Ashburton Branch - South Devon Railway - Cornwall Railway Society

The Ashburton Branch
(South Devon Railway)

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.

The Ashburton branch closed to passengers 3rd November 1958 and to goods 10th September 1962.
Preservationists sought to secure the line but sadly the section between Buckfastleigh and Ashburton succumbed to the A38 developments and is now buried under a dual carriageway. However the Asburton branch, somewhat truncated, was reopened as the Dart Valley Railway and now thrives under the title of the South Devon Railway. Pictures of the current line are widely available. However in this section we have sought to remind you, how it was, and for much of it, to see thankfully it has prospered. The South Devon is well worth a visit.

A ticket bought early on on the last day. Mike Roach Collection

Another ticket also bought by Mike Roach towards the end of the last day. A quick calculation shows that on that day 1319 tickets of this type were sold - a pity it wasn't like that everyday! Mike Roach Collection

A last day ticket. Mike Roach collection

Only half a ticket but well worth keeping as a souvenir. Mike Roach Collection

'The last train to Ashburton'
02.10.1971
Philip Hale

I attach copies of a flyer and a ticket which relate to a railway excursion held on 2nd October, 1971 to commemorate the last passenger train to traverse the Dart Valley to Ashburton.

The excursion was advertised as the first and last train to Ashburton since closure of the route from Totnes and prior to the complete closure of the section of the route from Buckfastleigh to Ashburton due to the imminent start of the A38 road improvements.

Ashburton

Ashburton station - seen here in Septmber 1959. Copyright Mike Roach

Ashburton station seen here in September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

Ashburton station exterior Sep61 Copyright Mike Roach

Ashburton Train Shed Sep61 Copyright Mike Roach

A general view into the terminus. Sep61 Copyright Mike Roach

The engine shed had already suffered modification. Sep61 Mike Roach

4555 engaged in some shunting at Ashburton 61 or 62. Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

Sid Sponheimer catches quite a sizable goods train here at Ashburton 61 or 62. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

4555 sorts its train in the yard at Asburton. 61 or 62 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

The weedkiller creates quite a lot of interest as it stands at Ashburton in 1966. Copyright Mike Roach

Another view of the weedkiller at Ashburton in 1966. The locos are 1420 and 4555. Copyright Mike Roach

4555 together with 1420 stand at the terminus at Ashburton with the weedkiller. What a tragedy this rural terminus wasn't saved along with the remainder of the branch line. 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

4555 arrives at Ashburton with a special in 1966. It will need to push the stock back in order to use the run round loop. Picture dated 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

Ashburton 1966 Copyright Mike Roach. 4555 having arrived with its train pulls ahead to run round.

Having run round 4555 pushes the coaching stock up to the buffers ready for the return trip. 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

The special again in 1966, one wonders if the small child remembers this occasion. Copyright Mike Roach

John Cornelius writes on 1st October 2016 - Ref the following three pictures. :- With talk about the South Devon Rly possibly extending back to Ashburton,sometime in the future,which would be a good move I'm sure and I hope it happens rather sooner than later.
However, here's a few pics I took there in August 1970, when members of the Taunton GWS group
were on a trip to the then Dart Valley Rly and called in for a quick look around. Besides 1450 & 1638 being stored there, 7827 was being restored in the old goods shed and we saw 4555 leave to take up duty at Buckfastleigh as Ashburton at that time was used as the loco depot.
cheers JOHN C.

6412 at Ashburton June 1970. Copyright David Tozer.

A 'gem' of a shot from Ron Kosys - action and inaction at Asburton as the crew rest against the platform and somebody in white overalls cleans the smoke box. It's early morning at Ashburton 21st July 1971.... Western Railrover. Overnight from Paddington. A real proper Devon General bus from Newton Abbot to Ashburton. 1420 gets a brush up before heading off light engine to Buckfastleigh to work the days trains. Copyright Ron Kosys

AK02 Ashburton 21st July 1971 1420, 'just coaled' gets the dust damped down in the traditional manner. Copyright Ron Kosys

AK03 Ashburton 1420 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

AK04 Ashburton 21st July 1971 1420 gets some attention to its running gear. There is much of interest in this study from under the canopy - note the piles of GWR 'chocolate' timber waiting to keep the fires going. Also the bold notcies for the Booking Office & Waiting Room. Was he a 'Way out' Stationmaster!! Copyright Ron Kosys

AK05 Ashburton, 1420 moves off. 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys.

