Exeter to Exmouth Junction

Exeter St Davids to Exmouth Junction Incl.

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

Exeter St Davids to Exeter Central Involves a steep climb up through the 240 yard St Davids tunnel.

790613j (13th June 1979) Class 33 Awaits departure from Exeter to Waterloo Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking glorious with matching stock. Copyright John Cornelius

Later became 50050 Fearless. Copyright John Cornelius

This is the diverted Cornish Riviera Express climbing the steep bank from St Davids through towards St Davids tunnel. Note in the background Exeter West Signalbox and the water tower. 6th Aprill 1980 Copyright Roger Winnen

Plenty of power here! Copyright John Cornelius

Z class 30952 banks the 11.10am Plymouth to Brighton up the 1 in 37 gradient on Sunday 8th November 1959. The train was hauled by 34107 with 9 coaches, and the time is 12.50pm. Copyright Mike Roach

S_BR_31842_30955_Exeter_AJ0714 The magnificent steeple of Exeter's Anglican church of St Michael and All Angels in its entirety dominates the background to this shot taken from close to Central station as maunsell 'Z' class 0-8-0T no. 30955 pilots 'N' class 31842 in charge of a passenger train descending to St. David's station at river level. The image is brimming over with interest beyond that of a Southern double-header with those wagon turntables in the right foreground and the carriage sidings beyond the main line both centre and left of picture. The signal gantry in the foreground is a nice touch even if it partly obscure the 'Z' and I wonder if there was once another signal arm directly above the post. Chris Osment informs me that this semaphore controlled the exit from the Up Sidings onto the Up Local (platform line).
[Mike Morant collection]

The car park here, the site of sidings, is on the level emphasising the gradient down towards St Davids. Copyright John Cornelius

A very interesting ticket from the Mike Morant Collection with Exeter Central being called Queen Street. This would have taken one back down the bank through St Davids and on via Cowley Bridge Junction.

Exeter Central
- was Queens Street until 1st July 1933.

From the Mike Roach Collection

The very impressive frontage of Exeter Central onto Queen Street - taken on 23rd January 2014. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter Central on the 4th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

Exeter Central in steam days

An undated picture by Adrian Hobly taken at Exeter Central shows Class W 31924 Class W on banking duties. Copyright the late Adrian Hoblyn

An envious onlooker! 34089 602 Squadron 22Aug64 Copyright Mike Roach

S_BR_30925_Exeter_1-9-62 During the Summer of 1962 a Maunsell Schools class 4-4-0 was often rostered for the 10.15 SO Waterloo to the West of England and, according to “Locos of the SR Part 1” / RCTS, on Sat 1/9/62 30925 Cheltenham had the job. With a load of 10 corridors, 30925 arrived at Exeter Central 3 minutes early. It returned to Waterloo on the 11.00 service the following day.
My thanks go to Chris Knowles-Thomas for the above background data which, I have to say, came as a surprise to me.
[Mike Morant collection]

_ S_BR_30955_34107_Exeter_26-6-62 A hefty load of track panels is depicted here passing through Exeter Central station on the Up relief road in the charge of Maunsell 'Z' 0-8-0T no. 30955 piloting Bulleid original West Country pacific no. 34107 Blandford Forum. The date of this shot is 26/6/62 which means that 30955 has only another six months of service as withdrawal came at exmouth Junction shed in the December of that year. Blandford Forum had been allocated to Exmouth Junction since March 1959 and would continue in service there until withdrawal in September 1964.
[Mike Morant collection]

_ S_BR_34045_Exeter_Central Bulleid original light pacific no. 34045 Ottery St. Mary at Exeter Central. 34045 is in malachite livery without the BR branding on its tender but acquired its BR number in August 1948 which is probably when this shot was taken. Modification to the Jarvis standard was applied in 1958 but to little avail as it was one of the earlier withdrawals of this class in June 1964 whilst allocated to Bournemouth mpd.
[Mike Morant collection]

