The Seaton Branch
Seaton Junction
The Seaton Branch Line was a railway branch line connecting the seaside resort of Seaton to the main line network at Seaton Junction Station on the main line between Salisbury and Exeter.
The branch line opened in 1868; it became very popular with holidaymakers, greatly enhancing the attraction of the resort, but it declined and the line was closed in 1966
The branch line opened in 1868; it became very popular with holidaymakers, greatly enhancing the attraction of the resort, but it declined and the line was closed in 1966
S15 30842 stands by the signalbox with an interesting train and waits at the down platform at Seaton Junction. An extremely long footbridge carries a public footpath not only over the four track main line at this location but also over the branch platform. Looking between the front of 30842 and the signalbox the Seaton branch engine, on this occasion 6412, stands at the branch platform. Note the very high branch signal for the main line. 11th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach.
6412 is one of the three lucky 64XX tanks which live on in preservation. It proved too small for duties on the Minehead line and was subsequently moved to the South Devon Railway where it proves its value. Note the lattice base of the signal which is high enough to be sighted from the Seaton side of the footbridge. 6412 is seen in the branch platform at Seaton Junction with its train of 2 auto coaches. Also in the area at the time were class-mates 6400, 6430 and 6435. 11th September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach
Colyton - firstly looking back to the branchline days.
80041 on the East Devon Railtour (No 1) calls at Colyton on the 28th February 1965. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection Note it is typical of railtour days in the 60's - everybody bail out, doesn't matter about a platform - no problems with Health and safety. No accidents either!
Colyton - the tramway
The Seaton branch operated for 98 years and this year will see the replacement Seaton tramways 34th year of operation.
The Seaton branch operated for 98 years and this year will see the replacement Seaton tramways 34th year of operation.
An extract of the history of the development of the tramway from the Seaton Tramway website. Along the south coast, British Railways were about to close the Seaton to Seaton Junction branch line as part of the Beeching "rationalisation". Built in 1868 by the Seaton & Beer Railway Co, it was taken over by the London & South Western Railway in 1885, as goods traffic declined in favour of tourism. The L&SWR was incorporated into the Southern Railway in 1923, and in its heyday the line's motive power was provided by M7 Tank locomotives, with through coaches coupled to Waterloo-bound trains at Seaton Junction. However, as motor vehicles became more affordable, traffic declined and closure came in March 1966.
Hearing of the impending closure, Claude Lane opened negotiations with British Railways. They eventually agreed to the sale of the Seaton to Colyton section, but completion depended upon the granting of a Transfer Order and a Light Railway Order. The ensuing Public Inquiry heard concerns that trams would create unacceptable noise and blemish the natural beauty of the Axe Valley, but the town council contended that the tramway would become a major asset to the area. With assurances given about safety at Colyford level crossing, the inquiry found in the Tramway's favour and final permission was granted in December 1969.
From September 1969, the entire system had to be dismantled, transported over a hundred miles and partially reassembled before the 1970 holiday season ended. This task fell to just two people, Claude Lane and his assistant Allan Gardner, making some 36 return lorry journeys between Eastbourne and Seaton, driving virtually round the clock.
The newly built Riverside Depot began to fill with equipment, and track laying to the wider gauge of 2ft 9 inches began almost immediately, heading north from Riverside. Car 8 became the first tram to run in passenger service on 28th August 1970. With no overhead wire, power was taken from a battery wagon towed by the tram.
Hearing of the impending closure, Claude Lane opened negotiations with British Railways. They eventually agreed to the sale of the Seaton to Colyton section, but completion depended upon the granting of a Transfer Order and a Light Railway Order. The ensuing Public Inquiry heard concerns that trams would create unacceptable noise and blemish the natural beauty of the Axe Valley, but the town council contended that the tramway would become a major asset to the area. With assurances given about safety at Colyford level crossing, the inquiry found in the Tramway's favour and final permission was granted in December 1969.
From September 1969, the entire system had to be dismantled, transported over a hundred miles and partially reassembled before the 1970 holiday season ended. This task fell to just two people, Claude Lane and his assistant Allan Gardner, making some 36 return lorry journeys between Eastbourne and Seaton, driving virtually round the clock.
