Southern Lines in West Devon Pre 1980

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

LAUNCESTON Exc to HALWILL JUNCTION & OKEHAMPTON

Tower Hill

Tower Hill on the 3rd October 1964. An interesting study by Sid Sponheimer

Tower Hill - here the special train to celebrate the Launceston Centenary arrives at Tower Hill on 5th September 1965. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Ashwater

Courtesy Mike Morant Collection

Courtesy Mike Morant Collection

Courtesy Mike Morant Collection

A nice tidy and ship shape station at Ashwater, a picture by Sid Sponheimer 3rd October 1964. Copyright

Halwill Junction

Mike Roach Collection

Halwill Junction had a very large complex of junctions to the north and sidings to the south of the station.  Going north out of the station the lines straight ahead went to Bude. The 'witherered arm', the line to Launceston, Wadebridge and ultimately Padstow turned off sharp to the west.  Some distance further on the branch through to Torrington, which had its own terminal platform at Halwill turned off to the right, first station, Hole.

Halwill Jct 75025 sets off for Launceston on the 3rd October 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

75025 seconds later as it heads around the sharp curve on the line to Launceston and Padstow. 3rd October 1964. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Halwill Junction. A lovely shot as 80039 comes in from Padstow on the 3rd October 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

80064 approaching Halwill Jct from the Launceston direction on the 3rd October 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

80039 heads off to Bude from Halwill Jc on the 3rd October 1964 - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A low level shot as 80041 sets off for Bude on the 3rd October 1964 - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Halwill Looking really ancient Greyhound T9 30719 on the 6th August 1960 Copyright Mike Roach

A platform scene at Halwill 6th August 1960 Copyright Mike Roach

Halwill Junction on 6th August 1960 Clearly showing the extensive yards on the down side of the station. There were yet more sidings on the up side beyond the level crossing. Copyright Mike Roach -

Halwill 6th August 1960 41314 10.52 to Torrington Copyrightv Mike Roach

Halwill. A single car DMU sets off on its run to Torrington, one wonders how many passengers are aboard or who will join the train? The points in the foreground led to run round loop not necessary in this case 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A view from the up platform shows the station at a busy time with no less that three DMU's in evidence. 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

From the down platform we see 80041 coming in with a service from Bude. The single car DMU waits to form a service to Torrington. 3rd October 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A head on shot of 80041 in the process of running round its train ready, presumably, for another run to Bude. 3rd October 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Halwill 80038 stands awaiting further duties in the Bude bay, 31853 in the up platform, 29th August 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Halwill Gallery 1

Halwill Gallery 2

41223 pauses at Halwill Junction - Mike Roach draws attention to the rather untidy piping leading to what is thought to a Westinghouse Pump mounted on thye left hand side of the loco - it can just be seen to the right of smokebox on this pictures. Copyright

Looking over the level crossing gate on the up side 31853 is ready for the right away. 29th August 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Another never to be repeated shot by Sid Sponheimer. 34107 Blandford Forum with its train is ready to leave, the signal is off, will the lady leave by the side gate or wait to cross after the train has gone? 29th August 1964. Copyright.

A country scene remember those 'box shaped straw bales? Halwill Jct Level Crossing in Aug 62 Copyright Mike Roach. N.B. Extensive sidings lay to the south of this crossing - these were all recovered by 1965

Dunsland Cross

Passing through Dunsland Cross heading for Halwill and Okehampton - 29th August 1964 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

With its very tight height and width limits it is obvious why this bridge had to go. Copyright John Cornelius

Holsworthy

Courtesy of the Mike Morant Collection

Holsworthy on the arrival of the 'North Cornwall Farewell Tour' on 1st October 1966. Copyright Sid Sponheimer N.B. Comparison of this picture and the first one in the small gallery below is proof that the webmaster and Sid were at the same place at the same time!!!!

Thought to be Derriton Viaduct just to the north of Holsworthy. A view in 1969 Copyright Chris Osment

For the continuation to  Whitstone & Bridgerule and on to Bude see the North Cornwall section

Halwill Junction to Okehampton and return

A train runs from Halwill Junction towards Okehampton. Halwill lies near the tower in the right hand corner of this picture. Feb 64 Copyright Mike Roach

Near Beaworthy

near Beaworthy with Battle of Britain 34066 Spitfire 20 August 1964. This loco was involved in the Lewisham crash on 4th December 1957 - Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Ashbury

Courtesy Mike Morant Collection

Courtesy Mike Morant Collection

Maddaford Moor Halt for Thornton Cross

Near Meldon Junction

A lovely shot from the bridge just west of Meldon viaduct. Meldon Quarry in the background. 1961 Copyright Mike Roach

Okehampton

The 13.30 Okehampton to Bude 13.30 Aug64. The down train to Plymouth has departed leaving parcels to be placed on this train. Staff hard at work. Copyright Mike Roach

The DARTMOOR  RAILWAY  SUPPORTERS ASSOCIATION  
Operate passenger services on an irregular basis between Meldon Quarry and Okehampton with some continuing to Sampford Courtney.  

The DRSA have a most excellent and very much recommended website, for much more detail, photographs etc - please click on the link below:- 
http://www.dartmoor-railway-sa.org/resources 

Meldon Quarry - Staff platform