_ S_SR_2697_Exeter_SRA120625 Former LBSCR E1/R 0-6-2 radial tank no. 2697 shunting at Exeter Central station on 2/9/50. Built as an E1 0-6-0T in October 1876, no. 2697 was rebuilt to this form in January 1929 and would be forever associated with banking duties between the two main stations at Exeter. Withdrawal at Exmouth junction came in November 1959.
[Mke Morant collection]

34108 WINCANTON arriving on up train at Exeter Central station, 4th July 1962 Note the stock in the sidings beyond. Copyright Geoffrey Matthews

34106 LYDFORD & 34058 SIR FREDERICK PILE running light at Exeter Central 4th July 1962 CR Geoffrey Matthews

Exeter Central in diesel days

A Christmas card scene captured by David Tozer. 25224 passes through Exeter Central with coal wagons on the 17th February 1978. Note the up goods yard is in use and also, by the covered footbridge the signal is at off for an up train. Copyright David Tozer

Exeter Central The 'British Telecom' Class 118 - Copyright David Tozer This created quite a sensation when it first appeared.

An interesting study of an Exmouth bound DMU setting off from Exeter Central. Of additional interest is the still active goods yard with a considerable number of tanks present - Copyright David Tozer

31426 Exeter Central on a very wet 28th July 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys.

Exeter Central Cement depot at Exeter Central Station. As seen on 29th December 1991 Copyright Roger Winnen

This was taken from the third floor of National House, Queen Street. I worked in the Traffic Office of Western National for a number of year’s. Prior to this I did a few year’s at Exeter Central Goods. Exeter Central 25th January 1973 Copyright David Tozer

A 1976 picture as class 31 206 carefully edges presflo cement wagons into the sidings at Central. Copyright David Tozer

David Tozer writes :- The cement train in steam days was always interesting. When the Southern was in charge the train of twenty one presflo’s was split at Riverside Yard. Exmouth Junction would send a locomotive to move it to Central in two portions. When the Western took over their locomotives worked through assisted with three Southern engines, two on the rear and the other one was attached to the train engine on the front. It was not unknown for the train to stall on the bank. The Central Station pilot would be attached to the front to get the train off the bank.

Presflo’s from Plymstock were moved to Exeter via the 0155 Friary – Exmouth Junction. This train also had presflo’s for Barnstaple, Later in the days of full Western Region control the cement from Westbury was worked via Yeovil Junction to Central. Motive power would be a Class 52 or a Class 37. The empties were sent back to Westbury usually hauled by an 08 to Riverside Yard.

A lovely study by David Tozer of the old footbridge at Exeter Central. Copyright.

Exeter Central 31293 on a trip working from Exeter Riverside to Newcourt Sidings 3rd October 1974 Copyright David Tozer

Another Newcourt Sidings trip working 31292 25th February 1975 Copyright David Tozer

73106 & 73108 wait between duties 26th August 1999 Copyright David Tozer

37230 Exeter Central 15th April 1988 Exmouth Jn-East Copyright Ron Kosys

Re the picture above :- 37230 approaches Exeter Central with the Exmouth Junction to East Usk empties, although one wagon is still loaded.
This train serviced both Yeovil Junction and Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depots and took a circuitous route, dropping off loaded and picking up empty HEA’s as it went....
East Usk – Yeovil Junction – Exmouth Junction – East Usk.

47334 departs Exeter Central with an afternoon service to Waterloo. 20th June 1984 Exeter-Waterloo Copyright Ron Kosys

47705 passes a rather shabby signalbox at Exeter Central with the 0905 Plymouth to Waterloo on the 20th July 1991 Copyright Roger Geach

Peak 46002 hauls its train of milk tanks away from Exeter on the 24th February 1975 Copyright David Tozer

Exeter Central looking very quiet - 25063 on an inspection train. N.B. The central track seen in this picture was removed in 1985. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection. 160710_Diesel_BR_25063_Exeter_AR104

Power car 43140 leads its HST formation as the train stands at Exeter Central on 3rd February 2014. This train from Penzance was one of last through before the Dawlish breach. Copyright David Tozer.

