Exmouth branch

Exmouth branch

If you want yet more pictures and a fascinating coverage of the Exmouth branch the link below by expert Colin Burges is HIGHLY RRECOMMENDED

https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/81-exmouth-branch/

Exmouth Junction

Exmouth Junction Signalbox 15th July 1984 Copyright Chris Osment

Inside Exmouth Junction signalbox on an official visit. The branch can be seen as double tracked for some distance at the top of the track diagram. Also evident are the connections into the sidings opposite the box. Copyright Chris Osment. 15th July 1984

Near Exmouth Junction on the branch. The 14.46 Exeter - Exmouth 27th September 1973 Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth Junction a pair of Class 142 units approach Exmouth Junction on the 20th September 1987. You will note that the train has been brought to a stand by the home signal, maybe the signalman has gone to advise the driver of problems ahead.Copyright David Tozer

The DMU is on the Exmouth Branch from Exmouth Junction Signal Box. In 1973 the line was singled from Exmouth Junction, but they left a small passing loop off the main line. In 1988 this was taken out and it does cause hold ups if a unit is coming off the branch. The unit heading for Exmouth has to be held on the main at Exmouth Junction. I have seen them let a DMU away from Central in front of a Waterloo, which gets held at Exmouth Junction, it then delays the London train.

Exmouth Junction signal box seen from an Exmouth train 15th April 1974 The main line to Waterloo passes across the front of the box. Note the double track approach to the main line junction. Copyright Roger Winnen

It's the late 1980's as 158 794 approaches Exmouth Junction on its way towards Exeter Central. Note the double track connection to the main line has been completely removed. Copyright David Tozer

A class 158 number 794 approaches Exmouth Junction from Exmouth. In the distance can be seen the platform of Polsloe Bridge Halt. As can be seen in the picture below the branch was singled and the former down platform is not used though still there. 158's are now rarely seen on the branch. Copyright David Tozer.

Polsloe Bridge 34 Cn (From Exmouth Junction)

M_BR_41320_Polsloe_Bridge_5-5-62 On a dismally dull May 5th, 1962 Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' 2-6-2T no. 41320 is depicted in charge of an Exeter to Exmouth passenger train at Polsloe Bridge Halt.
[Mike Morant collection]

47 407 on a troop train at Polsloe Bridge - the back light making a difficult picture. April 1985 Copyright David Tozer

31 219 at the other end of the long train. April 1985 Copyright David Tozer

A heritage set (P464) at Posloe Bridge in the 1980s Copyright David Tozer

Polsloe Bridge on the 29th December 2013 Copyright David Tozer The track through here was singled in 1973. Note how, compared wit the two pictures above, the vegetation has encased the former down platform.

Polsloe Bridge with 150131 departing towards Exeter on the 13th June 2012 Copyright David Tozer

190126a 143611 heading the 10.21 Paignton to Exmouth at Polsloe Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

On 19th November 2021 the final two GWR Blue liveried class 150/2 DMUs were paired together on Paignton to Exmouth diagrams, No.150238 leads classmate No.150219 approaching Polsloe Bridge station with the lovely Autumn colours cheering up the day, working the 2T19 12:57 Exmouth to Paignton service. Copyright Keith Turley.

190126b A abandoned platform now very overgrown at Polsloe Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen

190126c From the platform end at Polsloe Bridge we see Exmouth Junction Signal Box in the distance. Copyright Roger Winnen

190126d Looking across to the redundant platform we see the 11.25 Exeter St David's to Waterloo service heading towards Pinhoe. Copyright Roger Winnen

190126e Within 5 minutes of taking the previous photograph we see a pair of Class 159 units heading for Exeter Central & Exeter St David's Stations. Copyright Roger Winnen

Privitisation has certainly made for some colourful shots. 150104 at Polsloe Bridgeon a working towards Exeter on the 22nd January 2012 Copyright David Tozer

Whilst one could understand the need for an Exmouth Platform ticket, surely this is a bit .over the top' Mike Roach ticket collection

On the 6th December 2021 David Tozer reported
It would appear that some kind of work is going to take place at Polsloe Bridge.
Scaffolding has been erected alongside the platform that is in use. For several years part of the platform is inaccessible to the public being protected by a gate. I appears some sort of work will take place along the section that is in use.

Dave

Polsloe Bridge 1 Enineering 5th Decemeber .2021 Copyright David Tozer .

Polsloe Bridge 2 Enineering 5th Decemeber .2021 Copyright David Tozer .

Changes at Polsloe Bridge - an update by David Tozer

I made a trip yesterday (2nd August 2022) from Polsloe Bridge to Topsham and return.

