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.

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.

A lovely shot near Kingsteignton of 47705 Paddington to Penzance on the 5th August 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

47805 at Kingskerswell with the 1V48 1025 Saturdays Only Liverpool to Paignton 5th August 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys. Remember the DVT's?

31458 at Kingsteignton with the 1V34 0604 SO Derby to Paignton. 5th August 1989 Ron Kosys

47338 at Kingsteignton with a Dover to Burngullow Polybulk train. 5th August 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

31462+31402 clatter over jointed track at Kingskerswell with the 09.33 Saturdays only Stockport to Paignton 30th September 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

31455+31403 Kingskerswell 1M65 on the 1537 Saturdays Paignton-Liverpool 5th August 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

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

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

31406+31420 skirt the river bank opposite Shaldon on the 2nd September 1989 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 Celebrity 43 185 1st March 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

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

A plethora Of Signs - Teignmouth 23rd November 2018 Copyright Clive Smith

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

Parsons tunnel. Copyright John Cornelius

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.

A unique view of a very well known spot as a class 142 makes its way towards Spey Point and Exeter, 24th July 2011. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A short time later as an HST also heads towards Exeter and presumably Paddington. 24th July 2011. Copyright Paul Barlow.

View from Jason's Garden Paul just catches the rear of a down HST having 43070 on the rear.as it leaves a calm sea with a fairly full tide to pass through Teignmouth on the 24th July 2011. Copyright Paul Barlow.

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

47810 on the Penzance to York at Horse Cove Dawlish 2nd 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

80079 on the 1050 Exeter-Newton Abbot 'Dawlish Donkey' at Horse Cove 3rd April 1999. Copyright Paul Barlow

Another super shot by Paul Barlow as 60009 emerges from Parsons tunnel with the 0800 Bristol-Kingswear. The last Torbay Express of the season. 8th September 2019. Copyright Paul Barlow.

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

From the GWR Magazine - The Mike Roach Collection

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.

John Cornelius Copyright

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

So much for the view - the new defences being erected. As seen on 4th May 2020. Copyright Clive Smith.

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

43092 43042 0505 Penzance to Paddington Dawlish 13th July 2018 Copyright Paul Barlow

43158 43042 0800 Cardiff to Penzance behind the wall on 16th September 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow

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

47738 with the 13.50 Plymouth to Bristol Temple Meads vans. 21st January 2000 Copyright Roger Geach

60006 approaching Dawlish station in 2000. Loco scrapped at Totton depot 2020. Copyright Phil Smith

DAWLISH 50034 Furious on an up service in 1989 Copyright Phil Smith A view thought to be ideal for a 'jig saw' puzzle.

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

NEW meets OLD as the first 800 (309) in service meets the red Class 153. A delightful contrast which very much adds interest to the picture. A moment in history. It's 11.53 on the 28th July 2018. Copyright Will Kilner

Dawlish and the Air Show 2014 - Bill Elston

Dawlish Air Show 1 150101 on a local service. 23rd Aug 2014 Copyright Bill Elston

Dawlish Air Show 2 43005 ex Pad., 23rd Aug 2014 Copyright Bill Elston

Dawlish Air Show 3 57604 on the Saurdays loco hauled Exeter St Davids to Penzance, 23rd Aug 2014 Copyyright Bill Elston

Dawlish Air Show 4 43155,named on the day and working shuttles. 23rd Aug 2014 Copyright Bill Elston

Dawlish Air Show 5 57315 on a charter. 23rd Aug 2014 Copyright Bill Elston

Dawlish Air Show 6 And what they had all come for - the stars of the show. Two Lancasters, one from Canada. 23rd Aug 2014 Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

Looking at and below Dawlish down platform before modification work.

Dawlish 31st August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Dawlish 31st August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow. (Lovely cloud effects)

Underneath the arches - Dawlish 31st August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Alongside the arches. Dawlish. 31st August 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Dawlish All Change A look prior to the extensive modifications - Clive Smith

Dawlish April 2021
Roger Winnen

210420d Work proceeds at Dawlish constructing the new sea defences as a IET passes through the station. Copyright Roger Winnen

210420e Soon the walkway underneath the down platform will be no more. Copyright Roger Winnen

210420g Remember Lostwithiel many years ago wooden supports to hold up the canopy. This is Dawlish Station up platform with stout props under the canopy. Copyright Roger Winnen

210420h The new sea wall from Dawlish Station towards Kennaway Tunnel. Copyright Roger winnen

Dawlish 'All change'
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.

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.

