SDR Easter "Delivering the Goods"

Following on from our successful winter branch line gala weekends, the next major event on the South Devon Railway will be at Easter when we stage the four day "Delivering the Goods" gala.

Star attraction for this event will be the appearance of Ivatt 2-6-0 46521 which is visiting from the Great Central and is due to stay on the SDR until June. Working alongside the Ivatt will be 3205 and L92 from the home fleet. Diesel traction should be represented by Class 25 D7612 and the soon to arrive Class 37 6975.

There will be an hourly passenger service throughout the day, with many goods, milk, parcels and ballast trains slotted in between. These trains will mostly operate on the Buckfastleigh to Staverton section, although there will be an early goods running through to Totnes each morning.

There will be plenty of shunting and station pilots are being provided at both Buckfastleigh (Class 09 D3721) and Staverton (Class 04 D2246). D3721 will spend the weekend coupled to our GWR shunters chariot.

To tie in with the goods theme there will be number of engine + brake van workings on the Staverton to Totnes section each day. These will be steam hauled and use one of the former GWR "Toad" brake vans. A limited number of passenger places will be available on these services giving visitors the rare chance to sample to railway from a new vantage point.

All the other normal attractions such as museum, miniature and garden railway will be open, and on Sunday and Monday there will also be a large display of vintage road vehicles. The SDR's Routemaster bus will also be in operation, and for the younger generation there will also be an Easter Egg Hunt.

Keep an eye on the SDR websites, facebook and twitter for more details of the event, including working timetables and locomotive allocations nearer the event.

 

I for one am looking forward to being there over the Easter weekend

 

I'd need to be on my deathbed to miss this - the South Devon people always come up with something unmissable. Standing on Hood Bridge (and imagining the river Dart to be the river Wye!) with 46521 approaching chimney first on a two coach local, I'd feel I'd gone back to 1962 on the much lamented Mid Wales line. Even if it doesn't quite happen exactly like that, I just love those Light Moguls.

 

I do wish the SDR was nearer and not only accesible during an annual holiday, they do seem to put on some good events these days.

 

"I do wish the SDR was nearer"

That's one thing they probably can't do much about...

It is well worth the trip though. They're on an amazing run at the moment for putting something inventive out at every gala - the variety is superb. I'm lucky enough to live in the SDR's home town so can get to every event. I do think anything west of Bristol can get a reputation for being "far away" when it isn't really, though! For me living in Totnes, I'd say anything from the Severn Valley-ish southwards is fair game for an easy day trip from here with a bit of spirited driving or some tactical advance booking.

 

... and the Dawlish sea wall should be repaired by then!

 

Good Morning All,

Please does anyone know when Class 2MT 2-6-0 46521 is arriving at South Devon Railway from Great Central Railway.
Any info/update will be much appreciated.

 

Arrived this morning as pictures of it are on the Facebook page.

 

Thanks WishIHadAName, I was watching for news on the Unofficial Facebook site. Doh. Live & learn .

 

Due to an electrical fault on 37 275 tonight's test runs did not go as planned therefore 33 002 will replace 37 275 on Friday to allow fault finding to be undertaken. If repairs go well, on Saturday the 37 will work its booked (freight) diagrams but with 33 002 added as insurance. On Sunday, assuming all goes well on the two days before the 37 will appear on the 09.20 from Buckfastleigh as booked, but with 33 002 inside as insurance. If everything goes well on the outward journey the 37 will run round at Totnes and return to Buckfastleigh with the 33 remaining on the rear of the train. If all goes well then the 37 will continue solo as booked, however if there are still problems the 33 will then replace the 37 for the rest of the gala. Obviously as gala coordinator I am aware many will be coming south to enjoy some 37 action on the South Devon and apologise for the inconvenience the changes may cause, however to risk sending the loco out solo without a full test run and in the middle of an intensive gala timetable is too much of a risk. Unfortunately D6737 is unavailable due to on going maintenance so cannot substitute for 275 at this time.

 

Hello All,

Yesterday I visited Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway and took some photographs of Class 2MT 2-6-0 as she and other locomotives were being moved about in the yard. If you wish to view them the link is here;

http://railtractionphotosbyrichards...south-devon-railway-weds-16th-april-2014.html

 

Two visits to the SDR gala in contrasting weather
Wild flowers are exceptional at The moment........
46521 looks v much at home and I heard it will be used on a fair number of occasions-excellent!
Ganger told me his plans for July for an unusual loco visitor-another first I should think
As everyone was v friendly andthediesels,vintage cars and other attractions meant there was plenty to do
So,3205 L92 46521 all working hard including a brisk brake van trip behind L92

What a fantastic branchline!

 

Went yesterday had a great idea only one complaint couldn't do last round trip with the 37 cause it ended buckfastleigh, & had to be at Totnes for mainline train home any chance of future events maybe having the bubble car on a shuttle to mainline end of the day??

Sent from my RM-914_eu_euro1_327 using Tapatalk

 

I had a great day yesterday; 46521 looks a natural, and generally there was something for everyone. Do I take it from Ray Mason's post, about the mogul being used on a fair number of occasions, that 46521 is staying for a while, not just for the gala?

Anyway, July with another guest loco is eagerly awaited!

John

 

I am pleased to say we had one of our best Easter's in several years with a great turnout - many thanks to all those of you who came and supported the event. Over the four days nearly every service ran to time, the exception being a couple of passenger services being delayed following the failure in section on Sunday of D7612. The loco was soon repaired however and took up its next booked duty. 46521 certainly does look at home and is just right for the line - all the crews have taken to and enjoyed it. The good news is the loco will be staying on the SDR until early / mid June and will make several other appearances in the coming weeks.

In answer to 34098's point about using the bubblecar for a final return working - we could have done this however that would probably have been in place of the 37's last run at 17.00 , so in this case although you couldn't return to Buckfastleigh you did actually manage more miles behind it than would have been possible if W55000 had been out and about.

Our next event is Thomas, and after that over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend we have our annual 1960's Gala & Spring Real Ale festival. More details will appear shortly about this event, but expect a frequent service and late trains on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

 

Hello All,

A collection of forty-two photographs I took during two visits to this superb Gala have now been added to my Rail Traction Photos website.
If you wish to view, and hopefully enjoy, them the link is here;

http://railtractionphotosbyrichards...outh-devon-railway-18th--21st-april-2014.html

Sample photo here;

 

According to the loco roster 46521 is working on the 1 train timetable on:
Saturday 10th May,
Friday 16th May,
Friday 30th May.
Also rostered for special events as well.