A daily weekday goods served the branch until closure in 1962, although passenger services had ceased 4 years earlier. The goods was a Newton Abbot working which, in 1960 for instance, left Totnes for the branch at 10.30am and returned at 2.15pm. During that time, it was booked to spend 50 minutes at Buckfastleigh on the journey down and 30 minutes on the way back up. At various times in their history, the goods shed and yard at Buckfastleigh were responsible to the despatch of paper, fruit, milk, timber products, wool and stone, whilst coal was an important import. At one time there were 9 staff employed, including signalmen. (Any additional snippets of information would be very useful.)
We join the goods as it approaches Buckfastleigh from Totnes with our old friend class 44xx No.4405 in charge...
Totnes Road Bridge
Entering the loop at Station House
Waiting for a down passenger to pass
The autotrain pulls in
When the autotrain has cleared...
...the goods is called on by the box
Leaving the loop before setting back into the yard
Shunting in progress
Dropping off empty vans
Supplies for the Co-op coal merchant
Returning from Ashburton...
...with a light load of empty vans
A word with the box...
...and a joke with the porter whilst running back to Totnes.
With thanks to Reg Furniss and to all providers of stock.
Dave
