Teignmouth to Exminster

Devon Main line
from Teignmouth to Exminster
(We actually start our coverage west of Teignmouth)

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

A lovely shot courtesy of the Mike Morant collection. Malachite liveried Bulleid West Country Pacific n0. 34020 'SDeaton' with the first style branding skirts the Teign Estuary at low tide circa 1948/9. Southern engine crews in the west country were required to have route knowledge of the GWR route from Exeter to Plymouth and this shot depicts such a training exercise with 34020 in charge of a motley selection of mixed GWR rolling stock. 160601_S_BR_34020_DKJ

4076 Carmarthen Castle in charge of the up Torbay Pullman, which in its shortened version, which Mike believes ran only in 1931, however viewers corrections are welcomed. 4076 was built in 1924 and saw the end of its days while allocated to 87F Llanelly in February 1963. The location is obviously in South Devon and is near Teignmouth. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection 160601_W_GWR_4076_Torquay_Pullman

Just having left Teignmouth behind 47097 skirts the banks of the river Teign. Opposite lies Shaldon. The train is the 0840 SO Liverpool-Paignton 25th June 1986 Copyright Ron Kosys

47289 Shaldon 30th September 1989 6V24 0150 so Dover-Burngullow empties Copyright Ron Kosys

50043 Eagle opp Shaldon with the 1O28 the 09.40 Plymouth to Portsmouth service13th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Teignmouth

Teignmouth Signalbox 1973/4 Copyright Chris Osment

Teignmouth station from the road bridge 50025 Invincible calls with a down service on the 25th November 1978 Copyright Mike Roach. Note the signal box is still in use.

Teignmouth Signal box on the 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

A view from the west end of the platform at Teignmouth box on 7th July 1984. Copyright Mike Roach

A nice clean and tidy station front at Teignmouth on the 7th July 1984. Copyright Mike Roach

Teignmouth station exterior on the 25th November 1978 looking grand in the bright sun light. Copyright Mike Roach

140816q Newly painted Teignmouth Railway Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

140816s Detail of the up platform canopy structure Teignmouth Railway Station. Copyright Roger Winnen

57 602 heads the up Summer Saturday working from Plymouth to Exeter using the day stock of the sleeper train. Note the introduction of the new GW Green livery. When we've got used to the garish colours of the FGW blue one wonders how long this will last. 1st August 2015 Copyright Steve Widdowson.

Just three bridges to pass under and 57 602 Restormel Castle will be out passing the delights of the Dawlish Sea Wall. 1st August 2015. Copyright Steve Widdowson

1046 W Marquis 1a85 Paignton to Paddington atTeignmouth on 6th April 1975 Copyright Roger Geach

A local service bound for Paignton service entering the station. Seen from Saunders Overbridge 21st August 2017 Copyright Adrian King

Taken from Saunders Overbridge and shows a north bound Cross Country set negotiating the curve on to the sea wall. 21st August 2017 Copyright Adrian King

Looking Grand. 35028 Clan Line passing under the Eastcliff Overbridge at Teignmouth in the early evening of Sunday 20th August with the returning Torbay Express 20th August 2017 Copyright Adrian King

Teignmouth Sea Wall

Always an attraction, as a youngster is held up to watch a Class 50 hauled up train start its journey along the sea wall. Also note the wording of the sign. 25th November 1978. Copyright Mike Roach

Teignmouth 50 013 Agincourt leaves the sea wall on the 30th August 1980 Copyright Mike Roach

A class 47 sweeps along the sea wall. 30th August 1980 Copyright Mike Roach

Horse Cove

A view looking west at Horse Cove as 155334 forms a service on the down line. It is the 6th July 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

Looking east at Horse Cove. A quiet scene with the Parsons Rock mirrored in the still waters, very different to the conditions during February 2014 when tremendous seas tore away sections of this famous route. 50023 Howe with the 1302 Paddington to Paignton service at Horse Cove Dawlish on Saturday 2 September 1989 Copyright Roger Geach

