FIRST IMPRESSIONS:

A cold wind blows through Exeter St Davids on November 25. Yet this Thursday lunchtime the sky is pure blue and the sun so brilliant IET drivers are having to squint as they change over on Platform 4. Our train to Okehampton though is tucked away on bay Platform 2.

The double 2-car Class 150/2s Nos. 150233/221 are more heavily loaded than expected. Departure, at 12.36, is two minutes later than scheduled and as we trundle across Red Cow Crossing and cross onto the Up Main there is no sense of urgency as we initially head north thanks to a 20mph TSR.

As the single track branch line peels away westwards at Cowley Bridge Junction we hear a reassuring clickety-clack through the open hopper windows as we pick up speed towards Crediton, the only stop before Okehampton. We grind to a halt just after leaving Crediton for the signalman to hand over the single line token.

Despite the appearance of a double track railway, it is worked as two single line sections, initially running parallel and then we veer to the left and head southwest, the brand-new track, which has replaced much of the 14-mile line to Okehampton, becoming evident with a smooth ride and no clacks. The schedule is lax – despite a 30mph TSR outside Okehampton we still arrive one minute ahead of plan at 13.16, some 42 minutes after leaving Exeter.

Just a week since the opening ceremony, the station, with its predominantly Southern Railway green heritage feel, is busier than might be expected, though some on the train, like Rail Express, have come solely to inspect this latest permanent addition to the National Rail network.

The razzamatazz of the launch may be gone, but the bunting strung from both platforms remains, giving the station, with its current just two-hourly service, a cheery feel. A 118 bus waits next to the platform to connect in/ out of the train. Some might call that real integrated transport! Within eight minutes the ‘Sprinters’ are given the Right Away for an on-time departure to Exeter Central. The journey back is uneventful, with arrival at St Davids bang on schedule.

This line is a welcome addition to the Devon and Cornwall branch network. Unlike some of its more scenic cousins, it is likely to appeal more to locals than tourists. To gain their patronage an hourly service, promised next year, is a must. We’ll be back to check on progress….

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