15th March 2021

Around the
Exe Estuary (6)
Paul Barlow

Past Time Rail 'Dawlish Donkey' series of trips with standard tank 80079 on 1608 Exeter to Newton Abbot passes Powderham on the 5th April 1999. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul

Query concerning a boundary stone
Hollicombe
Robert Sherwood

Please find attached a photo of a boundary / marker stone that has recently been uncovered at Hollicombe near Paignton. The stone has the letters D T R on it. I assume its railway related as its within the boundary fence but maybe some of your members may know what the letters could stand for etc
Regards, Robert Sherwood

Hollicombe, Nr Paignton, Boundary Stone. Picture taken 14th March 2021. Copyright Robert Sherwood.

Many thanks Robert - answers please!

Bridge Topics
Guy Vincent

Bradford on Avon, west of, Belcombe bridge 7th January 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bradford West Jctn; Avon Bridge MP8.111 East View July 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent.

A delightful view. Bradford West Jctn River Avon Railway Bridge 8m64ch looking upstream. Copyright Guy Vincent

Looking at the bridge that was replaced last week at Trewoon I was quite surprised that at only 50 years old it needed doing.   Surely it was of strong construction and could have been expected to last at least another 50 years?   The Lostwithiel bridge looks to be of a similar age, not old at all!  The oldest iron bridge I know of local to me is located at Belcombe just to the west of Bradford on Avon.  It is a small 'occupation' bridge and gives access to a stretch of land between the railway and the river Avon. It was built in 1856 so has carried every single train that has used the route since it opened on 2nd February 1857.  Some feat indeed!

Going the other way from Bradford and located at the site of the former Bradford West Junction is another elderly and rare survivor.  A wrought iron 'caisson' bridge that dates from around 1890 and takes the line across the river Avon and adjoining land.  Similar bridges at Bradford-on-Avon and at Staverton on the Melksham line were both replaced in the 1960s but this one stubbornly hangs on!

Always something of interest happening on the railways!

Best regards, Guy.

May I focus on the last line of Guy's e-mail - - and it's with many thanks to people like your good self keeping the interest going.

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Driver refresher at 
Pinhoe
Keith Turley

Possibly the first time a pair of GWR class 150/2 DMUs have worked over the former LSWR main line.
On 15th March 2021 Nos 150234/150263 pass Pinhoe working the 3Z20 11:32 Castle Cary to Exeter St. Davids via Yeovil Pen Mill and Yeovil Junc. driver route refresher.
Regards, Keith.

As seen at Pinhoe the route refresher. 15th March 2021. Copyright Keith Turley

Many thanks Keith