A lovely picture, you can almost hear the sea. 50029 'Renown' with the Brighton to Plymouth at Horse Cove on Saturday 14th July 1990 Copyright Roger Geach

47 171 hauls 1003 Western Pioneer and 1035 Western Yeoman for scrap to Swindon 21May75 Copyright Roger Geach

THE BIG STORM
In early February 2014 the Sea Wall between Teignmouth and Dawlish took a tremendous pounding from record waves blown by storm force winds. There was considerable damage to the wall in many places but particularly just beyond Dawlish station where a large section of the wall was washed away leaving both tracks swinging. To see our collection of pictures click here. Some of the pictures are our own but others have been kindly provided by Network Rail and spectators there the day after.

Teignmouth to Dawlish In November 2016, a proposal been 'floated' concerning works on the Teignmouth - Dawlish stretch. Many thanks to Derek Buttivant for the following which clarifies matters :- My understanding is that Dawlish would be unaffected by the NR proposal because the viaduct section is between Teignmouth and Parson's Tunnel only, with a viaduct constructed some 30 metres seaward of the existing wall, passing outside the promontory of Sprey Point and then re-joining the existing route to pass through the five tunnels. I imagine that there might be an outcry from Teignmouth residents about the plan but there could be an even bigger outcry if the spectacular red headlands through which the tunnels are cut were to be "defaced" with a concrete viaduct passing seaward of them. I understand, too, that the concern at the Teignmouth end of the sea wall is with the unstable nature of the cliff face rather than with the wall itself, so moving the line away from the cliff would be a way of avoiding cliff falls on that stretch. On the other hand, the section through the tunnels is clearly not vulnerable in the same way either from the sea or from unstable cliffs and between Dawlish station and Langstone rock the new red sandstone cliffs are somewhat stronger than at the Teignmouth end. Of course, the viaduct idea is just one of several being examined and I think there's a degree of "kite flying" to find out how strong public feeling might be. Compared with the best likely alternative (inland via two tunnels behind Dawlish and Teignmouth) the viaduct scheme would be significantly cheaper. Many thanks to you Derek for this input.

Dawlish

John Cornelius Copyright

Dawlish - the view we all like to see. 23Apl76 Copyright Roger Winnen

Dawlish Signalbox in 1973 Copyright Chris Osment

Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection

Mike says :- It isn't often that I wax lyrical about a going-away shot but I fell in love with this one even before I scanned the glass negative as it shrieked "quality". This is Dawlish allegedly in 1929 and the star of the show is Churchwood Saint class 4-6-0 No. 2904 Lady Godiva fresh out of shops and about to depart in the direction of Exeter. That overhaul wouldn't spare her ladyship the ignominy of withdrawal from service only three years later in 1932 after only 26 years in service.

GWR Saint class 4-6-0 2905 Lady Macbeth enters Dawlish station prior to 1931 when the loco was fitted with outside steam pipes. 2905 was built at Swindon in May 1906 but wasn't named until April 1907. She just survived into BR days being withdrawn as a Cardiff Canton engine inApril 1948. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection 160601_W_GWR_2905_Dawlish_saintcyres

A pair of 25's 275 & 273 seen here at Dawlish with a Paignton to Coventry ' ADEX ' 22nd July 1980 Copyright the late Dave Pagett

A very recent view of Dawlish station taken on 9th October 2013 showing the relatively new footbridge Copyright Roger Winnen

A class 47 heads an ailing HST past an admiring audience at Dawlish and on towards Kennaway tunnel. August 1984 Copyright Adrian King

Its August 1984 as a Peak hammers through on an up service. Copyright Adrian King

Dawlish Sea Wall

31123 and 31304 power along the wall past those magnificent red cliffs, a lovely study by David Tozer 8th September 1979 - Copyright David Tozer

66626 takes it easy along the Dawlish Sea Wall on the 16th December 2011 Copyright David Tozer. This stretch is particularly noted for its red cliffs.

