It's that time of the year again for the local Heritage Railways to wake up from their winter slumber, and also for the steam/diesel specials to start again. As usual I shall be posting pics after any visits or sightings. This year the SDR (South Devon Railway) opened its doors in February for the half-term holidays and I attended on one of the days and got pics of L92 and 6412. Once sorted I'll post them . They are open again this coming weekend on a 'Half Price Weekend' and as I am a member it's free so I shall be going along with the camera and see what is about. Here are the pics: No. L92 taking water at Buckfastleigh on the SDR No. L92 at the water tower. L92 approaching Staverton from Totnes L92 approaching Buckfastleigh from Totnes No. 6412 in an Autocoach Sandwich at Staverton D2246 at Buckfastleigh That's it till the weekend.
Great pics Bittern. Thanks for sharing. Looks like late winter early autumn is a nice time of the year in the UK. I'm considering changing my traveling to the UK to April, around Easter. Cheers, Gary.
Discretion has the greater part of valour Chubber. Will be over again about Easter time so will pop in then. I normally use the buffet at Staverton for lunch. It's nicer and cheaper than the main cafe. The second-hand stall in the good's shed is good too. Every time I go to the SDR I normally split the trip into 3 parts and spend some time walking aong the river at Staverton looking for the Kingfishers and Dippers.
Probably very wise! I'm next on 26th March & 9 April. I think weekends are normally kept for non-retirees so they get a turn. Poop-poop! Doug
Today, my first day on Staverton Box on the S.D.R., I didn't bargain for this! The 1100 down approaching the crossing from Totnes Riverside, my footprints in the snow. With the latches and bolts obscured by the sticky snow I had a few trapped fingers and thumbs to contend with. Drawing into the platform, I wait until it has pulled both carriages clear of the end of the platform [so that a passenger won't get out onto the sloping end, and, today, probably end up sliding down to the road level pretty smartly] and then reopen the gates to the road traffic, i.e. 'close them'. Clear? A quick photo' opportunity, then back in the box for a warm-up!
As the day went on and snow blocked point blades and prevented signals being pulled off, some unusual movements were needed, even propelling a down 4-coach set back complete with passengers from the Bishop's Bridge loop so that it could return to Buckfastleigh via the other side of the loop which was negotiable. As my mentor [and lift to B'leigh] was concerned about getting home with the increasingly heavy snow-fall, we packed up earlier than the 1700 shift end, leaving the crossing in the hands of a local man. A wise move, for this was the road back to B'leigh where I had left my car for the journey home to Ivybridge. Oh, Glorious sunny Devon.... As I got into my car, a couple with two wet happy children thanked me for a 'wonderful day', made it all the more worthwhile. Doug
Went over to the SDR again yesterday (31/3/18) for the Easter Gala. Weather and light not too good but at least it almost stayed dry. Will sort the pics out tomorrow and post them and include a couple of wagons as well and a few road vehicles. Till tomorrow
As promised some pics from Saturday. No. 5542 entering Staverton No. L92 at Totnes Riverside No. D6501 entering Totnes Riverside A scene on the shed roads at Buckfastleigh (Dumbleton Hall and a Class 122) D3721 at Buckfastleigh No. D7612 at Buckfastleigh Brake Van No. 68777 at Staverton Lapland Owl at Totnes Riverside That's it for now. Going over again soon and hoping for better weather and light.
Great photos as usual Bittern . Could I be cheeky and ask for a copy of D3721 the 300hp shunter? it appears to be in the condition I would like to weather mine to look like. I can send you my email address so you could send the full size image if thats ok? Cheer's, Pete.
Thanks Mick. It is perfect for what I need, I can zoom in on all the detail with total clarity, excellent. Cheer's, Pete.
Did I mention that I paintred a 'G' and two of the '7's on the Toad at Staverton? No? Well I did! The chap mentoring me said he had to paint the 'Newton Abbot' during the next week for the gala. He added 'I wish it had been allocated to Par' and when I asked 'Why?' he replied ''Cos its only three [rude word] letters....'
Congrats on Pic of the week - I hope you've thawed out. Glad I'm in the cold North East, it just rained that week end. Paul