Main lines Exeter Exc to Taunton - pre 1980

Devon to Somerset Main line Pre 1980
From Exeter (Excl) to Taunton (Som)

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.

Exeter Riverside

Cowley Bridge Junction - Flood Prevention Scheme. A very detailed and extremely good report on the work by Richard Watts and John Bolton - the engineers in charge of the scheme.

Richard writes - We have now completed our video, “Cowley Bridge Junction: Rivers, Railways & Floods”. It is now on YouTube; the link is:
https://youtu.be/KIPyESW5S70
We hope you find it interesting and that you will be able to post the link on the Cornwall Railway Society website. I assume it will be relevant to the Society’s interests!/
This is an excellent compilation covering all the works in great detail I urge readers to click the link above.

With best wishes for 2022,

Richard Watts & John Bolton.

A very sad day for many as we saw the Western Class of diesels finally exterminated from British Rails stocks. However, many have lived on in preservation for which we have to be very thankful. Red nameplated D1013 Western Ranger leads D1023 Western Fusilier and the 'Western Tribute' railtour over Red Cow level crossing. Apart from the train note Exeter Middle box. Seen on 26th February 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

Exeter Middle box with two Class 40s alongside. 9th October 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

Cowley Bridge Junction

A very fine view of 47468 at Cowley Bridge Junction. Obviously 20th June 1984 was a nice warm day. Copyright Ron Kosys.

33106 at Cowley Bridge Jct on the 5th July 1988 with the 7O70 the 11.20 Meldon-Eastleigh Ballast. Copyright Ron Kosys

33110 arrives at Cowley Bridge Junction with the 7O70 the 16.30 Meldon to Eastleigh on the 3rd May 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

50009 Conqueror on the 11.45 Paddington to Penzance at Cowley bridge on Sunday 7th July 1985 Copyright Roger Geach

Not just trains and junctions but also youngsters enjoying a spell playing by or in the river which can be seen is not in flood.

Nicely illuminated by the sun to show the contrasting liveries 33118 + 33008 are about to pass Cowley Bridge Junction 29th September 1989 with 7O70, 1630 Meldon Quarry to Eastleigh. Copyright Ron Kosys

Cowley Bridge on the 3rd August 1989 as 33211 the 6O74 11.20 Meldon to Tonbridge eases out of the loop. Copyright Ron Kosys N.B. Nowadays (2021) it's ballast in the opposite direction for the Okehampton re-instatement.

45051 waits the road at Cowley bridge Jct. wuth the 09.32 St Blazey to Severn Tunnel Jct, mixed goods on the 10th July 1984 Copyright Clive Smith.

A bucolic scene surrounds Bulleid original Battle of Britain pacific no. 34074 46 Squadron scuttling along with just three coach BR Mk l set no. 572 and a GUV as the very light load at Cowley Bridge Junction near Exeter. 34074 had the misfortune to become one of the first withdrawals of this class along with 34055 Fighter Pilot in June 1963 after a short working life of only 15 years.
[Mike Morant collection]

The late John Fill catches 50 002 Superb just about to pop under the bridge at Cowley bridge junction on the 17th May 1986. The the train was the 'Severn Explorer' a CRS charter. Copyright

Cowley Bridge on the 14th September 1988. Ron Kosys Whilst having a session at Cowley Bridge Junction, the almost constant traffic noise was broken by the sound of a very close by helicopter. I was staggered when AS355 Twin Squirrel G-PAMI dropped over the top of the pub and hovered above the field immediately behind it. G-PAMI was at the time operated by Airzed Ltd, an Eastleigh based company, and was fitted with a camera for aerial film work. Within a minute or so, a very clean HST passed by on the Up, and G-PAMI set off in hot pursuit. I never did find out what the filming was for....
Despite how it looks in the image, the overhead power lines were not a safety hazard; they and the railway separated as the line headed north and certainly initially the filming was being undertaken from the east side of the line. Incredible shots Ron, thank you for sharing them with us.

Cowley Bridge 14th September 1988 Copyright Ron Kosys

33008+33016 are seen here at Cowley Bridge on the 3rd May 1989 working the 6V96 the 09.38 Tonbridge-Meldon Quarry. The rear of this train consists of a load of rails which were detached at Exeter Riverside before the train continued to Meldon. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Having been held at the signal a little further up the line, 47256 accelerates its way through Cowley Bridge Junction before crossing into Riverside yard with a down Speedlink working. 4th May 1990. Copyright Ron Kosys At this time the hut on the right of the shot was inhabited by a vagrant who didn’t take too kindly to being photographed.

47204 puts on a show as it departs Riverside Yard on the 14th June 1990 Cowley Bridge. A most interesting picture, Note the amazing variety of rolling stock in this working, also note the flood plain of the river Exe beyond. Copyright Ron Kosys

Massive earth works in connection with a flood relief scheme have caused a large earth bank to be raised alongside the line to the right of the picture above - this work is nearly complete. 14th September 2016

Cowley Bridge in January 1966. The locomotive is 6998 Burton Agnes Hall thought to be on its delivery run to Totnes Quay. Note the Vanfit on the rear of a passenger train disappearing towards Crediton seen over the signalbox roof. Copyright Mike Roach

Burton Agnes Hall gently proceeds towards Exeter St Davids January 1966 Copyright Mike Roach

56073 departs from Exeter Riverside yard and heads under Cowley Bridge with a load of scrap 10th April 1993 - Copyright Roger Geach N.B Class 56 worked this scrap train for a short period. Never particularly common though.

Using his privileged position Craig gets this wonderful ground level shot of Tornado with the Torbay Express approaching Cowley Bridge. 7th August 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

Cowley Bridge Junction on the 7th July 1984, a nice low level shot by Mike Roach.

A '50' heads an up service past the box. In the background can be seen the line towards Credition, Barnstaple and Okehampton. 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Located, strangely, many miles away at the Romsey Signalbox preservation site, Romsey, is this wonderful model of Cowley Bridge Junction. Photographed by Chris Osment on the 12th September 2015. Copyright.

