South Devon Railway Day Out: Dramatic change of weather hits South Devon - 2026

My third journey along the South Devon Railway this year felt like a reunion with a familiar friend, as GWR 1366 Class No. 1369 was once again hard at work. The little 0-6-0 Pannier Tank has become a constant in my visits, its distinctive silhouette a staple of the line's daily operations. Reflecting on the recent Winter Steam Gala (held 2–4 January 2026), the line was a hive of activity with three notable guest locomotives: the Hunslet 0-6-0ST No. 1589 'Newstead', GWR 2807, and the diminutive Bagnall 2572 'Judy'. However, while waiting at Buckfastleigh Station for my return to Totnes Riverside, I was surprised to spot both Newstead and Judy still resting in the shed. Their continued presence in Devon is curious; 'Judy' is eventually due to return to the Bodmin Railway in Cornwall, while 'Newstead'—the famous "Lost Engine"—is slated to head back to the Nene Valley Railway following its highly anticipated restoration and gala appearance. The day was further distinguished by a touch of historical elegance: the debut of the Pullman coach 'Lydia'. After decades in preservation and an intensive restoration to repair damage from past thefts, this 1925-built carriage—once a favourite of Winston Churchill—finally returned to public service, adding a layer of 1920s glamour to the South Devon fleet. Recordings were taken at: 01:00 Totnes Riverside 01:16 Enroute to Buckfastleigh 03:49 Buckfastleigh station Museum 04:37 1369 departs Buckfastleigh 06:12 Buckfastleigh 06:34 1369 arrives from Totnes 08:16 Awaiting departure 08:21 Enroute to Totnes 13:04 Unexpected Stop 13:07 Back out to Totnes 14:12 Totnes Riverside Feelfree to Like and Subscribe @westcountryrails • • • • • #steamtrain #southdevon #railway #pannier #tank #1369 #buckfast #totnes #train #railway #heritage #line #trainspotting #railwaycontent