Exminster Excl to Exeter

Devon Main line
from Exminster Excl. to Exeter

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

Peak 45005 1023 Manchester - Penzance passes the site of Exminster station Saturday 17th September 1977 Copyright Roger Geach

Gissens Bridge near Exminster

Gissens Bridge near Exminster 47733 Plymouth Willesden Parcels Train 15th July 2002 Copyright Roger Geach

Royal 47798 works the Orient Express stock on a breakfast charter (1Z81 0738) from Exeter to Kingswear. 11th August 1999 Copyright Ron Kosys

A remarkable early morning picture by Ron Kosys taken at 07.53 of Thumper 1001 on the 1Z90 2230 Hastings-Buckfastleigh passing under the M5 at Exminster on the 11th August 1999. Copyright Ron Kosys Eclipse Day

A few minutes later 43132 11th August 1999 Copyright Ron Kosys

A proper HST about to pass Exminster. 6th September 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

A smashing 'gateway' photograph. 43185 and 43092 on 14.03 Paddington to Penzance passing Exminster M5 Motorway flyover on the 30th April 2019 Copyright Paul Barlow

Alphin Brook Bridge and Alphington Crossing

Alphin Brook bridge, on the main line betwn Countess Wear and Clapperbrook Lane is barely noticieable at 100MPH. Construction of this bridge in 1967 involved the first use of thrust-bored rectangular concrete units for the abutments, which minimized railway disruption. Copyright Colin Burges

Immediately north of Alphin Brook bridge is Alphington Crossing, which will be closed when Marsh Barton Station is completed. Copyright Colin Burges

From Alphington Crossing looking towards Exeter. Marsh Barton Station will be this side of Clapperbrook Lane bridge. The line speed here is 100 m.p.h Copyright Colin Burges

Alphin Brook bridge from Alphington Crossing. Copyright Colin Burges

A most interesting article, "The Construction of Railway Bridges Then and Now," by Alan Hayward mentions the construction of Alphin Brook bridge and can be found at:

http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1179/1758120613Z.00000000037?src=recsys&

The author's firm, Cass Hayward, rebuilt River Exe Bridge at St. David's in 1997. This was the last bridge to be rolled in on steel balls.

Now retired, Alan has been a great help to the Friends of Ashburton Station. His suggested method of tunnelling beneath the A38 and bridging the River Dart to enable the reconnection of the historic terminus has been accepted in principle by Highways and Environment agencies.

Cheers, Colin

Tony Hill tells me that the 1967 blockade i.c.w. this bridge was the last occasion trains were planned to be diverted via Tavistock.

Many thanks to, Colin, for this most interesting contribution.

Marsh Barton

The site for the new Marsh Barton station as seen through the camera of David Tozer on 1st August 2015. Copyright

Exeter City Basin Junction
Here the City Basin branch, which passed under the main lines was connected to both the up and down main lines. Here the signalbox, located alongside the up main controlled traffic on the main line and to the City Basin lines and also the trains from the Teign Valley line which came in here.

Exeter City Basin Signalbox taken in July 1984. Copyright Chris Osment

It is with many thanks to our good friend Paul Barlow that we are able to publish these unique pictures of his. Paul who through connections with his railway friend was able to unofficially access the line and box back in the eighties. Things ain't what they used to be!! For more of our City Basin collection click here.

50029 Renown on the 09.10 Brighton to Penzance approaches City Basin Junction on the 20th September 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow

50022 Anson passing Exeter City Basin Signalbox on the 20 September 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow

From Exeter City Basin Signalbox - a unique photograph. as 31458 passes powering the 0929 Nottingham to Paignton on the 20th September 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow

Exeter City Basin box on the 20th September 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow

HST 43034 with 43022 leading pass by the 20th September 1986 on a down Paddington service. Copyright Paul Barlow

City Basin signal box demolition came on the 8th February 1987 Copyright Paul Barlow