Cowley Bridge, how this scen has changed over the years, the trackwork is much simpler, no signalbox, yet the 'Tudor timbering; of the Pub lends charm. 47094 at Cowley Bridge 4th May 1990, with the Fawley to Tavistock Junction tanks. Copyright Ron Kosys

Cowley Bridge Junction 47296 on the 30th May 1991 with the 6B97 1200 Tavistock Jn-Gloucester N.B. Pallets on 1st vehicle tripped back from Lapford that morning. Copyright Ron Kosys .

Cowley Bridge 47831 with the Tavistock Junction - Fawley empties. 14th June 1990. Copyright Ron Kosys.

It's the 9th February 2016 the late running 0649 Derby (R.T.C.) - Exeter (Riverside) with 37421 on the front and 97301 on the rear arrives at Cowley Bridge Junction. What a difference a nice drop of sunshine makes! Copyright David Tozer.

Into 2019

9th January. Colas Class 56 56113 reached Exeter with the 0529 6Z01 Derby R.T.C- Okehampton conveying a Loram Rail Grinder and Class 20's 20189 and 20142. At Riverside Yard the Class 20's took the train on to Okehampton. The Class 56 stayed at Exeter. Dave Many thanks.

Cowley Bridge. 56113 seen at 13.35 on the 9th January 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Bringing up the rear are 20142 & 20189 it's 13.35 on the 9th January 2019 Copyright David Tozer

Cowley bridge Jct 1 66844 6F46 the 0703 Westbury Down TC to Crediton engineers 29th April 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Cowley bridge Jct 2 66848 on route to Crediton for Engineering works on Okehampton line. .29th April 2021 Copyright Keith Turley

Staffords Bridge On the river Culm east of Stoke Canon.

An up Cross Country HST accelerates towards the bridge recovering from a signal slack. A picture taken by Colin Burges on one of his cycle tours. Many thanks.

43043 and 43077 Newquay to Leeds. 30th May 1998 Copyright Bill Elston

47145 on a Paignton to Manchester, 30th May 1998. Copyright Bill Elston.

6024 KingEdward First heading north over Staffords Bridge, 30th May 1998 Copyright Bill Elston.

43366 and 43207 on 1153 Plymouth to Birmingham approaches Staffords bridge 14 January 2022.The low winter sunlight makes it look like dayglow. A brilliant picture by Paul Barlow, copyright.

GWR Castle HST43004 43154 pass over Staffords Bridge on 0900 Cardiff to Penzance 28 June 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

Stoke Canon Station closed 13th June 1960 goods traffic withdrawn 3rd May 1965

Stoke Cannon station opened in 1860 at a location north of the level crossing with staggered platforms either side of the crossinhg.

Long after the opening of the Exe Valley Railway on 1st May 1885 a new station was opened to the south on 2nd July 1894 - this thus served both lines. In 1932 loop lines were created off the main line with the Exe Valley trains having their own outer face on the up platform.

Stoke Cannon July 1962 Taken from a train leaving the outer face of the up island platform. The train will have to cross over to the down main shortly. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Stoke Cannon, an up train hauled by a class 31 passes through the former station. As can be seen the platforms were served by two loop lines. Station closed to passengers 13th June 1960, to goods 3rd May 1965. This picture 9th Nov 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Stoke Canon Signalbox April 1970 - Copyright Mike Roach

Stoke Canon Signal Box 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Stoke Cannon Box closed 7th December 1985.

Now heed this warning! The fine for trespass has now gone up 500 fold. April 1970 Copyright Mike Roach

A glimpse inside Stoke Cannon Signalbox with the crossing frame in 1973-4. Note the large 'gatewheel', the majority of levers, painted white are out of use. Copyright Chris Osmnet

Stoke Canon Signal Box. Destined for preservation. 27th June 2020. Copyright David Tozer

Ex. LMS Royal Scot class 4-6-0 No.46100 'Royal Scot' is seen passing Stoke Canon on 13th September 2021, working the 5Z46 09:31 Crewe SLS to Kingswear (PDSR) light engine and support coach move. Copyright Keith Turley.. A nice view which also includes the listed Stoke Canpn level crossing signal box.

Stoke Canon Old Station as seen on the 29th June 2020. (It closed to passengers on the 13th June 1960) Copyright David Tozer.

A most interesting history and report on the Silverton branch and paper mill plus Stoke Cannon has been prepared by our good friend Colin Burges and can be seen using the link he has provided.
If you care to use my piece, perhaps you could just mention Stoke Canon, which is interesting enough, leaving your readers to find more if they choose.
https://www.teignrail.co.uk/scouting/64-silverton/

Cheers, Colin Burges

Much of the field has been harvested as Roger Geach catches 47810 nr Stoke Cannon on Tuesday 18th September 1992 Copyright Roger Geach. Note the 'matching set' of loco and coaches.

An exciting new view - 43239 43378 passes Stoke Canon on 0611 Leeds to Plymouth 1V44 28th June 2023. Copyright Paul Barlow

Rewe

33110 seen at Rewe on the 3rd May 1989 with the 7O70 the 16.30 Meldon to Tonbridge. Copyright Ron Kosys

37413 and 37411 with the 6s55 Burngullow to Irvine seen here at Rewe 7th April 1993 Roger Geach

47827 at Rewe 18th August 1992 Copyright Roger Geach

43185 43181 1013 Plymouth to Paddington at Rewe 16th October 2016 Copyright Paul Barlow

Preserved Collett 4-6-0 no. 6024 King Edward I pounds uphill near Rewe with the return leg of the Clotted King tour on 30/5/98.
[Slide taken by Mke Morant]

The view from Paddleford Bridge. 43150 with 43172 'Harry Patch' on the rear with the 0903 1Z20 Exeter (St David's) - London (Marylebone).6th May 2018. Copyright David Tozer. This road bridge has a weight limit of three tons.

45132 works the 1054 Paignton to Leeds 1E37 Rewe. 28th November 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow. An interesting view which includes in addition to the usual farmhouse a little of the hamlet of Rewe to the left - some interesting buildings there.