47832 leaves Dawlish behind on the 10th August 2001 Copyright Roger Geach

A 'King' at speed heading east along that famous stretch of coast. This picture is courtesy of the Michael Morant Collection

Langstone Rock near Dawlish Warren

Here is a picture of 1026 passing Langstone Rock on the morning 1020 7B52 St Blazey to Exeter Riverside freight with plenty of the airbraked vans on the front of the train .This service was photographed running late at 1340 only 10 mins in front of the 1100 Penzance to Paddington service. At 1500 1026 returned from Exeter with 7B33 the 1400 Riverside to St Blazey freight running late . This freight turn was a regular at the time. Monday 16 April 1973. Commentary and copyright many thanks to Roger Geach

A smashing picture taken from Langstone Rock showing a West Country or Battle of Britain Class loco heading towards Exeter with one of the regular familiarisation turns of Southern men on the GWR route. Probably in the early 1950's. Copyright the late Sid Sponheimer (Senior)

50026 Indomitable leans to the curve with the 11.25 Paddington to Plymouth at Langstone Rock Dawlish Sun 20th March 1983 Copyright Roger Geach

37669 Light Engine Langstone Dawlish Warren 3rd September 1989 Copyright Roger Geach

A fine view from Langstone Rock of 47 607 passing with an up service on the 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

45139 hauls a sunstantial train past Dawlish Warren. This loco was withdrawn on the 27th April 1987 and scrapped at MC metals Glasgow in March 1994. Copyright John Cornelius

Dawlish Warren Camping Coaches

Dawlish Warren Camping Coaches prior to those on site today. 20th April 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

Dawlish Warren GWR Camping coaches pictured from an up train on 23rd April 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

This is the article I found in the Dawlish Newspaper date 2nd December 2015:

AN iconic railway camp site at Dawlish Warren is to close after rising repair and restoration costs made it financially unviable.
Brunel Railway Camping Park, Beach Road, will open for its last season next summer after more than 50 years.
The eight converted railway carriages – with many original features – are run as holiday accommodation by a non-profit making association but although the operation breaks even the coaches are in need of expensive upkeep.
Tracy Baker, general secretary of the Great Western Railway Staff Association, which runs the park, explained: ‘Although the coaches break even, their upkeep and restoration is very expensive and they are in need of some tender, loving care. ‘I still think that the site could be run as a going concern and it would have been lovely to see it continue, but no one has come forward.’ Alastair MacLean, Facilities and Marketing Manager
SHOREFORM LTD. amac@tecomart.net

The refurbished camping coaches on the former goods yard at Dawlish Warren station. Looking very smart. 4th May 2017 Copyright Bernard Bates.

Dawlish Warren

Dawlish Warren, a 1966 view. Note thewooden station buildings on the up side, left, and the signalbox on the downside. There was a continuation of the up loop beyond the station area presumably used as a refuge for goods traffic. Copyright Mike Roach

In this view, 1966, taken from the up platform the extended loop mentioned above is clearly visible, and signalled. Copyright Mike Roach

Here is Dawlish Warren Signal Box with its 'H' type chimney, note the waters of the Exe Estuary beyond. 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

A rare picture as 08937 rests on the metals leading to Dawlish Warren yard on the 25th May 1974 . A period scene with a heritage set which is calling at the station - you can see this from the signals. Copyright David Tozer

Dawlish Warren Signalbox in 1973. Copyright Chris Osment

Copyright John Cornelius. Goods traffic was withdrawn on 5th August 1967 and on 3rd May 1971 the station became unstaffed. From 1974 to 1984 the buildings seen to the right here housed the Dawlish Warren Railway Museum with its model railway. This building too burnt down in 2003, but in 2007 a new residential building was built on the site which is outwardly the same design as the former Dawlish Warren signal box. This had been located at the north end of the 'Down' platform until made redundant on 14 November 1986 by the West of England resignalling; it was demolished in May 1990. Courtesy Wikipedia

25264 and 25267 head a down service past the wooden platforms of Dawlish Warren on the 14th July 1979 Copyright David Tozer

Dawlish Warren 45021 passing through Dawlish Warren on 1V67, 14 December 1974. Copyright Trevor Tremethick

