Following on from the very successful Easter Transport Gala, and more recently another of the popular “Thomas” events, the South Devon Railway’s next special event will recreate scenes more appropriate to its origins as a country branch.

The Country Branch Line Weekend, will take place over two days and is an event featuring former Great Western Railway locomotives 1369, 5786 and 5526, plus the Class 127 DMU which will make one round trip, as will Sulzer Type 2 No. D7612. Ex GWR heavy frieght 2-8-0 3803 is not expected to feature (but will be available as spare steam loco if required). Likewise if D7612 is not ready in time (it is having work undertaken on its air system prior to visiting KWVR / WSR in June) English Electric Type 3 No. D6737 will feature in its place.

The first round trip will see 5526 working with single carmine and cream collett brake W1645W, whilst the last trip will be the same loco working in auto mode with just a single trailer.

1369 is on the goods, but will also double-head back from Staverton on the 16.32 ex Totnes, providing the sight and sound of both ex GWR pannier tanks working together.

5786 will be working with the chocolate and cream set, whilst 5526 (and D7612) will work with the carmine and cream set.

At Buckfastleigh visitors will be able to view the largest steam loco at present based on the line, 4-6-0 No. 4920 Dumbleton Hall. After several seasons stored out of sight, 4920 will be on display outside, whilst from the workshop viewing gallery visitors will also be able to see the recent progress being made on the heavy general overhaul of the sole surviving 2251 Class 0-6-0 No.3205. The comprehensive collection of heritage diesel locomotives will also be viewable, including the Devon Diesel Society's Class 50, the former 50 002 “Superb” which is being restored back into its original condition as built in 1967 as No. D402.

The miniature railway will be running and providing a frequent service throughout the event with trains departing at regular intervals from the new station adjacent to the main car park.

The main museum will be open throughout the event and features a variety of interesting objects, together with the last remaining locomotive that ran on Brunel’s famous Broad Gauge system, the 0-4-0 vertical boilered “Tiny” that is part of the National Railway Museum Collection and on loan to the S.D.R.

Another fascinating survivor that will be on display for some of the event will be Lee Moor No.2 which is now housed in its own shed along with other interesting memorabilia from the 4’ 6" gauge tramway line.

Refreshments will be available at both Buckfastleigh, from the main refreshment rooms, and at Totnes, from the Rare Breeds Centre, whilst the main train services will also feature an on train buffet serving a range of lighter refreshments, snacks and other souvenirs. Further souvenirs, together with an extensive range of model railway items and equipment, can also be purchased from Expressway Models at Buckfastleigh.

There will also be our Vintage 'bus service providing a gentle tour around the locale with stops at Buckfast Abbey and Buckfastleigh Town. On a clear day there is a good view over the local countryside to Dartmoor from the upper deck.