Newton Abbot to Kingswear Also Brixham branch

Newton Abbot to Kingswear. Also the Brixham branch

Credits, Many thanks to all contributors - please see a list on the home page.

USEFUL MAPS
Members and general visitors to the CRS site will be interested in visiting http://www.railmaponline.com From the opening page a full map of the UK can be accessed which can then be enlarged to show every railway line in the UK. Not just today's network but lines from the past have been overlaid. As you zoom in sidings and even tramways become visible.

A valuable tip from Guy Vincent.

Newton Abbot to Kingswear

Near Aller Junction

47500 Nr. Aller Junction 30th September 1989 with the 1C17 08.17 Saturday only Paddington to Paignton. Copyright Ron Kosys

Kingskerswell MP 216 34 Ch Closed passengers 5th October 1964 Closed goods 5th August 1963 Recommended for re-opening but never achieved.

Kingskerswell 47714 in charge of the Paignton to Paddington service on the 24th June 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

A charming scene on Saturday 2nd September 1989. It was warm, and dry but mainly overcast. Youngsters play on the swings and slides, and a cricket match is in progress as 31466 and 31444 pass through the remains of the long closed station with the 1717 Paignton to Liverpool. The station had closed w.e.f. 5th October 1964 Copyright Ron Kosys

A down direction GW Local service to Paignton. Close to Torbay Hospital (Lawes Bridge). 11.42 14th April 2022. Copyright Mark Howells. Network Rail

Torre bank, on the 24th September 1978. A Swindon Cross Country unit already through Torre and just about to pass Torre's up starter signal Copyright Roger Winnen

This picture depicts 7024 Powis Castle and 5044 Earl of Dunraven near Torre with the empty coaching stock of the Royal Train which was being hauled to Goodrington for servicing. The train had previously been used to take the royal personages to Barnstaple Victoria Road. The date is 8th May 1956. From the Mike Morant Collection.

Torre Station 219Ml 12Ch

Torre Station opened on 18th December 1848 and was the terminus originaly known as Torquay on the line from Newton Abbot. The line was extended by the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway on 2nd August 1859 which opened the present Torquay Station at Livermead, so the original station was renamed Torre. The original station can still be seen standing alongside the track just north of the platform. The original signal box built in 1883 contained 16 levers and was replaced in 1921 by this 3 story box seen today now redundant with 42 levers.
Torre Station sees alot of traffic from students attending the local schools and colleges nearby during term time.

200118e Torre Station with its original Brunel Station buildings on 18th January 2020. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118h A continuaton of Torre Station showing the other railway sheds etc. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118f Looking from the footbridge towards Newton Abbot. The original station would have been between the Paignton bound platform and the former goods shed clad in grey in the distance. Copyright Roger Winnen.

We overlook the station area as RES class 47 47746 'The Bobby' nears the end of its journey with the 09.17 Manchester to Paignton passes through Torre station. It's the 22nd September 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow.

What a lot of interesting detail in this picture of Torre in April 1964. Note the very tall signalbox, the between the lines water tower and the 'put down the brakes' sign. Copyright Mike Roach

Torre Signalbox pictured in 1973 by Chris Osment. Copyright

200118j The redundant Torre Signal Box built in 1921 with 42 levers. Copyright Roger Winnen

A quite imposing view of the timber constructed main station building. 24th September 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118i A sprinter heads for Newton Abbot & Exeter St David's. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118k Torre Station Footbridge. Network Rail are seeking planning permission to replace this footbridge as th station buildings are grade 2 listed. Copyright Roger Winnen

A recent study of Torre footbridge taken on 19th October 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen.

A view of the Brunel Station buildings at Torre taken on 19th October 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

200118m Departure from Torre of a Class 150 together with a Class 143 to Paignton. Copyright Roger Winnen

The sign hanging from the boarded up Torre Signalbox reads 'More Torbay trains' - this is one of them - a 75 seat class 153 unit. 11th December 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

A relic of Brunel's atmospheric railway is to be found at near Torre station - the pumping station which was never used. Directions below.

Brunels Atmostpheric Pumping Station at Torre which never came into use. Picture 11th December 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

A massive construction for the atmospheric system which was never used and abandoned in 1848 at a cost of £426,368 Roger Winnen

Directions for getting to the Torre Pumping Station. It is located at OS 898663 approx. Behind the Lidl's store.
OR - Using Google Earth go to Torre Station, then follow the A3022 northwards to its junction with the B3139. Zoom in on this junction, on the left hand side of the railway runs Newton Road. On the right hand side of this you will see a red roofed building - Lidl's. Now Zoom in to the lower corner of this roof and look at the icons below this you will find one 'Atmospheric Railway Pump House' - you're there.