For many months Polsloe Bridge platform has been under restoration. From the attached photos you can see before and after. The mesh netting between the pillars has been replaced with a galvanised fence. The concrete pillars were stripped back to the reinforcing rods in places and repainted. As yet the lighting which was previously attached to the poles between the concrete pillars has not been replaced.

At Topsham I photographed two car Class 165 165127 working the 1420 Paignton to Exmouth. Usually these are three car 166's.

Dave

Polsloe Bridge 6th April 2016 Copyright David Tozer

Polsloe Bridge 6th December 2021 Copyright David Tozer

Polsloe Bridge 2nd August 2022 Copyright David Tozer

165127 Polsloe Bridge 2nd August 2022. Copyright David Tozer N.B. A two car set as opposed to the usual 3 car

Digby & Sowton

Digby and Sowton 153333 2nd July 2012 Copyright David Tozer The 153's colour scheme sees to fit so well into the lush green of summer growth

Digby and Sowton 143618 2nd July 2012 Copyright David Tozer

Between Newcourt and Digby and Sowton

150002 Between Newcourt and Digby. Digby seen in the distance 13.53 2B78 Exmouth - Barnstaple 17th April 2017 Copyright David Tozer

Newcourt R.N. Depot 2Ml 76 Ch Served by a ground frame.

An Exmouth bound service passes the junction for Newcourt R.N. Depot in 1980. This Newcourt picture shows a down train just passing the entrance to the MoD depot. The concrete hut to the left was the old 1944 ground-level signal-box, which was reduced to a GF in 1973. Copyright Chris Osment

Hi I really enjoy looking at the CRS sites and links, excellent. Reference the pic showing the connection to Newcourt, I was in charge of maintenance on this branch from 1985 to 1994 and can clearly remember removing the connection and installing plain line, probably circa 1987/8. You may be interested to know that near to this location about 1/2 mile towards Topsham there's a new station proposed to serve the new housing on the former MOD land-to be called Newcourt! Regards Graham Mann

This picture may be thought to be nothing to do with the Exmouth branch but it is believed to be a consist heading for Newcourt RM Depot. Hymek 7002 seen here at Exeter St Davidson the 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Newcourt Station

Newcourt - the proposed station site 14th July 2014 Copyright David Tozer

9th January 2015. The sun was out so I popped out to the site of the new Newcourt Station. I missed the down train passing the site and the up one was cancelled. The concrete posts must be the boundary posts for the one time MOD depot. Progress compared with the photograph I sent you last year. Copyright David Tozer

The new Newcourt station on the Exmouth branch 143619 passes by on the 22nd January 2015. The platform is taking shape since the last picture. Copyright David Tozer

0820 2F13 Paignton - Exmouth 27th February 2015 Copyright David Tozer

Newcourt 22nd April 2015 Copyright David Tozer

Newcourt station 22nd April 2015 Copyright David Tozer

A general view of Newcourt station on the 22nd April 2015 copyright David Tozer

Looking very smart, Newcourt on the day prior to the opening for service. Picture taken on 3rd June 2015 Copyright David Tozer

FGW Officials checking out the platform on the day prior to the opening. Copyright David Tozer

Topsham Station

Topsham down shelter 1974 Copyright Chris Osment

Diesel_BR_25063_Topsham_AR103 BR Sulzer Type 2 Bo-Bo diesel electric no. 25063 in charge of a BR Mk 1 inspection saloon at Topsham station in 1975.
[Mike Morant collection]

BR_inspection_saloon_Topsham_AR102 BR Mk 1 inspection Saloon, probably DB999508 QXV, at Topsham in 1975.
[Mike Morant collection]

Unusual visitors to the Exmouth branch 20904 + 20901 power the annual weedkiller train through Topsham as it heads back towards Exmouth Junction 11th May 1989 Copyright David Tozer

A heritage DMU on a service to Exmouth. For the most part of the day trains to and from Exeter pass here. December 1991 Copyright K. Jenkin

Topsham box in 1972 - at the time there were still wheel operated level crossing gates. 1972 Copyright Chris Osment

By 1972 the Topsham Quay branch had closed, 1957, and all the sidings in the yard removed (Closed 4th December 67) and as a result the majority of the levers are painted white - out of use. 1972 Copyright Chris Osment

Topsham Signalbox - note the wheel for operating the gates. 1972 Copyright Chris Osment

All mod cons in Topsham Box, the kettle is on the boil. A 1972 picture. Copyright Chris Osment

Topsham station buildings together with the signal box are listed buildings, grade ll. The box still contains its lever frame. Additional info kindly suppied by Roy Hart.