Most services to Exmouth now originate from Barnstable or Paignton. Copyright John Cornelius

Exeter Central - Remodelling. As we look at Exeter Central with modern motive power perhaps its time to take a look back to 1985 when the centre track was taken out. We see these pictures though the camera of Network Rail Programme Manager Graham Mann prior to switching to MAS. With many thanks.

A night shot east of Central station. Copyright Graham Mann

The view above only in daylight. Re-ballasting work. Note the lack of orange suits and hard hats. Copyright Graham Mann

Another view from slightly further east looking back into Central station. Copyright Graham Mann

In this view, alongside the redundant (now removed) Exeter Central Box a section of the centre track is being lifted. Copyright Graham Mann

Looking towards the station note the piles of redundant track on the left hand side. Copyright Graham Mann

A photograph taken from further west - the location of the centre road is clearly visible. The centre ground of the station was taken up for a while by rather large flower tubs. Copyright Graham Mann

Removing a section of the centre track. Copyright Graham Mann

Looking down the grade towards Exeter St Davids. The centre track is still in position. Copyright Graham Mann

Exeter Central 24th June 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

By 1988, the cement for Exeter Central was moved via the Speedlink network rather than a block train.
Consequently the traffic was tripped from Riverside by whatever loco was available whenever it was available, though early afternoon used to be the more regular time.
The location itself was a dream to photograph and it was very easy to rattle off half a roll of Kodachrome from the various photting locations available, especially when the weather was decent.

24th June 1988 saw 50002 do the honours. Note the larger capacity PCA are now in use.

More on Exeter Central Cement - Ron Kosys

Ron writes :- It's amazing how many times I managed to photograph the Exeter Central Blue Circle cement train in totally overcast, extremely dull weather.
However I would always prefer it to be raining under those conditions – at least the rain normally gave the image a bit of contrast...
Many thanks for capturing these workings for us Ron. A forgotten memory.

Friday 15th April saw 31459 work the Blue Circle trip to Exeter Central from Riverside. It normally ran early afternoon, but not always. Here it arrives from Riverside with four PCA’s in tow and then is seen shunting the depot. Copyright Ron Kosys

Friday 15th April 1988 - shunting the depot. Copyright Ron Kosys

The train of empties is pushed back out of the depot prior to crossing over to head for Riverside Yard. 15th April 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

After a short wait the empty tanks await tripping back to Exeter Riverside. 15th April 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Back now to more recent pictures:-

Exeter Central on the 4th April 2009 The curve on the bay platform as it skirts the retaining wall of Northernhay Gardens is particularly noticeable in this view, Copyright Chris Osment

Exeter Central 47717 feels the load ease as the tail end of the train to Waterloo on Saturday 20th July 1991 clears the top of the grade up from Exeter St Davids. Copyright Roger Geach

Exeter Central on the 4th April 2009. Overlooking the former goods sidings. Copyright Chris Osment

Exeter Central - looking towards St Jame Park Halt. 4th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

Half and half - the new order with one 143 in the old paint scheme and one in the new. Exeter Central 143619 & 153377 2 12.44 Barnstaple to Exmouth 25th August 2017 Copyright David Tozer

A view of the back of the buildings at Exeter Central - those on the right are the platform buildings, those ahead are the rear of the buildings which front onto Queen Street. 5th February 2018. Copy right David Tozer.

St James Park Halt (Lions Holt Halt until 7th October 1946)

47586 passes St James' Park with a diverted Plymouth to Manchester service. 15th October 1988 Copyright David Tozer

Exeter St James Park serves the football stadium high up on the left hand side in this view. The difference in platform lengths is particularly noticeable in this view looking towards Exeter Central. 4th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

Mount Pleasant or Blackboy tunnel

Hastings unit 1031 having passed through St James Park halt presses on towards the tunnel on the 13th January 1973 Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Jct area There is a view of the back of the box on the Exmouth branch page.

