Model Trains & Railways Blog

One of Hornby’s Train Pack releases for 2009 is the Devon Belle Pullman Train Pack, which consists of a rake three of Pullman carriages with an observation car at the end and a single West Country Class, 34007 ‘Wadebridge’, Bullied Pacific. The train pack has a part number of R2817, there is also an additional Devon Belle coach pack listed as being released, part number R4380.

R2817 Devon Belle Pullman 'Wadebridge'

The Devon Pullman commenced service in 1947, operating for 7 months of the year over the summer period, carrying passengers from London to the west country. The final service was run in 1954.

There is a reason why I have picked this particular train out from the rest. Every year the wife and I take our son down to the Watercress Line (Mid Hants Railway)in Alton, Hampshire for a ride on the Santa Special. The service normally consists of 8 coaches pulled by a steam engine from Alton down to Alresford, where the engine is run around and we get puled back to Alton. During the ride the kids are visited by Santa and some of his elves. The children get a gift and the adults get served wine and mince pies. It’s not cheap – This year there were 5 adults and 2 small children and it cost £91, however it really is a lovely trip and the kids look forward to it all year.

This years train was a little different to normal. For our journey down to Alresford we were pulled by non other than 34007 ‘Wadebridge’ and rather unusually the rear of the train was taken up by a Class 33 – 33053 in BR Blue. Having consulted my grandfather – now retired train driver – the class 33 would have saved running the engine and around at each end and thus saved time ‘turning’ the service around for the next trip. Being more of a diesel fan myself I was far from disappointed.

I have also found a video of Wadebridge working in the Watercress Line back in the summer of 2007.

Here are a selection of pictures I took on the day.

Hornby 2009 Range