Clay empties pass through Dawlish Warren 3rd September 1994 Copyright Roger Winnen

A superb picture from the Exeter end of the down platform. Copyright John Cornelius

'Now read all of this, very carefully' ! A sign pictures at Dawlish Warren in 1973 Copyright Chris Osment

Starcross

59 047 Swiftsure hauls a down service past Brunel's Pumping House at Starcross. At the time there was an exhibition within the pumping house with a rail mounted trolley straddling a vacuum pipe. One person could sit on the trolley which was attached to a piston inserted in a length of demonstration vacuum pipe. The top of the pipe had a slot the full length which was sealed with a longitudinal rubber strip. (Brunel used leather) A domestic vacuum cleaner produced sufficient vacuum for atmospheric pressure to move the trolley along the rails. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Just east of Starcross station as 47845 hauls a service from Paignton on the14th September 1991. The pier to the left provides a boat connection across the Exe to Exmouth. Copyright Roger Geach

57602 nears Starcross passing the delightful scenery of the lower Exe Estuary { 2C51 1750 Exeter St Davids - Penzance } 1st August 2015 Copyright Steve Widdowson

57602 Restormel at Starcross with the { 2C51 1750 Exeter St Davids - Penzance } 1st August 2015 Copyright Steve Widdowson

Cockwood Harbour. P825 A hybrid unit, common at that time passes Cockwood Harbour on the 3rd May 1991 Copyright Ron Cosys.

Powderham

5014 Goodrich Castle runs alongside the country lane to the east of Starcross which borders the Powderham Estate. A delightful walk, or drive for that matter. This picture is dated 1933. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection 160601_W_GWR_5014_SRA141017

- And at the same spot as above we see the famous one Number 6000 complete with bell in 1029. Courtesy Mike Morant Collection 160601_W_GWR_6000_SRA141017

6000 King George V on a downward Plymouth Express 1933 with the Exe Estuary at high tide as the backdrop. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection 160601_W_GWR_6001_Powderham_1933_SRA130126

The power of the Peak sums this one up nicely, an over the fence view of 46 0x9 near Powderham in August 1976 Copyright Doug Nichols

Exminster

Exminster station building seen here in 1966 about two years after the station had closed to passengers. This occurred on 30th Mar 1964. Note that a start had already been made on lifting the slabs on the platform slope. However, the footbridge is still extent. Copyright Mike Roach

The grand South Devon Railway design is seen here in 1966 from the north. Copyright Mike Roach

Exminster on the 7th July 1984 as an up HST hammers by on this fast stretch of line. Copyright Mike Roach

47011 on the 1m49 St Austell Crewe Motor rail at Exminster 19Aug78 Copyright Roger Geach. Note Exminster Signal Box which has since been dismantled and moved to the Gloucester & Warwickshire Rly. There was a four track arrangement here with up and down loops plus addictional sidings. The goods traffic was withdrawn w.e.f. 4th December 1967

Exminster Signalbox caught in dramatic light conditions by Mike Roach. October 1969. Copyright

A dramatic shot as two warships power an up express past Exminster Signalbox, it looks like there has been recent rain. October 1969 Copyright Mike Roach

790728d Exminster Signal Box - Copyright Roger Winnen. Note traffic on the M5 bridge in the background.

Exminster box in the sun 17th September 1977 Copyright Roger Geach

Exminster Signalbox in 1974. Copyright Chris Osment

The interior of Exminster signalbox, looking towards the west. 1977 Copyright Chris Osment

Exminster Signalbox - the track diagram in 1977. Copyright Chris Osment

37280+37672 pass Exminster signalbox with the 6B43 St Blazey-Gloucester on the 4th May 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

47853 heads the Paignton to Sheffield at Exminster on Saturday 14th September 1991. Copyright Roger Geach Note the boarded up signalbox

Peak 45005 1023 Manchester - Penzance passes the site of Exminster station Saturday 17th September 1977 Copyright Roger Geach

If you want to see more in this direction go to Devon Main line Exminster (Ecl) to Exeter.