Near City Basin Juct

A Class 45/46 in the industrial suburbs of Exeter near City Basin Juct. 4th Apl 1980 Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter St Thomas

Remember this station as it was? Exeter St Thomas complete with its overall roof. Here it is in 1970 as a class 47, under power, see the smoke, roars through with a down service. This view just a memory thankfully caught by Chris Osment. Copyright

143620 calls at Exeter St Thomas on the 24th November 2015 Note the with raised platform.Copyright Roger Winnen

151124b The entrance stairway to St Thomas Station as seen on the 24th November 2015 Copyright Roger Winnen

151124c The grand downside buildings of Exeter St Thomas Station. The stairs to the platform can be seen on the right. 24th November 2015 Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter St Davids - The West end and approach

Passing West Box. Copyright John Cornelius

A maze of pointwork as a class 47 runs into St Davids. Copyright Roger Winnen

4th April 1980. Enjoy the signals, the station approach from the west. The water tower is still there on the left and of course Exeter West Signalbox. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter West Box September 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Exeter West Signalbox in 1971 - on an official visit by Chris Osment

Exeter West Signalbox - the signalman answers an enquiry during an official visit in 1971. Exeter St Davids platforms in the distance. Copyright Chris Osment.

Exeter West - the track diagram. Copyright Chris Osment

Exeter signals April 1979 Copyright Mike Roach

Exeter St Davids Gallery 1 Steam Era

SR_1839_Exeter_9-9-33 Pre-smoke deflectors Maunsell 'N' class mogul is depicted here at Exeter St. Davids station on 9th September 1933. 1839 would receive its BR '3' prefix in March 1948 and would remain at Exmouth Junction until withdrawal in December 1963.
[Mike Morant collection]

S_BR_30726_slide180 Drummond T9 4-4-0 30726 at Exeter St. David's in August 1958.
[Slide taken by Mke Morant]

S_BR_34034_slide181 Okay, so this is a poor shot but it's the only one I have of double-headed Bulleid pacifics at the time of going to press so to speak. I took this very under-exposed colour slide of Bulleid light pacific No. 34034 Honiton and its unidentified pilot engine at Exeter St. David's in August 1958.
[Slide taken by Mke Morant]

_ S_BR_34038_slide114 Bulleid original West Country pacific No. 34038 Lynton at Exeter St. David's in July 1964. 34038 entered service in July 1948 with its SR number 21C138 whilst its BR number was applied shortly afterwards in February 1949. Withdrawal was from Nine Elms in June 1966. However, there's something just a tad odd about this image as 34038 was allocated to Eastleigh when this shot was taken which begs the question as to what it was doing at Exeter and to compound the enigma there's no shed plate on the smokebox door.
[Mike Morant collection]

1471 at Exeter St Davids station on a Exe valley train. 4th July 1962. Copyright Geoffery Matthews

The Exe Valley train is prepared to leave. September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

A picture of great interest. Red Cow level crossing at Exeter St Davids. Exeter Middle signal box to the left. A 1400 heads an Exe Valley service, note the access steps hanging down from the autocoach. Over the years how much must it have cost to keep a man permanently guarding the busy crossing? Copyright Mike Roach July 62

A lovely shot of a 14xx leaving for the Exe Valley line in the early 1960's from the David Tozer Collection - Copyright

5032 Usk Castle rolls into Exeter with a down service in 1961Roger Salter collection

82040 was a rare visitor - seen here at St Davids in April 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

West Country 34106 Lydford at Exeter Central 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

A lovely colour shot by the late John Stanford as West Country 2 - 6 - 2 34092 City of Wells prepares to lift its train up the bank towards Exeter Central. Copyright the late John Stanford.

