There is always a friendly atmosphere when visiting the South Devon Railway, today it lived up to the name when presenting this gala which covered many things in the running of a railway. Visits were included to Booking Offices, the permanent way depot at Staverton, riding the Wickham Trolley, guided tours of The South Devon Trust Museum and Engineering Works. Also guided tours of the Fairground collection, gardens, miniature railway depot and workshops to name only a few. The London Routemaster Bus was used to convey passengers to Buckfast Abbey together with a supervised walk from Peartree Cross walking the original trackbed into Ashburton Station. Many thanks to the South Devon Railway volunteers for supporting everything during this successful weekend.
140914h 5542 Runs into Totnes Littlehempston whilst L92 awaits departure on the 12 noon to Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914i Collect 3205 arrives at Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914l 3205 Awaits the right of way from Staverton on the midday service from Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914m D2246 Stands at Staverton with the 12.35 service to Buckfastleigh. This engine was originally numbered 11216 being built by Drewry from 1955. Plymouth Friary had an allocation of these to replace the B4s on dock shunting Nos 11225 11227 11228 and 11229. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914n The cab layout of the 204 b.h.p. Diesel Mechanical Shunter seen awaiting departure at Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914o Built at Swindon in 1951 W225 was a Hawksworth design with slab sides. The final auto coaches were built in Sept 1954 being numbered 235 to 244. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914p The scene at Buckfastleith on arrival of the 12.35 from Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914q The scene inside the Diesel Repair Shed as a class 37 receives the necessary repairs. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914r Lee Moor Tramway Shed and Lee Moor No2 built to the 4 feet 6in gauge. The other sole survivor can be viewed at Wheal Martyn China Clay Museum, Carthew, St Austell. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914s The Great Western Railway Directors Saloon. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914t Dine in Luxury as Devonshire Cream Teas were served in the other halve of this coach. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914u Walking the trackbed of the former Ashburton Branch from Peartree Cross. The final train ran to Ashburton in 1971, the A38 utilising much of the trackbed formation from Buckfastleigh to Peartree Cross. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914v The old engine shed still stands at Ashburton. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914w Ashburton Goods Shed still retains its South Devon Railway features as it is converted for present day uses. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914x Ashburton Station today, the railings are original, The front of the station building was filled in below the Station Garage sign, the rest appears original. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914y Ashburton from outside the Railway Station, the pub called The Silent Whistle was originally the Railway Hotel until closure of the line. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914z Arriving back at Buckfastleigh I had just missed the local! W55000 hauling one 3000 gallon glasslLined milk tank to Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914za Competition with the Wickham Trolley at Staverton. Copyright Roger Winnen
140914zb Looking very smart D6501 stands at Totnes with the 16.00hrs service from Buckfastleigh. Copyright Roger Winnen