The South Devon Railway has been successful in its bid to purchase Great Western Super Saloon from the Paignton and Dartmouth Railway.  Super Saloon 9116 "Duchess of York" was today (28th April 2004) moved by road from Churston to Buckfastleigh. The carriage is in good condition and can go into service right away on dining trains and on service trains offering first class travel.  The ability to offer up to 50 seats in first class splendour (and up to 8 more private seats) will be a big boost to the South Devon Railway charter dining train business.

The journey to Buckfastleigh was not without incident! The escort firm running ahead of the transporter took a wrong turning in Totnes resulting in the long load finding itself on the A384 instead of the A385. The A384 crosses the South Devon Railway on the narrow Riverford Bridge. Crossing the bridge  caused a certain amount of holding of breath but being a 94' load it was able to elbow its way round.

Coincidentally the real live Prince of Wales was visiting nearby Riverford Farm on the same day - he will have been surprised to see his late Grandmother (or is it his Sister-in Law) passing by on a lorry!!

This coach was rescued at the beginning of the Dart Valley Railway's formation, together with our other Super Saloon 9111 "King George"  Whilst 9111 is the property of the South Devon Railway Association, 9116 now belongs to the South Devon Railway Trust.