Railway Heritage

Paignton Station

Paignton is at the northern end of the line and is the main operating centre of the railway. The railway runs to Kingswear with a ferry connection to Dartmouth. The Great Western Railway reached Paignton in 1859 and the line to Kingswear was opened in 1864 by the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway Company. Brunel had been involved in the planning of the line but died in 1859 before completion.

Pullman Observation Coach

The railway was amalgamated into the GWR in 1876 having lost money for many years. The line closed in 1972 and was taken over by the Dart Valley Railway.

Loco 5197 ex USA.

Awaiting duties at Paignton Station.

Loco 5197 at Paignton

Goodrington Sands Halt

A halt built to serve the popular beach at Goodrington Sands.

Churston Station

This station was opened in 1861 and the station buildings are original, having been refurbished. The station is half way along the line and is at its highest point.

Churston Station and footbridge

At one time a branch line operated from Churston to Brixham mainly to serve the fish traffic.

Churston Station

Approaching Kingswear

The approach into Kingswear alongside the River Dart is a particularly interesting and scenic part of the route.

Approaching Kingswear

Kingswear Station

Kingswear Station

View showing the proximity of the station to the River Dart.

Kingswear Station

The trainshed is one of few remaining in the country.

Paignton Signal Box

Diesel Shunter at Kingswear

Kingswear Station

The station was virtually derelict when taken over from British Rail and has been completely refurbished.

River Dart

View across the Dart showing a train crossing the Greenway Viaduct shortly after leaving Kingswear.

Brunel's Folly?

Although now called the Dartmouth Steam Railway, it does not actually reach Dartmouth. A ferry across the River Dart from Kingswear is required to reach Dartmouth. The original intention was for the railway to cross the river further upstream and run down the western side. This building was to be the station booking office and facilities. Unfortunately after construction it was decided that the river crossing was too difficult and therefore the line was constructed to Kingswear.

Dartmouth Station Building

The building did act as a booking office for a while. It is now set out as a restaurant.