Paignton and Dartmouth Railway

Was interesting to read most of this before we had a week down at Goodrington for the family holiday and then see for myself what things were like having last visted when Scotsman was on the line!

My perspective on this visit was somewhat different to the past having now got a 3year old and 1 year old in tow rather than being a solo enthusiast - the family experience is therefore more important. What we found was that in the main the things which were controllable were done very well - pleasant helpful lady on the enquiry phone line, clean well presented stock, well thought out access/provision for pushchairs and helpful staff. Some of the less easily improved stuff was where you might find room for criticism - e.g. the toilets at Paignton - my wife would probably have preferred to feed a baby on the footplate of Lydham Manor than use the "Nursing Mothers room" as there appeared a lot more attention to detail on the loco than in that grim room! That said with a total redevelopment hopefully on the way it makes little sense to spend a lot money revamping it only to have it pulled down.

The names work for the kids - our eldest was interested to know that the 08 was called Samson - which is similar to his name, and that the coach next to ours was called Natasha which is the same as one of his aunties. At the end of the day its more of a tourist attraction using preserved locos than an exercise in preservation for its own sake but so what - thousands of people must gain an appreciation for steam with those gleaming locos/stock and those views which may make a trip to another line seem like a good idea elsewhere. Commented to the young fireman (well he looked young enough to make me feel old) that the waving to the beach at Goodrington were a nice touch and he confirmed my suspicion that there was something of a company policy on it - again well thought out and good PR. The line must also be a fairly important contributor to the local economy which if house prices are any gauge is not that strong outside the tourist sector - again the wider interests outweigh concerns about realism in liveries etc, and while it may grate a bit with staff I'm sure they realise the need to be economically strong if a paid workforce is to be maintained.

Me and the eldest treated ourselves to a ride back up in the Devon Belle so we could be nose to nose with Lydham Manor on the return - best £2 I've spent in a long time. So what that its actually a Southern carriage - it must bring in near enough £200 a day in supplementary fares. OK so most people probably do it for the scenery but it was full on our trip back with people enjoying the "music".

The names and liveries might not be to everyones taste but the customer service is very well thought out and if that combination is the price of Manor music on Goodrington bank 4 times a day (with the odd tiny slip for added entertainment) then fair enough. The marketing is very much the Great Western experience which is why I doubt Lydham Manor will ever wear anything other than a form of GWR livery - British Railways is too close to many visitors nightmare commutes (how often do 2008 rail passengers still refer to British Rail?) to be a selling point other than to purists.

Thanks to all the staff who made the trip (and the rest of the week on Goodrington beach) such a pleasure - there were days last week when driving/firing a steam loco would have been rather warm work!

 

That last post is a contender for 'post of the thread' award (if there was such a thing!!) It sums up perfectly, from a customer's viewpoint, the reasons why the P&DSR do what they do, and so answers a lot of our questions. Glad you had a great experience - experiencing 7827 storming up the hill from Kingswear from the Devon Belle is up there among the top experiences on any steam railway =D>

 

6024KEI, thanks, remember talking to you now, I was the fireman. Thankyou very much for your comments.

You have hit the nail on the head, I see it as we give people the memories/experience that they want to remember/have. The Great Western Railway is said in a good manner, where as BR is always muttered in tune with yesterdays curled up sandwiches and delays.

The mothers room is definitaly one that could do with a bull dozer!! It has been neglected, this proposed development has meant that money has been held back from updating/keeping in a good condition and i can only apologise for this on behalf of the company.

Thanks for your other comments, will be passed on to those above me.

 

This is the first time that I've located this thread and have to say thanks to Tuffer and Stu for sharing their knowledge on the P&DSR.
I would not call myself a "railway" or indeed a "train" enthusiast as quite frankley that would be an insult to those of you that are. However, since the age of 5 (now 34) when I can remember my first family holiday to Brixham, I have always retained a real love of the Paignton to Dartmouth line and the engines that run on it. I still manage to get a long weekend down each year to re-live my childhood and yes, I still get goose bumps watching 5239, 7827 or 4555 (look no names!!!!) thundering around Broadsands beach.
It did sadden my heart though to read about 4588 which appears to have been "retired" and up for sale. This 2-6-2 tank engine gave me many a happy memory through the 80's and I hope that she finds a new caring owner (me if I had won the lottery!).
On a happier note, it is pleasing to hear of the future plans for the railway including the redevelopment of Paignton Station - it certainly has not changed as far back as I can remember.
Good luck for the future and I hope that the staff, volunteers and the new owners can create some ever-lasting happy memories for today's children.

