Leaving Penzance on the 08.44 the Two Rogers (Salter & Winnen) headed for Exeter thus making the first run across the Teignmouth-Dawlish Sea Wall since January, 2014. Returning on the 11.56 service from Exeter St David's we alighted at Dawlish to view the massive work that was undertaken and also to view the first steam over this newly rebuilt section with 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley hauling The Cathedrals Express to Kingswear. Departing Dawlish on the 14.28 service to Paignton arriving at just after 15.00hrs we immediately jumped into a number 12 Stagecoach Bus and alighted at Churston Station to find 60007 coming off the turntable at the time off our arrival, watching the operation and its departure to Paignton before we again returned to Paignton seeing the servicing being carried out. At approx 16.10 60007 departed Paignton for Kingswear and we ourselves departed Paignton at 16.55 hours for Newton Abbot to view the returning spectacle in all its Glory!
A grand day closed as the train crossed into Cornwall over The Royal Albert Bridge with a black sky illuminated by glorious sunshine.
The site of the controlled land slip near Teignmouth. Copyright Roger Winnen 10th April 2014
Looking back at the site of the controlled 'land slip' 10th April 2014
The reinstated seawall at the Dawlish Breach. Copyright Roger Winnen 10th April 2014
The houses that were very nearly lost to the sea at the Dawlish breach. Note the 'spraycrete' on the surface by the nearest house - this was used in the intial phase to hold the sand on which these houses are built together. Copyright Roger Winnen Picture 10th April 2014
Work on going at Dawlish. 10th April 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen
The view from Lea Mount. Copyright Roger Winnen 10th April 2014
The Torbay Express arriving at Dawlish. Copyright Roger Winnen 10th April 2014
We are back in business at Dawlish with Class 150 153 & 158 departing in both directions. Copyright Roger Winnen 10th April 2014
The end of a day out. A stunning view of the Royal Albert Bridge by Roger Winnen Copyright (Taken through the window)