The newly built Riverside Depot began to fill with equipment, and track laying to the wider gauge of 2ft 9 inches began almost immediately, heading north from Riverside. Car 8 became the first tram to run in passenger service on 28th August 1970. With no overhead wire, power was taken from a battery wagon towed by the tram.
Colyton station in the very early days of the Seaton Tramway 14th April 1977 - Copyright Roger Winnen
Seaton Tramway CRS visit 26th Sept 1992 Copyright the late John Fill
The terminus of the Seaton Tramway at Colyton Statiion as seen on 26th September 1992 Copyright Roger Winnen
Another view of the tram station at Colyton showing detail of the trackwork. 29th September 1992 Copyright Roger Winnen
A modern view - arriving at the Colyton terminus. Copyright Roger Winnen 7th June 2014
Colyford
A luggage label courtesy the Mike Morant Collection
This picture taken in 1961 caused us some debate, Steve originally submitted it as being on the Lyme Regis branch but after further debate decided that it was probably Colyford level crossing. I think we all agree with this. The platform would have been on the other side of the train. (Mike Roach advises that the first car waiting is a Morris 8; his first car) Copyright Steve Richards
At Colyford there is a level crossing across the A ..... road. The crossing is worked by tram crews who press a button to initiate the procedure with flashing lights and alarm bells before the barriers descend. Copyright Roger Winnen
Colyford passing loop with a pair of trams from Colyton waiting in the loop. 22nd May 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen
The old crossing gate oinned back out of use. CRS visit 26th Sept 1992 Copyright the late John Fill
Two of the ladies in our party, Mary Fill looks up at her husband John on the top deck while Valerie Jenkin continues the conversation. Seaton Tramway visit by the CRS on the 26th Sept 1992 Copyright the late John Fill
Between Colyford and at Seaton passing the tram depot
Looking towards Colyford past the station and to the crossing gates. 22nd May 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen
Near Bobsworth bridge - so called as during the first year of operation in 1970 this was the extent of the tramway and the price for the ride was one shilling, or a 'bob'. Copyright Roger Winnen
The remains of a Southern signal on the outskirts of Seaton station. 22nd May 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen
Pictured by Sid Sponheimer during the 1970's of number 8 heading away from Seaton. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.
Works car 02 with the trolley down at one of the old Southern Permanent way huts. Picture by Roger Winnen 23rd June 1979 Copyright
A view at the entry to the loop with the tramway depot straight ahead. The passenger line makes a sharp right hand turn here to head towards the Seaton terminus. 26th Sept 1992 Copyright the late John Fill
Another view into the depot on the 26th Sept 1992. The running line bears away to the right. Copyright the late John Fill
A lower deck view of Seaton Tramway depot on our visit on the 26th Sept 1992 Copyright the late John Fill
The Seaton Tramway depot is situated on the old Seaton branch alignment shortly before the railway terminus site, The running line of the tramway making a right angled turn away from the river. Picture dated 23rd June 1979 Copyright Roger Winnen
140607t Passing the tram depot on route to Colyford and Colyton. 7th June 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen
Seaton
A pre-grouping luggage label from the Mike Morant Collection
A pre-grouping luggage label from the Mike Morant Collection
Seaton station, alongside the river was very convenient for the seafront. The area is now occupied by the Seaton Tramway depot. Copyright Mike Roach.
1442 has arrived at Seaton. A times scene portrayed - a picture courtesy the Mike Morant Collection.
Seaton 1961 30045 Copyright Steve Richards N.B. M7 30045 was a regular on the Seaton branch. It was withdrawn on the 1st December 1962 and scrapped at Eastleigh on the 31st March 1963.
Seaton Tram terminus
Seaton Tramway Terminus on the 26th Sept 1992 The CRS party preparing to board number 6. Our chairman the late Walter Julian is the next one on. Copyright the late John Fill
A very interesting aspect of Seaton Tramway operation - it look as if the driver is carrying the steering wheel! However we know better! Seaton Terminus 70's The seats have to be reversed and the brake control moved to the operational end. Copyright Sid Sponheimer
A view of the Seaton tramway terminus taken on 26th September 1992. Note the artwork on the end of the building to make it look rather like a tram depot. Copyright Roger Winnen
More recently the tram terminus has been moved to a more prominent position and provided with a very smart and ornate shelter and ticket office. Here it is as seen on a CRS visit 7th June 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen