The
South Devon Railway
"Peckett "Lady Angela"
Click for SDRT Home Page



'Peckett 'Lady Angela' has had a busy and exciting year, culminating in a visit to the 'Steam' Museum of the Great Western Railway at Swindon to run their Santa Specials. The operation at Swindon is very different to the way the SDR trains operate. At the Steam Museum, Santa is based on terra firma with his Grotto at the entrance to the adjacent shopping centre and the steam rides are along a 200 yard demonstration track with passengers riding in a 'Toad' brake van operating from a specially constructed temporary platform. Lady Angela operated for 9 days at weekends during December. The photographs show the engine being prepared for its days
activities and running a test trip along the short running line which is situated beside the remaining Swindon Works building and right alongside the main line where Lady A was able to whistle cheeky greetings to passing HST's!

Earlier in the year Lady Angela was able to stretch her legs and went to Totnes where she ran brake van trips for the children (and grown ups) over the Day Out with Thomas weekend. The idea proved very popular and 100's of children enjoyed the opportunity to ride in 'Toad'. It was also a notable event in that Lady Angela became the first steam engine to have been lit up and serviced at Totnes as she stayed two nights at Totnes during the event.

Later in the year she found herself on another first. This time the first time she had been used on a fare paying passenger train. The occasion saw her hauling two auto coaches to Totnes and later in the gala weekend in question one auto coach from Staverton to Totnes. This was achieved with no problems and with no delay to following services!!

Well, done Lady A, you're a really useful engine!
 

'Lady Angela' being loaded for her trip to Swindon
Test trip along the line
'Lady Angela' is quite at home pulling a 'Toad'
 Earlier in the year departing Buckfastleigh for Totnes
Brakvan rides at Totnes
'Lady Angela' with her first passenger train at Totnes

Return to Home Page

 © South Devon Railway Trust 2005