The day I hired a class 37
On September 4th 2007, I splashed out and hired 37 321 and a short engineers train for the day, for a private driver experience on the very scenic South Devon Railway from Buckfastleigh to Totnes. The picture above shows the train during a photo stop beside the River Dart.
I am very interested in traditional BR goods wagons so when I first approached the railway, I asked if it would be possible for the train to be comprised of such stock. On the day, the railway provided a lovely seven wagon rake including a Shark, two Dogfish, Grampus and BR standard brake van.
We made five return trips throughout the day, being signalled in between the steam hauled service train. On one trip, I took the opportunity to travel in the brake van on the rear of the train.
It was a fantastic day! I really enjoyed the friendly and informal atmosphere. On several occasions there was a tray of teas waiting for us on the platform at Staverton as we passed through. The train crew were very welcoming and helpful throughout the day. On the final run, after the steam service train had finished, I was allowed to stop the train at different locations along the line in order to get out and take some pictures.
In the evening we dropped most of the wagons off in a siding at Staverton and returned to Buckfastleigh engine and brake van. The picture above shows another photostop, this time including the train crew. On the left is Andy Matthews who was our instructor for the day. In the middle is the secondman and the guard is on the right.