Topsham in more recent years

Topsham Box 6th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

Topsham, rear view of the former signalbox 6th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

Down (nearest) and up services cross at Topsham on the 6th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

An up service leaving Topsham on the 6th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

Topsham station building on the up platform is now in private hands. 6th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

A roadside elevation of Topsham Station Building 6th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

Topsham, a view from the up platform of the down side - there is some attractive topiary on the down side by the level crossing. 6th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

Topsham seen on 15th April 1974. The line between here and Exmouth Junction doubled during the First World War reverted to single track though with the intensive service on this branch Topsham is an essential passing place. Copyright Roger Winnen

A very recent picture at Topsham with PW equipment on the down line of the loop. 5th January 2014 Copyright David Tozer Note the Exmouth branch is now all continuously welded track.

Topsham - 20th April 2022 - Steve Widdowson

Whilst at Topsham on 20th April I noticed that 150233 has the BR double arrows on the doors. First time I have seen this. I also noticed that 150221 also has the double arrows, is this the start of the New BR ?
Regards Steve Widdowson

50233 { BR logo } + 150239 Topsham { 2F14 1024 Paignton ~ Exmouth 20th April 2022. Copyright Steve Widdowson

150233 + 150239 Topsham {2F14 1024 Paignton to Exmouth} 20th April 2022. Copyright Steve Widdowson

The Topsham Quay branch

The Exmouth branch opened on 1st May 1861 and soon, on 23rd September a 700 yard branch was opened to serve the quay. This line fell on a gradient of 1 in 38 towards the docks limiting the load to eight wagons or four if it was wet. The crossing of the public highway at the foot of the incline and entry to the docks was protected by two gates, locomotives were prohibited on the actual dock area beyond the gates. Inwards cargos consisted of guano - outwards went sprats in barrels which had been brought in from Peterhead. Removal of the branch took place in 1958 this following very quickly after the closure in 1957. The railway trackbed has been converted to form a road known as 'Holman Way'. The pictures which follow were taken on a CRS visit to the site.

Topsham Quay on the occasion of a Cornwall Railway Society visit. Who do you know? 15th May 1993. Copyright Roger Winnen

Clyst River Bridge

Clyst River Bridge. Here we see the 12.30 Paignton to Exmouth 19th May 2011 Copyright Roger Winnen

150232 17th November 2013 Clyst River Bridge Copyright David Tozer

A new view of the Clyst River bridge has been afforded by the new cycleway footbridge which was opened over the river Clyst. Here 150232 crosses the bridge on the 17th November 2014. Copyright David Tozer

Exton 5 Ml 67 Ch

Exton station in 1974, without standing in the estuary mud it is impossible to get a full front picture. Note the raised section of the platform at the far end - long before the 'Harrington Hump' came to be installed at this end. Copyright Chris Osment.

Exton, on a rather foggy day, looking towards Exmouth. 6th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

Exton station is situated in a delightful location, the buildings are in private occupation now. 24th September 2011 Copyright Roger Winnen

Exton gets the Harrington Hump. Pictured on 7th May 2014 Copyright David Tozer

A delightful spot. Copyright John Cornelius

This bridge spans a stream originating near Woodbury - it is located just to the south of Exton. 6th April 2009 Copyright Chris Osment

A scene in the summer at the bridge above - this picture taken at 18.07 on 23rd July 2013 Copyright David Tozer. David tells us that this bridge is a replacement having been put in place in March 1961. The original was damaged by floods - the replacement came from Lapford on the Barnstaple branch. It had been made available by the singling of that line.

The Exe Trail A cyclepath/footpath has been constructed from Exton to Exmouth, the path passes Lympstone Commando and continues on towards Lympstone Village. The intention eventually is to extend this back towards Exeter itself. However the river Clyst is an obstacle at the moment. Here are some views taken along the path as existing in 2012.

It looks like there's a pot of gold back there at Exton station!!! 153370 & 150248 have left Exton and are on route to Exmouth 20th January 2012 Copyright David Tozer

Lympstone Commando 6 Ml 20 Ch

The station was opened on 3 May 1976. The station name caused some confusion with the older Lympstone railway station, but this has since been renamed "Lympstone Village".It was built using cast platform sections recovered from Weston Milton railway station where the track had been singled and so one platform was no longer needed.