The Wavewalker Dawlish station. 15th November 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow

An IET passes Dawlish with the 1030 Paddington to Plymouth 15th November 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A pair of 150 DMUs leaves Dawlish under a rainbow on 1157 Exmouth to Paignton 15 November 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow. The sun shines on the righteous and brings out the rainbow.

Heavy machinery at Dawlish 15th November 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The Wavewalker at Dawlish viewed from Lea Mount 15 November 2020. Copyright Paul Barlow. This view really gives scale to the 'wave walker'

Dawlish on the 29th March 2021 - The wavewalker has gone. Clive Smith

(1) This was Monday 29th at Dawlish at 13.13 and I was getting a bit concerned that my intended shot of the XC HST may get eclipsed by a DMU scheduled on the down line at the same time but thankfully I was spared. The 12.23 Exmouth - Paignton stands at the station with two 2-car class 150s, the rear set still being a First Great Western blue liveried example. The Cross Country HST which is the 12.27 Plymouth to Edinburgh is formed of 43303 leading and 43306 on the rear. Copyright Clive Smith.

A zoom into the previous picture focusing on the progress with sea wall works providing a raised walkway around the outside of the station. Copyright Clive Smith.

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

Dawlish - The boathouse before and during demolition.

Monday 5th February saw the demolition of the building which was owned by Network Rail and in a state of disrepair. The sea wall will be rebuilt much higher here. Network Rail has said "A footprint will be left to show where the building stood and we plan to reuse the stone in constructing new public benches within the project. We’ll also need to adjust the bottom section of the existing footbridge steps at this location".

I took an extensive photos on 5th September 2020 and the first picture shows a down Cross Country HST passing the boat house. The second picture shows Laira allocated 47478 approaching with the 1V71 07.20 Leeds - Penzance 'The Cornishman' on the 27th August 1980.

Regards
Clive Smith

Dawlish Boat House A slow start is made on the demolition. 5th February 2021. Copyright Clive Smith.

47478 approaches with the 07.20 Leeds to Penznce the Cornishman on the 27th August 1980 .Copyright Clive Smith,

31445+31455 haul the 1M37 0840 Saturdays only Paignton-Manchester past those marvellous red cliffs at Dawlish 30th September 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

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

Notice on footpath which leads to the footbridge. 5th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith

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)

6024 passes Langstone rock Dawlish on 1202 Paignton-Paddington 5 September 1999 Photo Alison Barlow

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

47283 passes Langstone Rock on a changeable 7th July 1988 with 6M17 1130 Tavistock Junction – Bescot. Copyright Ron Kosys

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

Dawlish Warren 47768 heads 5c99 the Bristol to Plymouth vans at Dawlish Warren on the 21st January 2000 Copyright Roger Geach N.B. Hardly a person in sight!

45139 hauls a substantial 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

A recent view at this well know location, note the Union Jack flying above Red Rock Cafe. Copyright John Cornelius

This picture posted on 16th February 2018, a common site today but not for much longer! 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

The two pictures below were taken from the disused signalbox which was conveniently open until demolishion.

Dawlish Warren 1 50017 Royal Oak Copyright Martin Baker

Dawlish Warren 2 50027 Lion comes into the platform with a local service composed mainly of First Class coaches. Copyright Martin Baker

45021 passes Dawlish Warren on the 1V67 14th April 2019. Copyright Trevor Tremethick.

46004 hammers through Dawlish Waren on the 31st May 1976. The signal box peers over the top and an up train is signalled. Copyright Ron Kosys

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

253006 passes through Dawlish Warren on the 11th August 1979. Note the signalbox is still in use. Copyright David Tozer.

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

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

Dawlish Warren Prototype Pacer Railbus 1 140 001 Dawlish Warren. August 1984 Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

Dawlish Warren Prototype Pacer Railbus 2 140 001 Dawlish Warren. August 1984 Copyright Peter Murnaghan.

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.

'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

Picture (1) Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (2) Copyright Clive Smith

Picture (3) Copyright Clive Smith.

Picture (4) Copyright Clive Smith.

Picture (5) Copyright 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

The delightful little waiting shelter on the down platform at Starcross - note the ample provision of fire buckets and also the sack trolleys parked ready for use. Photo by the late John Vines - taken in the early 70's. Copyright.

47087 Cyclops 2000 Newton Abbot to Exeter Sunday only stopper pauses at Starcross 27th May 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow. Note the building roof is already supported by additional strutts.

We do hear of situations where a building is painted just prior to demolition - but not in this case.

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

The 'up starter' at Starcross. The early 70's. Copyright the late John Vines,

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.

