Devon S Railways

This, the first of two volumes covering the railways of Devon, follows the routes of the two main lines that enter the county from the east. Firstly, the former Western Region line is examined as it runs from Whiteball Tunnel in the Blackdown Hills and down along the attractive Culm and Exe Valleys to the county town of Exeter. It then takes the reader over the former Southern Region line from Axminster through rolling countryside to Exeter where the two routes meet. In addition, the book explores the branch lines that are still open in this part of the county; firstly, the one to Exmouth, which runs beside the Exe estuary for half of its length, and then by way of a contrast, the line to Barnstaple, which penetrates the rural heart of Devon to reach the county’s north coast. Finally, a look is taken at the Okehampton branch, which has just been acquired by Network Rail and is about to have its passenger service reinstated. Illustrated with over 180 color photographs, only a few of which have been published previously, this volume records many of the changes that have taken place over the last 35 years to both the infrastructure and trains. Coverage is mainly of service trains, but a number of special workings are also included. It depicts some of the older locomotive classes in their final days as well as the traction that provides today’s services.

A pictorial tribute to the railway scene of Devon that aims to bring back memories of traction once common, or not so common.

The first of two lavishly illustrated titles from acknowledged railway expert Colin G. Maggs, presenting the story of Devon’s branch lines.

‘Withered Arm’ is a look at the Southern branch lines west of Salisbury and west of Exeter. There can be few who do not lament the passing of the numerous branch, main and cross country lines especially those in Devon and Cornwall with today just three short branch stubs remaining of what was once the truly expansive Southern network west of Salisbury and then west of Exeter. Author Alan Butcher comes with an intimate knowledge of several of the lines featured and so talks with authority on the routes, stations, features and locomotives used in what was the final years of operation from the mid 1950s onwards. Not only did the routes close during this time but so did many types of steam engine disappear, but examples of the Adams Radial and E1R classes are seen at work as well as Bulleid Pacifics on short length trains – the justification for which continues to be debated 50 years on. Using material from several archives including that of R C Riley, Peter Gray and Roy Vincent, this is a collection to truly savour.