Devon Main line
from Teignmouth to Exminster
(We actually start our coverage west of Teignmouth)
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 'Seaton' 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
Teignmouth
Teignmouth Sea Wall
Paul Barlow writes:- Taken from a private garden called 'Jasons' garden which was open the public in connection with the National open gardens scheme.
With good views from the top of the cliff towards Sprey point and Teignmouth, unfortunately it was a very dull day. Sorry, I do not have the id of the services but they were taken around 1430hrs on Sunday 24 July 2011 Many thanks Paul.
With good views from the top of the cliff towards Sprey point and Teignmouth, unfortunately it was a very dull day. Sorry, I do not have the id of the services but they were taken around 1430hrs on Sunday 24 July 2011 Many thanks Paul.
Horse Cove

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
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.
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
Work commenced on 3rd June 2019 on the first phase of a new sea wall for Dawlish to protect the railway and the property beyond from the ravages of the sea. The wall height will be raised by 2.5 metres above the existing wall, and the walkway increased to a width of 4 metres and fenced. The Contract has been let to BAM Nuttall of Camberley, a subsidiary of the Dutch Royal BAM Group. The first phase will extend roughly from the footbridge by the entrance to Kennaway Tunnel eastwards to Colonnade Viaduct. The cost of the wall and footpath will be of the order of ??75,000 per metre but if that seems expensive think of the difficulties of access, and of working with the tides. Good luck to the contractor.
The attached picture shows the area as the Great Western Railway captured it 80 years ago for the cover of their in-house magazine. At first glance its not immediately apparent that this is Dawlish, but it is.
Regards, Mike Roach. Many thanks Mike.
The attached picture shows the area as the Great Western Railway captured it 80 years ago for the cover of their in-house magazine. At first glance its not immediately apparent that this is Dawlish, but it is.
Regards, Mike Roach. Many thanks Mike.

This picture taken on the afternoon of Tues 5th May 2020 shows the effect of the forecasted easterly breeze of 15-20 mph
at around high tide with waves/spray going over the new raised wall of concrete block segments being installed just west of Dawlish Stn. by Contractors for NR.
As has become the norm now for a few years with high seas etc, no 'Voyager' Cross Country services operated between Exeter and N.Abbot.
From a Dawlish Resident via Tony Hill
Before and after photographs of the sea wall at Dawlish. A lot has happened in two years. Coincidentally the 43042 is in both shots!
The new section of seawall was closed for installation of lighting, seating, fencing and paving.
Temporary fencing has been erected on the sea wall adjacent to the station, closing off the walkway below the platform. A sign says the path is now closed until July 2021.
Big changes are on their way!
kind regards
Paul Barlow
The new section of seawall was closed for installation of lighting, seating, fencing and paving.
Temporary fencing has been erected on the sea wall adjacent to the station, closing off the walkway below the platform. A sign says the path is now closed until July 2021.
Big changes are on their way!
kind regards
Paul Barlow
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
Dawlish and the Air Show 2014 - Bill Elston
Many thanks Bill.
Looking at and below Dawlish down platform before modification work.
Dawlish All Change A look prior to the extensive modifications - Clive Smith
Dawlish 'All change'
Clive Smith takes a look at the station area prior to the modifications in 2020
Clive Smith takes a look at the station area prior to the modifications in 2020
The Wavewalker at Dawlish November 2020
Hello Keith, To add to the next 100!
A few shots today of the Wavewalker at Dawlish, while I was on my permitted visit to a garden centre and exercise! Weather was very mixed, but I managed a few in some bright conditions. and a rainbow!
Hope they are of interest
Kind regards Paul Barlow;
Thank you Paul - you are first - I hope there won't be too many pictures of the wavewalker as there is a limit to the number of views.
A few shots today of the Wavewalker at Dawlish, while I was on my permitted visit to a garden centre and exercise! Weather was very mixed, but I managed a few in some bright conditions. and a rainbow!
Hope they are of interest
Kind regards Paul Barlow;
Thank you Paul - you are first - I hope there won't be too many pictures of the wavewalker as there is a limit to the number of views.
The Wavewalker explained Please use the link below explains more:
https://www.bamnuttall.co.uk/news/wave-walker/?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn
But honestly with the restricted spray over the trains and the improved design seawall that will send waves back out to sea, I think the excitement will be ruined and therefore I'm against the project 😡😆 Comments by Paul Roach.
https://www.bamnuttall.co.uk/news/wave-walker/?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=SocialSignIn
But honestly with the restricted spray over the trains and the improved design seawall that will send waves back out to sea, I think the excitement will be ruined and therefore I'm against the project 😡😆 Comments by Paul Roach.
Dawlish Sea Wall
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
Dawlish Warren Camping Coaches
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
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
Dawlish Warren