47817 in Porterbrook livery - an up working on the 26th July 1997 Copyright Bill Elston

150265 on a local down working on the 26th July 1997 Copyright Bill Elston

60096 on the 'Silver Bullet' on the ,26th July 1997 Copyright Bill Elston

58037 plus 58035 on 1Z58, the ‘Worksop Devonian’ from Worksop to Paignton and return. 26th July 1997. Copyright Bill Elston.

Cockwood

50149 passes Cockwood Harbour on a hazy 24th June 1988, with 6B43 1545 St Blazey to Gloucester Speedlink, it’s booked working. Copyright Ron Kosys

47805 at Cockwood with the Saturdays only Paignton-Wolverhampton. 5th August 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys. Note the DVT at the rear.

31425+31426 Cockwood 1M63 1835 Sa Paignton-Wolerhampton. 5th August 1989 Copyright Ron Koysys

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

Cockwood 47323 on the 3rd May 1991 47323 with the 6B43 1545 St Blazey-Gloucester Copyright Ron Kosys

GWR 0-4-2T 1450 passes Cockwood Harbour on Easter Monday 13th April 1998 with an Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot 'Dawlish Donkey' tour. This was the inaugural year of these tours and this was the final day of three days of shuttles over the holiday weekend. Regards Clive Smith. Copyright

Paul Barlows Cockwood collection.

47593 & 47805 on the 06.08 York to Penzance the 1Z70 (Cornish Riviera Statesman) seen at Cockwood harbour 25 September 2020 Copyright Paul Barlow

The tides in,for a bit of reflection as 43009 leads and 43185 brings up the rear of the 14.03 Paddington to Penzance at Cockwood. It's the 16th May 2019. Copyright Paul Barlow.

34067 1422 Penzance to Ealing. 29th August 2005. Copyright Paul Barlow.

67019 1350 Plymouth to Willesden Mail train. 4th September 2003. Copyright Paul Barlow.

A delightful picture as 80098 heads 16.28 Exeter-Newton Abbot seen at Cockwood on the 1st May 2001. Copyright Paul Barlow

47829 heads the 08.40 Glasgow to Penzance at Cockwood. 11th June 2000. Copyright Paul BarlowVirgin Red -

Colourful Cockwood 1 43145 on a Penzance to Paddington service passes Cockwood harbour 15th July 2012. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Colourful Cockwood (2) 70000 Britannia makes a splendid sight on the 16.50 Kingswear to Bristol the 1Z28 Torbay Express- Cockwood 15th July 2012. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Colourful Cockwood (3) - A pair of FGW Blue class 153s on a local service to Paignton 15th July 2015. Copyright Paul Barlow.

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

A classic shot with 80079 on the 12.00 Exeter-Newton Abbot seen near Exminster on the 4th April 1999 Copyright Paul Barlow.

56090 passes Powderham on the 14.13 Hackney yard to Gloucester 6Z56 25th February 2021 Copyright Paul Barlow. A very unusual working indeed.

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

Here are a few notes about the box at Exminster supplied by Roy Hart.:

The original box here was a small, brick built one, which supervised just a crossover and a siding. The latterday structure dated from 1924, when the layout was expanded on the down side. It had 36 levers. The box, however was little more than half the size that it later became. In 1931 new island platforms were added, necessitating a new frame of 56 levers. In world war 2, new loops and sidings came along and in March 1941 yet another new frame was installed -this time of 80 levers. It was necessary to extend the box from 25 feet to 41 feet in length. The 1960s saw the usual reductions and on the eve of MAS the layout was back to that of 1894 - a crossover and a siding. Full circle.

Roy Hart = Many thanks Roy.

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

47323 approaches Exminster on the 2nd May 1991 with the 6B43 15.45 St Blazey-Gloucester Copyright Ron Kosys

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

Exminster box in its last days - Chris Bellett

I promised some photographs of Exminster Signalbox taken during a site visit on 09 February 2003 when it was being looked at for possible preservation, either at the Steam Museum at Swindon or the Didcot Railway Centre. As we know both never happened. The signalbox structure was in a very poor state and the idea was abandoned.

Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
CRS Member

The box is beginning to look a bit tatty. 9th February 2003. Copyright Chris Bellett.

Many thanks Chris.

The dismantling for preservation of Exminster Signalbox - Paul Barlow

A few shots of Exminster box , don't know the fate of the box as it was proposed to be moved to Broadway on G & WR. Perhaps someone knows what has happened to it?

