The South Devon Railway will be holding another of its popular events for railway enthusiasts over the weekend of 19-20 May. This time the clock will be turned back to the 1960s, when British Rail was in the throes of changing from steam to diesel traction. The infamous Beeching report of 1963 threatened closure of many rural rail lines, while also trying to boost the traffic that was suited to rail.

Many ways were tried to cut costs and increase traffic. Diesel railcars were introduced, and proved popular with the public – come and enjoy the view of the line from behind the driver. There will be a frequent service of trains between Totnes Littlehempston and Buckfastleigh stations hauled by a variety of steam and diesel locomotives from the 1960s.

In between there will also be goods trains, to show how busy the railways still were at the time. There will even be a demonstration milk train – it used to be brought to railway stations in churns, and then taken to dairies such as the one at Totnes, where it would often be sent to London or other cities in bulk tankers.

There is no need to book in advance – just turn up at Buckfastleigh, Staverton or Totnes Littlehempston station on one or both days and enjoy a feast of nostalgia. South Devon trains carry a buffet car, and there are cafes at Buckfastleigh and Totnes Rare Breeds Farm.