150 to Axminster

[REVUpminster]

2nd diagram from Barnstaple is usually a 158 as later in the day goes to Axminster. Yesterday it was worked by 150238/61 and later 150261 went to Axminster and returned to Exeter by going to Castle Cary via Pen Mill then coming back the same way. 150s' must be cleared for the trip.

 

[HamworthyGoods]

2nd diagram from Barnstaple is usually a 158 as later in the day goes to Axminster. Yesterday it was worked by 150238/61 and later 150261 went to Axminster and returned to Exeter by going to Castle Cary via Pen Mill then coming back the same way. 150s' must be cleared for the trip.

150s are no strangers to the Honiton locals back from Regional Railways days.

 

[LUYMun]

Curious question, why does there exist a single GWR working to Axminster?

 

[Parallel]

Curious question, why does there exist a single GWR working to Axminster?

I believe the train runs anyway to maintain train crew knowledge. And GWR now use the path which SWR used to use (again for an Exeter to Axminster evening peak service). The reason it doesn’t run in service beyond Axminster towards Castle Cary may be because it has a lengthy wait at Chard Junction.

 

[swt_passenger]

Curious question, why does there exist a single GWR working to Axminster?

Responsibility for a peak extra short working Exeter to Axminster was transferred from SWR to GWR. It happened within the last couple of years. Its basically a forerunner of the eventually intended Devon Metro extras. The end game is an hourly SWR London service and an additional short service in between them reversing at Axminster, but that requires infrastructure improvements. Reversing at Honiton might be an interim solution.

AIUI from earlier discussions the extension to Castle Cary is just a convenient combination with a necessary GWR route learning trip for diversions via Yeovil.