3rd May 1964

R.C.T.S. / Plymouth Railway Circle
The Cornubian

Locos Used 2887 & 34002 'Salisbury'
Stock Used 7 coaches

Route :

Loco Route
2887 Exeter St Davids - Newton Abbot - Dainton Siding - (2) - Totnes - Plymouth
34002 Plymouth - St Budeaux Ferry Jn - Saltash - Liskeard - Par - St Austell - Truro - Penzance
34002 Penzance - (reverse of outward route) - Plymouth
2887 Plymouth - (reverse of outward route) - Exeter St Davids

Note :
(1) This seven coach train was run to reflect the passing of steam from the Cornish main line. Although this was a relatively light load the train handling was excellent, the crew of 2-8-0 2887 completed a reverse move on Dainton Bank due to single line running and on the return leg time was gained over Hemerdon & Dainton banks. The Plymouth crew were impressed by the performance of the unrebuilt 'West Country', especially as this was their first time operating such a Pacific.
(2) Dainton Siding to Totnes was single line working.
(3) Arrival back into Exeter St Davids was delayed by a 6 minute signal check outside the station.

Sources : David Hills (compiled from contemporary reports) & Chris Horsham (on the train throughout)

Photo Review


2887 near Tigley (photo: Mike Morant collection)


From Andrew Fairholm's ticket collection.


Timings (Booked & Actual)
(from Chris Horsham)

Location Booked Actual   Booked Actual
Exeter St Davids 10.40d 10.47   20.55a 20.48
Dawlish Warren 10/58 ?   20/37 20/34
Newton Abbot 11.18a ~ 11.23d ?   20.13a ~ 20.18d 20.10 ~ 20.18
Aller Jn 11/26 ?   20/10 ?
Dainton Siding 11/32 11/49   20/05 ?
Totnes 11/42 ?   19/56 19/56
Brent 11/57 ?   19/47 ?
Hemerdon 12/13 ?   19/32 ?
Lipson Jn 12/21 ?   19/19 ?
Plymouth 12.25a ~ 12.35d ?   19.06a ~ 19.15d ?
Devonport Jn ? ?   19/04 ?
St Budeaux Ferry Road ? ?   18.57a ~ 18.58d ?
Royal Albert Bridge 12/43 ?   18/55 ?
Saltash 12/45 ?   18/53 ?
Liskeard 13/05 ?   18/34 ?
Largin 13/14 ?   18/26 ?
Bodmin Road 13.21a ~ 13.30d ?   18.18a ~ 18.19d ?
Par 13/44 ?   18/03 18/05
St Austell 13/53 14/00   17/55 ?
Truro 14.14a ~ 14.30d ?   17.14a ~ 17.35d ?
Penwithers Jn 14/32 ?   17/11 ?
Redruth 14.47a ~ 14.58d ?   16.56a ~ 16.57d ?
Gwinear Road 15/08 ?   16/45 ?
St Erth 15/18 ?   16/34 ?
Penzance 15.30a 15.25   16.25d 16.25


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