60th Anniversary of Closure

The very last ever British Railways (Western Region) passenger train ran between Ashburton and Totnes and back on the first Saturday in November 1958 hauled by former GWR Class 14xx locos Nos. 1466 and 1470.

To mark this 60th anniversary, we’re running a special steam hauled service this year on Saturday 3rd November 2018 leaving Buckfastleigh at 1958hrs  (7:58pm) and returning from Totnes at the same time as the last train did 60 years ago.  It’ll arrive back in Buckfastleigh at 9:21pm. The loco is expected to be No. 6412, 5542 or 5786.

Tickets are on sale now through the SDR website at the usual adult return fare of £15 and intending buyers should simply select Sat November 3rd as the travel date and, if visiting earlier in the day for the November Diesel Gala and want to make multiple trips, you’ll need a Rover Ticket, see below.

The SDR railway museum will be open from 6:30pm the night of November 3rd, but the museum is also holding another 'taster' celebration on Thursday 1 November on the date of the 60th anniversary of the last timetabled BR passenger trains running to Ashburton. The occasion will hopefully be marked at Buckfastleigh with a suitable headboard on the locomotive - expected to be No. 6412 - and a laurel wreath on the smokebox, plus people wearing 1950s or mourning dress will be welcome.