The scenic SOUTH DEVON RAILWAY will be marking the 40th anniversary of the end of steam trains on British Railways way back in 1968 and kicking off its own 17th season of running steam trains with a bargain Spring ‘half fare’ weekend on Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th March.

     Passengers will be able to cast off the Winter blues and enjoy a cut-price steam feast redolent of the end of the Golden Age of steam. No fewer than nine trains will be 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 just one week before this year’s early Easter break, the South Devon Railway always marks 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, all of whom love the authentic recreation of the long gone but not forgotten Great Western Railway and BR Western Region steam eras.

     All fares on both days will be at half-price, so an adult round trip will cost just £4.70; a child return (ages 5-14) will be £2.80; 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: “2008 is going to be a really big and memorable year for everyone who loves steam trains, marking the 40th anniversary of the end of steam engines on the British Railways network in August 1968 and the real start and growth of the heritage railway business on privately run lines. The year also marks the 60th anniversary of British Railways being formed in 1948 after the Second World War.

     “So, we felt we should kick off things off in South Devon with our half fare weekend to help remind people of what the railways were like when steam trains largely disappeared from view in 1968.

     “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 friendly otters in the Butterfly Farm & Otter Sanctuary at Buckfastleigh which is also offering reduced over the weekend.

     “The South Devon Railway had its best ever season in 2007 carrying over 100,000 passengers and winning the prestigious national Heritage Railway of the Year award, so we have a lot to offer visitors of all ages and interests.

     “And we’ve always been true to our charitable roots by giving something back to our many friends and supporters every year too, so our Spring half-fare day is just the ticket and always popular! “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 our black liveried Prairie No. 5526 will be 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.
  The station also won a National Railway Heritage Award in 2006 for the fine quality of the restoration by volunteer workers.
• At Buckfastleigh, inside the locomotive works, the restoration is underway of South Devon Railway favourites; locos No. 3205 and 1420.

     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
• A newly refurbished and expanded 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 15th/16th 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.