Exeter Gas Works
and a life of railways
Keith Gale
Ferroequinology (the study of railways) is an interesting hobby and one that many here will agree is very worthwhile. During our studies we find many interesting facts and stories along the way. My particular interest has always been with the unusual. Although I have always aknowledged main line railways - especially freight - the quirky has always appealed. I am not quite sure where this originates from, but this story may provide a clue.
When I was growing up, kids had a lot of freedom. After school and at weekends I had the world at my feet - well, within walking and cycling distance at least. I merely had to tell my Mother the rough time that I would reappear for food and the time was my own within reason. Exeter was my patch and the link with railways was forged at an early age. My parents house was in Exwick - just a stones throw from St Davids Station and I clearly recall falling to sleep to the sounds of shunting at Riverside Yard, where my Father worked for a short while.
A new (second-hand) bicycle was my steed and so I went exploring the obscure little sidings within reach. One industrial area at that time was around Haven Banks with its Gas Works. This area was in complete contrast to the green fields surrounding Exwick. Here was the sound of moving 12 tonne coal wagons, hissing of steam and gas, conveyors transporting coal and so on. I waited by the gated level crossing at Tan Lane and sure enough a small yellow diesel shunter appeared. It was very different to the shunters at Exeter sheds (later to be called class 08's) and of course it was not blue - and dd not even have a visible number! Anyhow, I spent an hour or so watching this locomotive shuttle back and forth with coal wagons taking the fulls from the exchange sidings to the tipper and the empties back. A picture of the locomotive is shown below (courtesy of an unknown source from the internet):
When I was growing up, kids had a lot of freedom. After school and at weekends I had the world at my feet - well, within walking and cycling distance at least. I merely had to tell my Mother the rough time that I would reappear for food and the time was my own within reason. Exeter was my patch and the link with railways was forged at an early age. My parents house was in Exwick - just a stones throw from St Davids Station and I clearly recall falling to sleep to the sounds of shunting at Riverside Yard, where my Father worked for a short while.
A new (second-hand) bicycle was my steed and so I went exploring the obscure little sidings within reach. One industrial area at that time was around Haven Banks with its Gas Works. This area was in complete contrast to the green fields surrounding Exwick. Here was the sound of moving 12 tonne coal wagons, hissing of steam and gas, conveyors transporting coal and so on. I waited by the gated level crossing at Tan Lane and sure enough a small yellow diesel shunter appeared. It was very different to the shunters at Exeter sheds (later to be called class 08's) and of course it was not blue - and dd not even have a visible number! Anyhow, I spent an hour or so watching this locomotive shuttle back and forth with coal wagons taking the fulls from the exchange sidings to the tipper and the empties back. A picture of the locomotive is shown below (courtesy of an unknown source from the internet):
HE 6263 at Exeter Gas Works 8 July 1969. Copyright unknown.
The driver of the locomotive (discovered later from the Industrial Railway Society records as Hunslet 6263) saw this twelve year old looking over the crossing gates and took pity. 'Oi fella, would you like a ride in the loco?' 'You bet' said I and over the gates I went and up into the cab. The loco was quite rough riding, very rattily and loud. I even had the chance to drive (under strict supervision!). All too soon I had to go home, thanked the driver and went on my way.
Over the years and on many occasions I had thought about the Exeter Gas Works visit and decided to conduct some research into the industrial railway system. I knew that one of the steam locomotives had been preserved at the Dart Valley Railway (Peckett 2031) but imagine my surpise when I found that the Hunslet diesel had also been preserved. After working at the Gas Works it moved to several Coking Works in the North East of England - and then into preservation at the Bowes Railway. In 2024 I arranged to visit the Bowes Railway and was delighted to see HE6263 again - and enter the cab again some 55 years later!
Over the years and on many occasions I had thought about the Exeter Gas Works visit and decided to conduct some research into the industrial railway system. I knew that one of the steam locomotives had been preserved at the Dart Valley Railway (Peckett 2031) but imagine my surpise when I found that the Hunslet diesel had also been preserved. After working at the Gas Works it moved to several Coking Works in the North East of England - and then into preservation at the Bowes Railway. In 2024 I arranged to visit the Bowes Railway and was delighted to see HE6263 again - and enter the cab again some 55 years later!
HE 6263 at Bowes Railway 6 June 2024 with the author. Copyright Keith Gale.
Keith in the cab of HE6263 once again, after 55 years. Copyright Keith Gale.
Many thanks indeed for this wonderful article, Keith. Much appreciated and I'm sure many will enjoy reading it.
The first diesel day of the year
at The Bodmin Railway
Jon Hird
The team at Bodmin have been busy over winter, using their new Road Rail Vehicle and a flail to great effect clearing the lineside. This has opened up a few new opportunities for photos. 47306 is seen passing one such spot, just outside Boscarne Junction. 29.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Another location which has benefitted from a haircut, 'Racing Straight' is near quarry curve on the Bodmin Parkway branch. The train is heading to Parkway from Bodmin General. I’ve ’cloned out’ from the shot a corrugated metal water tank which distracted from the train a little. 29.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.
Finally the classic shot at Charlies Gate as the train heads back up the slope. 29.03.2025, copyright Jon Hird.