By Steam Auto Train to Staverton - South Devon Railway

The SDRT Museum’s June meeting takes a rather different form from others in this season. We have again hired a steam auto train to take people for an evening out at one of South Devon’s most popular pubs, the Sea Trout at Staverton.

Auto trains were an important part of rural lines such as the Ashburton branch, part of which is now the South Devon Railway. In order to cut costs the Great Western Railway designed a special type of coach to run with a small tank engine, where the train could be driven either from the engine’s cab in the normal way, or from one end of the coach. There was no need for the engine to run round its coaches at each end of the line. A further idea was to provide steps down from the coach, so that passengers could board or alight at the track side, without having to be at a station platform. 

This steam-hauled excursion will leave Buckfastleigh at 7.30pm on Thursday 30 June, and stop at Staverton station. Passengers have the option of taking a leisurely guided stroll through idyllic country side to the Sea Trout. Alternatively they can stay on the train at alight at Napper’s Crossing using the special steps, where it is a very short walk to the pub. Anyone who wishes to do so can remain on the train and travel to Totnes and back. It will also be possible to joint the train at Totnes, and get back there afterwards. The train will return to Buckfastleigh for about 10.00pm, and the fare is £5. There is no need to book – just turn up on the day. We look forward to seeing you there!