Hello everyone. As we're currently on holiday in Torquay, today I took a few hours to explore the coastal area alongside the local steam railway, with some favourable results...
The Paignton & Dartmouth Railway runs between Paignton and Kingswear, via Goodrington and Churston in Devon. The line is of course standard gauge, and runs as a business with steam trains operating daily. Locomotives are often ex-Great Western on this line, with a BR Standard 4 being the odd one out. The current running fleet is made up of three loco's; a Manor Class 4-6-0 and two Heavy Freight 2-8-0 tanks. Today's engines were the two Heavy tanks; 5239 "Goliath" and 4277 "Hercules". Both engines were hauling well patronised trains, often made up of ex-BR DMU Trailers. The locations that I filmed at today were between Goodrington Sands and Waterside, giving me the chance to capture the trains by the sea. One of the best views, though the track here is downgrade, is at Sugarloaf Hill. Below, "Goliath" descends past the hill on the edge of Saltern Cove...
The other Western tank; a 42xx rather than sister "Goliath" who is a 52xx; descends into Goodrington Sands above the beach huts. The trains have given this location a trademark look, with various departures being easily viewed from the comfort of the beach. I could sit here watching the trains all day, though I wouldn't mind a little more regulator when attacking the hill!...
Below, 4277 "Hercules" barks out of Goodrington Sands bunker-first. The PDSR crew; professional, paid staff; seem to be taking it alot easier departing this station than they used to. For example, the little Pannier that used to run on this line ("Ajax") used to roar out of there; mind you, she was smaller. The Heavy tanks do sound quieter, mind you, they are stupidly powerful and lovely looking things...
After watching a few trains make their way up and down the bank through Goodrington, we departed for Babbacombe. I hope you enjoy the film that I took and the small selection of pictures included. We will be riding the PDSR on Thursday, look out for a post on that asap. Thank you folks. Good day...
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