Exmouth Junction n Coal Concentration Depot 8th July 1988 88 Copyright Ron Kosy

'Bubbles' 55026+55000 pass by Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depot on their way to Exmouth 8th July 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Exmouth Junction box is in the distance as a Class 33 brings its train towards the mouth of 262 Yard Black Boy tunnel with a service towards Central. 6Apl80 Copyright Roger Winnen. Note the busy yards to the left.

A view from above the tunnel by David Tozer on the 8th December 2013 during cutting stablisation works. In the distance can be seen Exmouth Junction box and also a unit standing opposite the box. Mount Pleasant Halt was at this location until 2nd January 12928. Note the very much over grown metals of the old marshalling yards behind the fence. Copyright.

Another shot in the same location 8th December 2013. Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Junction Yards with Met Cam Unit heading for Blackboy tunnel and Exeter Central. 11th April 1988 Copyright David Tozer What makes the picture particularly interesting is a comparison with the pictures above which show the area looking east. Note the still active marshalling yard the rails of which are just visible in the pictures above.

50 149 stands in the Coal Concentration Depot sidings adjacent to Blackboy Tunnel entrance. Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Junction. On the down line near the tunnel 37674 proceeds light engine. 27th March 1988 Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Junction Coal Yards
Located on the site of five sidings adjacent to the former concrete works. Reducing the sidings fan adjacent to the main line at the Blackboy Tunnel to only six sidings serving the coal concentration depot since removed (site overgrown but track still in position)

Exmouth Jct Coal sidings. Taken from the down main, up main line in foreground. 28Dec 91 Copyright Roger Winnen

Exj003 Exmouth Jn CCD bins 31Aug87 Copyright Roger Smith

Exj037 Exmouth Jn Coal Concentration Depot 31Aug87 Copyright Roger Smith (Note Black Boy tunnel just off picture to the left , the steps are on a path formerly served Mount Pleasant Halt.

Exj038 Exmouth Jn Coal Concentration Depot , the shunter was owned by Renwick Wilton & Dobson who ran the depot. 31st August 1987 Copyright Roger Smith

Exmouth Junction The RW & D Shunter 31st August 1987 Copyright David Tozer

Exj010 Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depot - looking into the fan of sidings. Blackboy tunnel mouth at left hand side of the picture, the main lines falls towards Exeter Central. 3st August 1987 Copyright Roger Smith

A visit to Exmouth Junction Coal Concentration Depot Ron Kosys

A request to Western Fuels at Exmouth Junction to photograph their Drewry (3056 of 1964) at the same time as the three times weekly (MWF) Speedlink Coal Network service was about, was very favourably received.
This was arranged for 12th September 1988, when the visiting 37 was 37214. Note the passing MetCam accelerating away from the Junction and towards Exeter Central.
Unfortunately the light had totally collapsed by the time the empties were leaving for East Usk.
This size of this train could vary dramatically; sometimes it could be short as five wagons or so; other times as many as in excess of thirty.

Every single aspect of this location, service and locos are now memories... sadly.
Many thanks Ron for your unique set of pictures.

Exmouth Junction CCD Drewry 3056 of 1964 12th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Exmouth Jn CCD 37214 stands in the yard as an Exeter bound DMU passes by. 12th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Exmouth Jn CCD 37214 12th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Exeter Coal Concentration Depot 37165 shunts an extremely long train. 13th April 1988 Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Jn Coal Concentration Depot in the back ground as 37214 heads away with the Exmouth Jn-East Usk on the 12th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

4 Pictures taken almost 30 years on from the view above -
a report by David Tozer. Many thanks.

A very fine view from above Black Boy tunnel. The 1307 Exmouth Junction - Central ECS leaves the turnback siding at Exmouth Junction. The old marshalling yard is on the left of the trees. Note the signalbox and the metals ahead towards Waterloo - those to Exmouth bear off right. 1st April 2018. Copyright David Tozer.

Looking across the former marshalling yards now used for caravan storage. 1st April 2018. Copyright David Tozer

Note in front of the distance fence metals of the old marshalling yard can be seen. 1st April 2018. Copyright David Tozer

The long defunct ground signal still controls the exit from the disconnected marshalling yard. 1st April 2018. Copyright David Tozer.