Leaving Torquay

Torquay 217Ml 79Ch

Torquay station seen on 24th September 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

4955 Plaspower Hall stands at Torquay station on the 4th July 1962 Copyright Geoffery Matthews

Torquay's neat and tidy signal box thank fully preserved. Pictured from the road overbridge in 1972 by Chris Osment. Copyright.

A nice but undated shot of a down Torbay Express leaving Torquay in the charge of Collett Castle class 4-6-0 no. 5059 Earl of St. Aldwyn. The loco sports an 83A shed plate which indicates that this was taken between 6/53 and 8/58 although this can be narrowed down to 1956 or later as the visible rolling stock appears to all be in chocolate and cream livery. Mike Morant collection

A 'Whoops picture' An incident involving 4932 Hatherton Hall at Torquay on the 25th August 1962 Dave Pagett Collection.

A detailed report on the above accident by Michael L. Roach

Sixty years ago a serious rail crash occurred a short distance south of Torquay Station on the line to Paignton and Kingswear involving a diesel-hauled express and the following steam-hauled express. The date was Saturday 25 August 1962 and this may have been the last serious accident involving a steam locomotive in Devon and Cornwall as steam was in rapid decline at the time. In the previous 12 months there had been two more accidents involving steam locos in the two Counties, both in Cornwall, at Bodmin General and at Burngullow. The 10.05am express from Paddington to Kingswear, hauled by D833 “Panther” departed Torquay with its 14 coaches but failed to surmount the short sharp climb which starts a short distance after the station before stalling and leaving the last coach just 114 yard past Torquay's down advanced starting signal. The guard of the train carried out Rule 55 and put down two detonators to protect the train. (Do trains still carry detonators for use in emergencies ?). As the guard was walking down the line to Torquay Signal Box the following train came storming up the bank, setting off the detonators, and colliding with the rear of the stationary train. The second train was the 7.45am Paddington to Kingswear via Bristol hauled by 4932 “Hatherton Hall” of Taunton Shed. The first three coaches of the second train were badly damaged, as were the last two coaches of the stationary train. Twenty three passengers were injured but fortunately no lives were lost in the crash. Despite the fact that the last coach rode up over the buffer beam of 4932 the loco was repaired and put back into service until withdrawn two years later. This is quite surprising when one realises that in the same edition that the Railway Observer first reported the collision at Torquay, the magazine also reported that a total of 75 Western Region express passenger locos had been withdrawn.
So what went wrong that day 60 years ago. The 7.45am train should have been 15 minutes in front of the 10.05am at Torquay but had itself broken down at Taunton where the diesel locomotive was taken off and 4932 substituted. Such breakdowns were a frequent occurrence in those days when many steam drivers were having to learn new techniques of driving. In theory the Hall was overloaded for the route with 13 coaches but the driver agreed to it. At Torquay the 7.45am was given the signal to proceed out of the station as far as the down advanced starting signal which was probably unwise with the Hall overloaded and a steep gradient in front of it. The driver of 4932 made a strong start from Torquay, missed the advanced starting signal, and then set off the detonators in time to see the other train ahead of him. The driver of 4932 made an emergency brake application but could not avoid a collision which took place at about 10 mph. The formal accident report attributes the primary cause of the collision to “driver error” but also criticised the signalling layout.
There were a total of 7 timetabled trains from Paddington to Kingswear that Saturday in August 1962 with a further 4 from Paddington terminating at Paignton, making a total of 11 trains; plus many more trains from the Midlands and the North. Express trains continue to run as far as Paignton Station 7 miles short of Kingswear, with 3 timetabled from Paddington on Saturdays in the summer of 2022 when services are running normally. Saturday 20 August 2022 was the sixth day of a series of one-day strikes by some railwaymen and no trains were scheduled to run west of Exeter that day.

MLR / 18 August 2022

The last day of the 1989 summer season was dull and dismal. Saturday 30th September sees 47290 call at Torquay with a passenger train from Paignton. Copyright Ron Kosys

Torquay with 43041 'Meningitis Trust Support For Life'. It's late afternoon 24th August 2017. Copyright Adrian King.

Torquay Class 153 No.153350 just arrived at Torquay with a local service, next stop Newton Abbot. 23rd August 2017. Copyright. Adrian King

Torquays Tramways

Colin Burges writes - It's funny that you've just published a piece on Plymouth Corporation Tramways, because I've just put up my little exploration of the Torquay system, which I'd never paid much heed to before.
http://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/45-torquay-tramways/
It naturally contains a few sidetracks. (Including the Babbacombe Cliff Railway)
Cheers, Colin. Highly recommended that you try the link above - KJ.

