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

[whole diary]

[devon_metro]

Video link here too:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/player/nol/newsid_7350000/newsid_7354800/7354854.stm?bw=bb&mp=wm&news=1&bbcws=1

Lets hope that Devon CC and FGW^▸ (First Great Western) can come to some arrangement regarding Summer Sunday services, but, of course, there would be no station facilities available (cafe, ticket counter) etc.

Does anyone know if any of the other local heritage lines (e.g. West Somerset or Bodmin & Wenford) are interested in running the line?

Believe there will be no plans for the summer sunday services. Many people then went on up to Meldon to walk across the viaduct.

[Btline]

When is a regular service from Oakhampton to Exeter (and preferable beyond) going to start?

It needs to

[Jim]

A real shame, I've done the line once and it was very good, despite being very short!

I'm sure Jim will testify that they do a very good breakfast in that caf^!

Yep!

[vacman]

A real shame, I've done the line once and it was very good, despite being very short!

I'm sure Jim will testify that they do a very good breakfast in that caf^!

Yep!

It was a great buffet! FGW^▸ (First Great Western) could get some good PR^▸ (Public Relations) now by running the summer service of their own back!

[devon_metro]

Donkey to Okehampton anybody 

[qwerty]

When is a regular service from Oakhampton to Exeter (and preferable beyond) going to start?

It needs to

My heart would love a regular Okehampton to Exeter service, but my head says it would be like tearing up tenners.

The station is poorly sited for the town at the top of a very steep hill (Yes I know it couldnt be anywhere else).
The A30 dual carriageway is a fast route to Exeter and beyond in about half the time it would take by rail. Sadly.

The only hope of a reopening would be as part of a through route.  There is a logic to the inland route if electrification was to happen.  Government policy is starting to shift that way again.

I've got 20 years till retirement but I dont think I'll see it in my working lifetime.

[Btline]

The problem with having a service to Plymouth via Oakhampton, would be that trains would have to reverse.

[vacman]

I think people would use the Okehampton line for commuting etc, the Okehampton line is actually quite fast (line speed 60mph), lets not forget people going to college in Okehampton, and with a free bus link to the town.......... it could be done if the trains were extensions of some Exmouth and Waterloo services thus keeping cost's down.

[qwerty]

I think people would use the Okehampton line for commuting etc, the Okehampton line is actually quite fast (line speed 60mph), lets not forget people going to college in Okehampton, and with a free bus link to the town.......... it could be done if the trains were extensions of some Exmouth and Waterloo services thus keeping cost's down.

 There are also some very long sections of 40 mph.

[Btline]

I think people would use the Okehampton line for commuting etc, the Okehampton line is actually quite fast (line speed 60mph), lets not forget people going to college in Okehampton, and with a free bus link to the town.......... it could be done if the trains were extensions of some Exmouth and Waterloo services thus keeping cost's down.

 There are also some very long sections of 40 mph.

Those sections need eliminating!

[vacman]

I think people would use the Okehampton line for commuting etc, the Okehampton line is actually quite fast (line speed 60mph), lets not forget people going to college in Okehampton, and with a free bus link to the town.......... it could be done if the trains were extensions of some Exmouth and Waterloo services thus keeping cost's down.

 There are also some very long sections of 40 mph.

I believe that those sections only apply to Loco's? units are near 60 all the way??

[station road oke]

Hi, I know little about railways but live very close to Dartmoor Railway and have very little info! Does anyone know how all this works? Who actually owns the track? Bardon Aggregates are still running over it so it must be maintained ( certified safe)? It did provide very usefull facilities for the Granite Way (cycle route) such as bike hire, parking and buffet. Even being closed a couple of days has made a difference. Trust me Oke needs all the good input it can get, so regardless of a commuter line strategy, as a tourist attraction it should be open. As lately as last week they were advertising for buffet staff!! Work that one out. To be fair it did state " 'till the end of April in the short term". I can't find out who the interested parties are or how much they want for what exactly.
Any input gratefully received.
Marc

[Chris from Nailsea]

Hi, Marc, and welcome to this forum!

I'm a fan of Okehampton, too - but I agree, things don't look too promising, in the short term?

Can anyone help us with more information on this one?

[oooooo]

The line from Coleford divergence (where it leaves the Barny branch) is indeed owned by the quarry company, was CAMAS, now Bardon? They are responsible for the maintenance I believe....

[Tinminer]

There is a meeting to discuss the future of the Dartmoor Railway tomorrow night:

Friends & Volunteers meeting, Tuesday April 22nd
There will be a meeting for volunteers and friends on Tuesday April 22nd at 7.30 pm at Fairplace Church, Okehampton (opposite the Post Office) to explore possible ways forward.