On shed

Collet 6100 class Built 1932, withdrawn September 1962, Scrapped at Cashmores August 1963. Copyright John Cornelius

All change at the shed - not a steam engine in sight. An abundance of Class 22's at await a turn of duty at Exeter St Davids Shed. 6333, 6334, 6343, 6322, and 6308 on the 17th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Note from Ron Kosys :- The North British Type 2’s by the summer of 1971 seemed to be used only on the most local of local trips, and you were very lucky if you got to see them working trains when out by the line side.
Yet they could always be seen at loco stabling points and in differing positions to the last time that you passed, so they were clearly being used for something!!
Exeter St Davids was always the easiest to see and phot the ‘63’ers’.These were taken 18th July 1971 and show a total of five different locos – 6308 with 6322, and 6322,6334,6343.
Their unusual spoked wheels can be seen. Many thanks Ron.

6308 + 6322 at Exeter St Davids on the 18th July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

6322, 6334, and 6343 at Exeter St Davids shed on the 18th July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Hymek 7043 runs to the stabling point at Exeter St Davids on the 18th July 1971. Note breakdown train. Copyright Ron Kosys

Hymek 7002 seen here at Exeter St Davidson the 26th August 1971 with what is believed to be a special for the RN Depot at Newcourt. Copyright Ron Kosys

33109 runs round its Waterloo train at St Davids on the 29th May 1976. Copyright Ron Kosys

Remember the bankers up to Central from St Davids?

A view forward from the same train. February 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

Exeter St Davids Gallery 2 The Diesel Era

D809 CHAMPION on an up service looking pretty grotty at Exeter in September 1971 Copyright Steve Carter.

D819 Goliath departs with an up service from Exeter St Davids. Meantime a selection of steam power awaits duty up the bank to Exeter Central. Overlooking the scene is Exeter West Signalbox, now long gone, but railway staff provide a guard over the busy Red Cow road crossing coverage which is still provided to this day. D819 was built 25th April 1960, withdrawn on 3rd October 1971 and cut up at Swindon on the 3rd March 1972. From the Mike Morant Collection 160710_Diesel_BR_D819 _Exeter

The signalman and the atendant watch as an interesting collection of cars head east across Red Cow Level Crossing. Copyright The late John Cornelius..

Exeter St Davids 26th August 1971 1140 ex Okehampton 55016 runs into bay. Copyright Ron Kosys

A nice scene as a class 52 heads out west past the west signalbox with a load of tanks. Mid 1970's Copyright David Hibbert

Troop Train at St Davids. John Cornelius
Some interesting pics I took at Exeter st Davids in 1977. It is of an empty stock train for a troop special from Lympstone Commando to a destination somewhere up country. It was top'n'tailed out to Lympstone Commando by 25315 & 46004. 46004 becoming the train engine on the return for the journey north. I think 25315 was detached at central station on the return. I wonder if this was a rare occurrence of a class 46 being on the Exmouth branch?

Many thanks for the above three pictures. Copyright John Cornelius

A largely forgotten aspect of rail travel - steam heat. Exeter St Davids in the early 1980s. There can't be much warmth on this train as all steam from the loco's boiler goes straight Copyright Clive Smith

Motorists take the Motorail to avoid the jams. Here in August 1983 47282 brings in a service heading east. Copyright Nick Gaskell

Enthusiasts make a brief stop at Exeter Clive Smith

Photo1 : 45033 pulls out of the 'proper' down platform at Exeter St Davids on 15th May 1982 with the 1V67 06.37 Leeds to Paignton. Carrying a large contingent of peak enthusiasts, this was the last day of full loco-hauled cross-country services before the gradual introduction of HSTs the following day. The loco carries its old pre-TOPS number 39 and flimsy unofficial home made headboards which somehow made it all the way to Paignton intact.