Hollicombe

Hollicombe 50029 Renown on route to Paignton passing site Hollicombe gas works 30Jun84 Copyright Roger Winnen

Hollicombe, Nr Paignton, Boundary Stone. Picture taken 14th March 2021. Copyright Robert Sherwood.

Please find attached a photo of a boundary / marker stone that has recently been uncovered at Hollicombe near Paignton. The stone has the letters D T R on it. I assume its railway related as its within the boundary fence but maybe some of your members may know what the letters could stand for etc Regards, Robert Sherwood

Paignton 222Ml 11Ch

In 1968 it was formally proposed to the Ministry of Transport that the line from Paignton to Kingswear should be closed entirely but instead, on 30 December 1972, the line was sold to the Dart Valley Railway Company, which at that time operated the nearby heritage railway that subsequently became the South Devon Railway. A winter service was operated from 1 January 1973 but from the end of that summer it became a purely seasonal operation. The purchase price of the railway was £250,000 and a further £25,000 was paid for signalling alterations at Paignton. Most of this was recouped from the sale of The Royal Dart Hotel at Kingswear and other surplus land.

Paignton as we would all like to remember it - the next best thing to steam! Many thanks to John Cornelius for saving this scene for us all to enjoy. Copyright John Cornelius

A DMU on a service from Kingswear waits at Paignton. 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Warship 804 approaches Paignton with the 0930 Paddington - Paignton 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys Note the Red Devon General bus waiting at the crossing.

Two ladies wait patiently on either side of the busy crossing whilst a Dad carries a child on his shoulders across the foot bbridge. 46044 arrives at Paignton on ECS from Laira 5E29 to form 0900 to Sheffield 19 September 1982. A charming study by Paul Barlow - copyright.

The usual crowd of spectators at Paignton as 45034 rolls in under semaphore control. August 83 Copyright Nick Gaskell

A Class 118 DMU departs Paignton Station. In the background is the Regent Cinema now demolished. 27th March 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

Tucked in a tight location alongside a very busy level crossing and almost under the footbridge lay Paignton North signalbox. Seen here on Whit Monday 73. Copyright K. Jenkin

Paignton North Signalbox 22nd July 1979 Copyright Mike Roach

Paignton 31122 & 31195 pull away from the station with the 08.40 to Newcastle on the 11th September 1982 Copyright Clive Smith

Steamy interlude at Paignton - Clive Smith
A couple of pictures in which Clive reminds us of train heating in the old days.

Paignton on the 28th December 1982. 46018 11.55 to York relief. Copyright Clive Smith

Paignton Leaking carriage pipes create an atmospheric scene as 46018 struggles to heat the train. Copyright Clive Smith

A lovely picture of 1015 Western Champion on the Western Sunrise Paignton Paddington excursion at Paignton station at 1800 20th Apri 2002 Copyright Roger Geach

Freight on the Paignton branch is quite rare, but a Colas Railfreight class 66 with 5 Auto hoppers made a visit in the early hours of Thursday 29th March for a ballast drop between Newton Abbot and Paignton, here 66847 is pictured in the platform having run round the wagons in the station and is ready to depart for the journey back to Westbury as 6C42. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Freight trains to Paignton are something of a rarity and only then in the hours of darkness as was the case in the early hours of Wednesday 3rd November when GBRf 66729 "Derby County" visited Paignton with 6C97 the rail delivery train from Westbury to Goodrington Sidings, the GBRf locomotive was actually on hire to Colas Rail. Driver Alan Peters. Copyright

Topiary Art on the east end of Paignton Platform July 1985. Copyright Mike Roach

July 1985 provides this scene by Mike Roach. A DMU approaches from the Newton Abbot direction to take the crossover into the up platform. A nice array of signals, people held at the level crossing barriers, those more energetic in a hurry to cross, or just wishing to take pictures climb on the footbridge. Copyright Mike Roach

Paignton Queens Park - the private station as 5239 runs round its train 22nd July 79 Copyright Mike Roach

A steamy shot at Paignton with 4588 in 1985 You can just see the fireman through the steam. Copyright Adrian King

Paignton South Box before the installation of barriers. This picture dated 24th September 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

A delightful picture of 5239 at Paignton South level crossing on its way to Kingswear. on the 23rd June 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow

There are a few witnesses as 45045 Coldstream Guardsman takes the ECS train to form the 14.38 Paignton to Leeds 1E70 from Goodrington to Paignton station. Seen here at Paignton South Crossing on the 23rd June 1981 Copyright Paul Barlow

Paignton South Box 30Jun84 Copyright Roger Winnen

PAIGNTON SOUTH SIGNALBOX AND LEVEL CROSSING HISTORY

13/11/1972 - Revised track layout for Dart Valley Railway (now the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway). Existing 4-half gates retained worked from signalbox.
31/10/1982 - Existing 4-half gates recovered. Level crossing out of use.
14/11/1982 - 2-full lifting barriers provided controlled from signalbox.
26/03/1988 - Signalbox lever frame removed and new control panel provided. Barriers controlled from signalbox.
05/08/1989 - Paignton South signalbox closed and new control panel provided in station building.

