The branch lines of Devon were particularly numerous and this volume
covers those in Exeter and the south, central and eastern parts of the
county. They were also tremendously varied, ranging from the Exmouth
branch - the nearest the West Country comes to a suburban-type commuter
line - and the Paignton line - which for many years of its life could be
considered a main line - to the Culm Valley Light Railway - a curiosity
which required locomotives with a short wheelbase and slight axle
loading and restrictions on rolling stock. Many Devon branch lines were
originally built to the broad gauge and were later narrowed, some
lasting until its very end in May 1892. Three of the branches in the
area have been preserved: part of the Seaton line is now a narrow-gauge
electric tramway, the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh is a typical
GWR branch, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway is capable of taking
main-line engines. In this absorbing and well-researched book, Colin G.
Maggs has provided a marvellously wideranging view of over 160 years of
rail travel in the county. Well illustrated with over 200 fascinating
photographs, ephemera and maps, The Branch Lines of Devon Part One:
Exeter, South, Central & East Devon will appeal not only to railway
enthusiasts, but local historians as well.
