Dartmoor Railway

I understand the Dartmoor Railway will be reopening on Good Friday. Does anyone know anymore?

 

Yes as far I know there is a rumour the Dartmoor Railway is reopening as to when I'm not sure but should be soon

 

Some of this sounds a bit optimistic, but fair play if its all happening: http://www.devonheartlands.co.uk/Docume ... 0Jan09.doc

According to Okehampton Town Council, the line should be open by easter http://www.okehampton.gov.uk/index.php/ ... ember-2008

As for the Sunday services, you can book a ticket via national rail enquiries, so i guess the DCC sponsored services are running this year.

If the DR is 'open for business', how about a railtour or two to boost things? Steam even better (although turning might be the show stopper, unless they did a Steam Bristol - Kingswear (turn) - Okehampton, then diesel, steam dragged backwards on rear to Bristol?

 

These look like great ideas to make this line a more useful facility. However, have the new owners (from a more positive, can do culture) realised what a kerfuffle it is to do anything in Britain? An interchange at Yeoford would be brilliant, but involves reinstating an old platform, plus facilities to let passengers cross the line to join Exeter - Barnstaple line trains, and we all know the elfansafety and disability discrimination issues this involves.

But I wish them luck, and admire their courage in taking this on.

John

 

Yes indeed, Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday, then weekends until 17th May when the summer timetable will start, hopefully with running through to Yeoford.

Initial traction will be DEMU 1132.

Cheers,

Peter.

 

See new website at http://www.dartmoor-railway.co.uk/

 

Good to see the smart dmu, and the Okehampton buffet on this website. It looks as if a solid restart is being made.

John

 

If the picture on their Home Page is recent - Doesn't Meldon Viaduct still look in fine fettle.
Fine enough for railway re-use ?

 

Apparently it's fine for footpath/cycle usage but would require work for railway use again. At least the current use means it gets maintained.

Devon & Cornwall Railway (proposed new TOC/FOC) aspirations lie in the other direction at the moment with running to Yeoford in the short term, and a seven day a week passenger service to Exeter later.

Good Friday's reopening was a great success with a good number of paying punters, and DEMU 1132 looking resplendent in it's new paint.

Cheers,

Peter.

 

Good luck to all at the DR, lets hope that your dedication pays off

 

Excellent news and best wishes to all concerned. We will be back in early August - 47701 please!

Okehampton buffet is the best refreshment stop off the A30 to Cornwall in my book - are the burgers still real beef?

 

It is certainly good to hear that The Dartmoor Railway is now running again.

As for the A30 Buffet - well, knowing of the delays often experienced on the A30 is could prove a welcome place to rest up.

 

Thanks for the kind comments Guys, despite limited publicity the Easter Weekend exceeded expectations with good passenger numbers and a roaring trade in the Buffet. Indeed on one trip yesterday every seating bay of the two car DEMU has passengers in it.

Regarding the burgers, my son and I had some yesterday that were being cooked on a barbeque on the platform, they were absolutely gorgeous!
I can also highly recommend the pasties and the cakes.

Cheers,

Peter.

 

Wow the Dartmoor Railway seem to be doing brilliantly! I was just wondering if anyone knows what the age limits are for volunteers on the line there for certain jobs?

 

Not sure about official policy on this but current volunteers seem to be aged 13 to about 70 odd.

Cheers,

Peter.

 

Brilliant thanks very much. Hopefully I'll go and lend a hand then. Do you know whether there are any steam loco's visiting this year? Thanks for the info

 

I'm sure you would be most welcome, working volunteers are a bit thin on the ground at the moment. If you live in South Devon we may be able to car share. Apart from weekends Thursday seems to be the day when most work goes on. Volunteers seem to be a small friendly group who make you feel welcome. There is also a pub meet on the third Thursday of each month at The Fox & Hounds Hotel, Bridestowe.

To volunteer you have to be a member of the Dartmoor Railway Supporters Association, which is £14 a year for individual membership. I have only been going a short while, but have enjoyed every minute of it so far. For more details please see the new website mentioned earlier in this post.

Not sure about steam, but be assured, there is going to be a lot happening on the railway this year.

Cheers,

Peter.

 

I think I shall be joining. I live in Paignton but think I can get out there OK.

 

I was a bit concerned to read in Rail magazine article that Exeter - Okehampton trains are not included in Dartmoor Sunday Rover this summer. That seems to involve three possibilities:
(a) trains are running but you have to buy separate tickets,
(b) no trains from Exeter to Okehampton this summer, or
(c) Dartmoor Railway will run its own trains to Yeoford, where there will be interchange with Barnstaple line trains.

I can't find any answers on the internet. Does anyone know, please?

John

 

Hi there,

From the 23rd of may it is anticipated that the Dartmoor railway will run services to yeoford to interchange with the FGW services. But only on weekends for the time being. \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/ \/