Silverton Opened on 1 November 1867. The platforms were staggered, with the up (northbound) platform closer to Tiverton than the down platform, in fact the other side of the road bridge.The station closed to passengers on 5 October 1964. Freight traffic continued until 3 May 1965 but a private siding serving the Reed & Smith paper mill, which had been opened on 26 July 1894, was closed on 31 August 1967.

Silverton station - on the up platform. One can clearly see the down platform on the far side of the road bridge. The staggered platforms being necessary to accommodate the sidings on the down side and the rail connection to the Bridge Paper Mill which left the main line. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Silverton station in broad gauge days. Copyright Geoff Ryall.

Silverton station. Copyright Geoff Ryall.

The Reed & Smith siding from Silverton, still remarkably intact. September 2014 Copyright David Tozer

A map of the area showing the siding and paper mill can be seen by clicking here
http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=16&lat=50.8034&lon=-3.4562&layers=168&b=1

Weighbridge house on the Reed & Smith siding from Silverton,. Copyright Colin Burges

The Weighbridge on the Reed & Smith siding from Silverton, still remarkably intact. Copyright Colin Burges

Inside the Weighbridge house on the Reed & Smith siding from Silverton, the weighing machinery still remarkably intact. Copyright Colin Burges

Silverton June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Two signalboxes for the price of one! Here we see an old box, redundant for many years by this time and its more modern replacement at the east end of the station site. The faded poster on the door suggests a visit to the South Coast. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach N.B. It is very trusting of the Railway Authorities to leave a station trolley lying on the platform some seven months after closure. This picture June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach.

Silverton Signalbox Coal wagons are in evidence in the sidings. The connection to the branch to the Bridge Paper Mill was off a loop behind this box.

For a few years in the late 1980’s, Redland used the Speedlink network to distribute some of their products around the country. Two of the loading points were Eling Wharf, Totton, Southampton and Tiverton Junction, where roof tiles produced at Burlescombe were loaded. 47213 passes Silverton 8th September 1989, heading from Exeter Riverside with four empties for loading at Tiverton Junction. Copyright Ron Kosys

47804 heads towards us with an unknown up working. Silverton 8th September 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

A relatively modern picture just before Silverton station site as 37038 & 47815 head seven coaches eastward. 25th September 1993 Copyright Roger Geach

I caught the final three Class 143's leaving Devon. With a farewell toot from the leading unit 143603,143618 and 143617 with Class 150/2 150207 on the rear approach Silverton with the 1219 5D81 Exeter T.M.D.St Philips Marsh. The working left Exeter 54 minutes early and arrived St Philips Marsh 113 minutes early. Best wishes for the New Year. Dave Tozer . Copyright

The CRS visited Silverton by minibus on 6th September 1980. By this time not a trace of the old passenger station remained. However the metals of the siding serving the papermill were still in position set in a concrete road and the party enjoyed several trips in our 'rail mounted' minibus up and down the siding.

On Silverton Papermill sidings 6Sept1980. In those days we used to advertise the CRS by carrying our headboard. Behind us lie farm buildings adjacent to the main line station. Note the old weighbridge in the foreground, obviously used to weigh both rail and road vehicles. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Another view of the Silverton Mill branch taken 7th September 2014 Copyright David Tozer

Paul Barlow visited the Reed and Smith sidings - still there on the 17th September 2022.

The Reed & Smith siding to Silverton mill still in situ probably as it forms part of a concrete road to Yarde farm buildings. 17th September 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow

Silverton mill sidings. 17th September 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow.

The Reed & Smith siding to Silverton mill closed in 1967, 17th September 2022. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Near Hele

Hele - the 1155 Plymouth-Paddington passes under a bridge some distance west of the former Hele and Bradninch station. 5th May 1989 Copyright Ron Kosys

50046 Ajax at Hele 29th September 1989 from Exeter Riverside to Bristol East. My notes tell me it was working north from Riverside in the path of the 7C52 0905 Meldon Quarry to Bristol East, yet every wagon was empty? Copyright Ron Kosys

Hele and Bradninch Station closed 5th October 64, Goods yard closed 17th May 1965

Named "Hele" when opened on with the main line but soon in 1867 became known as Hele and Bradninch. A siding to the Hele Paper factory was laid in 1919 and used up to the 1980s.

Passenger services were withdrawn on 5 October 1964 but public freight facilities were kept until 17 May 1965. The signalbox was closed on 9 December 1985 and control of the level crossing was from the new panel signal box at Exeter.

Hele and Bradninch station - the platform already eroded but the down station building remains - perhaps for P way staff use? June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach.

Now let's take a look at the up platform. Take a closer look - the up station building stands forlornly looking at the down building. Hey, but what's that on the up platform? A mighty beast is actually nibbling away at the platform edge! The goods shed, behind the up platform building, reamins in use by an engineering company. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

The signal man had a sad aspect from his box as the station is destroyed before his very eyes. Nowadays the M5 traffic snarls past through those orchards in the backround. Wasn't there a big sign there pronouncing 'Whiteways Cider Orchards' at one time? This was a busy box having been extended in 1943 to accommodate 42 levers. The additional section is clearly visible in the brickwork on the box. The goods yard was kept busy by the delivery of coal to supply the nearby paper mill. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

790908a Hele and Bradninch. A view from the motorway as referred to above. Copyright Roger Winnen

A British Rail standard nameplate now reposes on the box. What a shame the old one was done away with in the name of image or progress. 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Flood Relief scheme for the Hele area'
Hello Keith

