It couldn't have been better Report by Keith Jenkin
Despite very gloomy forecasts earlier in the week the weather on Saturday 7th June 2014 turned out to be absolutely superb. We caught, at various points throughout Cornwall, the 06.50 off Penzance making a good connection with the 10.25 class 159 Waterloo bound service at Exeter St Davids. Leaving this train at Axminster we joined the 885 bus which dropped us at the Beer Heights Railway.
The Peco Beer Heights Railway is aptly named being located on the top of a high tree covered hill. The railway is considered by many to be the finest 7¼ inch gauge railway in Britain. The B.H.L.R. first opened to the public on the 14 July 1975. Given PECORAMA's location, high on the hillside above the village of Beer, a ride on the railway offers wonderful views over Lyme Bay to distant Portland Bill. With two hours to spend our party having bought premium tickets our party were able to make two journeys on the almost a mile long railway and also fit in a visit to the many delightful demonstration indoor Peco railways each tailored to fit various locations, such as the attic, the spare room, a table top etc etc. Some of us took lunch in the ‘Orion’ Pullman coach.
All too soon we had to leave, walking down the steep hill to join the X53 bus service for Seaton, which departed from Beer Cross at 14.28. At Seaton we made straight for the Seaton Tramway for a very enjoyable open top ride out to Colyton on the 15.00 service. Myself, I returned directly on the 15.30 tram to Seaton giving me just enough time to sample the seaview from the promenade before joining the rest of the party. The rest of the party returned on a later tram service. We met at the bus stop for our journey back to Axminster.
Our perfect day continued with our journey home on a class 159 leaving Axminster from the up side platform which formerly also served the Lyme Regis branch. At Exeter, with just seven minutes to make a smooth changeover we caught the 17.50 train for Penzance. Our journey home really being ‘the icing on a very nice cake’ as we relaxed in the superb accommodation of the class 57 loco hauled train back home. Everything about the 1960’s coaching stock puts the modern trains to shame!
Despite very gloomy forecasts earlier in the week the weather on Saturday 7th June 2014 turned out to be absolutely superb. We caught, at various points throughout Cornwall, the 06.50 off Penzance making a good connection with the 10.25 class 159 Waterloo bound service at Exeter St Davids. Leaving this train at Axminster we joined the 885 bus which dropped us at the Beer Heights Railway.
The Peco Beer Heights Railway is aptly named being located on the top of a high tree covered hill. The railway is considered by many to be the finest 7¼ inch gauge railway in Britain. The B.H.L.R. first opened to the public on the 14 July 1975. Given PECORAMA's location, high on the hillside above the village of Beer, a ride on the railway offers wonderful views over Lyme Bay to distant Portland Bill. With two hours to spend our party having bought premium tickets our party were able to make two journeys on the almost a mile long railway and also fit in a visit to the many delightful demonstration indoor Peco railways each tailored to fit various locations, such as the attic, the spare room, a table top etc etc. Some of us took lunch in the ‘Orion’ Pullman coach.
All too soon we had to leave, walking down the steep hill to join the X53 bus service for Seaton, which departed from Beer Cross at 14.28. At Seaton we made straight for the Seaton Tramway for a very enjoyable open top ride out to Colyton on the 15.00 service. Myself, I returned directly on the 15.30 tram to Seaton giving me just enough time to sample the seaview from the promenade before joining the rest of the party. The rest of the party returned on a later tram service. We met at the bus stop for our journey back to Axminster.
Our perfect day continued with our journey home on a class 159 leaving Axminster from the up side platform which formerly also served the Lyme Regis branch. At Exeter, with just seven minutes to make a smooth changeover we caught the 17.50 train for Penzance. Our journey home really being ‘the icing on a very nice cake’ as we relaxed in the superb accommodation of the class 57 loco hauled train back home. Everything about the 1960’s coaching stock puts the modern trains to shame!
This is a copy of the map given to each member of the party on entry to this fabulous site. It is hoped that no offence will be taken by Pecorama. This plan will be of great use to any future visitors who may be encouraged by our pictures of our visit to your attraction.
