The South Devon Railway Thread

I mean historically it may have been but if that was the case, knowing one of the lead Engineers for DMLL I think they would have been reluctant to commit 3850 to the SDR back in May or whenever the agreement was made when 3850 had yet to turn a wheel, so they probably would have recommended they make arrangements for another Toddington based loco

 

I did one of these with 6412 in April and thoroughly enjoyed it, great addition to the South Devon's calendar this year. Hoping to do the last diesel one in October too. Would definitely recommend the remaining dates (details here https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/freight-train-experience/) if anyone is keen.

 

The SDR diesel gala.

From Facebook:
''Service update:
Unfortunately Class 25 7535 has failed. The train plan for today now is:
Next departure:
From Buckfastleigh - 1310 - Set M with 25262 (plus 60029 to Staverton).
From Totnes - 1315 - Set W with 33002 (plus 60029 from Staverton.
33002 will stay with Set W, 25262 will stay with Set M. The Class 60 will work its booked trains.
Next 04 working: 1354 Totnes - Staverton. Then the final round trip with both 04s will operate as planned.
Apologies for the inconvenience!..

 

What's the latest with the SDR loco fleet?

I have just watched a video on YouTube from earlier this month that showed 6430+Glendower+5786 being shunted around the yard. I saw another of 3205 still on display. 6412 must be awaiting overhaul too. Is it only 1420 under overhaul at the current time?

 

Had a lovely day at the SDR today (photos coming soon )

Just curious about something, I noticed 3850’s previous tender tucked away in Buckfastleigh yard - what’s the story with that? Before today I hadn’t actually realised that she has a different tender now haha

 

It was the tender from 3205 temporarily loaned to 2807 following its overhaul while its own tender received its own overhaul. This is still ongoing but when Dinmore Manor came out of traffic that freed up another tender to borrow instead. As part of some winter gala moves featuring both 3850 and 2807, I think 3850 briefly ran with that tender then it was left in Devon. I can't remember the exact moves now, it all got quite complicated - too many black GWR 2-8-0s!

 

Ah right, thanks for clearing that up

And yeah, I was getting confused too as I’ve seen photos of both 3850 and 2807 with this tender so it was unsure if I was even referring to the correct loco, haha

 

...and here are those pics

 

I was looking in the timetable for the bubble car and it isnt shown..........

But clearly it is running

 

On the website it does have a full timetable with all the DMU workings in case you missed that? - e.g. this is for tomorrow

 

Nice to have a poke around in the back end of Buckfastleigh yard and for the workshop viewing area to be open again at the (excellent) diesel gala this weekend. I noticed the Austerity Glendower has had its boiler removed - I wasn't sure where (or if ever) that one would fit into the line's overhaul queue given the number of GWR tanks around and how long it had been effectively on display/stored, so was intrigued to see some form of work had begun.

 

Did the Pullman Ploughman's Lunch on Lydia yesterday.

The food was excellent and the carriage is superb, can recommend the experience. There was a commentary throughout the trip of Lydia's history with news clips and music from the various time periods, which was really well done, not too intrusive.

This was my first visit to the SDR since the 2019 50th gala and I think that was my only visit since February 2015, despite being quite a regular visit before then.

A lot of changes at the railway since my last visit six years ago.

The engines and carriages around the yard for the most part just look in such a sorry state, even the likes of 6430 which was only in service last year. Seems 5542, 6430, 6412, 5786, 3205 are just stored. I know most are privately owned but what happens when 5526 gets withdrawn? What happened to the plan to bring 3205 back into traffic? I was disappointed it's no longer possible to go into the north end of the yard at Buckfastleigh, just felt a lot of things were now inaccessible. The island platform has been cleared of the greenery with a view to public use, I couldn't work out how it would be accessed though, any ideas?

Auto 228 looks just outshopped and was a reminder of how well things can be presented on the SDR. I hope some of the GWR carriages are due to the looked at sooner rather than later, they were once pride of the fleet.

 

I think some of what you’re seeing at Buckfastleigh is simply the effect of storing out of use locomotives outdoors. When a loco isn’t in traffic and doesn’t have covered accommodation, it can start looking rather tired surprisingly quickly. 5542 and 6412 are both under overhaul, and I believe 6412’s boiler is currently in the boiler shop, which is why it’s dismantled. 6430, 5786 and 3205 are also awaiting overhaul.

As far as I’m aware, the intention to overhaul 3205 hasn’t changed, but like most things on heritage railways it’s a question of money. The current share issue is intended to help fund projects including additional covered accommodation, which would make a real difference to how locomotives and carriages look between overhauls.

The island platform has been refurbished both to improve the appearance of the station and to provide access for Drive a Train participants. They access it through the gate near the signal box and are escorted by the guard.

The enthusiasm is certainly there, but heritage railways everywhere are having to work within tighter financial constraints than they were a few years ago.