AK06 Ashburton 1420 21st July 1971 A charming country station in the centre of the village. Note the very large lumps of coal to the right. Copyright Ron Kosys

AK07 Ashburton 1638, 6435, & 1420 on the 21st July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

AK08 Ashburton 4555 looking a picture stands waiting for its next turn of duty. 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

AK09 Ashburton 6435 stands at the platform. 21st July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Morning Keith,
Yet another piece of BR publicity from the early 1970s following Ron K's excellent shot yesterday, a handbill advertising the last through train to Ashburton which ran on October 2nd 1971. The train, headcode 1Z45, departed London Paddington at 0825 hauled by celebrity Western Region Brush 4 diesel D1660 'City of Truro'. This was replaced at Totnes Riverside Jctn by steam locos 6435 and 1638. Full details of the train can be found on the Six Bells Junction website.

D1660 is surprisingly still in front line service today. Renumbered 47076 in 1974, it was later converted to ETH and renumbered 47625 in 1984. In 1991 it was given the 'RES'-themed name 'Resplendent' and later upgraded and renumbered 47749 in late 1995 when it received yet another name, 'Atlantic College'. Following withdrawal and sale by EWS it was acquired by Colas in 2007 and named 'Demelza'. With it's celebrity status recognised the loco appeared at the Old Oak Common open day in September this year reunited with it's original name 'City of Truro'. News just received today (9th) indicates that Colas are selling their 3 class 47s (727 739 & 749) to GB Railfreight. No doubt a favourite loco of the CRS with such a West Country pedigree.

Guy Vincent 9th December 2017 Many thanks Guy

Ashburton Last Train Handbill 1971 (1) Copyright Guy Vincent

Ashburton Last Train Handbill 1971 (2) Copyright Guy Vincent

Officially the last ever passenger train, in British Rail days was this one, a PRC railtour of 13 brakevans which visited on the 8th September 1982. Copyright the late Cedric Owen.

On the Totnes pictures by Cedric Owen (one of the great characters of the era!) - the engine had been condemned and taken out of service in the week prior to the special. It was specially steamed for the trip and then finally taken off for scrap. Thanks for that Roy

Ashburton station minus track. 8th August 1972. Copyright Ron Kosys

Ashbuston Station into alternative uses. 8th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

Studies of Ashburton taken in August 2013 by Roger Winnen

The train shed - Ashburton station. 26th August 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

Outside the station (you can see the station railings in this picture) stands a Public House. This was renamed 'The Silent Whistle' on closure of the line. 26th August 2013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Here is the locomotive shed put to other uses. 26th August 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

The former Goods Shed at Ashburton. A fine building put to good use. 26th August 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

Between Ashburton and Buckfastleigh
Coverage of this long lost line now buried under the A38 - many thanks to Mike Roach, Chris Osment and Ron Kosys.

4555 heads for Ashburton - seen here at Pridhamsleigh in 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

4555 leaving Buckfastleigh for Ashburton at 15.07 3rd September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

4555 heads a goods for Totnes. 1961 or 62. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A lovely picture as 4555 heads its train of mainly cattle trucks away from Asburton along tracks which are now sadly buried under the A38, This picture 62 or 63. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

1420 and 4555 head the weedkiller train up the long lost line towards Ashburton. 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

The weedkiller heads towards Ashburton. Copyright Mike Roach

4555 shunts the weedkiller train just outside Buckfastleigh prior to the attachment of 1420 and proceeding towards Ashburton 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

A view of Buckfastleigh station from the Ashburton end - taken from the A379 roadbridge - a view no longer possible 3rd September 1959 Copyright Mike Roach

Buckfastleigh date unknown, but in DVR days before line truncated. 1420 heads off light engine to Ashburton Copyright Chris Osment