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
Class 140 DMU at Dawlish Warren.
With the picture of Pacers returning to the South West News 1st April 2020 I thought that the attached views might be of interest.
Following experiments with single car Railbuses, featuring bodies produced with Leyland National bus components, British Rail Engineering Ltd, Derby built a 2-car railbus in 1981. This unit 140 001 featured a higher floor, high backed seats and the Leyland National bodywork, but with a rather austere front end, providing for a through corridor connection. This unit was extensively trialled around the country and I was very fortunate to come across it, quite by chance in August 1984, waiting in the loop at Dawlish Warren.
The experience gained with this unit went on to develop the later, production fleets of Pacer units, but without the corridor connections at the cab ends. This prototype unit remained in BR's fleet until 1994, at Neville Hill, Leeds, latterly as a parts donor for the later Pacers in service. I understand that this rare unit has been preserved at the Keith and Dufftown Railway in Scotland.
Very best wishes, Peter Murnaghan. Many thanks Peter
With the picture of Pacers returning to the South West News 1st April 2020 I thought that the attached views might be of interest.
Following experiments with single car Railbuses, featuring bodies produced with Leyland National bus components, British Rail Engineering Ltd, Derby built a 2-car railbus in 1981. This unit 140 001 featured a higher floor, high backed seats and the Leyland National bodywork, but with a rather austere front end, providing for a through corridor connection. This unit was extensively trialled around the country and I was very fortunate to come across it, quite by chance in August 1984, waiting in the loop at Dawlish Warren.
The experience gained with this unit went on to develop the later, production fleets of Pacer units, but without the corridor connections at the cab ends. This prototype unit remained in BR's fleet until 1994, at Neville Hill, Leeds, latterly as a parts donor for the later Pacers in service. I understand that this rare unit has been preserved at the Keith and Dufftown Railway in Scotland.
Very best wishes, Peter Murnaghan. Many thanks Peter
Dawlish Warren Memories - The late David Bartlett
Some summer memories of 'proper' trains passing through the popular holiday destination station at Dawlish Warren.
Photos taken by David Bartlett who with his family enjoyed many holidays (and the railway) here for over 50 years.
Regards, Guy Vincent.
Photos taken by David Bartlett who with his family enjoyed many holidays (and the railway) here for over 50 years.
Regards, Guy Vincent.

'Cromptons' D6523 (33015) and D6544 (33026) heading through Dawlish Warren at 1242pm on Saturday 25th September 1971 with the 'Dart Valley Flyer' railtour that ran from London Victoria via Basingstoke, Honiton & Exeter to Buckfastleigh. The train returned to London via Taunton, Castle Cary and Newbury. Copyright the late David Bartlett.

'Western' class 52 no. D1028 'Western Hussar' on a down express passing through towards the end of the hot summer of 1976, probably around the time of the August bank holiday. Of interest is the wooden platform surface, the fire bucket and ancient lamp column that has been adapted to take a modern electric light complete with 1950s-era green enamelled shade. D1028 was withdrawn on October 5th 1976 and recorded as scrapped at Swindon on 13th June 1979. This loco was instantly recognisable in the scrapyard as someone painted 'THE END' in large white letters on its bodyside. Copyright the late David Bartlett.

