10/02/2023
Devon Belle Observation Carriage. ❤️
Following the Second World War, the Southern Railway was keen to promote leisure travel.
In June 1947, it introduced a new Pullman service from London to Ilfracombe. A unique feature of this service was an observation carriage on the rear of the train. There were two of these carriages, one for each of the trains to and from London.
The service was short lived, and the service was withdrawn in 1954 and both observation saloons were transferred to the Midland region, with Car 13 being used on the Land Cruise, Welsh Chieftain service in North Wales.
In 1961, a further move saw both cars transferred to Scotland, seeing service on the route to Kyle of Lockalsh. They were both withdrawn in 1968, car 14 went to America with Flying Scotsman, but our Car 13 came to Devon, being used on the Buckfastleigh to Totnes branch, now The South Devon Railway, and was transferred to the Paignton line in the early 1980`s and has been in service continuously apart from periods of maintenance.
She was "relaunched" in the 2018 season to celebrate her 100th year in service!! How brilliant.
Who's ridden on Devon Belle?
📸 Photography