Ashburton - departing 1420 24th August 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

Ron Kosys writes of his unique day out:- I’d already studied the OS maps before embarking on this Railrover and a discussion with the DVR staff at Ashburton confirmed that the over bridge at Pridhamsleigh was the one to head for. It was thought that this location was to disappear totally under the A38 improvement scheme (whether or not that was actually the case I’m not sure). Although I had allowed plenty of time, being on foot, I thought I had better get a bit of a move on.
As was typically the case whilst I was on my Railrovers, the weather never was the best. It was extremely hazy despite a reasonable forecast for the day as a whole...
Anyway, off I went to Pridhamsleigh, spurred on by the knowledge that the driver was going to give me a bit of smoke to liven my shot(s) up a little.
Not long after I got into position I saw 1420 appear. When is the smoke going to appear? When do I fire the shutter ? It was click and wind on in those days, none of this auto drive stuff that we are spoiled with these days.
Well, the answer is, it didn’t. It just trundled under the bridge on which I was standing and away out of sight to the right as it coasted on its way to Buckfastleigh.
Good job I fired the shutter (and wound on) when I did, otherwise I would not have had the two shots that are attached.
Not the best. But as always the case with a lot of my early shots, they’ll do.

1420 approaches Pridhamsleigh Farm bridge on the 21st July 1971 Copyright Ron Kosys

1420 proceeds down grade towards Buckfastleigh - if only this could be repeated! 21st July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Buckfastleigh
Here you see the site soon after BR's closure and the begining of the development of the Dart Valley Railway

Here we see the tranquil valley looking towards Ashburton from Buckfastleigh - the northern end of Buckfastleigh station can be seen at the bottom right of the picture. Picture from the Nicholas Horne Collection courtesy of Totnes Image Bank

Courtesy Julian Stephens collection

Buckfastleigh station in September 1961. Copyright Mike Roach

Here we see the station building on 21st September 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

1420 at Buckfastleigh on the 21st July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys The line to Ashburton is still available - note that although the home signal is pulled off a red flag is being shown.

Buckfastleigh station - bare bones. Behind it lies the new A38. Early 70's Copyright K Jenkin

It is all starting to happen. Buckfastleigh Yard in January 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

A rural scene as 4555, shunts to yard at Buckfastleigh. It looks as if a sale of agricultural machinery was soon to take place in the field in the foreground. However, we are reliably informed that the machinery cluttered the field for some years. The dated scene contrasts with the modern house in the background. This picture 1961 or 62 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

All is quiet at Buckfastleigh, only a few goods trains disturb the peace these days. 1961 or 62 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

However the valley is disturbed by the sound of 4555 bringing a heavy train into the station for shunting before it continues to Ashburton. 1961 or 62 Copyright Sid Sponheimer.

4555 shunts in Buckfastleigh yard. It's 1961 or 62. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Mike Roach took this photograph through his finished work. In the early days of the Dart Valley Railway one of his tasks was to replace broken windows in the signal box. Not a pleasant task with sticky putty. Mike said it was a bit of a pane, or was it at pain! Copyright Mike Roach

A view from the signalbox steps 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

An early view inside Buckfastleigh Signal Box in the Dart Valley Railway Days by Chris Osment. Official DVR permission granted.

Buckfastleigh on the occasion of a 'special' later seen at Ashburton. 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

The return of the special from Ashburton. 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

Just out of the workshops, a gleaming example stands at the buffers in the yard at Buckfastleigh. 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

A picture taken from an unusual position of the north end of Buckfastleigh station before the dreaded A38. Copyright Andrew Jones

The weedkiller at Buckfastleigh

Buckfastleigh Yard scenes in 1966

The line closed to all traffic on 7 September 1962 and was re-opened as the Dart Valley Railway, a preserved steam line, on 5 April 1969. The following gallery, by Mike Roach, was probably taken on that day, or very near to it.

