Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway

Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway

Picture Above: © Copyright John Firth and licensed for reuse under this Creative Commons Licence.

The Paignton & Dartmouth Railway is a Standard Gauge Heritage Steam Railway running from the Seaside Town of Paignton to Kingswear on the River Dart.

Route

The route traverses some magnificent scenery Coastal and Inland!

Paignton

Not the most atmospheric Station you’ll ever see, although it is due for a refurbishment, replacement of the 60s building with something more… In keeping with Steam Railways.

There is a Shop here selling various Railway items, including Thomas merchandise, Ticket Office, Cafe etc!

There is an over all roof over the Platform which is soon to be removed, Locos Coal and water up here.

Sometimes you may have to wait a while for the train here as every so many runs, they wash the coaches to stop them corroding from the Sea air.

Goodington Sands

This is more of a Halt than a Station, but never the less trains stop in both directions.

This little single line station is situated just 200 yards out of Paignton Station, the station serves the Beach and Water park.

Upon Leaving Goodrington the locomotive has to tackle Goodrington Bank, a 1 in 40 climb nearly all the way to Churston!

Between Goodrington and Churston there are some wonderful views along the Coast, crossing viaducts, through Cutting etc.

Churston

This is the Halfway point on the line. Upon entering Churston you pass several sidings and the railways Turntable, which is frequently used by Mainline specials.

The railway also has it’s workshop and Engine shed facility’s here!

On two train operation trains also pass here!

Between Churston and Kingswear, the train passes through Greenway Tunnel, over more viaducts and you can get some great views of the River Dart from here!

Kingswear

This is the Eastern Terminus of the Line.

This is the Original Station, including the Overall roof at the Far end.

There are two platforms here, the Bay Platform used mainly for Mainline Special, leaving the main platform free for P&DSR Trains to still operate!

There is a Cafe, Gift ship etc here.

Upon leaving the station you can follow the Walkway down to the Jetty where you can hop aboard a foot-ferry and visit Dartmouth!

From Dartmouth you can take a cruise around the Harbour or up the River Dart.

Personal Visits

The P&DSR has never strike’d me as an Enthusiast friendly Railway, however, the line is now under new management and I’ve been told by a friend who visited recently that it is much improved since he last visited!

Website: http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/

Operating dates: See Website

Line Length: 7 miles

Operational Locomotives:

• 42XX 2-8-0T No.4277 Hercules
• 42XX 2-8-0T No.5239 Goliath
• 78XX “Manor” 4-6-0 No.7827 Lydham Manor
• BR Standard Class 4 4-6-0 No.75014 Braveheart (Out of service, undergoing overhaul)
• BR Class 25 Bo-Bo No.D7535 Mercury