Spectators welcome return of steam trains
FOOTPLATE crew, guards and signalmen on a Westcountry heritage steam line have been given refreshers in operating the service as they prepare for reopening after a coronavirus imposed lockdown.
South Devon Railway has started trial running of some empty stock (ECS) steam trains at the start of a month-long period of ‘shakedown refreshers’
These ‘Shakedown Steam’ trains are running in April and up to the start of May, every Wednesday to Sunday inclusive.
For steam enthusiasts who would like to see the trains running, the dates are as follows: April: Wed 14, Thur 15, Fri 16, Sat 17, Sun 18, Wed 21, Thur 22, Fri 23, Sat 24, Sun 25, Wed 28, Thur 29, and Fri 30, plus Sat 1 and Sun 2 May.
None of the trains will be carrying passengers and will run to an unpublished timetable, but they will be regular throughout the days and away down the line for a maximum of an hour and a quarter, usually.
Meanwhile, South Devon Railway (SDR) Site Open Days start today at Buckfastleigh, and trains will reopen to the public from 17 May.
Last Wednesday’s shakedown service was run with locomotive 5542, with four coaches.
SDR commercial director Alan Taylor said: “Throughout the day on Wednesday, we were met with enthusiastic waves and smiles all the way along the line.
“Walkers, motorists, residents at Staverton, and passengers on main-line trains were all pointing, smiling and waving at us.”
Mr Taylor added: “I gather the Buckfastleigh Town Council Facebook page has received many ‘welcome back’ comments too, such as: ‘it’s great to hear the whistle again’, and ‘normality returns’! The feel-good factor is definitely still alive and well for the SDR in Devon!”