6435 makes ready to depart Buckfastleigh in 1969. Copyright Andrew Jones

In July 1969, my friend and I decided to buy a cheap day return from St Austell to Totnes, with the aim of visiting the then, embryonic South Devon Railway.
Most trains at this time stopped at Totnes, the journey was fairly uneventful with the typical acceleration past Laira and Marsh Mills, however all was not well with our ‘Western’, things started to deteriorate halfway up Hemerdon Bank and it was touch and go if we were going to reach the summit, which was reached at walking pace with more exhaust than a steam engine! We continued at much reduced speed to Wrangaton and Marley tunnels, with great relief descending Rattery Bank at a fine pace. The days of reliable HST’s were still a long way off.
I recently took the train to London and Hemerdon just doesn’t appear to exist with no drop in speed whatsoever!
The HST design proves that over engineering on the railways pays off, with an installed power output of 4,500 hp (both power cars) on a nine coach formation, they are conservatively rated and this has proven over their lifetime, to be possibly, one of BR’s most successful designs.
To put this in perspective, the ‘Indian Pacific’ passenger train which runs over 4,000 kilometres across Australia, and is approx half a mile long only has one locomotive with a power output of 4,000hp.
Back to my photograph….
In 1969 Staverton Bridge was the nearest station to Totnes and we had underestimated the long walk from Totnes Station along, even in those days, a fairly dangerous road. We made it eventually and were rewarded with the enchanting Staverton Bridge Station and GWR 6435 awaiting our outward trip to Buckfastleigh.
On the return trip I took this photograph.
Here we have GWR 0-6-0PT 64XX number 6435 awaiting return departure in July 1969 from Buckfastleigh, towards Staverton . This locomotive was built in Swindon in 1934, one of a batch of 40, fitted for push/pull designed by Collett, used on generally light passenger work, weighing in at 45tons 12cwt.
She was purchased in working order from BR in October 1965, being utilised on many of the early SDR diagrams.
6435 now resides at the Bodmin and Wadebridge railway.
Ron Kosys photographs have been excellent and we are very fortunate that he documented this long lost period, hopefully this photograph will complement the collection. Many thanks Andrew

4555 at Buckfastleigh on the 8th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

1420 + Pecket DVR No.1 30th May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

Buckfastleigh 4555 + 6435 30th May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

DVR No.2 ex D2192 alongside the relatively new A38 embankment at Buckfastleigh. 30th May 1976 Copyright Ron Kosys

80064 on display at Buckfastleigh on the 5th June 1977 Copyright Ron Kosys

1638 at Buckfastleigh on the 5th June 1977 Copyright Ron Kosys

DVR No.1 stretches its legs on the 5th June 1977 Copyright Ron Kosys

DVR No. busy at Buckfasteligh on the 1 5th June 1977 Copyright Ron Kosys.

Buckfastleigh 1369 5th June 1977 Copyright Ron Kosys

1450 stands at Buckfastleigh 5th June 1977 Copyright Ron Kosys

Buckfastleigh 1638 12 Apl 82 Copyright Mike Roach

160325i Buckfastleigh South Signal Box on Good Friday 25th March, 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325j Buckfastleigh Station with the new toilet facilities on the right of the photograph. Good Friday 25th March, 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

160325k The South Devon Railway 'Tiny' inside the museum at Buckfastleigh on Good Friday 25th March, 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

160325h 5526 an ex Truro engine in the workshops at Buckfastleigh on Good Friday 25th March, 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

1369 with the CRS headboard on the occasion of a visit and trip down the line 18th July 1998. The late Reg Loze, Peter Loze Collection. Copyright

This view from the platform at Buckfastleigh shows just how the South Devon Railway has continued to develop. Copyright John Cornelius

For more pictures of the Dart Valley Railway in its early days see the Steam Railtours section Pendennis Castle Railtour 2nd October 1965. This features the delivery of 4555 and 3205. Also on its last day see the Farewell to the Ashburton branch railtour 8th September 1962

'Modern' Motive Power in Buckfastleigh loco shed D1023 Western Fusilier at Buckfastleigh 22nd June 85 Copyright Roger Winnen

This photo below shows 60009 Union of South Africa in the workshops at Buckfastleigh following an axle or bearing problem whilst running a special to the South West in August 2015. It spent a week there utilising the company’s excellent wheeling services. The loco ran light engine from the main line and was tested on the branch prior to departing on a north bound train the week after completion of the repairs. Mike Bramich

Please see text above - photograph kindly supplied by Mike Bramich.

