Axle limit increased for heavier trains

The South Devon Railway will be able to run heavier steam and diesel locomotives on the Buckfastleigh to Totnes line.

The railway has recently received official approval to run heavier locomotives with axle weights up to 23.5 tonnes, following many years' work upgrading bridges and other structures on the line, which was built in 1872. This will enable a greater variety of visiting locomotives to run on the line, including the line's own flagship loco, GWR 4-6-0 Dumbleton Hall, which has never pulled trains on the line before as it was too heavy. The engine is currently in the queue for restoration.

At the same time, the SDR has been given permission to increase line speed from a maximum of 20 mph to 25 mph. This will allow greater operating flexibility.

The upgrades both come into force on 21 March 2009.

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