here http://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org/news

Sampford Courtenay station on the 5th September 1961. This picture is the copyright of J. Eyers and is supplied from the collections of Graham Bowden and South West Circle - with permission.

Sampford Courtenay 5th May 1961 Rebuilt West Country 34104 Bere Alston passing with the 0825 from Plymouth. This picture is the copyright of J. Eyers and is supplied from the collections of Graham Bowden and South West Circle - with permission.

Home signal at Sampford Courtenay. 5th September 1961 This picture is the copyright of J. Eyers and is supplied from the collections of Graham Bowden and South West Circle - with permission.

A single car DMU near Sampford Courtenay in Oct 1970 Copyright Mike Roach

An interlude at Sampford Courtenay by Ron Kosys

On the 20th August 1971 with only weeks to go we see, running light towards Meldon D833 heads through on the down line. Nowadays only the up line remains. Copyright Ron Kosys D833, named 'Panther' was put to traffic on the 6th July 1960 and withdrawn on the 3rd October 1971 - it met its fate being cut up at Swindon on the 5th February 1972.

Bubble car 55016 runs into Sampford Courtenay on the 20th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Bubble car 55016 stands at Sampford Courteney. 20th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

33102+33208 pass through the former station site at Sampford Courtenay on the 23rd June 1989 with the 7V80 to 0408 Woking to Meldon Quarry. This former station on the LSWR route from Coleford Junction to Okehampton and Plymouth closed to passengers on the 5th June 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys.

A general view of Sampford Courtenay station in December 1985 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Sampford Courtenay down platform shelter in 1985 Copyright Keith Jenkin

A D800 Warship near Sampford Courtenay with a stone train from Meldon. It is October 1970 Copyright Mike Roach

33208+33102 pass through Sampford Courtney station on the 23rd June 1989 with the 6O74 the11.20 Meldon Quarry to Tonbridge . Copyright Ron Kosys

Fatherford Viaduct

Paul Barlow writes - A couple of shots from 1985. Location is Fatherford viaduct near Okehampton

These photos would be impossible today even if there were were trains, as this view point has been completely ruined by the building of the A30 dual carriageway. The A30 now runs parallel with the viaduct probably about 50 yards between each other. There was a lot of controversy at the time as the road was to built on the National park, but it went ahead anyway.

The first shot is from the hill opposite the viaduct, the return working if stood in the same spot today you would be on the northbound carriageway of the A30.

Hope these are of interest - very much so - many thanks to you Paul.

31319 Fatherford Viaduct Laira to Meldon weedkiller Bank holiday Monday 6 May 1985 Copyright Paul Barlow.

31319 Meldon to Laira weedkiller Bank holiday Monday 6th May 1985. Copyright Paul Barlow.

More on Fatherford Viaduct -
the Okehampton By - pass.
An article by Colin Burgess

Dear Keith, You must be so thankful not getting regular, lengthy despatches from Christow, though I'm sure you won't mind the occasional one. Paul Barlow sent some shots a while ago of Fatherford Viaduct before the wretched dual carriageway was built through the ancient Okehampton Castle deer park, in contravention not only of the spirit of the national parks but also of the D.o.E's. own guidance on trunk road building. This prompted me to scan the shots I took in October, 1992, three years after the incursion was completed. One can't be far away from where Paul was standing. [image: Fatherford 1.png] [image: Fatherford 2.png] [image: Fatherford 3.png] [image: Fatherford 4.png] [image: Fatherford 5.png] [image: Fatherford 6.png] [image: Fatherford 7.png] These shots were taken in part to illustrate the relative impact of road and rail on the landscape and to rubbish the cost-benefit analysis formula which made possible the building of new roads but could not be applied to railway development. This is an interesting reflection on the Okehampton Bypass Inquiry, which started more than 40 years ago. https://campaignerkate.wordpress.com/2019/05/12/okehampton-bypass-inquiry-40-years-ago/ My "Scouting" page is being improved as I go along. With best wishes, Colin Burges

N.B. The copies of the reports concerning the inquiry into the building of the by-pass are very much worth an examination and it is with Many Thanks to Colin that we invite you to sample the extensive material available on the link which he has provided - see above.

