Dartmouth Railway 150th Anniversary (10th - 17th August)

Between the 10th and 17th August the Dartmouth Steam Railway is celebrating the 150th anniversary of the line reaching Kingswear with the 16th being the actual anniversary day. To celebrate this the DSR are putting on a week of events including:

Driver for a tenner (steam)
Driver for a fiver (diesel)
Walk through Greenway tunnel
Beer festival
Tours of the workshops
And much more...

Also according to the lastest issue of Heitage Railway Magazine they have also hired 70000 Britannia for the week as well.

Link: http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/about-us/150th-anniversary-year

 

Very interesting if 70000 is due a visit

 

Just been updated on their website.

The Saturday looks a gala day with all four steam locomotives and the Rat (well assuming that's what they mean by diesel) out! And goods train (says to keep an eye on the website)!

Trains running every 45mins from 1000 to 1730 off Paignton with no break like on normal days.

See http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/userfiles/Steam timetable 150th.jpg for details.

 

That Saturday looks great, just been adjusting my shift so I can do the morning and evening. I'm assuming some form of rover will be available.

Hoping some times for the freights might be published, or can be easily deduced. I'll be travelling anyway but it's helpful to know when I need to be hopping off to get a picture somewhere.

 

If not, I guess one of the following may be the best option...

http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/times-fares/2012-jubilee-pass

 

Gutted I leave from my Holiday in Exmouth the Wednesday before the 16th, hopefully they'll have Britannia out while im there though as the first post states

 

There was a meeting today where the timetable and associated items were discussed. I was told rover tickets should be available, more details of the event will no doubt be released in due course.

 

I know the feeling - planned my holiday in Belgium, which I'm certainly looking forward to, with non-refundable hotel in London on 16th when I come back; then learned about this feast! Can't have everything; unless the Dart Valley people are prepared to delay the celebrations for a week - please!!

John

 

Withoout wishing to spoil the fun, latest pictures from Ropley show Britannia still currently minus an axle and the gala is only a month away. Are there any plans for a substitute visitor if repairs aren't completed in time?

 

According to the latest blog by the railway on their website, 70000 Britannia is confirmed for the anniversary week.

 

Update from the blog 70000 Britannia will not be visiting for the gala

 

Sadly, that's what I expected. I wonder if there will be a substitute. I would have thought that the most likely candidates would be one of the Bristol-based main line pool. Nunney Castle has already visited in the past, but Braunton would be interesting.

 

No substitute at present. But there is still a couple of weeks to go yet, maybe something capable of hauling long trains might be a visitor.

The Torbay Express is expected on Sunday 17th.

 

Here is the leaflet for the event attached, although it is a bit outdated as there will be no 70000 but is still good for all of the other activities and workings during the week as well as the beer festival.

http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/userfiles/150 leaflet E FINAL.pdf

 

Here is the new revised timetable for the 16th. Although there won't be any visiting engines the DSR are using their diesel shunters (03 D2192 & 08 D3014) on timetables services to/from Churston and Paignton as well as 4277, 5239, 7827 & D7535 throughout the day.

http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/userfiles/August 16th Gala Timetable FINAL 28Jul14.pdf

 

The gala looks even better with those local services! Can not wait! Shame about 70000 but not to worry to much!

Only gripe is all steam after 1335 faces Paignton A 7827 360 spin would be good

 

Hi all

Not to do with the gala but do we know which way 7827 is facing at the moment?

I am down in Brixham for a week before the gala and just wondered as I want to get some pics of her along the coast before her ticket expires.

Many Thanks

Martyn

 

7827 is facing Kingswear at this moment in time and has got at least 10 years on her boiler ticket now due to the retube (and other work) which took place over the winter.

 

Day rovers are available, £25 per adult and £15 per child. No concession or family rovers are available.

http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/blog/

 

7827 is now due to turn 360 degrees and will remain facing south whilst the 42 will turn to face north ready to pair with the 52 in the afternoon. The 08 may well also get a spin or two during the day.