140607g With safety valves blowing off the 0-4-4 prepares to take the CRS party on its first trip.Copyright Roger Winnen
140607b The extensive terminus of the Beer Heights Railway, Much Natter Station. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607b members on board the train at Much Natter Nearest Eric Dowson, then Mike Hitchens,Sue Wright and Tony Wright Copyright Roger Salter
140607h On the move now, looking back at part of the engine shed from the passing train. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607m White Falls Halt. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607o Heading into the first cutting. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607n From the cutting through the tunnel now out looking down on Beer. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607p Arrival back at Much Natter. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607 On arrival at the platform 1 after passengers have departed the stock is pushed out of platform 1 and then drawn back, as illustrated into platform 2, the departure platform. The loco then goes to the turntable for turning and run round. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607i Just a few of the many engines stabled outside the shed. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607d A returning train is seen passing the extensive Loco Sheds. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607c 'Claudine' emerges from the long tunnel which runs under the main car park. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607l The track diagram of the Beer Heights Railway. Using track circuiting sections are illuminated when a train is present. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607j The Pullman Car ORION at Victoria Station created with sections from closed stations. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607k The luxury of the Pullman Car Orion. Copyright Roger Winnen
The second part of our visit to Devon was to the marvellous Seaton Tramway. Here is a copy of the publicity map handed out with each ticket. An excellent guide to a wonderful trip.
140607r Number 9 tram stands awaiting our arrival at the terminus. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607d Roger Winnen getting the Cornwall Railway Society members to board the tram to Colyton. Copyright Roger Salter
140607e Roger Salters picture of some of our part on top deck. Nearest is Christine Simmonds, to her left Mike Hitchens, to his left Roger Winnen, behind Christine is Eric Dowson, to his left Robert Wheeler, Tony Brokenshire is next, Keith Jenkin behind. At the very back is Peter Bragg our President. Copyright Roger Salter
140607s Prior to departure our young tram driver giving instructions as required by Health and Safety to the passengers. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607t Situated on the old railway alignment which the trams join at this point is the clean and spacious tram depot containing many delights. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607u At Axmouth loop we passed a look alike London Feltam Tram. It is No 12. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607w Seaton Tram No 11 in Swans Nest loop. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607ze The cast iron victorian 'Gentlemens convenience' at Colyford. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607v At Colyford Crossing the tramway crosses a public highway, the right to cross the road at this point fortunately being retained after its closure as a railway. The tram driver has to press a plunger to set the crossing lights in action. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607x Arriving at the Colyton terminus. Copyright Roger Winnen. N.B. The railway continued ahead to Seaton Junction. The trams run past the station and terminate just beyond. They then return to the far end of the platform where boarding takes place.
140607y Number 9 Looks splendid at the tram stop. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607za Tram No 9 uses the headshunt to gain the platform. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607z Gazing out of the window, Web Master, Tram & Train enthusiast Keith Jenkin. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607f Number 9 tram leaving Colyton Station for Seaton Copyright Roger Salter
140607 Back at Seaton at the very end of the line at beyond the tram shelter tram No 8 sheds its passengers. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607zg A general view of Seaton Tramway Terminus. Copyright Roger Winnen
The journey home
140607zh Axminster Station frontage where we waited for the Axe Valley Bus Service to Seaton and Beer. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607zi The 158 on the 17.03 service to Exeter. Copyright Roger Winnen N.B. 158 018 was on the last South West Trains run into Cornwall.
140607zj The loco hauled service. 57605 Totnes Castle on 17.50 to Penzance. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607zk With minutes to spare will the train go without me. Copyright Roger Winnen (Not with the Exmouth service in front)
140706zl Plymouth. A quick dash to Platform 5 for this photograph. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607zl Crossing the I.K.Brunel masterpiece The Royal Albert Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607zm A rare view these days looking through the corridor connection window at the coach end of the Saltash Bridge. Copyright Roger Winnen
140607zn Journey's end at Penzance, two mins ahead of time. Copyright Roger Winnen
With many thanks to our photographers Roger Winnen and his deputy Roger Salter for this excellent record of a grand day out.