26th June 2021

As we like to remember it.
Dart Valley
The late John Vines

Like many others Dad paid a visit to the fledgeling preserved Dart Valley line in 1969, when it was running as a pure Great Western branch line with auto trains paired up fore and aft of a Pannier tank.  Pictures from this period are quite historic and show:

• The long lost scene approaching Buckfastleigh from the Ashburton direction.
• Staverton x 2: the level crossing and an auto train leaving.
• A distant view from the A384 road near Staverton.

Best wishes
Andrew

The long lost scene approaching Buckfastleigh from the Ashburton direction. Copyright The late John Vines. One can only hope that perhaps one day the trains will return to Ashburton however it will be a very ambitious and costly scheme.

Staverton the level crossing in 1969. Copyright the late John Vines

Staverton in 1969 as an auto train departs towards Buckfastleigh. Copyright the late john Vines.

A distant view from the A384 road near Staverton. Copyright the late John Vines.

Most grateful to you Andrew for sending your Dads pictures of the early days of the South Devon Railway. Thank heavens it has survived and grown. We hope there are more.

Salisbury
Paul Barlow

33022 arrives at Salisbury with the 11.00 Waterloo to Exeter 16th August 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul
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