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EXJ 011 Exmouth Junction Signal Box and the Exmouth Branch curving away to the right. The line curving away to the left led into Exmouth Junction Shed, the pitched roof of the shed can be seen in the distance. Taken on 31st August,1987 Copyright Roger Smith

A heritage DMU comes off the Exmouth branch. 31st August 1987 Copyright Roger Smith

Exmouth Jn A class 1420xx (Skipper) enters the Exmouth branch on the then double track 31st August 1987

The attraction of the day was this - the class 40 D200 on the Class 40 Appeal railtour train. 31st August 1987 Copyright Roger Smith

Exmouth Junction Class 33 050 Light engine heading for Exeter Central. 18th December 1987 Copyright Roger Smith

Exmouth Junction 29th September 1987. A Ballast Regulator on the down main. Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Junction 1630 with milk empties to Chard Junction 17th January 1973 Copyright David Tozer

Preparation for the removal of the old signalling at Exmouth Junction 1986 Copyright David Tozer

Taking the strain, the last seconds of the semaphore. 1986 Copyright David Tozer.

A very interesting picture by David Tozer showing work in progress at Exmouth Junction as the entry to the Exmouth branch is singled. Copyright (to the left in the background is the roof of the carriage and wagon shops)

Exmouth Junction Hymeck 7017 hauls the Exmouth Junction to Chard Junction milk empties. May 1971 Copyright David Tozer

Then and Now

Exmouth Junction on the 14th October 1989 we see 47811 with the 0905 BN - Ply. Copyright David Tozer

A bit of history from David Tozer
The shot of the Class 50 poking out of the former C & W Depot is of interest. When the MAS scheme was being implemented no trains ran between Exeter Central at Exeter St David's for a period in October 1984. A mini depot was set up in the old Carriage & Wagon Depot.It was here that engines off the Waterloo line were refueled along with the DMU's for the Exmouth Branch.I managed to get this one daylight shot as most fefueling work was undertaken at night.

Exmouth Jct Shed. A class 50 pokes its head out of the Carriage and Wagon shed in Oct 1984 - Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Junction Signalbox- there is another view on the Exmouth branch section
More views of Exmouth Junction Box on the Exmouth branch section.

Exmouth Junction Signalbox - taken on Sunday 30th June 2013. A difficult shot from a class 159 on an Exeter to Waterloo service - no drop windows. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Notes from David Tozer :- Exmouth Junction. Opposite the box are two sidings. The nearest to the main line is used as a turn back siding for trains terminating at St James' Park Halt, also for the Sunday Okehampton trains. The next line to it is used by the engineers to stable road/railers when work is done in the area. The points to this siding are clipped and pad locked I think as no signals control it. Interestingly you once could back from the turn back siding to the old marshalling yard. Some of the tracks can be seen in the up dated photos I sent you. Believe it or not the ground signal in the old marshalling yard is still li, even though it has not been used for years. Also at Exeter Central the run round loop on the old up platform has a lit signal which controlled the exit from the loop. Oddly Network Rail took out the points and replaced it with plain track. The signal was left lit!!!!!!!. It was still working when I last looked. The shot of the 143 was published in the book I mentioned in the book Main Line to the West - Part 4 - The Branch Lines, published by Irwell Press. The 150/9 was on the branch line rail tour - the first passenger train in this siding I wonder.

