Dartmouth Steam Railway General Discusssion

Enjoyed a first visit to the railway whilst on a short break in nearby Torquay earlier this week.

2 loco’s were in steam (75014 ‘Braveheart’ & 4277). I had a trip behind both loco’s in each direction, so was pleased with that. An unexpected bonus was seeing 37418 & ‘Caroline’ departing Kingswear, whilst I was on the ferry making my way across to Dartmouth.

Also saw no 2253 ‘Omaha’ which appeared to be stabled outside of the currently closed Churston Station.

This is a line I would like to return to at some point as would like to sample one of the river cruises on offer as well.

Cheers

Ben

 

2023 Steam Train timetable for website (dartmouthrailriver.co.uk)

Goodrington, Churston and Greenway still closed.

Doesn't seem like there's anything planned to mark the 50th anniversary of the line's preservation.

 

Somewhat disappointing, we have made regular use in the past of Greenway for the walk through the woods to visit the National Trust property

 

Why are they closed?

 

Economy. I suspect that paid staff would not cover their wage costs at Goodrington, which is very close to Paignton, or Churston.
There is something in May I believe which might be the 50th. anniversary.

 

Closed in 2020 because of covid I believe. Perhaps as with many measures businesses introduced because of covid, the DSR have decided to stick with it because they found it easier/ more profitable.

 

It is a shame Churston is closed, even if it became unstaffed.

There's nothing on the timetable to suggest a celebration weekend in terms of train operation, but I hope you are right.

 

If it ain't broke, don't fix it. The PDSR is a conduit to get passengers to the boats at Kingswear. That's where the money is. The entrance / booking hall at Paignton reminded me of Wookey Hole i.e. cheap and tacky. The train operation is slick and the staff had the same approach to customer service as BR in the 1960's . Nevertheless I found it quite amusing as a sort of throwback to past times. Definitely not an enthusiast's railway and should not be viewed as such.

 

As an enthusiast I like it. Steep gradients, interesting fleet of locos, good views and something to do at either end. It doesn’t need a bookshop, museum etc to make it interesting.

 

I understand that Goodrington was closed to give the engine a good run before going up the bank, Greenway was losed for the same reason Churston was closed on health and saftey grounds,. The guard was unable to see all of the curved platform.

 

Interesting note on Churston, there's lots of railways with curved platforms with an appropriate safe method of working to dispatch trains.

 

Funny how none of this has ever been an issue in the past 50 years of operation.

It reminds me of my local council’s excuse for not cutting the grass on the roadside verges any more. To encourage growth of wildflowers and attract wildlife apparently. Nothing to do with saving money of course!

 

I understand the same reason given for Hayles Abbey halt on the GWSR. [BJ]

 

All heritage railways and councils are having to find ways of saving money like never before.

 

I don’t dispute that. I’m just saying that some of them are trying to dress it up as something other than a cost saving measure.

 

There has also been a concerted campaign by a charity called “Plantlife” to encourage councils to manage roadside verges in a way that promotes flower growth. Personally, I can’t see the issue - reduces cost, improves biodiversity, what’s not to like?

https://www.plantlife.org.uk/uk/our-work/publications/road-verge-management-guide

Tom

 

Nothing, except that there are several locations locally where safety has been compromised. The dual-carriageway central reservation on approaches to roundabouts has been left uncut. As a result the "sight lines" have disappeared meaning that it is necessary to "edge out" onto the island to see if the road is clear. The same applies at some junctions where the "give way" becomes a "creep out and hope"!

 

Kingswear is a dead straight platform afterall...

 

I assume there are usually platform staff at Kingswear.