All the best

Paul

25052 on the 18.02 Exeter to Newton Abbot passes Exminster on the 15th July 1979. Copyright Paul Barlow

Exminster box being carefully dismantled 30 September 2006. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Many thanks Paul.

The sad story about Exminster Signalbox - Guy Vincent

Seeing Paul Barlow's interesting feature on the removal of Exminster Signal Box and question as to its eventual fate I did some searching and can provide the following information, dated January 2014, from one of the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway blogspot forums.

Exminster 'box closed on 14th November 1986 as part of the Exter area resignalling scheme. It was originally intended to be converted to a birdwatching 'hide' for the RSPB but it quickly turned out that noise from passing trains made this idea unviable. The 'box (which was a listed building) received some cosmetic restoration but inevitably deteriorated and in 2006 arrangements were made to dismantle and remove it for eventual restoration and use at Broadway on the Glos Warks Railway. According to the blog I referred to the removal of the 'box was organised by one GWR director without the approval of the board as a whole. The board later decided not to support the rebuilding of the structure at Broadway and the unnamed director had to take responsibility for the box on his own. It seems it was then his decision to scrap it. No publicity seems to have been made at the time of this saga and I suggest anyone interested reads the comments on the blog as I have done. broadway.gwsr.blogspot.com or simply search 'Exminster Signal Box Broadway'.

Broadway now has a new signal box, brick-built in the style of an early 20th century box similar to the now demolished example that formerly stood at Shirley, West Midlands. It seems the main frame from the well-known 'box that formerly stood at Aller Junction is now installed here.

Attached are two photos taken on 29th April 1996 shortly after the signal box had recently received a full renovation.

Guy Vincent

Exminster Signal Box 2 Exminster Station Site 47810 with the 11.50 Plymouth -Manchster Pic 29th April 1996. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Letter from Chris Bellett 27th June 2021.
Hope all is well? Its a 'little bit' wet here in not so sunny Plymouth at the moment.
In response to the question about the fate of Exminster signalbox. here: http://broadwaygwsr.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-broadway-signal-box.html

I have some photographs taken inside the signalbox in 2004 when it was being looked at to be moved to the Didcot Railway Centre. If I find them I'll send you copies.

Kind Regards,
Chris Bellett
Retired S&T Engineer
CRS Member

The end of an era, the removal of
Exminster Signals
Paul Barlow

A very sad end to Exminster box, especially considering it lasted so long after being closed.
I enclose a few pictures of the removal of the up bracket signal the day after closure of the box. It was pulled out of the ground by the crane,then pulled down by the gang with ropes!
I followed the signal removal train from City Basin to Dawlish Warren on Saturday 15 November, the line was shut for the weekend. The last up train signalled under semaphores was the Penzance to Paddington postals with 50026. I saw this pass at 2322 at Dawlish Warren the previous night (Friday 14 November)
Regarding Chard junction a number of trains were booked to stop for passing other trains. As there was no central door locking, only officious staff would stop you getting off for a photo.
Things were far more relaxed then, no CCTV or so many security jobsworths around. Staff just turned a blind eye and said 'I didn't see you!'
Hope this is of interest, All the best. Paul

Exminster down signal was removed first 15th November 1986 47130 was hauling the signal removal train in the distance. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Exminster up bracket signal the removal team gather on site. 15th November 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

Exminster up bracket signal removal. The crane is attached ready for the lift. 15 November 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Exminster up bracket signal has been lifted out and awaits further dismantling. 15th November 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul

Under the heading of 'Tales which can now be told' Graham Mann brings us a couple - in the case of the last one nowadays the gentleman would have been fired!

There was a signalman there who was nearly 7ft tall, one night while waiting to take a possession of the line the signalman had stopped an engine at the down home signal, after waiting for what seemed quite a long time the engine driver came into the SB and remarked on the signalman’s height, he said “when I’ve been passing the SB I always thought you were standing on a box, didn’t think you were actually that tall”!

On another occasion once again while waiting to take a line possession, the signalman remarked that his diagram was showing a lamp out on a signal, he called the S&T out, meanwhile while waiting for the S&T another lamp went out, then another and another until with the exception of the outer signals all the lamps were showing out, the culprit was one of my machine operators, who apparently was rather under the influence of several glasses of cider and he wanted a light for his cigarette, so he climbed up ladder of the first signal to get a light from the lamp, opened the lamp door and the wind blew out the flame and also every other lamp where he attempted to light it.
There were a lot people that not best pleased with my operator none more so than me as he was an intergral part of the works we were commencing that which was removing the crossover.

Regards
Graham Mann
Mob. 07920155651

Many thanks Graham.

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