Very interesting.
Network Rail has submitted a planning application to combat flooding of the railway at Hele, eight miles northeast of Exeter.
The application has been submitted to Mid Devon District Council, and if approved, a £7.2m scheme will replace two road bridges and re-profile the floodplain, which will reduce the frequency and duration of flooding and help prevent a vital link to the South West being cut off. The proposals are part of a wider package of work to reduce flooding on the Great Western main line through Somerset, Devon, and Cornwall.
If planning consent is granted, work is due to start on-site in the spring/summer of 2022. The present bridge over the River Culm in Station Road, Hele will be replaced with a viaduct, increasing the flow of water through the structure. A new access bridge to Devon Valley Mill will also be built, subject to agreement with the mill owners.
While the new bridges are being built, Station Road will need to be closed for approximately eight months, with a diversion via Bradninch towards Cullompton and along the B3181.
Network Rail is working with the local bus company to ensure a suitable service is maintained. Access will be provided through the worksite for pedestrians and cyclists to enable them to continue using the level crossing.
The proposals do not involve any work to the railway itself, and train services will not be affected.
“As well as providing more reliable services for passengers and freight as we recover from the pandemic, the scheme will improve Station Road for users and generally cut the frequency and duration of flooding for businesses close to the level crossing in Hele.
“We have been engaging with the community to evaluate options and to review our flood modelling and we would like to thank them for their invaluable input. We are committed to getting this scheme right.
“We appreciate that if the work goes ahead, it will cause disruption for the people of Hele and Bradninch and we’ll do all we can to keep this to a minimum.”
Anyone who wishes to view or comment on the application should do so by visiting the planning section of Mid Devon District Council’s website at http://middevon.gov.uk.
More information on the proposals is available at http://networkrail.co.uk/hele
Very interesting.

Many thanks to David Ward and Andrew Hickson for forwarding the above details. N.B. The second link seems to work better.

Cullompton Closed 5th Oct 1964 Goods closed 8th May 1965

Cullompton station opened with the railway on 1st May 1844. In 1931 loop lines were established and the platforms moved back. The station closed to passengers on 5 October 1964, but goods traffic continued until 8 May 1967.

The site alongside the down main line is now Cullompton Services for the M5. However there remains a glimmer of hope as Devon County Council have plans for the re-opening Cullompton station.

Cullumpton pictured on 6th September 1980. There is of course a M5 service area at this location now. Copyright Roger Winnen

47145 with the 08.27 Cardiff to Penzance passes the remains Cullompton station down platform on the 22nd August 1981 The station closed to passengers on 5th October 1964 and to goods on the 8th May 1967 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Yet another rare visitor to the South West on Sunday 25th April 2021 sees GBRF Royal Scotsman liveried class 66/7 No.66743 with classmate No.66719 'METRO-LAND' on the rear passing Cullompton , working the 6G97 09:00 Crediton to Westbury Down TC engineers. Copyright Keith Turley.

GBRf 66732 on a scrap metals working Exeter Marsh Barton to Cardiff Tidal app Tiverton Jct loop on the 8th May 2013. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Tiverton Junction

Tiverton Road, was opened with the railway to Exeter on 1 May 1844, although it was actually located at Willand, the nearest the main line came to Tiverton. With the opening of the branch to Tiverton Railway station on 12th June 1848 the station was renamed Tiverton Junction. A second branch, the Culm Valley Light Railway or Hemyock branch opened on 29 May 1876.

With the creation of new loop lines in 1932 new platforms were built each having an additional face to serve the branches - the up platform for the Tiverton branch and the down platform for the Hemyock branch. Goods traffic was withdrawn on 8 May 1967, the Tiverton branch closed on 5 June 1967. The Culm Valley line had closed to passengers on 7 September 1963, although the line remained in use for goods trains until 31 October 1975.

The main station remained in use until 11th May 1986 when it was replaced by Tiverton Parkway. The platforms and loops remain.

From the Mike Morant Collection. An atmospheric shot of former GWR Collet 5700 class 0-6-0 pannier tank No. 3659 shunting at Tiverton Junction on the 22nd May 1963. No 3659 was an Exeter based engine at the time but would move to 82E at Barrow Road five months after this shot was taken. It was withdrawn from Barrow Road in October 1965.

6813 Eastbury Grange rushes through on a down train Jul61 Copyright Mike Roach

Ramsgate to Paignton 24th March 79. 33 040 at Tiverton Jun, awaiting a path. Hauling the Ramsgate to Paignton Excursion on 24th March 1979Copyright Clive Nye

The closure notice for Tiverton Junction station. It closed on the 6th May, the picture dares from 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen

The standard 'Legal Jargon' which appeared on notice boards alongside closure notices. 28th June 1986. Copyright Roger Winnen

Picture from the 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Tiverton Junction with 50 007 Hercules already renamed Sir Edward Elgar 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach (Nobody was going to get wet with the very adequate cover on this footbridge!

Tiverton Junction Signal Box 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach. Note the unusual cranking of the point rodding passing under the up platform line and then under the up main.

A close up of the rodding mentioned above. 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Two views of Tiverton Junction station taken after closure, the station still looks tidy, the platform furniture and clutter of trolleys seems to have disappeared. Shortly after these pictures were taken the footbridge was closed off. 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen

Another view of the 28th June 1986. The loop into the Hemyock branch platform remains as does the lead into the run round loop. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Tiverton Jn. A down HST headed by 43010 passed through the now-closed Tiverton Junction 8th September 1989. Copyright Ron Kosys

A splash of colour as a class 52 Western flashes past Park Sidings to the east of Tiverton Junction with an up service which includes a Royal Mail van. These sidings were established by the Air Ministry in 1943 and remained in use until 1983. Copyright the late John Stanford (BR WR) collection

47525 passes through Tiverton Jn 8th September 1989. Note The Redland Roof Tiles wagon in the fenced off area on the right awaiting loading. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Sampford Peverell Halt (Tiverton Parkway)
This halt was opened on 9th July 1928 although the sidings predate the halt. Loop lines were installed in 1932 to allow fast trains to overtake overtake slow local ones, and new concrete platforms were provided to serve them. The quite basic halt lasted until 5th October 1964,the down loop was removed in 1966 the up loop and sidings remaining is use until 1968. The site remained dormant, just plain double track until 1986 when the extremely busy and considerably bigger new station of Tiverton Parkway was established, this serves the North Devon area. This opened on 12 May 1986.
A large car park, though not large enough to meet todays demands, lies over the sidings area and long platforms have been constructed over the former platform loop lines formation. The original road at this location was diverted over the current road bridge and this road then formed the approach road to the halt either side, however, the construction of the M5 prevented any approach to the new station from that side.

