South Devon Railway

Whatever the number of spurs/sidings the whole area has always been very reminiscent of a scrap yard.

 

I thought it was a storage area - many other railways have a similar area.

 

That is a bit harsh I think as some improvements have been made over the years and as the wise old man once said one mans rubbish is anothers treasure, or something along those lines.

 

All lines have their "scrap yards". The problem with Buckfastleigh is that it's such a cramped site that there's nowhere else for the "future restoration projects" to be hidden, unlike larger lines, who tend to have long, secluded headshunts.

 

Or the ones randomly placed which they don't intend to restore i.e. Errol/Sapper or even Ashley and Lady A for the time being.

 

Being only an armchair supporter, who comes along for a trip every now and again, and not a lot of money to put where my mouth is, it is not for me to dictate priorities for restoration, but ...

I'd love to see an Austerity back at work on the Buckfastleigh line! They worked the line for so long in the 'lean years' of the early 90s that they earned a place in the fond memories; at least for me when the children were young and we had many happy family trips on this lovely line. As for untidy yards, these are inevitable because preserved lines can't just send items of non-operational stock to Swindon/ Newton Abbot for someone to decide what to do about them. Adequate storage space out of public view is a rare luxury in our crowded island.

 

Here Here as I am a bit more than an armchair supporter as I visit anywhere between 5 - 10 times a year and usually bring friends, I would love also to see an Austerity back in operational condition, especially Errol (Incidently I had a ride from Staverton to Buckfastleigh on her footplate when I was about 8, so have very fond memories of that). I believe the problem they have or see it as is that nobody wants to see an austerity at work on the line and doesn't fit in with the enthusiasts GWR Image, Maybe we should start a bring back errol petition if nothing else this would at least show that people do want to see an austerity in service

 

A lot of visitors like the way they can see early all of the stock we have without it being hidden away especially the engines! Speaking as a fireman on the SDR id like to have a crack on an austerity and I can think of a few others who would!

 

I also like the way everything can be seen, and much prefer it to other lines where they are all hidden away and at least you can see them, even if a few could do with some paint.

 

If the Industrial and non GWR locos aren't gonna be restored, whats the point in having them. There are so many lines out there crying for another 1 or 2 locos.

 

Think problem is their crying out for working ones!

 

Harsh maybe, but it has always looked like it since BR left it.

One difference between the SDR and some other preserved railways is that it is on the edge, in fact a stones throw, from the Dartmoor National Park boundary. The National Park itself has very strict guidelines about what can be done within its area. The SDR are indeed lucky to be just outside it.

 

On the upside at least the weeds in the track have gone eh!

 

Come and have a crack at an Austerity in its natural habitat! OR alternatively come and have a crack at something more interesting like a 12" Beyer Peacock, far more challenging on 66 tons up a 1 in 33 than an 18" austerity! [-o<

Visiting crews always welcomed! And we have a great bar for that refreshing pint after your turn. \/

 

Never been to foxfield but seen some awesome videos!

 

I had a couple of days at the South Devon last week, just uploaded some pics here - http://www.steampics.com/html/sdr08.html

Tim.

 

So what does the future hold for the South Devon Railway? Anything in the pipe line?

 

5786 + 38xx today. Excellent as usual

5239 seen by my other half on the PDSR

 

Sorry to dissapoint you Mr mason but 3803 is up for sale as disscussed elsewhere on the forum

 

I see 3803 is rostered for this Sunday 9with 5786 and D7612 late afternoon