The weedkiller departs Buckfastleigh over Nursery Pool Bridge 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

Suposedly the last ever passenger train on the Ashburton branch - a PRC special pictured on 8th September 1962. Copyright the late Cedric Owen

4555 nears Buckfastleigh 8th August 1972 Copyright Ron Kosys

160325g The Platelayers hut at Hood bridge taken on Good Friday 25th March, 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bishops Bridge Signal Box

A smashing picture of Bishops Bridge Signalbox by Chris Osment. Official permission for access granted by the South Devon Railway

Bishops Bridge Signal Box, an internal view by Chris Osment Copyright. Official permission for access granted by the South Devon Railway.

Staverton

Staverton taken from a signal post. Sep61. Copyright Mike Roach

Staverton Signal Box Sep61 Copyright Mike Roach.

Staverton Crossing Box. Looking south Copyright Chris Osment

Staverton Crossing Box, internal view. Copyright Chris Osment. Official permission for access given by the South Devon Railway

160325d The very nice converted DMU centre car into a Buffet at Staverton, photograph taken 25th March, 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

Staverton Station from the roadside. This station has won many awards in the past. 25th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

160325ff The entrance to Staverton Station taken on Good Friday 25th March, 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

160325f The award plaque is justly displayed on the station buildings at Staverton Station, photographed on Good Friday 25th March, 2016. Copyright Roger Winnen

The Staverton Plaque. Copyright Roger Winnen

On 10th October 2015 a charter HST from Paddington to Buckfastleigh and Heathfield passes through Staverton. Copyright Charles Fennamore.

The above HST just the Buckfstleigh side of Staverton on the 10th October 2015 Copyright Charles Fennamore

A delightful view of 1420 crossing a bridge south of Staverton on the 21st July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Nappers Field

Bernard catches the ref;ection at Nappers Field with 4920 on the 12.38 Staverton-Totnes 25th September 1999 Copyright Bernard Mills.

Nappers Halt

Between Totnes Riverside and Staverton lies Nappers Halt. This low level platform is not available to normal trains - it is only accessible from auto coaches fitted with drop down steps. 26th August 2013. Copyright Roger Winnen

A very smart and grand sign for an extremely small halt, Taken on the occasion of a CRS visit on 18th July 1998 Copyright the late Reg Loze, Peter Loze Collection

Totnes Riverside In the early days the trains ran from Buckfastleigh to a location by the later site of the Riverside statioin. Then for a period prior to the construction of a platform and station buildings at the 'new station' at Riverside (Littlehempston) trains ran onto British Rail metals and through to the main line station.

1982

1985

Totnes main line station as 4555 prepares to leave on a Dart Valley Railway train 22nd June 85 (A Peak approaches on a down service) Copyright Roger Winnen

1986

The Austerity stands at Totnes Main line on the 26th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen

1988

A lovely shot by Jon Morley taken from the Paddington to Buckfastleigh Charter on the 10th October 2015 as it ran over the connecting line between Network rail and the South Devon. A rare working indeed. Note the stock is the newly re-furbished HST in the GWR livery. Copyright Jon Morley

160325c Further signalling alterations being carried out on the approach to Totnes Littlehempston from Staverton. 25th March 2016 Copyright Roger Winnen

160325b The installation of a platform starter signal at Totnes Littlehempston with Ashburton Junction Box in the background. Copyright Roger Winnen

It's the 8th September 1962 and this was thought to be the last passenger train up the Ashburton branch other than the period when service trains ran off the SDR to Totnes main line - BR closed the line to all traffic on the 10th September 1962. Copyright the late Cedric Owen

Six photographs depicting the period when Dart Valley (SDR) trains ran into Totnes station. 1985/88

I worked in WR Train Diagraming Office at Paddington & seeing those pics of SDR trains running into Totnes BR station in 1988. I remembered our Exeter Depot had a Driver & Guard Turn to conduct the SDR crew on those trains. It was a popular turn to work! Yours Doug Nicholls

Dart Vallery train runs into Totnes. 1985 Mike Hitchens Collection

4555 Running around at Buckfastleigh 1985. Mike Hitchens Collection

4555 departs Totnes for Buckfastleigh. 1985. From the Mike Hitchens Collection

Engineering train 5th February 2020
Alan Griffin

L92 leaves Staverton Yard propelling the ballast to the worksite at Great Marsh Bridge. 5th February 2020. Copyright Alan Griffin.