For many years troop trains were a feature of its operation about three times each year. The trains were operated with a locomotive at each end as there is no way to run around a train south of Topsham; the leading locomotive on arrival was dragged back to Exeter Central where it was detached. The trains were considerably longer than the platform and loading the passengers was a slow operation as they had to make their way through the train from the centre coaches. A similar operation today is difficult to arrange as the regular timetabled passenger service is much more intensive than in the 1980s. Quote Wilkipedia

Lympstone Commando seen here prior to its opening which occured on 3rd May 1976. Picture 26th April 76 Copyright Roger Winnen

A couple of pics I took of Lympstone commando halt back in September 2016 when I had a couple of sessions photographing the branch stations. Trains only stop there if army personnel require to alight or join the train. The day I took these pics I was lucky as the trains I was on stopped in both directions. I stood ready by the door and as soon as the train stopped, I opened the door and got a couple of quick pics from the doorway ,I did not venture onto the platform. cheers JOHN C.

Lympstone Commando 1 16th September 2016 Copyright John Cornelius

Lympstone Commando 2 16th September 2016 Copyright John Cornelius

Lympstone Commando - Platform extension 1 28th October 2020.

The only station/halt on the Exmouth Branch I have never photographed is Lympstone Commando. Located opposite the Marine Camp, but with a cycleway/footpath in between. On the gates of the halt is a sign which states only persons with business may alight here. I have always been somewhat reluctant to use a camera in this area of the cycleway.

On Wedneday morning I drove to Exton and the walked along the cycleway. On the way I passed a couple orange army staff taking tools back to their van at Exton, yes wheelbarrow and all. On reaching Lympstone Commando I could see that men were working on the new extension. I politely asked if I could take some photos. I was advised due to the construction going on it was not possible. However one kind man offered to take a few photos for me (Photo No 1 attached). At the entrance to the platform he returned my camera and the let me take another few photos(Photo No 2).

On my back, keeping a social distance- I chatted to the supervisor. He was also overseeing the extension to St James' Park. He said part of platform extension is made of a special Polystyrene which keeps costs down. I told him that the halt was built in 1976 from platforms sections recovered from elsewhere. The task of putting this up was done my three men from Exmouth Junction BR(SR) Building Department.I used to enjoy a pint with one of them and he sadly passed away a few years ago well into his nineties.

Dave Tozer

Lympstone Commando - Platform extension 1 28th October 2020. Copyright David Tozer

Lympstone Commando - Platform extension 2 28th October 2020. Copyright David Tozer

150124 28th August 2013 Nr Clyst Bridge Copyright David Tozer

Near Lympstone Commando, near 37609 & 37218 10th December 2013 Copyright David Tozer This was the Pathfinder Tours 'The Hullaba-Looe' which later visited Moorswater and Looe.

The train formed by 153399 leading plus another 153 has passed Lympstone Commando as is evidenced by the tall grey barrack blocks beyond the trees to the right. It is the 25th February 2012 Copyright David Tozer

Lympstone 7 Ml 28 Ch

The station was renamed Lympstone Village sometime after the opening of Lympstone Commando.

What a nice cameo this is. As the branch down train from Exeter to Exmouth draws to a halt the tablet exchange is nicely depicted against a backdrop to die for if one enjoys infrastructure pictures. This shot, taken in 1959, depicts an unidentified BR Standard 3MT 2-6-2T running bunker first with BR suburban stock and passing a lady dressed very much in the fashion of the time. The SR totem on the lamp post is almost worthy of an image on its own and one can't help but compare the infrastructure with what amounts to little more than a bus shelter on today's platform.
[Mike Morant collection]

A picture taken in 1974 by Chris Osment, a good record for the station buildings have long gone. Copyright

Big train on little line. An HST visits Exmouth on the 1st May 2011 this was the 'Avocet Special'. The public footpath/cycleway alongside the track opens up more photographic opportunities.Copyright David Tozer

153399 and it's mate seen here skirting the River Exe as they near the terminus at Exmouth 25th February 2012 Copyright David Tozer

153333 & 150120 app Exmouth at more or less the same location as the picture above again on the 25th February 2012 Copyright David Tozer

Exmouth branch - across the river. the 13.56 Exmouth to Paignton is seen near Lympstone. 17th October 2020 Copyright David Tozer.

Exmouth

Exmouth station was extensively rationalised in the early 70's. The signalbox closed on 10th March 1968, from this moment on the previously four platform terminus was reduced to a single line which ran into platform 4. A new station building was consructed and opened on 2nd May 1976. The new station had only one platform and this was the original platform 2 the track being slewed to serve this new position. As can be seen from the following pictures for a period the old station and trackwork remained, though disused. By the early 70's the existing extensive trackwork was removed

S_BR_30199_Exmouth_DKJ Adams O2 class 0-4-4T 30199 in sparkling condition passing the signal box at Exmouth . This negative sin't dated but believe that it was taken on 12/4/53 when 30199 participated in an Ian Allan railtour.
[Mike Morant collection]

In this remarkable picture from the Mike Morant collection not only is the loco immaculate but so is the scene, a complete absence of clutter. Note also on the left of the picture the line to Tipton St Johns and Sidmouth Junction commences its climb to Littleham. This closed 6th March 1967.

