NE-SW trains and such...loco changes?

[JeffP]

One of my fondest memories is standing on Wath North station with my cousin, awaiting the arrival of the southbound Devonian. When it arrived it had 45685 "Barfleur" at it's head, and being a Barrow Road engine, my cousin pronounced it a rare'un.

 

But I don't know enough about these NE-SW and SW-NE trains.

 

What locos were used while on the WR, for instance? Or where they would have changed?

 

From what I've seen, loco changes were at Bristol, with either Holbeck or Barrow Road jubilees handling the north from Bristol leg.

 

 

Anyone able to shed any light, provide links or even real-time sightings?

 

Thanks.

[HSB]

Ian Allan published a book on the Devonian in their 'From the Footplate' series following a typical southbound journey in 1957. I travelled on the train from Torquay to Leeds and back most summers in the 50s and early 60s but while I started collecting engine numbers at some stage I don't know which ones were pulling the Devonian although I do recall it pulling into Torquay (from Paignton) behind D600 once. At the time I was more interested in seeing the new modern diesels than the 'old-fashioned' steam kettles! I also remember quite a long stop at Bristol while they changed the engine and once watching the engine from our southbound train zig-zag its way across to the depot.

[Pobrien]

The northbound and southbound Devonian between Leeds and Bristol were dieselised from July 3, 1961, using Peak Diesels. Up until that time, as you say, Leeds Holbeck and Bristol Barrow Road Jubilees were common, with the occasional Scot or Black Five. Non-availability or unreliability of Peaks meant that there were many steam substitutions after the official date, particularly on the Southbound Devonian right up to the Spring of 1963. Some of the records for this train are below :

 

1962

 

Oct 12 46161

Oct 15 45562

Oct 27 46161

Nov 1 46109

Nov 5 46161

Nov 12 45569

Nov 13 46161

Nov 14 46145

Nov 16 45658

Nov 27 45597

Dec 1 46135

Dec 7 46113

Dec 14 45605

Dec 17 45639

Dec 27 45569

Dec 28 45739

Dec 29 45557

 

In January and February 1963, the severe Winter, the train was more frequently steam hauled than diesel hauled.

 

The Northbound Devonian had 45626 on Jan 23 1963, 73094 on Jan 26, 45579 on Mar 23, 45682+45561 on Apr 17 and 73000+45584 on May 28. In steam days I believe the train was frequently double headed north of Bristol.

 

South of Bristol I believe the Devonian was rostered for a Newton Abbot Castle, but became a Warship turn sometime in 1960. I only have 3 instances of steam recorded on the Northbound train to Bristol in 1962/63, 5055 on Sep 22 1962, 6831 on Feb 8 1963 and 5050 on Mar 22 1963.

 

Here are two photos of the Southbound Devonian in April 1962 and on Sept 9 1963

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/55350440@N06/11270222223/in/photolist-iaUQqg

 

https://www.flickr.com/photos/55350440@N06/5254267762/in/photolist-91iuKu-iaUQqg

[JeffP]

Thanks for that.

 

My research has shown what was used and photos of such between Bradford/Leeds and Bristol.

 

It's south of Bristol I can't find info or pics.