Railways in Devon and Cornwall in the Late 20th Century

Devon and Cornwall's railways unfold through a photographer's lifelong pursuit of steam, diesel, and preserved lines.

Devon and Cornwall have long been attractive destinations, not only for holidaymakers, but also for railway enthusiasts, and it was in Devon, during a family holiday in 1959 that the author's passion for railways began.

Peter started photographing railways at an early age, mainly concentrating on steam, but he made some visits to Devon in the 1970s, to see the Western Class diesel-hydraulics running along the coast. They were being replaced by Class 50 diesel-electrics at the time.

More time was spent in Devon in the 1970s and early 1980s photographing preserved railways as well as the modern scene, and an Easter visit to Goodrington became a regular event for several years.

The 1986 West of England resignalling scheme provided a good reason for a further series of visits to Devon to record the mechanical signal boxes, semaphore signalling and associated equipment before it all disappeared.

The first of the author's many trips to Cornwall was in the summer of 1984, when he spent ten days attempting to photograph the entire Cornish railway system. Although an impossible task, the Class 37s on the china clay operations, as well as all the 'Peaks', Class 47s and 50s on the main lines, ensured an enjoyable time.

Here, with the help of other contributors, the author has attempted to assemble a comprehensive photographic record of the railways in the two counties in the late 20th Century.