After the 'Lock Down'. Alan Griffin

SDR class 09 D3721 stands at Bishops Bridge with a short goods for stabling at Staverton. This is the first movement along the branch since lock-down and has allowed work to commence to remove the level crossing gate damaged by a road vehicle earlier in the year.

09 D3721 at Bishops Bridge 2nd October 2020 Copyright Alan Griffin

Many thanks Alan - nice to see you back - keep safe.

Early memories of the Fledgling Dart Valley Railway
The late John Vines.

Like many others Dad paid a visit to the fledgeling preserved Dart Valley line in 1969, when it was running as a pure Great Western branch line with auto trains paired up fore and aft of a Pannier tank. Pictures from this period are quite historic and show:

The long lost scene approaching Buckfastleigh from the Ashburton direction.
Staverton x 2: the level crossing and an auto train leaving.
A distant view from the A384 road near Staverton.

Best wishes
Andrew

Dart Valley 1969 1 The long lost scene approaching Buckfastleigh from the Ashburton direction. Copyright The late John Vines. N.B. If only this picture could be repeated - there are hopes, maybe dreams that the line could be re-extended to Ashburton but it will be a very ambitious and expensive project.

The level crossing at Staverton in 1969. Copyright the late John Vines.

Staverton an auto train departing. 1969. Copyright the late john Vines.

And finally a distant view from the A384 road near Staverton. Copyright the late John Vines.

These pictures taken by the late John Vines are submitted in his memory by his son Andrew Vines.

HST Repairs at Buckfastleigh 12th March 2022 Clive Smith

Colas HST power car 43277 stands outside the South Devon Railway Engineering Workshop in Buckfastleigh on Sunday 13th March 2022 following its arrival on an Allelys low-loader on March 11th. Previously this power car has been stored at Arley on the Severn Valley Railway as well as Nemesis Rail Burton, Barrow Hill and Gascoigne Wood in Yorkshire. This is one of five class 43 power cars owned by Colas for use on the Network Measurement Train. The power car is in LNER livery with an EMR logo on the side following the phasing out of HSTs on the East Coast. I expect it will be in the workshop out of sight on the Monday.

Regards, Clive Smith

Colas HST power car 43277 at Buckfastleigh 13th March 2022. Copyright Clive Smith.

Looking back South Devon Gala Day 2012 Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 3205 80072 1207 Totnes-Buckfastleigh 07.04.2012 Copyright Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 55000 1002 Totnes-Buckfastleigh 07.04.2012 Copyrght Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 1369 1239 Buckfastleigh-Bishops Bridge 07.04.2012 Copyright Paul Barlow

1369 1335 Bishops Bridge-Buckfastleigh milk 07.04.2012 Copyight Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 D7612 departs Buckfastleigh 7th April 2012. Copyight Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 78019 1047 Totnes- Buckfastleigh. Copyight Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 D7612 1125 Buckfastleigh-Totnes 7th April 2012. Copyight Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 D7612 1125 Totnes-Buckfastleigh at Dartbridge. Copyight Paul Barlow (Smashing reflection)

SDR Spring Gala 2012 80072 near Buckfastleigh with a mixed train. Copyright Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 The 'Bubble' car on its way to Totnes. Copyright Paul Barlow

SDR Spring Gala 2012 Pannier 1369 on its way to Totnes near Hood bridge. Copyright Paul Barlow

Many thanks Paul - a classic out in the country collection.

'The last train to Ashburton'02.10.1971Philip Hale

'The last train to Ashburton'
02.10.1971
Philip Hale