Photo 2 : Passing Exeter West signal box, 45033 continues on its way to Paignton with the peak enthusiasts ignoring BR's advice not to lean out of windows. Photographer Simon McComb who hails from Falmouth can be seen capturing the scene. Simon has gone on to have a hugely impressive career in photography. His high quality railway photography, including stunning shots in Devon and Cornwall , can be seen on the following link browse.
Regards, Clive Smith Many thanks Clive

Photo (1) Last regular Peak service. 15th May 1982 Copyright Clive Smith

45033 hauls the last regular Peak and departs for Paignton.. Simon McComb in the foreground 15th May 1982. Copyright Clive Smith

On the 27th December 1984 the 09.05 Paddington to Plymouth HST suffered an engine failure on one of the power cars. 47238 was attached to the leading power car 43174 for the run over the banks to Plymouth. Judging by the plumes of exhaust from the front of the cavalcade leaving Exeter St Davids it must have been the rear power car 43134 that was ailing. Another HST sits on the adjacent platform. The semaphore gantry and through road have just a few months left. Copyright Clive Smith

50048 Dauntless heads west, probably for Paignton August 83 Copyright Nick Gaskell

P460 the BT Liveried train awaits further duties. 23rd January 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

In addition to the name 50 011 also carried the ships crest. Copyright John Cornelius

50015 'Valiant' is entering Exeter with an unspecified freight April 1986 Copyright Nick Gakell

6L 1033 at platform 4 at St Davids on the 27th April 1973. This platform is no longer accessible from the 'Southern lines'. Copyright David Tozer

With the regulator open 33012 leaves St David's with a stone train originating from Meldon Quarry and bound for somewhere on the Southern Region. 1980s Copyright David Tozer

An usual view caught by Roger Winnen as a class 50 heads an up service into St Davids. Eleven signals visible. Note the water tank set high up overlooking the station throat. Nowadays this is the position occupied by the signalling centre. Copyright Roger Winnen

08945 passes through Exeter St Davids with a delivery of new Fiesta and Siera cars bound for UBM Ford at Marsh Barton. Something you don't see these days - its 7th November 1988. Copyright Julian Stephens

Exeter Middle Signalbox 1973 Copyright Chris Osment

The track diagram at Exeter Middle Signalbox in 1973, Copyright Chris Osment

A close up of the picture above showing more detail of the platform arrangements. Copyright Chris Osment

Exeter Goods Yard box. Located on the goods lines around the back of the station and behind Exeter Middle box alongside the road bridge over the river. The road had just crossed the main lines at Red Cow Level Crossing.

Exeter Goods Yard Box 1972/3 Copyright Chris Osment

Winter at Exeter St Davids as 25080 pauses at Platform 5. It's the 17th February 1978. Copyright David Tozer.

A lovely shot by Exeter Middle Box in 1983 of 33022 bound for Meldon at Red Cow. One wonders what is of interest in the couplings? Copyright Nick Gaskell

D819 Goliath departs with an up service from Exeter St Davids. Meantime a selection of steam power awaits duty up the bank to Exeter Central. Overlooking the scene is Exeter Middle Signalbox, now long gone, but railway staff provide a guard over the busy Red Cow road crossing coverage which is still provided to this day. D819 was built 25th April 1960, withdrawn on 3rd October 1971 and cut up at Swindon on the 3rd March 1972. From the Mike Morant Collection 160710_Diesel_BR_D819 _Exeter

50 021 Rodney and 50 013 Agincourt Copyright John Cornelius

The 142's departed north some time ago but their successors continue to plod their weary way up the bank to Exeter Central and on to Exmouth. Copyright John Cornelius

33062 heavily leaden with one speedlink wagon. From the collection of Nick Gaskell Copyright

47492 Off to Brum. Copyright Nick Gaskell

50003 Temeraire also heads east - 1983 Copyright Nick Gaskell

P317 bears the attractive but short lived livery as it stands at platform 3 at Exeter St Davids in April 1979, in the distance Exeter West Box and an attractive array of semaphores. Copyright Mike Roach

A very sad day for many as we saw the Western Class of diesels finally exterminated from British Rails stocks. However, many have lived on in preservation for which we have to be very thankful. Red nameplated D1013 Western Ranger leads D1023 Western Fusilier and the 'Western Tribute' railtour over Red Cow level crossing. Apart from the train note Exeter Middle box. Seen on 26th February 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