Many thanks to Chris Bellett for this information up-dated on the 13th February 2021;
Chris is a Retired Signal and Telegraph Engineer, C.R.S member.

Paignton South level crossing. An interesting arrangement of three ground disc signals one above the other can be seen here. March 1969 Picture from the late John Stanford (ex BR WR) collection Copyright

One of his favourites. From the Mike Morant Collection. Taken along the wall seen in the picture above an unidentfied Castle heads the down 'Torbay Express' out of Paignton in August 1957. The young man nearest the camera is Mike's then 10 year old brother.

Paignton 7827 sets off for Goodrington and Kingswear on the 24th June 1989 Note the line ahead is protected by a track circuit. Copyright Ron Kosys

Another smashing day and another super photograph as 4555 sets off for Goodrington and Kingswear. It's just a few weeks later on the 6th August 1889. However, something is missing - what? Copyright Ron Kosys

The missing item is the signal and probably the track circuit diamond.

Goodrington Sands 222Ml 67Ch

Goodrington Sands 7927 Willington Hall passes through on a service from Kingswear. This is an undated by the late Sid Sponheimer (senior) - Copyright

The year is 1975 - the scene at Goodrington. Copyright David Tozer The scene at Goodrington sidings in 1975. Copyright David Tozer Additional valuable comment from Guy Vincent - David Tozer's 1975 picture of the DMU at Goodrington shows not a Southern 4-TC unit but a class 123 'Inter City' DMU set built at Swindon Works in 1963. These were fine units and saw use on the Portsmouth-Cardiff route in the 1960s, the Cardiff-Crewe route in the 70s and later on Paddington to Oxford and Newbury services. In 1977 they transferred to Hull Botanic Gardens and were all withdrawn by 1984. I guess they had worked a special from either South Wales or Bristol to Torbay and consider this to be a rare event. W52086 seems to be the leading vehicle number. A good job David got a picture!

1973 the first year of the Paignton to Kingswear line - the Torbay Steam Railway being in private ownership as 4472 Flying Scotsman brings its train to a halt at Goodrington Sands. Meantime in Goodrington yard stands a class 47 at the head of a trin, note that the 3rd coach back is a Gresley buffet car. This picture from the late John Stanford (ex BR WR) collection, for which many thanks.

46039 and 45012 at the Goodrington fueling point. This was installed as Newton Abbot shed had closed in September 1981.. This view taken on the 21st August 1982. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Taken with the aid of a tall set of steps and still having to stand on tiptoe to see over the concrete wall, 47714 is seen in the carriage sidings at Paignton on Saturday 24th June 1989. On each side of it are 47653 and 31’s 454 and 460.Copyright Ron Kosys

Goodrington. The Goodrington Signalbox and extensive BR sidings are visible in this shot as well as a train heading for Paignton. 15Apl74 Copyright Roger Winnen

Goodrington Signal Box in 1972. Copyright Chris Osment

A lovely shot as the driver of a DMU from Kingswear hands over the token to the signalman at Godrington. 26th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Goodrington Sidings sees 1015 Western Champion at rest awaiting a return working to Paddington on Sat 20th April 02 Copyright Roger Geach

47826 off 0600 Preston to Paignton shunts at Goodrington yard. 26th June 2002. Davids. Copyright Paul Barlow

Goodrington bank 7827 Lydham Manor 15th April 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Steam Gala with Flying Scotsman 30th August 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen

855 Triumph with the 0750 Newton Abbot-Kingswear crossing the 148 yd Hookhill Viaduct 21st August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

The morning sun catches the viaduct piers on a lovely morning on the 25th August 1971. Copyright Ron kosys

A DMU nearing Churston, in the distance Hookhill Viaduct. 25th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Churston 25Ml 5Ch

Churston Signalbox Register Andrew Jones

Please find photographs of the Churston signal box register for the 29th August 1914. This is significant for two reasons, obviously it is 105 years today that signalman Horsham manned the box from 05.15 am until being relieved at 15.15 pm by signalman Emmett.
Secondly the 29th August 1914 is exactly one month from the start of the 1st World War.
I am not an expert on this subject and hopefully someone at the Society can advise on the many entries.
The clock seems to be adjusted in the remarks column and I think it was 1 min fast, this is a regular adjustment which always takes place at 10am.
The Station Master F Hill has countersigned the book at 9.45am on the 31st August 1914.
Unusually we do know who F Hill was, checking on the internet I found that Chris Potts has written a history of Frank Hill the station master at Churston Station during this period, although I can only find at this stage an advert for a book called ‘Letters of Frank Hill, GWR Reliefman 1890s - Brixham Heritage MuseumBy: Edited by Chris Potts
Here is an extract, courtesy of Brixham Museum.

