Devon Group Rail trip to Plymouth, Calstock and Gunnislake

Devon Group Rail trip to Plymouth, Calstock and Gunnislake Wednesday 14th November.

A good turnout of 11 regulars turned out for today's trip using the Devon Day Ranger ticket.

For the record most of us did Barnstaple-Exeter-Tiverton Parkway-Exeter-Plymouth--Calstock-Gunnislake-Plymouth-Exeter-Barnstaple.

1. At Plymouth there was time for the first pub visit. It's desperation stage as we queue outside St James Vaults waiting for the pub to open at midday!

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2. This pub is renowned for a good collection of heritage enamel signs. Dave Pratt found an appropriate one to sit by with his first pint of the day.

3. We all recommend this pub to pass the time before the next train.

4. Aboard the 150 on the Gunnislake line.

5. After a good lunch at the Tamar Inn, Calstock, back at the station our train returns crossing the River Tamar on Calstock Viaduct.

6. Ready to board as 150219 arrives at Calstock. The plan is to ride the scenic, winding section up to Gunnislake before returning straight back to Plymouth.

7. Our HST train back from Plymouth was led by original liveried power car 43002. This would probably be one of our last full length HST journeys as more Hitachi IETs are entering service each week on the routes from Paddington to Plymouth and Penzance.

8. However, GWR are retaining and refurbishing some HSTs albeit in a shorter 2 + 4 carriage formation to work the stopping trains between Bristol and Penzance. The first set is now in service and was seen at Plymouth today.

9. A tradition when our trips return in the dark is have a go at the railway themed crossword in the RAIL magazine. Dave Pratt and Dave Payne Hilton try to work out some clues.

Back at Exeter some of us had time for yet another beer at Wetherspoons Imperial before returning on the 19:00 to Barnstaple with the crossword completed!

Our next trip is the Christmas Meal (deposits required) at Crediton Wetherspoons on Wednesday 12th December with a trip to Exmouth first.

All welcome - if interested, contact Nigel to confirm a place, order from the menu and pay the deposit (£5).

Text and photos Nigel Thompson