23rd March 2013 150 927 on a BLS railtour Copyright David Tozer

Pacers 14603 and a 142 (notice the hump). Will excuse you on this one as they don’t venture to Cornwall – lucky people! These units would have worked a service from Paignton. They would run ECS to St James’ Park to work the 0833 to St David’s Copyright David Tozer

A class 142 in the attractive chocolate and cream livery awaits its next turn of duty Exmouth Junction. Copyright David Tozer

David Tozer took this photograph from a location he remembers as a schoolboy, the removal of a crop of brambles has made this an attractive viewing spot again on 2nd December 2015 Copyright

Exmouth Junction Shed

LSWR Drummond T9 'Greyhound' class 4-4-0 no. 30712 at the side of Exmouth Junction shed on 28/5/57. No. 30712 had been allocated to EJ since December 1950 and would remain there until withdrawal in November 1958.
I actually rode behind this loco on a railtour in terrible weather that took us around the LSWR route to Plymouth.
[Mike Morant collection]

This loco, built at Swindon, was originally turned out in a green livery. Copyright John Cornelius

S_BR_35006_DKJ Bulleid original Merchant Navy pacific no. 35006 Peninsular & Oriental S. N. Co. in early BR livery at Exmouth Junction mpd. BR branding was applied to 35006 in August 1948.
[Mike Morant collection]

By comparison 35006 in a sad state at Woodhams scrap yard in June 1965. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

_ W_BR_4555_3205_Exmouth_Junction_30-9-65 Collett 4500 class prairie tank no. 4555 and 2251 class 0-6-0 no. 3205 at Exmouth Junction on 30/9/65. Two days later they would haul the Pendennis Castle Special from Exeter to Totnes after which they moved to their new home on the Dart Valley Railway.
[Mike Morant collection]

January 8th, 1966 saw the final act of Bulleid original West Country pacifics in charge of departures from Exeter Central when no. 34015 Exmouth was the chosen motive power for the 'Last Steam Train to Exeter Central' tour which was hauled by 34015 from Salisbury to Exeter and return. This shot was taken at Exmouth Junction mpd where servicing took place but the sad fact of the matter is that the tour wasn't the "flyer" that it was intended to be as the Salisbury - Exeter - Salisbury legs both lagged behind schedule and it wasn't (allegedly) the loco's fault.
[Mike Morant collection]

A lovely nostalgic picture by Sid Sponheimer of 34015 Exmouth at Exmouth Junction shed 8th January 1966 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A view from a passing train of Exmouth Junction Shed looking quite well stocked on 8th November 1959. Copyright Mike Roach

Exmouth Junction shed as viewed from a passing train. A 1964 photograph by Sid Sponheimer. Copyright.

34015 Exmouth receives attention at Exmouth Junction Shed. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Exmouth Junction Shed - the coaler - Demolition pictures by David Tozer

In addition to the coaler the bus is of great interest. It is a Devon General Regent V working Service M from Stoke Hill to Higher Barley Mount. Its starting point outside the old MPD has long been abandoned. This was one of five vehicles ordered by Devon General for Exeter City services. All later Regent V's were front loading as this batch still had the rear platform entrance. 1 March 1970 Many thanks to David for the information on the bus. Copyright David Tozer

The moment the charges were blown. Copyright David Tozer

A picture taken very soon after the attempted demolition. There are perhaps 'bemused spectators' standing around. Yes, the plan was to blow the legs and then the coaler would topple away from the main line behind. It went wrong and it just sat down. It was then demolished with a ball and chain taking many weeks.

The coaler 'sitting down'. March 1970. Copyright David Tozer

The partially demolished coaler stands isolated in a very cold yard. The crane and ball & chain which will now be used to slowly demolish it stand to the right. Copyright David Tozer

The 'keen eyed' will spot a Class 52 standing in the remains of the depot. Copyright David Tozer.

A view of the very much altered area taken on the 31st March 2014. Morrisons and car park occupies the shed area. Copyright David Tozer

The Plant Depot was modernised - I forget when - and later closed. A shot of the rear attached. I have several of the C & W when it was used to store a Class 155 and later a Class 50 when the site was used as a temporary MPD when they modernised the signalling. DT

The plant depot which occupied the depot site. Copyright David Tozer

Inside the plant depot. Copyright David Tozer

142 025 being used to test a transportable carriage washing plant at Exmouth Junction shed 24th March 1986. Copyright David Tozer

A rare visitor at Exmouth Junction Yard 58023 26th August 1998 - Stone trains in connection with Eurobell cable work in Exeter's streets. Copyright David Tozer

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