"Devon Belle" Saloon Arrives On The Garden Railway...
The new Pullman "Devon Belle" Observation Saloon arrived on the garden line on Thursday July 9th. However, today saw it's first proper tests occur. The new saloon is modelled on the Pullman observation car which is preserved on the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway in Devon (No13). The PDSR example was one of 2 identical car's which were remodelled for use on the "Devon Belle" express which ran between London Waterloo & Ilfracombe. The service operated in the years 1947-1954. Once the service ended the cars were used on charter's and No13 still works regularly today. No14 however had a few different experiences. In 1969 she was taken to the USA on the ill-fated tour with A3 No4472 "Flying Scotsman", then owned by Alan Peglar. When the tour ran out of money both No14 and 4472 were left stranded in the USA. Not long after, 4472 was shipped home with a new owner whilst No14 was still left abroad. The car was used as part of an office in San Francisco before being bought for use on the Swanage Railway in earlier 2007. The coach arrived at Southampton Docks in February that year...back on home soil once again! The car was restored and was relaunched into service in pristine condition on 16/7/2008 at her Swanage base.
Both cars featured seating for 27 passengers whilst, at the closed end, they featured a Bar which enabled a drinks service to operate. They were painted in the traditional Pullman livery. The model is a pretty exact replica of No13 in it's "Devon Belle" days. Manufactured by 00 gauge producers Hornby, the coach is available to buy now with a price of around £48. The model features great detail along with a fully illuminated interior, with lights powered via the wheels from the track. The "Devon Belle" Saloon will now see regular service on the line, running with our illuminated Pullman Dining Cars. More posts coming soon folks! Thanks for reading!
The new Pullman "Devon Belle" Observation Saloon arrived on the garden line on Thursday July 9th. However, today saw it's first proper tests occur. The new saloon is modelled on the Pullman observation car which is preserved on the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway in Devon (No13). The PDSR example was one of 2 identical car's which were remodelled for use on the "Devon Belle" express which ran between London Waterloo & Ilfracombe. The service operated in the years 1947-1954. Once the service ended the cars were used on charter's and No13 still works regularly today. No14 however had a few different experiences. In 1969 she was taken to the USA on the ill-fated tour with A3 No4472 "Flying Scotsman", then owned by Alan Peglar. When the tour ran out of money both No14 and 4472 were left stranded in the USA. Not long after, 4472 was shipped home with a new owner whilst No14 was still left abroad. The car was used as part of an office in San Francisco before being bought for use on the Swanage Railway in earlier 2007. The coach arrived at Southampton Docks in February that year...back on home soil once again! The car was restored and was relaunched into service in pristine condition on 16/7/2008 at her Swanage base.
Both cars featured seating for 27 passengers whilst, at the closed end, they featured a Bar which enabled a drinks service to operate. They were painted in the traditional Pullman livery. The model is a pretty exact replica of No13 in it's "Devon Belle" days. Manufactured by 00 gauge producers Hornby, the coach is available to buy now with a price of around £48. The model features great detail along with a fully illuminated interior, with lights powered via the wheels from the track. The "Devon Belle" Saloon will now see regular service on the line, running with our illuminated Pullman Dining Cars. More posts coming soon folks! Thanks for reading!
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