Another 'Western', D1058 'Western Nobleman' with just two coaches heading up on the through line towards Exeter. This was the penultimate 'Western' to receive a classified overhaul at Swindon Works, emerging in late July 1973. The loco was withdrawn on 21st January 1977 and finally recorded as scrapped at Swindon by 28th June 1979. Copyright the late David Bartlett.

LNER 4472 Flying Scotsman passing through Dawlish Warren on Saturday September 14th 2002 with a special working chartered by the Newmarket Group, 1Z82 0643 London Victoria - Plymouth. Behind the steam loco is diesel 66076 which appears to have been added at Exeter St Davids to assist with the heavy load of 13 carriages over the steep Devon banks. Copyright the late David Bartlett.
Many thanks to Guy Vincent for the captions added to David Bartlett's photographs.
In Mid February 2021 during the 'Lockdown' Clive Smith found the time to grab several contrasting shots over the course of a week.
Work patterns saw me on repeat visits to Teignmouth and Dawlish over the last week allowing me an opportunity in lockdown to record some activity during the weather changes.
(1) I headed down to Parsons Tunnel in the bitterly cold howling wind and fortunately high tide was not due for over three hours so an ice cold shower was thankfully avoided. 43208 heads the 06.06 Edinburgh - Plymouth with 43285 on the rear on the 11th February.
(2)A miserable Sunday morning on the 14th February as the sea wall at Teignmouth takes a pummelling. This was at 09.55 with high tide just passed at 08.11 and the both lines had been closed until 10.25 when single line working was introduced until 13.00 when both lines then operated.
(3) A grey train on a grey day at Dawlish Warren. This is 43207 leading with 43378 on rear of the 08.11 Leeds - Plymouth also on the 14th February. The HST was held at the signal expecting to go down the 'up' line but was given the 'road' on the down.
(4) A Cross Country HST enters Dawlish with the 12.27 Plymouth - Edinburgh on the 18th February.The rear power car is 43239 and the front is 43366. Despite a few showers floating around it was by and large a gloriously sunny day. This was taken from Lea Mount above Kennaway Tunnel.
(5) On top of Lea Mount at Dawlish looking through the trees to Coryton Cove as a class 158 heads between Coryton and Kennaway Tunnels with the 12.55 Paignton - Exmouth.
Regards
Clive Smith
(1) I headed down to Parsons Tunnel in the bitterly cold howling wind and fortunately high tide was not due for over three hours so an ice cold shower was thankfully avoided. 43208 heads the 06.06 Edinburgh - Plymouth with 43285 on the rear on the 11th February.
(2)A miserable Sunday morning on the 14th February as the sea wall at Teignmouth takes a pummelling. This was at 09.55 with high tide just passed at 08.11 and the both lines had been closed until 10.25 when single line working was introduced until 13.00 when both lines then operated.
(3) A grey train on a grey day at Dawlish Warren. This is 43207 leading with 43378 on rear of the 08.11 Leeds - Plymouth also on the 14th February. The HST was held at the signal expecting to go down the 'up' line but was given the 'road' on the down.
(4) A Cross Country HST enters Dawlish with the 12.27 Plymouth - Edinburgh on the 18th February.The rear power car is 43239 and the front is 43366. Despite a few showers floating around it was by and large a gloriously sunny day. This was taken from Lea Mount above Kennaway Tunnel.
(5) On top of Lea Mount at Dawlish looking through the trees to Coryton Cove as a class 158 heads between Coryton and Kennaway Tunnels with the 12.55 Paignton - Exmouth.
Regards
Clive Smith
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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

We are about 200 yards east of Starcross station where Bill has found a safe perch to view passing traffic on the 26th July 1997.
Cockwood
Paul Barlows Cockwood collection.
Powderham
Exminster

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