South Devon ‘Crompton’ to visit Spa Valley Railway gala

THE ever-popular summer diesel gala takes place at the Spa Valley Railway on August 6-8, following its absence last year.

Six diesels from the home fleet will be running, plus DEMU No. 1317 and 3-CIG EMU No. 1597 as hauled stock. Visiting is Class 33/0 No. 33002 from the South Devon Railway, newly repainted in departmental yellow and grey.

Furthermore, the Spa Valley Railway is running diesel and electric multiple units on Tuesdays and Wednesdays in August. These are three-car Class 207 ‘Oxted’ (‘Thumper’) DEMU No. 1317 and Class 421 3-CIG EMU Set No. 1497 worked by ‘ED’ Class 73 No. 73140.

Trains depart from Tunbridge Wells West at: 10.30, 11.55, 13.25, 14.45 and 16.15; and from Eridge at: 11.15, 12.35, 14.05, 15.25 and 16.55. Unlimited travel day tickets are £12 for adults, £11 for seniors, £6 per child and £30 per family. Visit www.spavalleyrailway.co.uk to book e-tickets in advance.

DAVID GOODYEAR The South Devon Railway’s Class 33/0 No. 33002 gleams in the early evening summer sunshine in its freshly applied departmental grey livery as it approaches Staverton on June 3. This was the final service of the day from Totnes Riverside to Buckfastleigh, with six carriages in tow as required for the busy services during the Whit half-term week. The ‘Crompton’ was booked for the final train each weekday, many of which during the week were formed of seven carriages to accommodate social distancing.