Exmouth Express back in town
THE 10¼in gauge Exmouth Miniature Railway is making a very welcome comeback to the seafront in the Devon town this season. The original railway, dating back to 1949, was a 150-yard circuit around a boating lake but closed with the amusement park on August 31, 2017. The site was cleared upon the expiry of the lease, and the land said to be required by the local council for redevelopment. The loco, Exmouth Express ,and carriages were stored at the Lappa Valley Railway, Cornwall. Henry Mock and Romy Langley acquired the stock in March 2020 and have been working during the lockdown to restore these items and create a portable track. The 4DM has received replacement wheels, new running gear and a replacement engine. The cab has been refitted and the bodywork refurbished and finished in green livery with the original nameplates fitted. The 1950s carriages have been repainted cream and brown. The district council has confirmed three attractions will operate on the undeveloped Queen’s Drive event space from May 1 until October 31, subject to Covid-19 restrictions. Trains will run on a straight there-and-back line on bank holidays and weekends from May to July, and the summer holidays until October. The railway will be ‘playing away’ on three occasions, if able, at the Mid Devon Show on July 24, Newton Abbot Country Show on August 7, and Uffculme Show on September 5. Sadly, Henry’s father Tim, who was much involved with the acquisition of the railway and its restoration in his workshop, passed away on April 10.