Unique loco returns at Spring GalaFollowing a major overhaul in the South Devon Railway’s own workshops, excitement is growing as the final finishing touches of paintwork are applied to steam locomotive No. 3205. The unique engine is made ready to debut as the star attraction at the SDR’s forthcoming May Bank Holiday weekend 1950s and 60s gala and real ale festival on 29th - 31st May. The attractive tender engine, which first arrived on the Buckfastleigh line 45 years ago, has operated at three other railways across the country since then and was withdrawn from service in 2006 requiring major overhaul. This work has included extensive boiler repairs. Although often seen working passenger trains, No. 3205 which is now the only surviving member of its type, is often referred to as the "Collett Goods" having been designed by former Great Western Railway Chief Mechanical Engineer C.B.Collett. The class were often found working all manner of goods trains over both main and branch lines. And, after nearly 40 years painted in its former Great Western Railway colours, when 3205 emerges from the Buckfastleigh works it will do so resplendent in British Railways unlined green - the last livery it carried prior to being purchased for preservation, and the one that it carried when it arrived at Buckfastleigh in 1965. The three-day 1950s and 60s event on Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th and Monday 31st May will see a special train service in operation on the railway. There will also be some 26 different beers and three ciders on offer at the real ale festival at Staverton station, ranging from Clint Eastwood and Blonde Bombshell to the Birds & Bees, Screech Owl, Curlews Return and Red Dwarf, plus Spooky Moon. Services are mainly steam operated, but with a few diesel workings also to represent the changes that were taking place on the railways during the 50s and 60s when diesel traction started gradually replacing steam on BR. |
At Buckfastleigh the miniature railway will be running and providing a frequent service. The main museum, which is being fully refurbished, will be open throughout the event. New displays for the 2010 season include an 0-4-0 saddle tank which once worked at the Gas Works in Exeter. Painted blue and named "Ashley", the locomotive is very popular with the younger visitors to the museum many of whom enjoy the chance to visit the footplate. 21st May 2010 |