Sampford Peverell Halt as seen by Mike Roach in June 1965. The large car park serving Tiverton Parkway station now sits over and beyond the sidings area to the right. Copyright Mike Roach Note that the down loop point has been removed and plain track substituted. A class 22 waits by the signal box probably waiting a path east as there seems no work for it to do in the empty goods yard. The goods yard was officially open for another three years.

The west end of the halt viewed from the down platform, the adjacent metals have already gone very rusty having been disconnected from the network earlier. The passenger accommodation at this location is pretty sparse compared with that provided for the new Parkway Station. There was a board crossing over the four tracks at the far end of the platforms. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

The lofty signal box at Sampford Perverell contained 50 levers and was operational from St Valentines day 1932 until closure of the goods yard on the 10th March 1968.This view from the down platform in June 1965. There had been an earlier signal box located about midway along the down platform. Copyright Mike Roach

The brand new Tiverton Parkway station as seen by Roger Winnen on the 28th June 1986. Copyright

The new station building at Tiverton Parkway viewed on the 28th June 1986 by Roger Winnen Copyright

Tiverton Parkway 1st November 2014 Copyright Roger Winnen

Near Burlescombe

Near Burlescombe the 1e21 Penzance - Leeds leans into the curve behind a Peak April 1974 Copyright Doug Nicholls

Burlescombe Closed to passengers 5th October 1964 Goods yard closed 17th February 1964

Here is Burlescombe in June 1965 some seven months after closure to passengers. The station looks complete, the nameboards are still there, however there are no longer any lamps on the posts. We're looking towards Taunton, the goods yard is behind us. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Down at platfrom level now - Mike Roach advises that the wide arch sprung from the solid rock face of the cutting is typical Brunel practice. The small goods yard and connection to the Westleigh Quarry lay beyond the bridge on the right hand side. Jun 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Looking towards Taunton and Whiteball tunnel on the Devon/Somerset border. June 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

A branch on the west side served the railway's nearby ballast quarry at Westleigh This branch had originally been a 3 ft gauge line while the main line was 7 ft 1⁄4 in (Broad gauge). Both lines were converted at different times to standard gauge – the main line in 1892 and the quarry line in 1899. Superior quality limestone abounded in the locality and in the 19th century great quantities of it were sent off both by canal and railway. Whipcott Quarry adjacent to Westerleigh Quarry (just off to the left of the picture below) was connected to the quarry railhead by a tramway.

Burlescombe 47741 on an up passenger on the 29th July 2000 Copyright Roger Geach

Just before Burlescombe station, of which not a trace remains, the Westleigh Quarry branch joined the main line. Remains of the branch can still be seen looking to the left from an up train. Note the quarry in the background and the iron rail bridge in the foreground. The limestone quarry rail connection became disused by 1961. Some broad gauge track was found here and is now at Didcot. 26th July 1980 Copyright Roger Winnen

Burlescombe Postscript

Some kind person has rescued the sign from Burlescombe - and here its is. Looking grand on the demonstration line near the Broad gauge transhipment shed at Didcot. 28th October 2015

Another shot at the same location, same day. 50 years and 23 days after the original station closed. Didcot 28th October 2015 Copyright Adrian King.

A rare weight restriction sign at Whiteball. Copyright Mike Roach

Having climbed Wellington bank and passed through Whiteball tunnel 50 043 Eagle is eased back as it commences the down grade from the tunnel. Whiteball box is just visible beyond the over bridge in the distance. 7th July 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Diesel_BR_D6329_D4164_Whiteball_7-4-64 NBL built 'Baby Warship' B-B Type 2 diesel hydraulic no. D6329 descends from Whiteball summit in the company of diesel shunter no. D4164 on 7/4/64. D6329 was delivered to BR in June 1960 and was initially allocated to Laira depot but would move to Newton Abbot in January 1961. which is where it was allocated when this shot was taken. Withdrawal came at Bristol's Bath Road depot in November 1968.
[Mike Morant collection]

A crimson Class 52 Western makes a fine sight near Whiteball in September 1969. Copyright Mike Roach

The three 31's are passing the down loop at the west end of Whiteball tunnel. Copyright John Cornelius.

Tamar emerging from Whiteball tunnel having crossed as it passed through the tunnel the boundary between Somerset and Devon. The next country boundary the main lines crosses is over the river Tamar. which forms the boundary between Devon and Cornwall. Note the white backing painted on the tunnel entrance to give better sighting of the signal. Copyright John Cornelius

The 'Cathedrals Express' behind 6201 Princess Elizabeth emerges from Whiteball tunnel. 17th September 2016 Copyright Ron Westwater.

47805 near Burlescombe on a down train 18th July 2002 Copyright Roger Geach

Looking almost like a picture of a model railway recreation here is Whiteball siding signalbox in April 1974. Note the 'double doored' porch on the signalbox, one exit to the trackside, the other to the toilet set back in the bank. Note also the 'Catch Point' sign, and the PW hut gto the right, the siding has been recently re ballasted. Copyright Doug Nicholls

Dear Keith,
This little box has an odd history: The box dates from 1876 and was supplied to the GWR by Saxby & Farmer.
In 1955, the signalman had an 'incident' with a gas ring and the box burned. Fortunately, although the box superstrucure was consumed, the lever frame was intact, so they simply put a new top on. . Here in the picture we have a box from 1955 sitting on 1876 brickwork.
Whiteball box closed on March 1sr 1986.
Roy Hart.

Taken by Roger Winnen from a down train, very soon after emerging from Whiteball Tunnel. Copyright

A smashing shot of not only of the loop but the box and refuge siding as well. The wide arch of the overbridge frames the distant loop very well. Many thanks to John Cornelius - Copyright.