At Work on the GWR in the 1890s: Frank Hill, Reliefman at Newton Abbot is the latest work by Chris Potts for Brixham Heritage Museum. Chris has provided an excellent editorial of Mr. Hill’s letters, copied from a meticulously kept correspondence book loaned to the Museum by his granddaughter, Mrs Margaret French. They provide an interesting insight into the life of a GWR worker, who spent many years at stations and signal boxes on the Teign Valley line and across South Devon before promotion to Stationmaster at Churston.
Throughout his working life, which encompassed personal tragedy and fierce disputes with GWR managers, the hours were long and the variable work poorly paid – Mr. Hill wrote many letters on his own and colleagues’ behalf stating reasons for wage increases – although he was clearly skilled in many tasks that ‘oiled the wheels’ of a regional railway and Chris Potts’ expert commentary clearly illuminates the details. Launching at the annual Steam Fair, the book will be available through the Museum and is not to be missed!
The book is priced at £4.99.

Churston signalbox register Down Trains 29th August 1914 From the Andrew Jones Collection

Churston signalbox register Up Trains 29th August 1914 From the Andrew Jones Collection

Kingswear Token machine 190801f The token machine in the exhibition centre at Kingswear. 1st August 2019 Copyright Roger Winnen

D855 arrives at Churston on the 21st August 1971 to collect a goodly crowd of passengers waiting for the 08.35 Kingswear to Cardiff train. Copyright Ron Kosys N.B. The signalbox was located between the main station building and the footbridge on the down platform.

The approach to Churston from Paignton in BR days. A warship class diesel approaches the station at the end of a long climb from Goodrington. The freshly ballasted trackbed of the Brixham line comes in from the right. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Churston again in B.R. days. Vans await removal from the up bay whilst the train seen approaching in the picture above stands at the down platform, it is perhaps waiting for an up service. The metals in the Brixham bay look polished so it looks as if it is before the closure of that branch. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Churston station on the occasion of the last day of train services on the two mile six chain branch to Brixham, showing the branch dmu that day. Journey time was six and a half minutes. 11th May 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

855 riuns into Churston with the 0835 Kingswear-Cardiff 21st August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

855 stands at Churston with the 0835 Kingswear-Cardiff on the 21st August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

The Brixham bay is overgrown in this view and abandoned track leads towards the dock. 21st August 1971. Cppyright Ron Kosys.

With a roar D855 heads away down the bank towards Paignton with the 08.35 Kingswear - Cardiff on the 21st August 1971. Coal is being stored on the formation of the Brixham branch. This site is now occupied by a turntable. 21st August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys.

A morning service calls at Churston. 25th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

A platform view at Churston. 25th August 1971

Churston 26th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Churston 19th April 1976 a service to Kingswear pauses. Copyright K. Jenkin

Churston 29th August 1978 Copyright Mike Roach N.B. Already a private line, note the sleepers laid in the up loop line and also in the bay platform

Paignton & Dartmouth Gala 1993 Copyright John Cornelius

It's early August 1993 as 'Flying Scotsman' arrives by road transport and is unloaded at Churston. Copyright Trevor Snell.

Plenty of 'glint' as Flying Scotsman crosses Hookhill viaduct. 7th August 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen

Full of action as 5029 Nunney Castle bursts onto the scene at Churston. Copyright Trevor Snell

Greenaway Halt - is a new station between Churston and Kingswear - due to the steep gradients trains only stop here when proceeding towards Kingswear.

The approach to the new halt at Greenaway seen from a train heading towards Kinswear. 7th July 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Greenaway Halt. From this halt lie interesting walks towards Greenaway House. 7th July 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

A lovely shot at Greenway Halt 7827 Lydham Manor 16.15 Departure for Kingswear 16th September 2019. Copyright Martin Scane.

The deviation
The picture below was purchased from e-bay by Paul Burkhalter for a few pounds as being 'Near Devonport'. We all at first thought that it was of the Wearde deviation in Cornwall under construction, but certain things didn't ring true.
However following publication on this website of the picture Ross Griffiths came up with the suggestion that it was not in Cornwall at all but in Devon on the Kingswear branch.
A little history courtesy of Wikipedia.
The line was built by the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway opening to Brixham Road station (Churston) on 14th March 1861 and on to Kingswear on 10 August 1864. The Dartmouth and Torbay Railway was always operated by the South Devon Railway and was amalgamated with it on 1 January 1872. This was only short-lived as the South Devon Railway was in turn amalgamated into the GWR on 1 February 1876. Brixham Road became a junction and was renamed "Churston" on 1 January 1868 when the independent Torbay and Brixham Railway opened its short line.
The line was single-track except for a crossing loop at Churston. It had been built using the 7 ft (2,134 mm) broad gauge but on 21 May 1892 was converted to 4 ft 8 1⁄2 inch standard gauge.
West of Greenway Tunnel the railway was originally carried across two creeks on low timber viaducts, that at Longwood being 200 yards (183 m) long and Noss being 170 yards (155 m). These were demolished after the line was moved inland around the creeks on 20 May 1923.