A class 47 brings in a 'mixed bag' of a train. August 1983. Copyright Nick Gaskell

45112 is captured by several cameras as it rolls in with a train from the north. August 83 Copyright Nick Gaskell

40084 & 40081 7th October 1977 - Copyright David Tozer

Exeter Middle Signal Box Class 40 081 + 40xxx return to their railtour stock 9th October 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter St Davids. April 1986, the 33 is on its way to Barnstaple. Copyright Nick Gaskell

On Saturday 16th August 1986 33 211 was in charge of the service to Barnstaple. The 33 hauled service was quite an attraction. Copyright Roger Smith

In early 1985 extensive track work was carried out at Exeter St Davids. The centre track between platforms 2 and 3 being removed. Graham Mann was the Network Rail Operations Manager responsible at the time and through his camera we are treated some views of the work being carried out.

Exeter St Davids 1 1985 relaying Red Cow crossing and big changes to the point work are overlooked by Exeter Middle Box. Copyright Graham Mann

Exeter St Davids 2 1985 The relaying Red Cow Crossing track work involved the removal of the level crossing timbers and of course closure to road traffic. Copyright Graham Mann

Exeter St Davids 3 1985 relaying. The view from Platform 2 - the scale of the work can be realised by this and the following two pictures. Copyright Graham Mann

Exeter St Davids 4 1985 relaying - looking west from the station. Not a semaphore in sight!! Copyright Graham Mann

Exeter St Davids 5 relaying 1985 View looking east from the junction into the station. Copyright Graham Mann Very many thanks to Graham for the above selection.

It's the 17th May 1986 as the Severn Explorer CRS Railtour returns to Cornwall. A 'grabbed shot' by Rober Winnen of the demolition of Exeter Middle Signal Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

150238 bearing the rather drab livery of the Wales and West Railway stands at St Davids. Copyright John Cornelius

A nice colourful scene at Exeter as a pair of 158's are used on a railtour. run by the Cotswold Line Promotion Group'. The Cotswold-Torbay Express'. this ran from Hereford to Paignton and return. Very unusual to see a headboard being carried by a '158'. Copyright John Cornelius

A startling colour scheme and a real rarity. Copyright John Cornelius

140802o A high light of the summer service in 2014 was a loco hauled set of 'day coaches' off the night Riviera running empty from Penzance to Par and available to passengers from Par to Exeter and Exeter to Penzance. An extremely popular working with enthusiasts, and one travelled in such comfort reminiscent of the old days. Here 57604 arrives at Platform 1 with the return 17.50 to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen

Photograph Copyright the late Adrian Hoblyn. Exeter (St David's) - 83C. The clue is the coal wagons behind 30951 which are on a incline which led to the coaling stage at St David's. Following the Western Region take over some engines were stored in the down sidings at Exmouth Junction and others went to St David's loco for storage. Another storage location was a siding beside the head shut for the C & W Depot. Exmouth Junction did not have an incline whereby the track was much higher than ground level. This is also confirmed by Richard Parkinson's excellent book, 'Exeter Memories - Exmouth Junction Fireman'. On page 23 is a photograph of 30951 in store at St David's with Class 700 30700, N 31409, and two further Class 700's 30689 and 30697. The photograph is dated December 1962. Again I would question the date (unless it was very early in December) as on 3rd January 1963 30689 and 30697 were on snow plough duties and were stranded at Sourton Cross in deep snow and I think cylinder damage lead to them being condemned. A couple of months later Exmouth Junction received two Q 0-6-0 engines for snow plough duties (30530/30531) and these were replaced later by WR 0-6-0's of the 2251 Class. One of which was 3205 now resident on the SDR.