Fatherford viaduct - October 1992. Copyright Colin Burges.

The Okehampton by pass - the A30 - nowadays carrying considerably more traffic than it did then. October 1992 Copyright Colin Burges.

Okehampton by-pass, rail and road alongside each other - looking towards Coleford Junction. October 1992. Copyright Colin Burges.

Okehampton by-pass a view across the now single track to Meldon Quarry. Seen here in October 1992. Copyright Colin Burges.

A track level oblique view of Fatherford Viaduct. October 1992. Copyright Colin Burges.

Taken from almost the same position as the view which Paul Barlow took on the 6th May 1985. Fatherford viaduct and the line beyond towards Coleford Junction is just visible. October 1992. Copyright Colin Burges.

The single line looking towards Coleford. October 1992. Copyright Colin Buges.

With many thanks to Colin for his article. One hopes, fingers crossed that this line will be re-instated from Meldon through to Tavistock. October 1992. Copyright Colin Burges. Now if you haven't checked Colins collected report on the inquiry please click here. https://campaignerkate.wordpress.com/2019/05/12/okehampton-bypass-inquiry-40-years-ago

Okehampton

Bubble 22029 at the up platform waiting for sacks of mail to be loaded. 22nd July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

A member of staff walks down the platform. 22nd July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

And finally 55029 sets off back to Exeter. 22nd July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

1970-71 picture. The ‘bubble car’ has arrived at the Down platform and unloaded, and is now moving back across the crossover in the distance before reversing back into the Up platform. This was after closure of the line west of Meldon, but before the line from Crediton was singled. Note the collection of vans in the yard. Copyright Chris Osment

The last passenger service train 5th January 1972. Copyright Chris Osment

The last passenger train at Okehampton. 5th January 1972 Copyright Chris Osment.

Okehampton in the 70's Copyright Keith Jenkin

Okehampton Goods shed 1973 Copyright Chris Osment

A 'Western' at work in the goods yard in 1973. Copyright Chris Osment

Re-opening
Crediton to Okehampton & Meldon.
Engineering work in connection with reopening the line for passengers from Crediton to Okehampton on and beyond to Meldon. 2021

The Okehampton line based on Great Western route map

Credition 70809 pauses with the 6c42 new sleepers at Crediton on route to Okehampton, Copyright Alan Peters

Okehampton first delivery of sleepers 6c42 00-50 on the 14th January 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

Class 70 on the beginning of the occupation. 14th January. Driver Alan Peters.

Okehampton Concretesleepers continue to be stockpiled in the car park. 2nd February 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

Okehampton note Network rail insinia on ballast bags DrverAlan Peters

Okehampton- P[atform 2 down line degraded to a -a-siding. Resident gronk, 2nd February 2021 Copyright-Alan Peters

My first turn of duty back on the footplate following my operation, this was on the Dartmoor Line and it was interesting to see how things are progressing. Colas Rail Freight 56302 'Peco - The Railway Modeller' has been hired to Network Rail basically as a super shunter to load the concrete sleeper trains and shunt them train down to the NTC machine (New Track Construction) for relaying of the line. When I arrived for my shift the locomotive and loaded train of sleepers was already in Okehampton station ready to push back or in railway terminology 'propel' to the work site. The NTC machine was working the Okehampton side of Sampford Courtenay station where the class 56 is pictured at Lydcott Farm Bridge on the newly laid track, once the train of sleepers is connected to the NTC machine the locomotive returns light to Okehampton to collect the empty sleeper wagons in stabled in platform 2 (the old down platform) where the shunter is seen releasing the wagon brakes in preparation to shunt across to Platform 3 (the up platform) The train is then drawn out right up under Tors Road Bridge to clear the ground frame before setting back into the station for reloading on the 5th May 2021

Alan Peters

Return to Okehampton. 5th May 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

Return to Okehampton 5th May 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

Tors Road bridge 5th May 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

Whilst the concrete sleepers are loaded onto the wagons at Okehampton this gave an opportunity to take some pictures of Colas Rail 56302 'Peco - The Railway Modeller' at Okehampton with the sun shinning on the 5th May 2021, however the station remains closed to public access although the view from the footbridge shows the Dartmoor Railway Supporters Association are busying themselves getting ready to open the museum to the public later this month. It is now envisaged that the track will remain in platform 2 (The old Down line) but only for aesthetic reasons at least this is better than the original plan was to remove it. The hired in crane is seen loading the sleepers stacked in the old goods yard, this will eventually be cleared for a modern car park with lighting and CCTV to modern standards.