GWR Collett Castle class 4-6-0 no. 4088 Dartmouth Castle "at Whiteball" on 14/9/61. 4088 was an 83C Swindon engine when this shot was taken but would be withdrawn as an 82B Bristol St. Philips Marsh engine in May 1964.
[Mike Morant collection]

Whiteball Tunnel on the border with Somerset.

Whiteball tunnel given a new lease of life

The railway between Tiverton and Taunton was closed between 18 January 2014 and 10 February 2014 - this was to enable very extensive works on Whiteball tunnel and drainage improvements. The tunnel is a 1000m long Victorian brick arch structure built in 1844 which had deteriorated over the years. To prevent potential brick fall the tunnel lining was previously relined with wire mesh. During this railway closure a new concrete lining was applied to the worst areas of the brick arch to prevent future deterioration.

The Tiverton end of the tunnel identified as a potential flood site has had considerable improvements made to the drainage in the area.

To minimise the impact of the work on the environment, environmental fencing was installed to protect Great Crested Newts found in the area. This exclusion fence is built along the boundary of the worksite with a license from Natural England.

This project was completed on time congratulations to Network Rail on their expertise.
Following directly on from the Whiteball work was the breach of the sea wall at Dawlish where the spraycrete machine was quickly put to work stabalising the sand.

Whiteball tunnel South end. Courtesy Tim Maddocks

Whitemall tunnel North portal. Courtesy Tim Maddocks Copyright Network Rail

Another view of the north portal Whiteball tunnel courtesy Tim Maddocks Copyright Network Rail. In this view extensive drainage and clearance work above and around the tunnel mouth can be seen.

Whiteball tunnel - looking towards the south portal courtesy Tim Maddocks Copyright Network Rail. In this view the extensive work in the roof of the tunnel and be seen. The roof was then sprayed with concrete, the track has been carefully protected with sheeting.

The 'spraycrete' machine in the tunnel. Also to be seen the elaborate mesh which as been erected to retain the sprayed concrete and thus further the life of the tunnel. Courtesy of Tm Maddocks, Copyright Network Rail

Whiteball Tunnel - from South West to the North East in February 2018. Pictures taken by Andrew Triggs
N.B All these photographs were taken from a safe point outside the fence.

Colas 70816 working 6B36 08.16 Moorswater-Aberthaw Cement heading for the western end of Whiteball Tunnel, running 126 early at this point. 8th February 2018 copyright Andrew Triggs

Running some 22 late, 1C74 09.03 London Paddington-Plymouth clearing Whiteball Tunnel heading West. 8th February 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

From the fields way above the Tunnel, 1C7710.35 London Paddington for Paignton about to enter the Tunnel 8th February 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

At the Somerset end of the Tunnel, 1A82 09.00 from Penzance, heads down grade for London Paddington. 8th February 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

6024 King George V powers the Marauding Monarch up Whiteball. 17th May 2000. Copyright Roger Geach

Beam Bridge Beam Bridge was opened on 1 May 1843 as a temporary terminus while work was continuing on the Whiteball Tunnel. It was closed exactly one year later when the line was completed to Exeter. Road coaches used what is now the A38 road for that one year to carry passengers from terminating trains to their destinations further west.

Paul Barlow Focuses on the Whiteball area

A scene made by the signal!! The 11.00 Paignton to Bradford 1E37 45113 Whiteball (1) It's 22nd August 1981 Copyright Paul Barlow.

Under clear signals 45038 on Wellingon bank with the 09.08 Newcastle to Paignton 1V87 Wellington 22nd August 1981, Copyright Paul Barlow

45104 0958 Bradford to Paignton 1V86 approaches Wellington. 22nd August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

46027 on the 10.32 Paignton to Leeds and Hull 1E60 seen at Whiteball on the 22nd August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

Peak 46035 on the 09.50 Newquay to Newcastle the 1E22 emerges from Whiteball tunnel. 22nd August 1981. Copyright Paul Barlow.

46046 bursts out of Whiteball tunnel with the 1M23 the 12.25 Paignton to Nottingham . 22nd August 1981 Copyright Paul Barlow

Whiteball Signalbox - April 74 Copyright Doug Nicholls.

Whiteball - inside signalbox April 1974 Copyright Doug Nicholls

Wellington (Som)

Courtesy Mike Morant Collection

Wellington - a class 47 brings an up service through the station on 9th July 1977. This station closed to passengers 5 October 64, the goods having closed on 6th July 64. However, as can be seen in this picture the goods shed and the down loop remained for sometime. Note also the signalbox and waiting shelter on the up platform. Copyright Roger Winnen

Wellington Som on the 7th July 1984 as a Peak hammers through on an up service Copyright Mike Roach Note the signalbox and the old up waiting shelter still remain. The down platform line was retained for some time for engineering use.

Wellington Signalbox 8Oct84 Copyright Roger Winnen

Wellington signal box partially demolished. A very sorry sight. 13th July 1986 Copyright Paul Barlow

Wellington signal box. 13th July 1986. Copyright Paul Barlow

GWR, Churchward designed but Collett enhanced 2800 class 2-8-0 no. 3834 near Wellington (Somerset) on 18/9/61. No. 3834 was an 86E Severn Tunnel Junction engine at the time but would move, firstly, to 81C Southall and then to 83B Taunton where withdrawal symptoms would set in during April 1964.
[Mike Morant collection]

About a mile east of Wellington station the Grand Western canal came close by. Try using this map to help you locate the spot. Many thanks to Colin Burges http://maps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoommaps.nls.uk/geo/explore/#zoom=17&lat=50.9891&lon=-3.2226&layers=168&b=1=17&lat=50.9891&lon=-3.2226&layers=168&b=1

Taken from the canal bridge looking along the old carriage drive to the main line, heading right to Wellington. CR Colin Burges

Looking North from the canal bridge, young trees mark the course of the old carriage drive to Nynehead Court Copyright Coiln Burges

Looking through the ornate arch of the abandoned Grand Western to the railway bridge. The carriage drive joined the public road just beyond the railway, where the lodge can still be seen from the train. Nynehead Lift, one of seven, is at left and took tubs from the level of the drive up to the bridge. Copyright Colin Burges.

