14th February 2023

The South Devon Railway Winter Steam up etc  Buckfastleigh
Roger Winnen

There was many things to do to entertain the youngsters at Buckfastleigh today and in days to come during February
Climb into the Class 25
Visit the Museum
Visit the Signal Box
Look at the line up of Steam Locomotives
Drive a steam Loco
Dine in the Buffet Car with table service

230214a D7535 was open to the public on the winter steam up at Buckfastleigh. Vopyright Roger Winnen

230214b Waiting for customers for a round trip to the River Dart Copyright Roger Winnen

230214c 6412 in steam for this event. Copyright Roger Winnen

230214d 6412 Departs Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

230214e The Buckfastleigh Signal Box at the Ashburton end of the platform was open to visitors where a running commentary was given by a signalman. Copyright Roger Winnen

230214f Lookin the other direction in the box. Copyright Roger Winnen

230214g Track Diagram. Copyright Roger Winnen

230214h Preserved coach 2434 at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

230214i Prairie Tank 5542 at Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

Engineering work on the line viewed from the No 88 Bus running Totnes to Newton Abbot via Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen

Nineteen Sixty Two
Part four
Michael L. Roach.

The Tramway Bridge at Longbridge, Marsh Mills
Reference was made in Part 2 to a very old tramway bridge which carried the Lee Moor Tramway across the River Plym at Longbridge, Marsh Mills, Plymouth. The bridge was not built by the Lee Moor Tramway but by its predecessor The Plymouth and Dartmoor Railway, which was much more of a tramway than a railway. Much of the route of the P&D is unfenced and located on open moorland and can be easily followed. The Plymouth & Dartmoor had a fascinating history including crossing the main railway line on the level beside Laira Junction Signal Box. Up until 1960 it was possible to see the quite incongruous sight of a horse pulling a small wagon along the line including across the main line on a long diagonal crossing. The P&D was there first of course many years before the South Devon Railway arrived with their standard gauge railway. There is much, much more to read about the Plymouth & Dartmoor on websites such Old Plymouth and Wikipedia. The bridge was built by 1823 when the 4 feet 6 inch line opened. The P&D operated no trains of its own but allowed others to run trains on payment of a toll. The 2-span bridge was originally cast iron with timber decking, but it is possible that parts have been replaced with steel in 200 years. The bridge is a remarkable survivor and hopefully will survive for a long time yet.  The bridge is located at grid reference SX 5200 5684.
MLR  1st February 2023

In this view from 17 February 1962 we are looking across the cast iron tramway bridge over the River Plym to the Weighbridge Cottage. Just to the right of the cottage can be seen a telegraph pole and a signal on the standard gauge line from Tavistock Junction to Tavistock South and Launceston. Note the rails set in the tarmac. The fence has since been replaced by a substantial wall possibly as part of a flood protection scheme. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

The two span bridge was a relatively lightweight structure because it did not have to carry locomotives. It is quite amazing that the bridge has survived to celebrate its two hundredth birthday when it is realised that the river could easily be transporting fallen tree branches and other debris. Note that the flow is polluted with china clay waste even above the inflow from the Tory Brook showing that there were at least two sources of china clay waste entering the river. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

5th & 6th April, 2015 Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen.

5th & 6th April, 2015 Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Tramways Cottage, Marsh Mills. Copyright Roger Winnen.5th & 6th April 2015. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Many thanks to Michael who also wishes to thank Roger for his contributions.
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Pristine appearance at
Paddington
Dennis Clarke

On my way to Newport, I took a few photos of the Night Riviera at Paddington this morning. I know it is not in the area that you cover but feel free to use them if you want to. 57602 and 57604 are the two locos. 802110 is on the adjacent platform with the 06:37 to Penzance. Regards, Dennis

Pendennis Castle at Paddington 13th February 2023 Copyright Dennis Clarke

57602 on the Pz end. 13th February 2023. Copoyright Dennis Clarke.

802 110 stands with a service to Penzance. 13th February 2023. Copyright Dennis Clarke.

Smashing pictures - many thanks.
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Recommended Viewing
Colin Burges

Dear Keith,

Some random recordings from broadcast T.V. I have recently added, "unlisted," to my Tube channel. The copyright holders aren't concerned about limited, not-for-proft sharing.

Your readers will have seen most of them. I've included three of my own.

H.S. Track Recording  https://youtu.be/PpRtJy_YXTo

Tamar Valley  https://youtu.be/CwNIVGa3ezs

Newquay  https://youtu.be/yUxoqdvipb4

Owl  https://youtu.be/KtMXjf0Csck

Ilfracombe  https://youtu.be/UCA70qODRS4

Slipalong Payne  https://youtu.be/vIOg4NIxQHE

St. Trinian's  https://youtu.be/hGq-6nTjCpY

Coast  https://youtu.be/6kqeNAgS-Wo

Schienenschlitten https://youtu.be/yZCabozJug0

Greenway Bank  https://youtu.be/ERu05jHMx-s

Woodlands  https://youtu.be/a07TiF8y0nc

I hope your beloved is better.

Cheers, Colin