40th anniversary of the line Dr Beeching re-opened!
The steam operated South Devon Railway -- the oldest heritage railway line in the West Country -- is getting set to celebrate its 40th anniversary year after the scenic former branch line re-opened way back in 1969. Of all people, it was re-opened by Dr Richard Beeching who, as chairman of the British Railways Board in the early 1960s, wielded his now infamous axe and was the man responsible for the closure of many branch lines and stations up and down the country. During the last four decades since, however, over three million passengers have travelled over the scenic seven-mile former Great Western Railway route from Totnes to Buckfastleigh, with many visitors enjoying the experience so much that they come back every season. It’s going to be a very special celebration year for the railway’s many friends and supporters kicking off with a big, nine-day Easter steam festival from 5th - 13th April which features eight different former GWR steam locomotives, plus other events during the anniversary season. The line is run by a small group of staff and several hundred volunteer workers who all work hard together to recreate the golden age of steam and keep memories of the GWR, British Railways (Western Region) and historic transport alive and well.
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Between three and eight engines will be in steam throughout the April event
Four visiting engines have been drafted in for the nine-day steam festival from other heritage lines in the South West, and the event is set to be one of the highlights of the railway’s 137-year history from when it was first opened in May 1872.
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