Last train to
Moretonhampstead
Mike Roach
Moretonhampstead
Mike Roach
The last passenger trains ran up from Newton Abbot to Moretonhampstead 60 years ago on 28 February 1959. I was there on the last day and travelled on the last timetabled train out of the terminus at 7.00pm. At Newton Abbot I transferred to the last stopping train of the day from Newton Abbot to Plymouth at 7.40pm. This was the last train to stop at Wrangaton, Bittaford Platform, Ivybridge, Cornwood and Plympton. The train was allowed 75 minutes to cover the 32 miles. However the 7.40pm train continued to run but now allowed 65 minutes for the 32 miles. Owing to the closure of these stations and reduction in services, the Bulleid Pacifics lost their jobs on the interchange workings over the WR between Exeter and Plymouth.
Something that happened about the same time was the introduction of the All-Line Railrover Ticket at a cost of £15 per week second class.
Also reported was that the Royal Albert Bridge had been fitted with floodlights for its forthcoming 100th anniversary year.
Regards, Mike Roach Many thanks for your report Mike
Something that happened about the same time was the introduction of the All-Line Railrover Ticket at a cost of £15 per week second class.
Also reported was that the Royal Albert Bridge had been fitted with floodlights for its forthcoming 100th anniversary year.
Regards, Mike Roach Many thanks for your report Mike
As mentioned above Mike was on the last public passenger train, however there was at least one more chance to travel in a passenger train to Morthonhampstead. This picture captured by the Late Sid Sponheimer shows the 'South Devon' Pheonix railtour'. What a shame this line in its entirety didn't rise from the ashes!
11th June 1962
South Devon Railway Society
South Devon Pheonix
Loco Used5153
Stock Used :- six corridor coaches in chocolate & cream
5153Paignton - Moretonhampstead
5153Moretonhampstead - Paignton
Notes :
(1) Route confirmation required. Reported to have carried just over 200 passengers.
Source : Gary Thornton
Courtesy the Six Bells Junction Railtour Files.
South Devon Railway Society
South Devon Pheonix
Loco Used5153
Stock Used :- six corridor coaches in chocolate & cream
5153Paignton - Moretonhampstead
5153Moretonhampstead - Paignton
Notes :
(1) Route confirmation required. Reported to have carried just over 200 passengers.
Source : Gary Thornton
Courtesy the Six Bells Junction Railtour Files.
Rattery
Clive Smith
Clive Smith
After my failed attempt to photograph the 13.03 Paddington - Penzance the previous day (26th February 2019) due to the delayed train just missing the setting sun, I pitched up again on the busy and narrow A385 road bridge wearing a high viz bib to avoid being flattened by a bus or truck. With Wednesday 27th February 2019 being the last day of the recent glorious weather this was my last attempt.The news filtered through that Inter City liveried celebrity HST power car 43185 was leading the train . This was going to be nail-biting as the train was due off Totnes at 17.06 working 'single line' to Aish after picking up at a Network Rail pilot-man and the sun would be below the horizon at around 17.23. I don't often pray for a train to be on time but this was one as the evening colour was stupendous but about to disappear. Finally Real Time Trains flagged 1C82 as leaving at 17.11 and the photo was on. The picture was taken at 17.16 and the sun was about to dip below the horizon as can be seen in the second picture taken immediately afterwards. Sometimes everything falls into place just perfectly.
Regards, Clive. Many thanks Clive, your luck was in!!
Regards, Clive. Many thanks Clive, your luck was in!!
Before the sun fell. From the A385 Road Bridge at Rattery. 27th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith
The sun dips towards the horizon - almost gone. The scene at the 385 Road Bridge 27th February 2019 Copyright Clive Smith
Seaton Junction
Brian Pibworth
Brian Pibworth
Good Evening Keith,
At last a picture of Seaton Junction from the station side, in sunshine, with an unusual train passing through.
With kind regards, Brian. Many thanks Brian
At last a picture of Seaton Junction from the station side, in sunshine, with an unusual train passing through.
With kind regards, Brian. Many thanks Brian
Seaton Junction 27th February 2019 Copyright Brian Pibworth. GWR 802106 leads the diverted 1A85 1122 Plymouth to London Paddington down Honiton Bank and through the closed station of Seaton Junction, Devon. This is the second week of GW main line diversions brought about by engineering work in Whiteball Tunnel. Lineside photographers are on the footbridge which carries a right of way across the trackbed which once supported 2 mainlines 2 loops and the Seaton Branch Line. Nearer the camera is the passenger footbridge between the Branch and Mainline platforms, none of which is now accessible to the public.
Lostwithiel
Richard Kitson
Richard Kitson
Castle class at Lostwithiel forming the 3Z61 27th February 2019 Copyright Richard Kitson