16.50 cancelled as was the next train. Most of us went home on the bus! Apparently a broken down train.
When are these old relics going to be replaced?

Well, it appears that the recent storms have knocked some holes in the embankment between Exmouth and Lympstone. Also, on Sunday, a boat washed up on the shore with its mast across the track...

5mph speed limit on part of embankment that is under repair.

Can anyone say why the line has been closed, and when it is likely to reopen?

Are these works still on schedule for completion by next Monday?

I booked a return ticket from Exmouth to Bristol Temple Meads on the 11th of December 2012.
My outward train left Exmouth at 0645 but it was cancelled due to mechanical problems. Fortunately I checked before leaving home and therefore drove to Exeter St Davids, parking in a nearby car park and catching the train for which I had a ticket and reservation. I had to be in Bristol by 0845 and therefore catching a later train would not have been an option.
At Exeter I was advised to submit a claim form which I duly did.
Today, I received a letter stating that compensation was only paid for a delay of an hour or more. I was also sent a travel voucher equivalent to the cost of my car park charge.
Is this correct?

Does anyone know the reason for the slow running on the approach to St James Park through this tunnel?

Well, some interesting replies to my post but unfortunately some of you are not correct. I took the opportunity of researching this subject. Penalty Fares are not enforceable unless a court orders it. Apparently there have been no reported cases of any train company issuing proceedings over a penalty fare-indeed the last thing the train companies want is for their rather dubious policy to be exposed in this way. The following may assist others in this situation:-

1. Obviously make a reasonable attempt to buy a ticket-however you do not have to wait in a long queue and miss your train (Rule  
2. Check that the person demanding a PF^▸ (Penalty Fare) is an authorised collector. Apparently they are obliged to carry i/d confirming this.
3. Section 8 (2) of the Penalty Fare Rules 2002 gives you the right to pay only the full single fare for the journey, which means that, for example, any railcard discounts would not be available to you.
4. It is not a good idea to pay the fare and hope to appeal it later. Apparently most train companies use the 'Independant Penalty Fares Appeals Service' which is in fact owned and staffed by a train company! Hardly independant then...
5. If asked you must provide a correct name and address. This is the one and only part of the process where a criminal sanction could be applied for providing incorrect details.
6. When the collector gives you a form check it is correct. If it is not then the train company has no chance of collecting a PF.
7. When a letter demanding payment turns up, write back explaining why you were unable to buy a ticket.
8. Penalty Fares are a CIVIL, not criminal, matter, except where stated above.

Having said all of this, everyone, without exception, should buy a ticket if they reasonably can.

No, it had not started the journey.

I regularly travel between Exmouth and Exeter Central on the 0854 service. I possess a Devon and Cornwall Railcard.
Today, on reaching the station about 5 minutes before the train was due to depart I encountered a queue about 12 deep from the one ticket office that was open. There is normally another member of staff selling tickets by the entrance but his position was closed.
I tried the ticket machine but that rejected my coins.
Faced with missing my train to work I boarded anyway, resolving to buy a ticket from the Conductor.
At this point 2 members of staff got on the train whom I assume are revenue collectors. I approached one of them immediately and asked to buy a ticket, showing my railcard. I was told I was too late and should have bought one before getting on the train.The individual to whom I spoke was not very polite.
I then went to the back of the train and knocked on the door, as I could see the Conductor who was engaged in a conversation with another member of staff.
He opened the door slightly but on hearing my request he said I was too late and should have bought a ticket earlier. I reminded him that I could not have done so because of the queue, and because the ticket machine had rejected my coins.
Eventually he said he would sell me a ticket when he came down the train.
I would have refused to pay any penalty fare that was levied as I had done all that I could to purchase a ticket, short of missing the train completely.
I mention this because of an earlier post about some persons receiving penalty fares. Initially I was sceptical of their excuse but I have a great deal more sympathy now.

Caught the 1654 train from Central which was then held up at the entrance to the branch for about 5 minutes.
Got to Topsham and then another 5 minute wait before all passengers were asked to leave the train.
30 minute wait on freezing platform ensued...
When we got on another train the conductor announced that there had been an incident with a person 'on the line'.
Can anyone provide any further information?

Waiting for 0923 to Bristol on 27/10 at Exeter St Davids when a bright yellow HST^▸ (High Speed Train) with carriages pulled in. Does anyone know what this train is?

What on earth was going on yesterday? I caught the 1722 train from Exeter Central-it did not make it to Exmouth until 1817.
Someone mentioned 'adverse weather conditions'. It was raining...

Was this the company where an employee was recently jailed for making off with over ^45000 which she then spent playing fruit machines?

The Avocet^▸ (Branch line from Exeter to Exmouth) Line Rail Users Group.

'New' trains not arriving for another 12 months or so...