Class 33 Eastleigh at the broad gauge goods shed. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter East Signalbox

Exeter East Signal Box in 1973. Situated on the down side just over a quarter of a mile east from Exeter Middle box. It was bombed during the WW2. After bombing its functions were split into two a second box, Exeter Riverside, being created virtually opposite in the goods yard. Copyright Chris Osment

Exeter Riverside Signalbox, situated almost directly opposite Exeter East signalbox but located in the yard. 10th April 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

Entertainment at Exeter!
Incidents and accidents occur, thankfully, very rarely on the railways, however, at Exter St Davids on May 17th 1977 the points failed, or were switched beneath a DMU and the consequences were there for all to see from platform 5. Many thanks to John Cornelius from sharing his picture of the event with us.

Gently back on the rails - 17th May 1977 Copyright John Cornelius

Exeter Riverside - the Goods Yard.

Exeter Riverside Copyright John Cornelius

6334 is working off the stabling point at Exeter St Davids in the evening of the 20th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

A rare visitor 7098 at Exeter Saint Davids c1970 Copyright Steve Perryman

In the low light 37671 is the lead loco coupled to 37413 Seen at Exeter Riverside Yard in 1992 the silver bullet syphons live up to their name. Copyright Phill Shattered

Press release Friday 24 February

New £40 million rail depot planned for Exeter

Planning consent for a new rail depot at Exeter has been submitted by Network Rail on behalf of GWR [today]. This submission forms part of a wider programme of rail improvements to increase rail capacity in the South West, including new and refreshed trains and station improvements.

The train operator GWR is looking to improve the existing Exeter Olds View Depot train maintenance facility in Exeter to accommodate an increase in fleet size in the Devon and Cornwall area which will lead to more seats, and more frequent services.

GWR Regional Development Manager West, Dan Okey explains:

“With brand new electric trains coming to suburban London services and bi-mode Intercity Express Trains on the mainline in Devon and Cornwall, this will allow us to move part of our existing regional fleet to Exeter - providing more carriages, and more frequent services to the area.”

The new depot is situated alongside existing facilities next to Exeter St.Davids station and will provide enhanced modern servicing, cleaning and maintenance facilities necessary to support these trains. The plans include office and welfare facilities for staff and the depot is designed to provide improved facilities for train maintenance.

GWR is seeking to begin the new depot, subject to planning consent being secured, in Spring 2018 and will complete in mid 2019.

New electric trains in London and Thames Valley area, and new Intercity Express Trains across the GWR mainline network will enable GWR to provide significant improvements in capacity on mainline, regional and local suburban services.

These changes are part of the wider franchise improvements that GWR is delivering and is one of the largest fleet upgrades that the Great Western network will see in a generation.

Notes to editors
Great Western Railway (GWR) provides high speed, commuter, regional and branch line train services. We help over 100 million passengers reach their destinations every year - across South Wales, the West Country, the Cotswolds, and large parts of Southern England.
We’re currently seeing the biggest investment in the network since Brunel so we can offer more trains, more seats, and shorter, more frequent journeys and continue the network’s heritage of helping connect more businesses to new and prosperous markets. Through a series of initiatives we aim to be a good neighbour to the communities we serve and are committed to making a positive social impact in those regions. Learn how we're Building a Greater West at GWR.com. GWR is a FirstGroup company.

James Davis | Media Relations Manager | Great Western Railway
External Communications | Milford House | 1 Milford Street | Swindon | SN1 1HL
E: james.davis@GWR.com | T: 0845 410 4444 | M: 07703 890 711

Exeter St Davids. A projected aerial view of the new depot. A press release 24th February 2017

A Visit to Exeter Panel
on the 11th October 2018
David Tozer

I was among a group of twelve members of SERUG who paid a visit to the Exeter Panel Box. I did take some photos of the large panels which displays train movements. However I am sure Network Rail would not approve of these being published on the internet,. Entrance was made via Red Cow crossing so I was able to get this unusual photo of a Class 143. Dave Many thanks Dave.

A Super view of Exeter DMU Depot, work in progress. 15.09 on the 11th October 2018 Copyright David Tozer

If you want to see more to the east go to Devon Main line Exeter (Ecl) to Taunton.