=D> Rob.

 

I totaly agree with that last comment =D>

I think this is why we all feel so interested about the line.

Also I will be visiting again soon I've been away for too long just been busy with work and all.

Also a little bit earlier in the thread I mentioned I took some pics of 4277 outside the shed at Churston, looking at them again I see I also got a pic of a pink Crane is this new or just a repaint as looks similar to the little yellow one but not quite the same.

 

4277 is getting closer....should start painting by the end of the week we hope. She's looking a little mottled at the moment!

The railway purchased 2 new (to us) cranes in february or so(?). They are ex-Jarvis 12 ton hydraulic rail cranes. They had been in storage in York for some time. One in red livery, one in yellow. We have almost got the red one fully working, the yellow one is primarily for spares. Hopefully this will replace the Smith Rodley 10 ton diesel elctric crane we currently have, she's a bit tired and the relays in her dont enjoy sitting doing nothing. Also the hydraulic crane is much smoother in precision jobs.

 

A very interesting post by 6024KEI. It is always welcome to know how those who pay to travel on the railroad feel about their journeys and experiences. My experiences are, in the main, that of speaking to people who are about to travel and I rarely see them again to ask how their day went.

KEI mentioned the input to the local economy: with over 100 full and part time staff ( not including the volunteers) who are employed on the trains, boats and buses the line does make a very significant contribution locally particularly in an area renowned for unemployment and seasonal work.

 

Just to answer Greenways post, I love travelling on the railway and the views from the train are almost second to none, and as I've said before the staff are always friendly and polite, although I do talk to two or three of them regularly. Even BC on occasion although he always did seem a little cagy but I usually asked him about 7827's progress nowI just say hi, especially as I've seen his office now.

I also hope to visit again soon just my work commitmets are all over the place so a bit difficult at the moment.

 

Any ideas what the steam loco will be on Saturday?

 

The Manor was still out today so that has to be a good bet.

Regards
Steve

 

It SHOULD be the manor, but there is a rotation coming up and 5239 will be the next one in, not sure when im afraid.

 

Thanks.

 

Hi Scorpian,

Maybe your appearance gives the impression that you work for the Inland Revenue \/

 

No I just think he didn't like revealing company secrets he wasn't wanting in the open and obviously didn't want to give too much detail away but he did always answer the question in a vague manor (sorry Couldn't resist), although as I said I speak to others anyway.

 

Bit of a shock tonight to see an 8P drifting past Waterside tonight when it should have been in Cornwall. Here she is at Churston.


A fault earlier today at Newton Abbot resulted in her being left behind, rather than continuing to Penzance with the Birmingham to Penzance 'Cornishman' railtour.

She travelled to Churston for turning in preparation for a trip back North with support coach.

Regards
Steve

 

Another interesting move yesterday was the running of the 25 on the "Riviera Rat" in co-operation with the 37 railtour. A good move in the right direction. I notice that the stock has once again been moved around with the higher density "commuter" set now paired with the Pullman saloon whilst the more comfortable open plan stock seems to be spare.

 

We start the season with the train made up of the devon belle then 6 mk1's, and a few spares. This being for steam heating needs. Then in late april or so we sawp 3 of the mark 1's for 3 DMU trailers. No steam heating needed, and they offer 10 doors on each side of each coach, and up to 96 seats as opposed to 64. It is very rare that 96/86 people will get in but when it is "full" there is generally more than 64 people in.

 

It was 7827 running yesterday Here is a photo of it and also the "Riveria Rat"

http://mattspencer.fotopic.net/c1520871_17.html

 

7827 made a wonderful noise on the early afternoon service today - lifting 11 (I think) up the hill - great stuff!

 

7827 on 11!! She did sound good didnt she?! Good fun from the footplate too. And going through the tunnel was amazing, im sure we lifted the hill up a bit.

5239 should be in now for a few weeks.

4277 - Painting has started. 10 days or so and she'l be done.