Driver Alan Peters

5th May 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Whilst the concrete sleepers are loaded onto the wagons at Okehampton this gave an opportunity to take some pictures of Colas Rail 56302 'Peco - The Railway Modeller' at Meldon. 7th May 2021. Copyright Alan Peters.

Colas 56302 'Peco - The Railway Modeller' has drawn it's train of loaded KRA wagons up to Meldon Quarry at walking pace under the watchful eye of Network Rail engineers, as the track has not been used for some time, the loaded sleepers will be stabled over the weekend ready for the following weeks relaying and allow the second train of empty KRA wagons to be loaded at Okehampton - Copyright Alan Peters

Dartmoor Railway class 08 D4167 is seen shunting DB977335 a former DTSO from a 4TC 7th May 2021. Copyright A Peters

Colas 56302 'Peco -The Railway Modeller' stands at the end of the Dartmoor Line with Meldon Viaduct in sight. Pictured on 7th May 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 56302 'Peco - The Railway Modeller' stands at the Okehampton end of Meldon Quarry waiting for Network Rail staff to open the ground frame on 7th May 2021. Driver Alan Peters

Note on the above picture - STOP - The track has been lifted through Okehampton station over the weekend of 8th / 9th May 2021 in preparation for relaying, the NTC machine (New Track Construction) can be seen behind the 360 digger.

Alan Peters

Note on the above : - The 360 digger can be seen relaying sleepers for the transition rails between the old track and the rail that will be laid on the new concrete sleepers, good old fashioned alignment by eye and crow bar!

Alan Peters

Note on the above picture :- The strange sight of trackless Okehampton on 10th May 2021, this was the biggest fear years ago when lines were closed and the track was lifted, happily new track is being laid for the reopening of the Dartmoor Line when it joins the national network

Alan Peters

The view of 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' from Tors Road bridge giving the impression that the train is heading for Meldon Quarry on 10th May 2021, the train is in fact stabled with the NTC machine on the rear in preparation for relaying through Okehampton station, a lineside shot that is normally difficult for me as usually I am working the train!

Alan Peters

the NTC machine (New Track Construction) has finished working. This view of 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' was taken from the footbridge on 11th May 2021. Copyright Alan Peters

The 360 machines is seen with the shorter sleepers to fit around the drains in the station where there are gaps in the track. Copyright Alan Peters

Below :- The Colas class 56 has now drawn down from Okehampton station towards Fartherford Viaduct and is waiting to attach onto the empty sleeper wagons once the NTC machine has finished working.

NOTE: These photographs are taken under controlled T3 conditions with Network Rail and should not be tempted by members of the public.

Colas class 56 has now drawn down from Okehampton station towards Fartherford Viaduct and is waiting to attach onto the empty sleeper wagons. Copyright Alan Peters.

The old track has been cut into sections and stacked at the side of the line for recovery at a later date. Copyright Alan Peters

The poor condition of the old track can clearly be seen. Copyright Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' made another visit to Meldon Quarry on the 10th May 2021, it is understood that Meldon Halt will be retained. Copyright Alan Peters,

'Okehampton - Meldon' train staff is seen in the cab of the loco Copyright Alan Peters. 10th May 2021.

The Balfour Beatty NTC (New Track Construction) pictured just past the Crediton side of Fartherford Viaduct and on the Okehampton side of the viaduct 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' has just attached the loaded sleeper wagons to the NTC in preparation for relaying on 10th May 2021

Alan Peters

The Balfour Beatty NTC (New Track Construction) pictured just past the Crediton side of Fartherford Viaduct. 10th May 2021 Copyright Alan Peters.

on the Okehampton side of the viaduct 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' has just attached the loaded sleeper wagons to the NTC in preparation for relaying on 10th May 2021, Copyright Alan Peters.

