>
Okehampton
| However the line through the station has remained open
because Meldon Quarry is still active and best served by rail. Over the years
it has been the destination for many an enthusiasts rail tour. Both the quarry
and the line remained initially in British Rail hands but they are now owned
and operated by Aggregates Industries. The station and its precincts have
become rejuvenated thanks to the vision and drive of the late Roy Gibbs who
reopened the station as a model shop and tourist attraction complete with
buffet. The goods shed is now a Youth Hostel.
In recent years under local authority sponsorship summer and special rail services have recommenced between Exeter St Davids and Okehampton . There is also a seasonal tourist Dartmoor Pony service between Okehampton and Meldon Quarry operated by RMS Locotech with their shunter 08937 and Southern region green coach stock consisting of former class 411 driving motor open second car 61743 (well away from the third rail!) and Mk1 courier van 80225. |
| A relic in what is now the visitors' car park - the stop
block of the rear track to the 1947 coaling stage.
photograph by Colin Duff |
 |
 |
The Dartmoor Pony service in the up platform on 29th July 2000.
The sight of Southern green coaches is always welcome but the former EMU
vehicle is well off its former beaten tracks.
photograph by Colin Duff |
| RMS Locotec's 08937 running into the up platform with a
lunchtime arrival from Meldon Quarry.
photograph by Colin Duff |
 |
 |
The former goods shed, seen here in the setting sun of 17th
February 2001, is now a Youth Hostel.
photograph by Colin Duff |
| On 17th February 2001 Hertfordshire Railtours "Dartmoor Warbler"
excursion is captured arriving back at Okehampton after a trip to Meldon Quarry
for the loco to run round. The Dartmoor Pony service is in the former down -
now bay - platform on the left.
photograph by Mike Dunse |
 |
 |
The railtour's visit provided a flavour of days past with
a train of Southern Region Green mk1 coaches. Note the buffer stop at the
up end of the down platform track making it a western facing bay.
photograph by Colin Duff |
All photographs are copyright
First | 2nd
return to picture gallery page
This page was last updated 3 December 2002