A most interesting picture of the work on the deviation in progress supplied by Paul Burkhalter. To the right, in the distance over the roof of a shed can be seen the Noss wooden viaduct crossing Noss Creek. A signal post stands at the end of it.

An enlargement from the above picture, beyond the roof of the shed can just be seen the top of the Noss Timber Viaduct. The River Dart lies beyond - Totnes will be up river to the right.

Another enlargement for the general view of the new work. In the distance, beyond the shed anc be seen, on top of the hill, the buildings of the Royal Naval College at Dartmouth.

Paignton & Dartmouth Gala 1993 Copyright John Cornelius

Britannia Halt 227Ml 74Ch

Britannia Halt serving the ferry across the river Dart at this point. 26th May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

An interesting comparison - Britannia Halt was to the left of this picture, no sign of it remains on 7th July 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Britannia Crossing in 197/3 Copyright Chris Osment

Britannia Crossing box 1972/3. Copyright Chris Osment

Chris Osment writes:- The ‘Britannia’ pictures were taken on a day when I had the doubtful pleasure of being the DVR crossing-keeper for the day, a somewhat lonely existence as the ferry was closed for servicing, so no road traffic and just 3 or 4 trains each way during the day! Still, plenty of time to explore :-) A 3-lever ground-frame, one gate bolt lever and two levers for the Up and Down Distants. A bit different now :-) Click here for modern times - http://www.tillyweb.biz/gallery/bb/britanniapnl1.jpg .

A lovely shot of rare visitors to the Torbay line at Britannia Crossing 58020 + 58002 19th June 1993 Copyright Steve Widdowson.

376975 growls its way from Kingswear. 19th May 2021. Copyright Clive Smith. It looks almost as if there is a race on!! Clive adds - On a beautiful day on the River Dart I was fortunate to be working in Dartmouth and while out and about in the town I heard the distinct growl of a class 37 from cross the water around midday. First thoughts were that a steam loco was in trouble and needed rescuing but shortly after the 6975 had arrived light the next scheduled steam service duly arrived and departed without any problems. An hour or so later I took my lunch at Sandquay facing on to the river and was fortunate to snap the returning light engine on the branch as it made its return journey between Britannia Crossing and Greenway. Regards Clive Smith

Steam by the Dart - Clive Smith

A beautiful morning without a trace of haze on the Dart Estuary looking up river from Higher Contour Road in Kingswear. Great Western Railway 2-8-0T steam loco 5239 Goliath arrives at Kingswear with the 11.15 from Paignton. In the second photo the 1924 vintage GWR loco steams along the River Dart by Britannia Crossing as it heads up the gradient to Greenaway Tunnel with the 12.55 Kingswear - Paignton. This picture was taken from Sandquay Road in Dartmouth.
Regards, Clive Smith

Great Western Railway 2-8-0T steam loco 5239 Goliath arrives at Kingswear with the 11.15 from Paignton26th April 2022 Copyright Clive Smith

The 1924 vintage GWR loco steams along the River Dart by Britannia Crossing as it heads up the gradient to Greenaway Tunnel with the 12.55 Kingswear to Paignton. 26th April 2022 Copyright Clive Smith

Kingswear 228Ml 68Ch

King George 3rd stands at the platform looking considerably smarter than 4943 Marrington Hall at the water column . This picture dated 1947. Mike Morant collection.

Kingswear 6849 Walton Grange June 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

A real gem of a picture. 6011 King James 1 at Kingswear. From an undated glass slide property of and Copyright Steve Spingys

A 1960's study by Ron Garner. Note the length of the train and the branch set stowed in the sidings. The large dockside crane for transfer of perhaps coal from ship to siding. Copyright

A view towards the stations throat, a Castle Class loco can just be seen in the picture. Copyright Ron Garner

Looking extremely smart here is 5079 Lysander ready to depart from Kingswear on the Torbay Express. Mike Morant collection

Here, probably just before World War 2, 3313 'Jupiter' is about to pilot an up service from Kingswear. Mike Morant, from whose collection this view comes, informs us :- This loco was a rebuild from Dean Duke number 3318 with the same name and was withdrawn from service at Newton Abbot in April 1946.

