Okehampton-Tavistock. Discussion on reopening and potential use as a diversionary route

[whole diary]

[anthony215]

I think it may have some effect but DCR do seem to be very keen on making this venture work. Sdly we will have to see how passenger numbers are if/when the service starts.

 1 problem for wrexham & shropshire was their costs, especially because they were using loco hauled stock. i think it would have been a better idea if they had used some class 168's if chiltern could spare any on the lightly used off peak services.

Another problem for them is that   i did hear they were told that they would not be allowed to carry passengers between London Marylebone & Banbury/Lemington Spa from may 2011. Sadly i think that may have been one of the reasons to push the company over the edge especially since  they did carry a lot of commutors

[Andy]

I hope they persevere, get the go-ahead and give it a try regardless of the Wrexham & Shropshire setback. As there is currently no service between Okehampton and Exeter, in addition to providing a direct London service, they have a potential local market to tap into as well, plus the summer tourist trade, of course. 

[Chris from Nailsea]

From Okehampton People:

As the Easter holidays approach (although they won't actually cover Easter this year!) we can expect an influx of tourists taking advantage of  improving weather promised in the middle of April.

And rather than roar by down the A30, let's hope they stop off for a few hours - or, better still, days - and enjoy all that Okehampton has to offer. We'll go on a quick - but by no means comprehensive - tour.

Any tourist trail of the town is best started at the Tourist Information Point in the Museum Yard, where you can pick up leaflets and maps to guide you around the area. And while you're there, drop into the Museum of Dartmoor Life, which has won several awards for it's portrayal of life on the north side of Dartmoor over the centuries. The exhibitions of day-to-day rural life are particularly evocative.

Next stop should be Okehampton Castle, which dates from Norman times but was rebuilt as an opulent private residence in the 14th century. The excellent audio guide will interpret the ruins , and the well-kept grounds make an excellent picnic spot.

Until 1917 the Castle was owned by one Sydney Simmons, a great benefactor of the town. In that year he donated the building and grounds "to ever thereafter enjoyed by the inhabitants of and visitors to the town of Okehampton...". As well as the gift of the Castle, he also endowed the town's park - Simmons Park - which you can call into on your way to the next port of call, Okehampton Station.

The station lies at the top of (of course) Station Road and is a must for all railway lovers. It is one of the very few of Beeching's closures which has re-opened - after a spectacular renovation, which has taken it back to the old Southern Railway colours... and correct in every detail.

During summer you can catch a train to Meldon Quarry and viaduct... and... and... watch this space... by summer 2011 there just might be trains to Exeter on a daily basis. (At present they only run on Sunday.)

The Station Buffet offers a good selection of meals and snacks, while over the tracks you'll find Okehampton Youth Hostel, which not only provides accommodation but also is the base for Adventure Okehampton, which organises all manner of action days out on Dartmoor.

There's so much to see - we haven't got to the Moor yet, or any National Trust properties - that you might think about staying. Try Upcott House for a very well-appointed family B&B... follow the link to check for any seasonal deals on offer.

You'll find enough to do in and around Okehampton that it could make an excellent centre for a family holiday... many families come year after year to enjoy the scenery, the activities, the friendly welcome... and the local food and drink (but that will have to wait for another day!)

[JayMac]

A line that I'm still yet to bash. Maybe this summer....

[anthony215]

 Might be a bit of a rush considering how close we are to summer to get staff etc for this  Okehampton to  Exeter service?

I suspect it will be early autum before the full rail service starts if they get their passenger licence soon.

I am looking forward to when this service starts and i hope it is a sucess

[vacman]

the line wasn't closed by Beeching! the line between Oke and Coleford wasn't even listed in the Beeching report!

[Chris from Nailsea]

Tsk! Journalists, eh? 

[RichardB]

From what I hear, the owners of the Dartmoor Ralway are concentrating on building up their freight interests so a weekday passenger service won't happen before 2012.   

The Sunday trains will be back for the Summer.  These are sponsored by Devon County Council.

[trainbuff]

Just visited and signed a few sepecific railway related ones, including Re-dualling of Salisbury to Exeter.

Have also produced one about Okehampton to Tavistock (assuming that Bere Alston-Tavistock reopened as in Killbride plans).

Assuming the speed could be raised to 60mph or higher, and I believe this is do able. A passing loop at Bere Alston to facilitate the Gunnislake service, loops positioned at Okehampton, needing 1 point I believe creating an additional crossing place and possible Okehampton to Exeter service. Moving the Junction from Crediton back to Coleford Junction to create a 3 mile long dynamic loop. A train could leave Exeter at xx50 and Plymouth at xx20. They would pass at Bere Alston and at Yeoford and still enable Barnstaple and Gunnislake services to operate. This would mean a long single line section between Bere Alston and Okehampton but would enable some XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) and SWT^▸ (South West Trains) services to go via this route in addition to stopping services.

I know it is unlikely thatt I will get 100,000 signatures needed for a debate, but I have posted a petition I would like people to sign.

It is at http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/12531

Hope you can add your autographs so to speak!

[Maxwell P]

Signed by me and good luck to you.  SWT^▸ (South West Trains) trains west of Exeter though?   

[trainbuff]

Yes. In the long term future and maybe only a couple of trains a day. Any service going to /from Plymouth could be limited stopper so faster to london than present.

XC^▸ (Cross Country Trains (franchise)) services could use  the current sets they presently use. Not the ones from Cornwall which would require 2 reversals. However, services starting from and going to Plymouth could be arranged at times that allow Paignton services to pick up XC passengers. This would leave only those passengers from Totnes that would lose direct services. Though of course extra GW^▸ (Great Western) stopping trains could replace these 3 or 4 services a dayThe only reason they stopped going to Paignton was lack of stock. In 10 years or so this will (hopefully) be different.

I know it is a major dream.....some would say pipe dream....and I have to say that I would not want this route to be at the expense of the more profitable present route. At least in the short to medium term till Global warming takes hold etc. Then, it would be up to the Government of the time to work out which alternative route to build etc

[anthony215]

Signed it

[Plymboi]

I was under the impression that the Okehampton line from Yeoford was due to be transfered to National Rail in December 2009. Has this not happening anymore?

And are regular services to Okehampton for Passengers ever going to be something in the near future?

[anthony215]

I think devon & cornwall railways are still waiting for a passenger licence.

After that they have to get the rolling stock and make sure staff are trained etc.

[6 OF 2 redundant adjunct of unimatrix 01]

its not being transfered is it?