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 three days and is an all steam event featuring former Great Western Railway locomotives 1369, 5786, 5526 and 3803.

One type of train most often associated with the Great Western’s branch services was the auto train. Frequently this would consist of one or two coaches worked in push pull mode by one of the 14xx Class 0-4-2 tanks, or perhaps a 64xx 0-6-0 pannier tank. A few of the 55xx series 2-6-2 “small prairies” were also able to work such services. With our own 14xx No.1420 out of service undergoing a heavy general overhaul, the workshop staff have recently added auto gear to the rear end of the S.D.R’s own “small prairie” No.5526 so that the railway can continue to provide the sights and sounds of a genuine auto train at work. During the course of the Country Branch Line Weekend 5526 will work no fewer than 8 auto train services on each day. There will also be a further 4 auto train workings running on the Saturday evening to connect in with the South Devon Railway Association's Annual General Meeting at Buckfastleigh. With 5526 in British Railways unlined black livery, and both auto trailers, W225W and W228W in carmine and cream, the operation of the auto train is expected to be a popular feature. Several services are booked to call, on request, at Nappers Halt. With its very short and low platform, passengers alighting or joining the auto train here will do so via the steps below the centre door on the auto trailers. These steps can be opened out to provide easy access to and from the coach for passengers, and when not in use fold away under the main body. This novel feature allowed the Great Western to provide stations in places it may not otherwise have been economic to do so.

Another regular feature of branch lines of yesteryear was the operation of the daily pick up goods. These trains would often amble their along many a branch, stopping off at stations and sidings to set down or pick up wagons containing a variety of produce. Such scenes (and sounds) will again come alive during the gala when both pannier tanks, No’s 1369 and 5786, take turns at working a recreation of such trains. During the middle of the day 1369 will stop off at Staverton, and in between trains, will shunt the station sidings. By the time of the gala the new connection to the siding and goods dock located to the south of Staverton station will have been fully commissioned

Saturday and Sunday will also see a true Great Western era branch passenger train operate. This will be formed of just three genuine Great Western coaches, hauled by G.W.R green liveried pannier tank No.5786.

Completing the locomotive line up will be 2-8-0 heavy freight locomotive 3803, which whilst not a true branch line engine, has become a popular performer on the line and will be taking charge of the main passenger set on each day.

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.