18 years ago on the 26th April 1997 history was made when a FGW HST traversed the South Devon Railway metals to Buckfastleigh. This unique first and so far only ever HST visit to the South Devon and Heathfield branches was organised by Hertfordshire Rail Tours and named ' The Teign & Dart (125 Special)'
HST used comprised 43032 + 43140 with 7 coaches including 44067
Route :
1Z65 : Paddington to Buckfastleigh
1Z68 : Buckfastleigh to Heathfield
1Z69 : Heathfield to Paddington
Leaving London Paddington at 08.03 43032 led to Totnes where the train reversed and 43140 led the formation to Buckfastleigh. Leaving Buckfastleigh at 16.00 the train returned to Totnes and reversed to run on the main line to Newton Abbot. At Newton Abbot the train made a first ever HST visit to Heathfield. Leaving Heathfield at 17.35 the rare working returned to Newton Abbot and thence back to London Paddington.
We are indebted to Bernard Mills and Roger Winnen for the pictures which follow.
HST used comprised 43032 + 43140 with 7 coaches including 44067
Route :
1Z65 : Paddington to Buckfastleigh
1Z68 : Buckfastleigh to Heathfield
1Z69 : Heathfield to Paddington
Leaving London Paddington at 08.03 43032 led to Totnes where the train reversed and 43140 led the formation to Buckfastleigh. Leaving Buckfastleigh at 16.00 the train returned to Totnes and reversed to run on the main line to Newton Abbot. At Newton Abbot the train made a first ever HST visit to Heathfield. Leaving Heathfield at 17.35 the rare working returned to Newton Abbot and thence back to London Paddington.
We are indebted to Bernard Mills and Roger Winnen for the pictures which follow.
A shot on the return working as the train nears Hood Bridge. 26th April 1997 Copyright Roger Winnen
The returning train at Staverton level crossing. 26th April 1997 Copyright Roger Winnen
HST tour at Staverton 43032 and 43140 26th April 1997 Copyright Bernard Mills
The HST arrives at Buckfastleigh 26th April 1997 Copyright Roger Winnen
The Totnes end of the train didn't clear the run round loop at Buckfastleigh, not that that was needed! 26th April 1997 Copyright Roger Winnen
The HST occupies more than the full length of the platform at Buckfastleigh, 26th April 1997 Copyright Roger Winnen
Just to prove that the 'Teign and Dart Special' did in fact live up to its name here is the special seen here alongside the river Teign on the Heathfield branch near Newton Abbott. 26th April 1997. Copyright Bernard Mills