40th anniversary event promises to be biggest ever!

2009 is the 40th anniversary of the Buckfastleigh to Totnes railway line reopening as a preserved heritage railway.

To celebrate this milestone, the South Devon Railway is holding its biggest ever gala which is taking place from 5th - 13th April 2009, with an intensive train service, displays, events, visiting attractions and loads more.

The centre piece will be the largest gathering of working former GWR steam engines ever on the line.

Visiting engines so far confirmed are GWR Prairie tanks 5542 from the West Somerset Railway and class sister 5552 from the Bodmin & Wenford Railway as well as GWR Pannier tank 6435, also from Bodmin, plus the 'home team' of 1369, 5786, 5526 and 3803. Other visiting engines are also expected.

5542 and 5552 have already arrived on the line where they are undergoing repairs in the SDR workshops.

More details of the event will be announced as arrangements are confirmed.