We're at Kingswear probably before the 2nd World War here we see 5032 Usk Castle as the train engine looking clean, its fire is being stoked up evidenced by the smoke drifting away. This loco entered service in 1934 and was withdrawn from Old Oak Common in September 1962. Across the water lies Dartmouth, just a ferry away. Note the uncluttered waters, a far cry from today. Courtesy the Mike Morant collection

5078 Beaufort, a Castle Class locomotive seen at the head of its train at Kingswear. Copyright Rod Garner

A low level shot of King George 111 standing ready to leave from Kingswear in 1947. It was at this time 20 years old. It's just pre-nationalisation and the loco looks quite grubby. It was to last until being withdrawn on the 30th June 1962 and cut up on the 31st October 1961. Mike Morant Collection

A lofty view as 1028 Western Hussar runs into Kingswear with the 0935 Newton Abbot -Kingswear on the 21st August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Western Hussar runs round. 21st August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

From the footpath 1028 Western Hussar with the 1030 Kingswear-Paddington 21st August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

1028 Western Hussar departs Kingswear on the 21st August 1971 with the 1030 Kingswear-Paddington . Copyright Ron Kosys

The very end of the line and the back of that long train seen in an earlier picture. Note the ticket collectors hut at the top of the ramp. Copyright Rod Garner.

The large water tank is the focus of this shot from the footbridge. Copyright Rod Garner.

Again from the footbridge which to this day provides an excellent spot for photographs, looking back towards the buffer stops. The roadway descending on the left hand side leads to the ferry across the river to Dartmouth station. The use of a double slip point to protect whatever is standing at the platform seems rather extravagant. T see what has happened take a look at the 159's picture below. Copyright Rod Garner.

Kingswear, that magnificent approach alongside the river Dart seen in preservation days - a train is approaching.

Kingswear, a golden glow in the summer sun at Kingswear in August 1983 Copyright Nick Gaskell

Kingswear 7827 Lydham Manor rolls to a standstill at Kingswear in 1985 Copyright Adrian King

56010 brings in the 07.00 from Manchester on the 6th May 1995 Copyright Steve Widdowson

56010 has run round its train and is ready for the return run to Manchester. 6th May 1995. Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Not the norm for this section which is usually for 'old' pictures but a very unusual and colourful working captured by David Potter. Two class 159's 159 004020 at Kingswear on Saturday 28th June 2014 having left Waterloo at 0732 on UK Railtours charter Copyright David Potter

Another picture at Kingswear on the 28th June 2014. 159 020 is nearest. Copyright David Potter

Saturday 29th December saw class 37 6975 arrive at Kingswear with BR Standard 75014 attached at the rear of the 13.45 from Paignton. 75014 then left at 14.25 producing quite a display as the near 105 ton 37 was very much idling . Regards Clive Smith. Many thanks Clive.

37 6975 arrives at 13.45 from Paignton. 29th December 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

75014 hauls the train plus idling 37 6975 away at 14.25 29th December 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

Kingswear begins to awake after Covid 19. 03371 carrying out some spring cleaning. 14th April 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

Clive writes - I was in Kingswear in Fore Street on the 14th April 2021 - that runs above the line and heard a diesel toot and thought there might be a shunter as no tourist trains were scheduled. A look over the wall and a scan up river and no sign of anything. Maybe it was a river boat but I'd heard enough shunters in my life to be fairly certain. A bit later I was right outside the station and heard the toot again . The station was all closed off but the road into the adjacent car park offers a view inside and there was the gronk 03371 pootling around. The wagon behind had a tank on it containing some solution to spray on the rail head as there were two workers in all over biohazard suits spraying all the lines in the station and presumably the branch. The Dartmouth Steam Railway was back in action on the 13th April running on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays as are the boat trips so I'm guessing there were a few adhesion problems the day before. There's usually a visitor centre carriage on the track behind but that has been removed allowing the light through the windows making a nice clear shot of the station with a loco and not a soul about . I heard it was busy here yesterday as much as it can be on the covid adapted trains. 03371 was built at Swindon Works in 1958 and was withdrawn in 1987. It's first depot allocation was Lowestoft followed by spells at Bradford, Healey Mills and York.

Regards, Clive Smith.

Dartmouth - the station without any trains

Dartmouth - in the early 60's - you can tell this from the price of the bungalows and that's in Dartmouth! Note the greenery in the gutters! Copyright K. Jenkin

A visit to the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway in August 2021 by Paul Barlow.

A line which I have long neglected, my last day photographing this line was in 1991!!

A good weather forecast yesterday so I finally made the effort, which was well worth it. There are some good vantage points and a peak summer service was in operation.

