NINETEEN SIXTY FOUR – PART 68
Remembering Torrington and Ilfracombe
Michael L. Roach
In this instalment we are going to remember the railway lines that fanned out from Barnstaple to the towns of Torrington and Ilfracombe, both now sadly closed and lifted. Although Torrington was a through station, it was effectively a terminus from both directions. Trains from Barnstaple and Bideford to the north all terminated here, with the passenger trains being withdrawn on and from 4 October 1965 and the last trains running on Saturday 2 October 1965. Trains from Halwill Junction and Hatherleigh to the south also terminated at Torrington; they were withdrawn on and from 1 March 1965. Trains from Barnstaple to Ilfracombe were withdrawn on and from 5 October 1970 with the last passenger trains running on Saturday 3 October 1970. Freight facilities had been withdrawn from Ilfracombe on 7 September 1964.
As part of my researches for this article, I looked at the populations of all the towns and villages served by these two railway lines to see whether the numbers were now large enough to justify reinstating the lines. The figures were interesting and will be revealed in a future instalment. The book recommended below has good coverage of both lines as well as the Lynton and Barnstaple which we visited recently to mark the ninetieth anniversary of closure.
RECOMMENDED READING: The Southern Railway's Withered Arm by Stephen Austin
As part of my researches for this article, I looked at the populations of all the towns and villages served by these two railway lines to see whether the numbers were now large enough to justify reinstating the lines. The figures were interesting and will be revealed in a future instalment. The book recommended below has good coverage of both lines as well as the Lynton and Barnstaple which we visited recently to mark the ninetieth anniversary of closure.
RECOMMENDED READING: The Southern Railway's Withered Arm by Stephen Austin
Ivatt 2-6-2T no. 41312 has arrived at Torrington from Barnstaple with 2C as seen here. It would run around, change platforms, add 3C and take out 5C on the 12.45pm to Barnstaple on Saturday 6 August 1960 with us aboard the train. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Here we see two engines in the station at Ilfracombe on the afternoon of 6 August 1960. On the left is 34061 73 Squadron; on the right is 31849 during shunting operations. The two engines together took out the 2.55pm which we used as far as Barnstaple Junction. The load was two parcels vans and three coaches. Copyright Michael L. Roach.
Many thanks for another interesting instalment, Mike.
By coincidence, at the time of publishing, I notice that The South Devon Railway have a pre-owned copy of the suggested publication available - click here.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
By coincidence, at the time of publishing, I notice that The South Devon Railway have a pre-owned copy of the suggested publication available - click here.
For more of Michaels articles, please click here.
Another Colas hire-in
Alan Peters
Another locomotive hired to Colas Rail for the RHTT season is DB 66096 pictured at Westbury prior to working 6M50 Westbury to Bescot SCO tripper service on 22nd September 2025. Copyright Alan Peters.
Many thanks Alan - good to see the freight companies sharing/hiring resources to get the jobs done.
The first 350 into storage
Steve Widdowson
350257 + 350264 being hauled by 37407 seen passing Worcester SH as 5Q35 - the 0830 Barrow Hill LIP - Long Marston. 30.09.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
350257 passing through Worcester. 30.09.2025, copyright Steve Widdowson.
Many thanks, Steve.
Coombe Castle
Jon Hird
43042 leads the 1340 Plymouth - Penzance through Coombe St. Stephens on 01.10.2025. Copyright Jon Hird.
Devon Diesels in 2010
Paul Barlow
FGW HST 43180 passes Exeter St. Thomas with the 1106 Paddington to Plymouth. 18.09.2010, copyright Paul Barlow.
37694 passes Exeter St. Thomas with the down 'Devonian' 0920 Solihull-Plymouth 1Z57. 18.09.2010, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks Paul - much has changed in the 15 years between then and now...