Dartmouth Steam Railway General Discusssion

There may well have been huge amounts of people out for it, but it is the people who pay to go on it who make sure it runs.

 

True to a point but clearly they might either travel another day OR help reinforce the impact the line has on the local economy

 

Agreed, but you will always get lots of watchers for a lights train, especially somewhere accessible. As it appeared to be load 10 that seems to imply lots of punters as well.

 

Saw a photo of 7827 out and about on Friday so decided very last minute to travel down yesterday (Saturday).

Due to two late running trains I got to Paignton just as the 1230 service was about to leave, so went to Sands Road LC and saw 7827 depart tender first.

I then bought my ticket for the 1415 departure, I said I wanted to return on the 1605 from Kingswear to the ticket clerk, however interestingly there was no train, carriage or seat to return, just saying 'ANY' in these spaces where on the outward I had a train time etc. I queried this with the ticket inspector on train and he said trains back were all unreserved. Not sure if this is because it is early in the season but would be good to know if this continues into the summer or not.

I sat right at the very front of the train, and 7827 struggled with the 7 carriages, slipping four times between Goodrington and Churston, and also again while running around at both Kingswear and Paignton (never seen that before!). Not sure if any sand was being used or not.

As the weather took a turn for the worst, I decided to head back to Paignton straight away on the 1450 from Kingswear, which was jam packed. Somebody else onboard said it seems people had gone for the earlier train due to the weather, which is what I thought all trains being reserved was meant to avoid! I was glad though not to have to hang around in the wind and rain!

 

On a visit to the T&DR a few years ago I was riding behind the Manor. It was a poor weather day and the loco slipped continuously on the climb to Churston and we lost a good bit of time. When we arrived at Kigswear I spoke to the fireman and asked if the sanders weren't working. His response was "they are but the driver doesn't use them as a point of principle and prefers to fight the rail conditions even if it means running late. " Perhaps we had the same driver?

 

With respect, given the age of the driver yesterday I would say not. We didn't lose any time but I have rarely seen the Manor slip let alone four times on that bank!