This coming August bank holiday weekend will see the scenic South Devon Railway (SDR) hold its annual Rails and Ales gala which, this year, has been extended to four days due to its popularity.

The event, which is popular with both railway enthusiasts and fans of Real Ale, features a mix of classic rail travel over the seven-mile line, including the use of both steam and heritage diesel locomotives, and a Real Ale Festival serving a variety of traditional ales and ciders.

The frequent service of passenger trains will be mostly steam hauled, but the guest appearance of former London Midland Scottish Railway 3F ‘Jinty’ No. 47406, together with home based locomotives Nos. 3205 and 5786, will give the event something of a Somerset and Dorset Railway (S&D) small engines theme.

‘Jinty’ 47406, visiting from the Great Central Railway, is making what is probably its further journey south to date, having worked in the North West during its pre-preservation days. After many years languishing in the famous Barry scrapyard, the locomotive was returned to steam in early 2010, and although 47406 is not known to have worked on the popular and much lamented Somerset & Dorset line, that ran for 72 miles between Bath and Bournemouth and which finally closed on 7th March 1966, several of its sister engines were based at Bath where, amongst other duties, they were out based at Radstock and used to assist trains over the steeply graded sections of the line that passed over the Mendips.

The SDR, which this year celebrates its 20th anniversary of taking over its line from the Dart Valley Railway, has in the past seen visits by tank engines from the Eastern, Southern, Western and British Railways era build, however 47406 will become the first former Midland tank engine to travel over the line between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.

“During the past 20 years, the South Devon Railway has grown and developed significantly and it now carries over 100,000 passengers a season. Whilst everything about the former Great Western Railway will always be at our core, the appearance of Midland Railway Jinty No. 47406 illustrates the rich diversity that can be found at many of our special events,” said SDR General Manager Dick Wood.

“Being restored to early British Railways plain black, No. 47406 will very much look the part when hauling our rake of Carmine and Cream liveried coaches that also date from the same period as the locomotive’s livery.”

Joining 47406, is SDR based former Great Western Railway 0-6-0 No.3205, the sole surviving member of its class, several examples of which operated over the S&D after the line passed into the control of British Railways (Western Region) in 1958. Loco 3205 did indeed itself see use on the former S&D system in 1965 and was for a time to be seen operating on the “branch” from Evercreech Junction to Highbridge.

The third steam locomotive taking part in the event will be the SDR based ex GWR pannier tank No. 5786. Restored to early British Railways plain black, 5786, which will have returned “home” in time to take part in the event after spending much of the summer on hire, is nearing the end of its current boiler ticket and will be withdrawn from service for overhaul in September. Like 47406, 5786 never worked over the S&D, however a few other ex GWR pannier tanks did after clearance tests were made in 1958 by 57xx No. 3604.

Whilst the locomotives will always draw most attention, there are two other items of rolling stock on the SDR now that did indeed appear on the S&D line.

Special Saloon No.9005 was used by the Western Region General Manager and on 29th October 1958 the then manager Mr K.W.C.Grand travelled in the coach from Bristol Temple Meads to Highbridge and then onto the S&D metals for a trip to Templecombe. Here the train reversed and made its way back to Bath, before returning to Bristol Temple Meads along the former Midland route out of Bath. 9005 is now based on the SDR and in addition to its normal duties running as part of the lines prestigious dining train, is also used a first class saloon during the peak summer months. During the Rails and Ales event the saloon will be in use on several passenger trains, its end windows providing passengers with an unrestricted view of the Devon countryside.

The second item of stock has led a much more humble existence. Now owned by the Worcester Locomotive Society, Type 27 Wickham trolley No. 3767 is at present nearing the end of a major overhaul which, when complete, will see it returned to its former British Railways (Southern Region) guise in green with appropriate lettering. If completed in time the trolley, which had a spell based at Evercreech Junction, will be on display at Staverton Station.

Also operating as part of the intensive service will be the SDR’s diesel railcar No. W55000. The railcar, which sees near daily use in the peak summer months, has proved to be a big hit with SDR passengers after its restoration to original green livery. In addition to a single round trip on the Friday, W55000 will also operate several late trains on the Saturday and Sunday, the final arrival back at Buckfastleigh not being until after 23.00.

Two other diesel locomotives will also see some use during the event. Sulzer Type 2 No. D7612 will operate three round trips on the Saturday, whilst newly restored Class 09 diesel shunter No. D3721 will be used to provide brake van rides at Staverton. Operating between train services, and giving a round trip of about ¾ mile, this will be the first time D3721 operates on passenger duties following its purchase by the SDR in late 2010 and subsequent restoration to original green livery.

D3721 is expected to provide the power for the brake van rides on Friday, Sunday and the Monday, whilst visiting ‘Jinty’ 47406 will be used on the Saturday.

As in previous years the Real Ale festival will be held at the picturesque Staverton Station and is again being run by the SDR based Devon Diesel Society (DDS). Proceeds from the festival will be used to help maintain the Society’s locomotive including the ongoing restoration to working order of Class 50 No. D402.

The Class 50, the biggest locomotive based on the SDR, is at present part way through an extensive restoration programme which later this year will see the power unit and main generator lifted for overhaul. Cosmetic restoration is nearing completion and the locomotive is expected to be on display during the event.

The festival, which has been recognised by the local branch of CAMRA (Campaign for Real Ale) will offer over 50 ales and traditional ciders from both local and national brewers. Cost will be £2.50 per pint, with no separate admission charge to the festival. Staverton Station Preservation Group will be selling a range of non alcoholic drinks and food.

“The combination of the authentic surroundings of a station unspoilt from years past and set in such a tranquil location, together with the classic combination of heritage trains and good quality ales and cider, has proved to be an excellent recipe with the size and popularity of the festival growing year upon year. With over 50 different ales and ciders on sale, there will be many styles and different tasting drinks to enjoy. There really will be something for everyone.” Said DDS Chairman and event co-ordinator Andy Matthews.

“ What’s more, as our visitors sit back and enjoy a pint or two, they are helping our Society preserve various items of historic rolling stock for future generations to see and enjoy. I can’t think of a more civilised or enjoyable way to raise funds.”

The festival is open from 11.00 each day until 23.00, except on the Monday when closing time will be at 18.00. With very limited parking at the station visitors are advised to travel by the frequent train service to the festival. There is a large free car park at Buckfastleigh, which is situated just off the main A38 Devon Expressway, whilst at Totnes there are good connections with mainline trains. Train services start at 10.00 (Buckfastleigh) and 10.43 (Totnes) each day and run at 45 minute intervals until 17.30 (Buckfastleigh) and 18.13 (Totnes). On the Friday, Saturday and Sunday additional trains operate beyond these times with the last arrivals being just after 22.30 at Totnes and just after 23.00 at Buckfastleigh.

Please note that on Saturday it is hoped that there will be a First Great Western 150 2xx sprinter visiting from the mainline. Should further information be made available it will be posted here. See poster for proposed service.