Hope they are of interest
Kind regards, Paul

5526 1225 Paignton to Kingswear passes Goodrington sands 25th August 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow.

03371 light engine working Churston to Paignton approaches Goodrington Sands. 25th August 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

5239 Goliath 1305 Paignton to Kingswear on Broadsands viaduct 25th August 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

5526 1000 Paignton to Kingswear passes Goodrington sands beach 25th August 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow.

5526 1115 Paignton to Kingswear passes Salterton cove 25th August 2021. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

Memories from 1987 - Andrew and Diane Jones

A simple railway ticket jogged my memory!
Possibly one of the best commercially viable preserved branch lines is today known by its terminus at Dartmouth, ‘The Dartmouth Steam Railway.’
Back in 1987, Diane and I with our youngest daughter Sienna visited the line which was promoted then as ‘Torbay & Dartmouth Railway,’ please see attached tickets.
We purchased a supplement to travel in the ‘Devon Belle’ observation car no 13, one of an original pair numbered 13 and 14.
We were in luck because out train was hauled by ex Neath locomotive Collett 2-8-0T 5239 ‘Goliath,’ which when close coupled to the observation car put up a sterling effort and completely mesmerised our 4 year old daughter! Especially through the tunnel!
Although number 13 spent some of its working life after conversion in 1947, attached to the ‘Devon Belle’ luxury train ex Waterloo to Ilfracombe and Plymouth its remaining years were spent in the London Midland region renumbered M280M on the ‘Welsh Chieftain’ land cruise and latterly from 1961 travelling to the Scottish region for use on the Kyle of Lochalsh and Oban lines.
Preservation came after purchase by the South Devon Railway on ‘The Dart Valley’ line initially and eventual transfer to, in my opinion, the more scenic Dartmouth branch
Its sister no 14 was almost lost to the scrap man, having accompanied ‘Flying Scotsman, on its fateful USA tour, but eventually it was repatriated in 2007 at a substantial cost of £60,000 and now resides on the Swanage line.
Happy memories, Andrew and Diane Jones.

Goodrington.
Pictures and questions 30th August 2022 - Trevor Tremethick

I have not really kept up with the current scene and so did not know about the closure of Goodrington Sands station (which looks permanent) and also the BR black paint job on 4277. That looks recent also.

Regards, Trevor

4277 enters Goodrington Sands, 14.45 Kingswear to Paignton, 30.08.2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

4277, Oyster Bridge, Goodrington Bank, 13.00 Kingswear to Paignton 30.08.2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

5239 descending Goodrington Bank, 14.10 Kingswear to Paignton, 30.08.2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

4277 on Goodrington Bank, 14.15 Paignton to Kingswear, 30.08.2022. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

5239 descending Goodrington Bank, 14.10 Kingswear to Paignton, approaching Cliff Park Road Bridge, 30.08.2022. Copyright Trevor

Brixham Branch

The Torbay and Brixham Railway was a7 ft 1⁄4 in (2,140 mm) broad gauge railway which linked with the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway at Churston station. The line, was two miles and six chains long which and closed in 1963. In its day the line provided a link with the important fishing port of Brixham.

A lovely shot of Churston during the summer of 1958. Here we are in August with 1452 in charge of the short train to Brixham. We are indebted to Mike Morant who took this picture.

Churston station, Brixham bay on the last day of the operation of the branch.

Churston station with one of the last trains 11th May 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Winter 1962 to 1963 Timetable. From the Mike Roach collection. Note that the frequent bus services from Churston to Brixham are already advertised.

Brixham 227Ml 6Ch Closed 13th May 1963

11th May 1963. Copyright Michael L. Roach.

Brixham on the last day 11th May 1963. There were still some vans left in the yard - presumably these were hauled away by a diesel loco a day or two later. 11th May 2014 Copyright Mike Roach

This is one of the last day trains, thankfully Mike, who avoided diesels in those days took this picture. Note the spectators and enthusiasts both on the platform and on the track to the left. 11th May 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Brixham Signalbox on the last day of operation of the branch. The high elevation of the station can be appreciated from the houses beyond. 11th May 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

A view of the now preserved 1466 having arrived at Brixham with a service from Churston. From the Trevor Snell Collection.

On 7th April 1973 Roger Winnen and I walked the short branch formation from Churston to the site of the station. At Brixham station end all we found was this extremely low rail over road bridge. Surprisingly it is still there.

A very interesting ticket from the Mike Roach Collection. This must have been valid on the ferry across the River Dart as well.

Brixham Railway Heritage Trail

It is proposed to develop the old two mile trackbed from Churston station to the site of Brixham station as a heritage trail complete with information boards etc.
The proposal can be seen on the following website developed by Pauline Elliot - for details please click here.
https://brixhamrailwaytrail.org.uk/