Paignton & Dartmouth rly

It should be 7827, 5239 may come in soon but think thats next week.

 

Thanks for the info tuffer,if it is the Manor it will be the first time for ages that I might get the chance to get a ride behind her.

 

Here's a clip to wet your appetite.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cJri498ClDQ

 

Just a brief post to say thanks to everyone on the P&D railway for a super day there on Sunday.

After the disappointment of our Torbay Experss trip being diesel hauled, we took a return trip between Kingswear and Paignton in order to get our steam "fix".

The line is lovely, the scenery spectacular, 4277 was running and looking and sounding brilliant - what a powerful "little" engine" - and all the staff were nice as could be. What could have been a ruined day for us turned out to be nothing of the sort.

Thanks again.

PS if anyone is interested in my P&D travelogue, it can be seen here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DeMiNkSy0_Q
And anyone who thinks a bright orangey-red class 67 is ugly, wait till the very last seconds of the video till you see what was ruining the view in Dartmouth!!!!

 

Yes, P+D v good this week. 7827 + 5239 hard at work on a wet day.

Lots of new investment getting used. Paignton toilets excellent as is the coffee in the refreshed buffet. I felt the railway book selection in the shop was interesting + varied. Staff were friendly + helpful incl on the ferry--running every 10m.
A ride in the Observation saloon always puts me in a good mood but this time I fell into a deep sleep.....

The connecting (M-F) FGW train with 2x 67 is popular with enthusiasts arriving in good time for the 12.00 - Kingswear

 

Thanks guys, we all put a lot of effort into running our railway as best we can! Glad the efforts are appreciated.

 

Any ideas what will be in use this coming Sunday? Also on Friday 27th when its two train for the Regatta? With the evening specials, does anybody know what time they leave Kingswear as the railways site still says TBC? Are they both steam hauled too?

 

I caught the regatta service from Paignton last year and departure time was either 4 o clock or 4:30, can remember exactly which it was.The firework special was around 2 hours later.

 

This sunday will be 4277, with a visit from 6024.
The regatta should be 4277 and 7827. All our services are steam hauled.

For the fireworks, the trains will leave shortly after the display ends, approx. 2200 I think. Be on the Kingswear side to watch the fireworks, the ferries have to stop for the display and you will not make it back for the train.

For the Red Arrows, again, the trains leave shortly after the end of the flight. Watch the planes from the Kingswear side, should be 1800 and 1830, maybe a third later train.

Our website should have details soon, if in the meantime you want more information, please call 01803 555872.
www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk

Please note it will be busy.

 

I would just like to say, went on the line today and really enjoyed it. Great views and clean engines. But couldn't get to see any of the other locos hidden, shame. Did ask to get on the footplate but they said H&S wouldn't allow it.

 

1. Is there any plan to incorporate better viewing (either a gallery or windows) into the loco shed at Paignton in the upcoming re-development? It would be a key attraction to both tourists and enthusiasts. As a comparison, there is a super mezzanine gallery at the Dartington crystal factory in Great Torrington. Where you can see the glass blowing etc in a commercialy operating factory. I am certain this is as much an attraction to ordinary punters as it is for for glass blowwing enthusiasts! In fact I bet the former outnumber the latter.

2. Interesting regarding the footplate ban, as you are allowed on the footplate at station stops at many other lines, and even on mainline steam runs (6024's footplate is often packed with public at Exeter St. Davids on the return trip) - so why is it different at the PDSR? Have they gone for less £££ in terms of Public Liability cover?

 

It may be that H&S is being used as a convenient scapegoat. A footplate ban may be simply railway policy, or the crew may not want Joe Public and his children on the footplate. If you blame H&S (who aren't there to be argued with), you'll be looked at in a much more sympathetic light than if you simply say "No".

 

There's a lot to be said for the polite excuse, even if it isn't really the true reason; avoid hurting anyone's feelings.

I remember years ago taking some kids up to camp in Wiltshire; we were running a little early so dropped into Cranmore. Not enough time for a trip over the line, but a request to go on the platform with platform tickets was met with an excuse of insurance not allowing it - that was just a wee bit too pathetic!

 

It may have just been a case of what you were wearing as tshirt shorts and trainers isn't really suitable footplate wear is it!!
You can periodically get onto the footplate over there as I've got a photo of a friend of my brother stood in the doorway of 6435 - from many years ago
Although these days if the engine ids at the front of the train then it is usually about 5 mins before departure time therefore the crew will be busy doing other things

 

Well I was but it was the last steam trip at the end of the line.
The train was in mid point crossing but I could still get on and off every easily.

 

When is the devolpment of the station at Paignton going to start? I was down in August and see that subtle changes like the new toilets etc. I would assume it will happen after the season has finished. How they going to do such a big project so quickly, due to the age of the station i assume it will be take down bit by bit and then "upgrade" it I assume the engines will move into churston with the carriages down to the new goodrington sidings.

I wont get down as much as i used to, due to death in family but still looking forward to seeing the future changes

 

My Dad's heading down that way tomorrow for a quick trip on the PDR and some pictures of the Torbay Express, then dashing to Cornwall for the afternoon. Any info on which engine's rostered for the PDR for Sunday much appreciated.

 

Think its the Manor, it was in use yesterday.

 

Thanks Sturdon, he'd been hoping for 4277 just because he hasn't had that one there yet but the Manor's an old favourite so sure he'll be happy enough.

 

Been down in Paignton since last Friday just to see a couple of steam specials in Devon & 0n Sunday I was having a drink at The Inn on the Quay (Goodrington) as you do & heard this strange sound which turned out to be the Paignton & Dartmouth RAT going up Goodrington Bank with the service train !
Was just wondering what happened to 7827 as it was on the service train that followed 60163 Tornado on The Torbay Express ?
Today they are using the 4277 but seem to be warming up 5239 & in the shed down the back was 7827 but laying down on the floor at the front of the shed seemed to be 2 coupling rods from it !
Which I surpose could mean problems with white metal bearings.
Lets hope if it's not that. it's not a too bigger problem to fix.