Time for a chat on the platform at Exmouth. The train is the 17.12 to Exeter Central with 80040 on the 18th May 1963. Copyright Mike Roach.

Matisa Track Recording Machine at Exmouth. Colin Burges and Stephen Derek

The movement of trolleys was always shown on notices, along with the special conditions which took account of the trolleys’ characteristics, whether recording or running “light.” When Tony Hill asked his old pals if any of them had kept such a notice, Stephen Derek, a former B.R. manager, was prompted to reply: “On reading this, I recalled an early photo I’d taken of a ‘Swiss Matisa Track Recording Machine’ leaving Exmouth, for Exeter, on Sunday 8th May, 1960, a few months following my transfer to the Trains Office at Exeter Central.” The photograph is reproduced here with Stephen’s kind permission. If Stephen were to take up that same position today, he would be standing in the middle of Marine Way, part of the road expansion works that necessitated the virtual destruction of the station. But, in 1960, looking at the Southern’s grand rail gateway to Exmouth of 1924, few could have guessed what the future held. The trolley is leaving Platform One in full recording mode, with probably an Exmouth Junction Driver acting as Pilotman standing at the door; being a steam man, he may have found the cab too confined. The line in the foreground served Platform Two, part of which forms the pocket station in use today. To the left were Platforms Three and Four. There was a space between the lines serving Platforms Two and Three which must have been left for an engine release road, but this was filled with beds containing flowers and shrubs. The space was wider still immediately in front of the camera to allow for the box (right of camera), with its “bridge” where the signalmen gave and received the tokens for the two single line branches. At the end of each platform were lattice-work bracket signals which, as in the one seen, could allow a train to proceed from each platform to either the main (Exeter) or branch (Budleigh). In the background can be seen the goods shed, while out of sight are the loco shed, platform canopies and fine frontage, and the harbour branch . Copyright Stephen Derek.

Stephen was standing at the boundary fence beyond what is today (2019) Marine Way. About here, I would say: Copyright Colin Burges.

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Exmouth Station, the grand terminus dating from 1924 is seen on 26th October 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Hiding behind the grand facade was this very much reduced terminus seen here on 15Apl74. Passengers are walking out along platform 4 to meet an incoming train. Copyright Roger Winnen

Exmouth station Old and new. The D.M.U. is on the track currently in use. Note the new station building has appeared and the old awning has been cut back 3Mar78 Copyright Roger Winnen

The original ticket barrier, signs direct you to the new shortened platform. 23Apl76 Copyright Roger Winnen

Exmouth signal box seen here on 3rd Mar 1978. The box has been out of use for some time. In the distance see the orginal and new stations. A busy road now occupies this space. Copyright Roger Winnen

The elegant and extensive viaduct which carried the line to Tipton St Johns and Sidmouth Junction The line closed 6th March 1967 and the track was removed in 1968. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Exmouth awaits the arrvival of P587 in June 1975 Copyright Doug Nicholls The box is out of use and just one platform is sufficient. Note the array of 'X' television aerials one time a common sight.

Steam again at Exmouth

Paul Barlow catches 80079 at Exmouth on an evening 'Dawlish Donkey' run on the 4th April 1999. Copyright.

Recent pictures of the Exmouth Terminus as it is now.

An unusual and very comprehensive view of the terminal platform at Exmouth on the 6th April 2009 The entry and exit from the platform is at the end. Copyright Chris Osment

The terminus buildings at Exmouth seen here on the 6th April 2009. As can be seen the bus station is right alongside the station. Copyright Chris Osment

From the Mike Roach ticket collection

Exmouth Quay branch

The railway to Exmouth was opened on 1 May 1861. were opened in 1868 and a short branch was laid to connect them to the goods yard in 1868. Wagons for the dock were propelled as there was no run-round facility there. Formal termination of the use of the dock took place in December 1967; the dock itself continued in use until December 1990.

On one occasion the Cornwall Railway Society organised a day trip to Exmouth. We travelled to Starcross whence we took the ferry across the river to Exmouth. We then walked the route of the docks branch back to Exmouth station. Our return journey to Cornwall was made by rail.