The Launceston Branch
The GWR's line from Tavistock Junction at Marsh Mills, Plymouth, to Launceston opened as a broad gauge line in 1865 and closed on 30th December 1962. In its final year of operation, we enjoy a wonderful nostalgic photographic trip between Marsh Mills and Tavistock South (as seen through the lens of Ron Andrews). Featured are GWR auto trains, GWR 45xx / 55xx 2-6-2T Prairies such as 4555, 4561 and 4591 with the BR (WR) Inspection saloon. We see George Tallon, Signalman at Horrabridge, but my personal favourite is of a GWR 45xx Prairie on the breakdown train at Horrabridge, an image that could easily have been taken in 1910! Enjoy! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgkN5V4y9cY
Tavistock South (GWR)
Photographed in late 1967, we see the derelict remains of Tavistock South Station on the former GWR branch to Launceston, which opened to Tavistock on 22nd June 1859, extending to Launceston in 1865, closing to passengers under the Beeching cuts on 31st December 1962. Today, a section of the line survives in preservation under the auspices of the Plym Valley Railway. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsdUeh7419g