The Network Rail site access for the Dartmoor line is just off the B3260 at Okehampton, there is strictly NO PUBLIC ACCESS but is still is a hive of activity with the re-opening of the line, portacabins have been set up for the duration of the works, note the modern solar panel tower lights, it is understood this will eventually be the location of the new Okehampton Parkway with this view becoming the station car park.

The track is accessible from the Network Rail Site Access for heavy machinery, the bulldozers being used after the old track was ripped up, unfortunately underfoot conditions were not the best with the rain on 13th May 2021

The Network Rail site access for the Dartmoor line is just off the B3260 at Okehampton, there is strictly NO PUBLIC ACCESS but it is a hive of activity. Copyright Alan Peters.

Another view of the NR works site. 13th May Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70803 is pictured by the Network Rail site access after unloading 15 auto hoppers of ballast, the overgrown lineside vegetation makes it particularly difficult to get a photograph. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

It was farewell to the Colas Class 56 that had become something of a celebrity at Okehampton during it's stay on the Dartmoor Line as a 'super shunter' in connection with relaying work on the line. The first picture shows 56302 'PECO - The Railway Modeller' approaching Fatherford Viaduct next to the A30 with the empty KRA sleeper wagons on 13th May 2021.

Something of an unofficial photo stop to capture the Colas 56 at Bow station, unfortunately the weather was not its best pouring with rain for this rare opportunity on 13th May 2021, hopefully this will not be the last class 56 to visit the line.

Alan Peter

56302 on its duties as 'super shunter' seen on Fatherford Viaduct. 13th May 2021. Copyright Alan Peters

This has to be a 'classic picture' as 56302 takes a 'BOW' at BOW on the 13th May 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks indeed Alan for your continued reports and pictures which we are privileged to put on the website - keep safe and keep well.

Another 'Bow' at Bow. Alan makes a quick photo stop at Bow, much to the delight of the owners, with Colas Rail 70812 working 6C45 back to Westbury. 2nd June 2021 Copyright Alan Peters

Many thanks again Alan.

There have been two Colas Rail trains to Okehampton this week, 6C45 worked from Westbury to Okehampton and return with 70812 and 70814 top and tailing twenty Falcon wagons to load with spoil from the recent relaying on 1st June 2021. The same pair visited again with a further twenty Falcon wagons for spoil as 6C47 on 3rd June 2021 this time working as far as Sampford Courtney, the return train is pictured at Penstone near Coleford Junction on 4th June 2021 with 70814 leading to Exeter Riverside where the train reversed to Westbury where 70812 would be the leading loco. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

A further update on the work at Okehampton
end of June 2021
by Driver Alan Peters

Okehampton 30th June 2021 Another train of twenty empty Falcon wagons to recover redundant track from Okehampton ran from Westbury on Tuesday 29th June 2021 returning on the Wednesday top and tailed by Colas class 70 locomotives, the track panels from the recent relaying have been brought up to Okehampton where the rail is removed and the wooden sleepers are taken back to Westbury MHD (Materials Handling Depot) for recycling, pictures of 6C41 in the sun at Okehampton. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

Colas Rail 70815 has hauled the wagons up into the station to enable the wagons to be loaded on 30th June 2021. The old concrete lamp posts have now been removed in readiness for the new modern lighting scheme. 30th June 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

The class 70 has now drawn past the station to allow for loading of the rear wagons, note the track panels stacked on the Meldon side of Okehampton. (This picture is taken under the safety of T3 conditions)

To enable the rear of the train to be loaded, 70815 has reached the former Military sidings which are looking very overgrown. 30th June 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Colas Rail 70811 at the rear of the train which will now work 6C41 to Exeter Riverside where the train will reverse to Westbury. Note the platform has now been cleared of tables and chairs in readiness for work to start on the main station building, Please support the hard working members of the Dartmoor Railway Association as Platform 2 is open for tea's and coffee's at weekends. 30th June 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Many thanks Alan.