Victory Crossing

Situated just under three miles west of Taunton , just west of Norton Fitzwarren Copyright John Cornelius

Norton Fitzwarren

Norton Fitzwarren in 1934. A rare and interesting picture. Note the symetery of the station buildings - even the platform seats are in exactly the same positions on the platforms. From the Roger Winnen Collection

43086/198 approach the site of Norton Fitzwarren station with the 1C77 1006 Paddington - Penzance on the 12th August 2017. Copyright David Tozer. The bi-directional single line on the left leads on to the West Somerset Railway.

Silk Mill sidings

Silhouetted against an ideal sky eight semaphores guard the entrance to the Taunton area. Memories of the past. Many thanks to John, another one from his marvelous collection. Copyright

Silk Mill Sidings lay to the west of Silk Mill level crossing - this picture taken in 1973/74 by Chris Osment Copyright

Brilliant winter sunshine produces a smashing picture. S privilage pictures taken by signalman John Cornelius. Copyright

Silk Mill Level Crossing

A Warship with an engineering train at Silk Mills level crossing. 1970 Copyright Andrew Jones.

Steam crane 'track stacking' at Silk Mill. 1970 Copyright Andrew Jones

1035 Western Yeoman approaches Silk Mill Level Crossing in January 1971. Note that the nearest metals have already been cut and taken out of use. This crossing has been completely removed being replaced by a road over bridge carrying the A3065 and the signalbox demolished. Copyright Andrew Jones

Silk Mills Crossing signalbox, now replaced by an overbridge. Viewed on 6Sep80 Copyright Roger Winnen

Thought you might be interested in this picture taken at Taunton Fairwater Yard, when part of the HOBC set derailed during shunting procedures. One bogie decided to go each way at the points just out of the shot at the bottom of the picture – Oops! I can’t remember the exact date, but it was around the 30th March 2009. It was after this that the crane sent to re-rail the vehicle, touched overhead power lines and welded itself to the rails! Luckily no-one was hurt. Copyright Robert Lindley

Viewed from Staplegrove Road bridge Freightliner 66514 is seen shunting in airwater yard at 6.38 pm 27th October 2018 Copyright Andrew Triggs

800726az The Army Depot on the approach to Taunton. Situated on the up side . Copyright Roger Winnen

A smashing privileged picture taken by signalman John Cornelius

Class 73 Electro-diesel under power West of Taunton - just! A shot, taken in May 2007 from the old 40 Steps Bridge, showing Taunton Sorting Office and an unusual locomotive sitting on what is now the pavement of the new relief road. This was the ex Southern Region 73133 electro-diesel, newly acquired as the Fairwater Yard shunter, which had trundled down the headshunt, posed for a few minutes then returned to the yard. This turned out to be one of its rare outings and eventually, after a period languishing in Silkmills siding, it was returned to owners Transmart Railways (formerly the Class 73 Preservation Society) to be repaired and refurbished at Selhurst Depot and continue its hiring role elsewhere. Since then DB seem to have largely dipensed with dedicated shunters, requiring their work to be done by mainline locos.

Taunton 37696 St Blazey to ADJ Newport seen here at Taunton on Sat 25th October 1997 Copyright Roger Geach

Taunton 43166 with an up summer Saturday working. 22nd September 2001 Copyright Ron Kosys

Taunton

Taunton from the west end. Note the rather overgrown area on the disused section of the platforms. This picture is taken from a place of safety. 19th September 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters.

7333 on a train bound for Barnstaple, in August 1963, you'll see several shots of this locomotive in the Taunton to Barnstaple section. Copyright Mike Roach

A Taunton Interlude - in the days of steam and diesel - John Cornelius

Copyrght John Cornelius

Copyriight John Cornelius

It was built in 1938 at Swindon Works, withdrawn from service in December 1965 and purchased directly from British Railways for preservation by John Mynors, a member of the Great Western Society, in 1965-66. Initially it was stored at Ashchurch, until moving to Didcot in August 1970. Copyright John Cornelius

Dumbleton Hall was rescued by the Dumbleton Hall Preservation Society in 1974 and restored at Buckfastleigh. Having worked on a number of lines, she is now awaiting overhaul. Previously too heavy to work on the South Devon Railway, 4920 will be able to work on the line in future as the SDR has recently been upgraded for use by heavier locomotives.

Built as Powis Castle in June 36, it was renamed as above in October 1937. Copyriht John Cornelius

Lets hope Paddinton to Minehead will be a regular service again before too long. Copyright John Cornelius

Fortunately Dumbleton Hall is still with us. Many thanks to John Cornelius for this picture. Copyright.

Criccieth Castle entered service in April 1934 and was withdrawn in November 1964. Copyright John Cornelius

D602 is about to pass over the bridge carrying the railway over Station Road which passes beneath the station. Copyright John Cornelius

A 'Gem' of a picture from John Cornelius, copyright.

A rare visitor under lower quadrant signals. Copyright John Cornelius

What a lovely study of the train crew. The steam engine is said to be the nearest mechanical thing to a living thing. Well, without a crew such as these it wouldn't be going anywhere. Copyright John Cornelius 6908 Downham Hall was put to traffic at Wolverhampton Stafford Road shed on 31st July 1940. Its last shed was Bristol Barrow Road from which it was withdrawn on the 31st July 1965. The official 'cut date' came pretty quickly on the 31st October 1965.

