South Devon Railway
Spring ½ Price Weekend 2007
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The scenic SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY will be kicking off its 16th season of running steam trains at the end of the month with a bargain Spring ‘half fare’ weekend which should help wet weather weary visitors cast off the Winter blues.

On Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th March, passengers will be able to enjoy a cut-price steam feast that will see no fewer than nine trains running on both days over the pretty seven-mile line from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, and which will appeal to families and enthusiasts alike.

Countryside lovers will be able to see and enjoy some secret, stunning Spring scenery from the comfort of the train as it meanders its leisurely way down one of Devon’s most glorious valleys by the River Dart, and walkers can take advantage of some beautiful walks from stations too.

Coming two weeks before Easter, the South Devon Railway likes to mark the start of each season with a special cut-price event to say ‘Thank You’ to the line’s many regular visitors, local people and volunteers who all love the authentic recreation of the old Great Western Railway and BR Western Region steam era.

All fares on both days will be at half-price, so an adult round trip will cost just £4.50; a child return (ages 5-14) will be £2.70; Under fives go free.

The first train leaves from Buckfastleigh at 10.00am and from Totnes (Littlehempston) at 10.45am. Trains will leave both stations at about 45 minute intervals on both days.

Commenting on the “half-fare” weekend, South Devon Railway General Manager Richard Elliott said: “There are some superb Spring views of the lovely valley of the Dart to be had at this time of year, and there really is no better way to see them than from one of our relaxing steam trains. The line-side is at its best in the Spring with beautifully manicured banks and hundreds of flowering primroses.

“During a half-day or full day’s outing, visitors can also travel by train to explore Totnes or view the first of the season’s butterflies and friendly otters in the Butterfly Farm & Otter Sanctuary at Buckfastleigh which is also offering half-price entry over the weekend.

“The South Devon Railway had a record season in 2006 carrying 93,000 passengers and won an award for the restoration work at Totnes, but we are hoping to set another new record in 2007 by breaking through the 100,000 visitor mark which has been our ambition for some time.

“But we always like to give something back to our many friends and supporters every year too, so our Spring half-fare day is just the ticket!

“For diehard railway enthusiasts that weekend, we’ll be running a Great Western era train with our green liveried heavy freight loco No. 3803 pulling a rake of chocolate and cream coaches, plus small Prairie No. 5526 will be sporting British Railways black and hauling a newly overhauled set of 1950’s style BR crimson and cream coaches.”

Visitors will be able to see the progress being made on various projects up and down the line: At Totnes, a new signalbox is nearing completion which will control train movements around the station, and a new water tank for steam locos constructed over the Winter will be used for the first time. The station won a National Railway Heritage Award in 2006 for the fine quality of the station’s restoration by volunteer workers.

At Buckfastleigh, inside the locomotive works, the restoration is nearing completion of a South Devon Railway favourite, loco No. 1369, and the repair of loco No. 1420 is underway.

Volunteer workers are always being sought to help with the running of the railway and the South Devon Railway Association is holding a start-of-season recruitment drive over the weekend too. So, if anyone is interested in getting their hands dirty and helping to keep the railway’s wheels turning, then they can just turn up and talk to some of the volunteers already helping run the SDR who can happily explain all of the jobs on offer and what’s involved.

With ample car parking at Buckfastleigh on the A38 Devon Expressway, the South Devon Railway is just 25 minutes from Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay.

The South Devon Railway also features:
An extensive museum, including Brunel’s only surviving ‘broad gauge’ engine,
Expressway model and gift shop,
Riverside walks, a maze and children’s play area,
Newly refurbished ‘Refreshment Rooms’,
Picnic area and wooded parkland.

The South Devon Railway will be running trains EVERY day from the half price weekend on 24/5 March until the end of October. The Expressway model railway shop has gifts for children of all ages and is open for business on most days.

For further information about the Spring “Half Fare Weekend” or to arrange preview photography or filming, please contact SDR General Manager Richard Elliott; Operations Manager John Haslam or Commercial Director Neil Smith on (01364) 643536, or


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© South Devon Railway Trust 2007


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