Dartmouth Steam Railway General Discusssion

A reminder for anyone looking for a great day out with added bonus of travelling by steam hauled trains - and maybe to enjoy a boat trip as well.
The railway is now running trains four days per week.
From 25th, March until the end of October it is all systems go.!
A chance to get a trip in before many other lines open later in March.
http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/explore

 

Hi, I was just reading back over some old posts. Just wondering if it was still likely to see 4555 and the s160 in steam for the 2017 season?

If not is there a chance of 5542 making a return?

Thanks as always.

 

I believe that the aim is still for this year for 2253, there is a facebook page for the overhaul Https://m.facebook.com/?_rdr#!/groups/1625041807769317?ref=bookmarks

 

2017 will indeed see the return of both 4555 & 2253. Unfortunately, as is quite normal, more work than expected has been found on both the boilers and frames of each engine. This has pushed back their expected return dates towards the later part of this year. 4555 still has a very slim chance of appearing for the summer season, but visitors can expect to see 4277 Hercules, (in her final year) 7827 Lydham Manor, 75014 Braveheart & either 4555 Warrior or a new summer visitor...........

 

Thanks for the update - much appreciated. Looking forward to seeing both engines at some stage.

 

I'm looking at coming down to the railway for the Beer Festival in July. Would be good to see that list of engines in use to get a full flavour of the Western region, not to mention Beer too. Although I do like the idea of a summer visitor too...

Then its a short hop for the South Devon Railway too!

 

Beer festival will be one of our resident 4-6-0's plus a visitor, or both the 4-6-0's. Still a long way off to predict mind!

 

This Wednesday 22nd March, see's us "officially" relaunch 75014 Braveheart. We have a local school and charity coming to officially welcome her back. The crew on the day will be the very people who worked tirelessly over the last couple of years to get her back together. So feel free to ask them any questions!

The weekend of 25th-26th of march see's a special Braveheart rover ticket weekend. For anyone who hasn't yet sampled the new kid in the block, this is a great opportunity, as one ticket grants you access to all 4 of the daily trips.

And don't worry, for you hardcore western fans, a certain manor is in the final stages of some remedial boiler work, before she graces torbay with another deafening year of climbing the hills. Once finished she'll potter out and about before taking the reigns from 75014 from the 1st April.

 

Regarding Lydham Manor being deafening, totally agree! Great memories of a few years back in the coach immediately behind the loco, up the grade through greenway tunnel, all windows open and what I believe was full regulator or thereabouts trying to make up time - the word explosive comes to mind!

 

Will the observation car be on the train during the Braveheart weekend?

 

What's in steam 2moro please

 

I'm afraid not, the Devon belle is currently undergoing an extensive refit & will more than likely not be out before the 2 train season begins. Quite allot of it was rotten......

 

Although trains have been running for the last 6 weeks and are now running daily, the season get under way for proper this weekend with many trips and services such as the Round Robin, Torbay Boats and Greenway Shuttle Bus all starting up for the 2017 season. Combine these with a trip on the railway for a full day out!

You may have seen D7535 out and about a bit over the last few weeks on driver training days, because of this D7535 will be running public services on 3 days in April/May. These being: Fri 21st April. Sat 13th May (co-insides with two charters to Paignton) and Fri 26th May. Departures from Paignton at: 11:15, 13:00 & 15:15. These are in addition to the normal green timetabled steam service with tickets valid on both steam and diesel services. There will no doubt be more running days throughout the season...

 

Managed to get to Goodrington to see 75014 on Tuesday,looks and sounds great. Sadly didn't have time for a run,it'd be nice to get a trip behind it when I visit again in June.

My photo is here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/mark-walker/33385432170/in/dateposted/

 

Rory,

Is 7827 in operation this weekend? if so, please could you let me know which way she faces??

Thanks very much

 

Good evening john,

7827 is the rostered engine for this coming weekend & the next couple of weeks. (Usual rules apply mind!)

She is smokebox to kingswear.

 

Enjoyed my first runs behind Braveheart when I was down last week. The Manor's always going to be my favourite engine on the line but the Standard is definitely now a close second. Was brilliant to see the Cl.25 out and about and looking so good too, will certainly be there to support one of its running days.

 

Rory, Thank you very much. Most helpful - and good news!.

John

 

Is there any extra services this weekend and what's in steam please.

Is the visiting "Devonian" railtour still happening in Saturday for airshow.

 

I was there yesterday (Wednesday). 7827 and 75014 operating the services.