A most interesting shot by John Cornelius

The rather elusive BRUSH 'FALCON'[D1200] makes an appearance at Taunton, it is seen running round after working a local passenger train from Bristol. Copyright John Cornelius

N.B. The Chard branch closed 10th September 1962. Copyright John Cornelius

Just imagine the 'pleasure's' of being alternately frozen by a bitter wind off the tender and cooked by a roaring fire!! Copyright John Cornelius

Western Warrior entered traffic on the 15th March 1963, and almost twelve years later on the 12th March 1973, was scrapped at Swindon. Copyright John Cornelius

Not the last to be withdrawn. Copyright John Cornelius

1036 Emperor and 7001 waiting their turn of duty at Taunton on the 18th August 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

Taunton 1056 Western Sultan with the 1b05 0845 Paddington to Plymouth at Taunton on Sunday 13th April 1975 Copyright Roger Geach

D1033 Western Trooper, D1070 Western Gauntlet and D1058 Western Nobleman were en route to Swindon where instead of going straight to the scrap lines they were put aside for a while for possible further use. However this was not to be and they eventually met their fate. Copyright John Cornelius.

A depressing scene at Taunton as withdrawn Westerns D1058 Western Nobleman, D1070 Western Gauntlet and D1033 Western Trooper await a tow to Swindon Works. 19th March 1977. Copyright Neil Phillips.

Taunton - an evening westbound departure and those long forgotten semaphore signals. 29th March 1980 Copyright Roger Winnen

Taunton West Box viewed from the down main platform. Times are changing - the leftmost semaphore has already been removed. Colourlight signals are in evidence but not in use yet signified by the white cross. April 1986 Copyright Mike Roach

Taunton West Signalbox and signals viewed from the up main platform - the island was already out of use. A DMU crosses from the up fast onto the up slow to access the platform. April 1986 Copyright Mike Roach

Taunton East Signal Box viewed on 29th October 1977 Copyright Roger Winnen

Days gone by as a Peak runs into the centre platform - the signalbox is still there as is the fine array of signals in the distance. Copyright Roger Winnen

GWR, Churchward designed 2800 class 2-8-0 no. 2872 stands alongside the signal box by Taunton loco on 6/5/62. No. 2872 was an 86E Severn Tunnel Junction engine at the time and would see here time out at the same shed in August 1963.
[Mike Morant collection]

Taunton on the 1st July 1995 - the former bay on the left looking quite untidy and sizeable trees growing on the centre, disused platform. However things have changed for the better, the centre platform is now back in use. Copyright Roger Winnen

It's Taunton on the 28th May 1987 possibly the first day the Cornishman has been operated by an HST set hence the very unusual 'headboard' Copyright Roger Winnen

Eight semaphores on display as a down service headed by a '50' passes through. Copyright Roger Winnen

April 1986. A down HST service slows to access the platform, the island platform was, at this time, out of use. The bay platform still, in 2013, remains in use for local services. Note and savour the profusion of semaphores, not to be there much longer. Also note the large water tower beyond the cab of the HST. That was still there in 2013 but for how much longer - it lies on land being developed. Copyright Mike Roach

Just switching ones view about twenty degrees to the left of the previous shot brings into sight this water tower. Copyright Roger Winnen

1008 Western Harrier 6v53 Stoke to St Blazey at Taunton 4th January 1973 Copyright Roger Geach

Taunton Steam 1 6009 Union of S Africa heading west. From 40 steps footbridge.9th June 2013. Copyright Bill Elston

Taunton Steam 2 6009 Union of S Africa heading west. From 40 steps footbridge.9th June 2013. Copyright Bill Elston

This picture was taken in the yard outside the former loco shed which would have been behind the locos. Locos and track maintenance machines were stabled there for several years after the shed closed and the old roundhouse demolished. Copyright John Cornelius

Taunton. An identified 431xx heads westwards on the 22nd September 2001 Copyright Ron Kosys

45144 Royal Signals on the 19.35 Exeter to Cardiff seen at Taunton on the 13th December 1982 Copyright Paul Barlow

My last offering of this year: Virgin Thunderbird 57308, TIN TIN, on a Cardiff – Taunton local.

At this time, pairs of 57/3s ( in top-tail mode) and coaches were hired in by FGW because of a shortage of DMUs. This arrangement didn’t last long!

Happy New Year to you all,

Bill

57308 Tin Tin Seen at Taunton on the 7th May 2010, Copyright Bill Elston

57308 the nameplate. Copyright Bill Elston.

Taunton - goods avoiding line

Looking back from an up train leaving Taunton, a RARE view of a Peak using the goods avoiding line. Copyright Roger Winnen

Thought you may like these shots of the Taunton Goods Loop bridge being prepared for removal. This originally carried three tracks and a large water pipe from the pumping station by the canal to the engine sheds. Before this, a canal used to bridge the road at this point, part of the Grand Western Canal that went to Tiverton. Originally this canal was planned as a ship canal running from Bridgwater to Exeter but the coming of the railways put paid to these grand plans. A new wider bridge will be put in its place but built to carry the new Taunton inner relief road, rather than the railway. Cheers Rob

Taunton Goods Loop Bridge 1 - Prep for removal 10.42 21st March 2016 Copyright Rob Lindley

Another view of the preparations for the replacement of this bridge. 21st March 2016 Copyright Rob Lindley

Cogload Junction Is this as far as we go??

Cogload Jct Box 25May87 Note canal bank & pillbox Copyright Roger Winnen

A closer view of the well lit box from a speeding train by Doug Nicholls. The Grand Western canal which lies behind the pillbox was one of our lines of defence during World War Two. March 1969 Copyright

Andrew Triggs takes a look around the outside of Taunton station on the 1st October 2023.

Hi Keith/Roger
While returning from the ever excellent SVR Autumn Diesel Gala, I stopped off in Taunton near the station and took the enclosed shots of the former Water Tower and GWR Goods Office, presumably awaiting further developments in the sea of redevelopment on the former railway land
All the Best
Andrew

1 & 2 The old Water Tower now surrounded by the new Housing developments, the 'British Railways Taunton Freight Concentration Depot' signage now extremely faded
3 & 4 The GWR Goods Offices, although fenced off, appearing to be in good repair.

1. Taunton Water Tower. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

2. Taunton Water Tower. Copyright Andrew Triggs.

3. The old GWR Offices at Taunton. 1st October 2023. Copytight Andrew Triggs.

4. The old offices look in good order.. Copyright Andrew Triggs.