SOUTH DEVON TO RE-LAY ENTIRE LINE OVER 25 YEARS
The South Devon Railway’s running line is to be relaid over the next quarter of a century.
The closure of the southern half of the line between Staverton and Totnes this February, for the renweal of about a third of a mile of track, is part of a rolling programme of engineering work planned to last approximately 25 years. Similar work was undertaken elsewhere on the line in January 2017 and January 2018.
The section being worked on this winter, two miles north of Totnes Riverside station, is being relaid with flat-bottom rail, at an estimated cost of just over £100,000 including ballasting. Reusable sections of rail will be ‘cascaded’ to replace worn sections at Woodville, near Dartington.
Trains will thus be restricted to the northern half of the line during the half-term week of February 15-23, with Class 121 diesel railcar No. W55000 operating between Buckfastleigh and Staverton, while the SDR plans to display a steam locomotive in Buckfastleigh station with access to its footplate.
SDR manager Chris Williams explained: “The plan was to do twenty 60-foot track panels per year until we have relaid the entire branch over approximately 25 years. We’re doing 30 panels this year because we missed last winter owing to cost, so we are trying to catch up a little bit to keep the programme on course.”
“New flat-bottom rail and sleepers are going in along ‘country’ stretches, and in more ‘public’ areas, we will look to retain bullhead rail (assuming we can still source new chairs and rail). Supplies of good quality chairs will probably become the main issue.”
SDR PR & Business Development Manager Dick Wood added: “Bullhead rail is much more expensive than flat-bottom and lasts less time too, so it’s a problem for everyone!”
A 60-foot panel of bullhead track with all fittings costs £3,000 and lasts 50 years, while the same length of track with flat-bottom rail costs £1,800 with 100 years’ life. A wooden sleeper with chairs and keys costs £52, while a concrete example is £28.
Concluded Mr Williams: “Talking with managers at other heritage lines, they are beginning to realise the size of the battle they face to keep their permanent way up to standard.
“In many cases, track was seen as something that virtually lasted forever other than changing a few sleepers now and again, but realisation is dawning about the levels of sustained major investment that is required. Thank goodness we only have seven miles!”