OUR TRAIN
Our train on our opening day on 15th August 2004. The train was seen off by the Mayor of Bideford, accompanied by a pipe band. Many passengers enjoyed the day, as they did over subsequent operating seasons.
Our train consists of two items, an 0-4-0 Planet diesel shunter and a BR brake van. After restoration to operational condition, and the acquisition of appropriate permissions to run a train service, we commenced running our train in 2004 over our short line southwards from the station.
The service ran on occasional weekends until it had to be withdrawn following a serious act of vandalism. The opportunity has been taken to subject the diesel shunter and brake van to extended maintenance so that they can be returned to the standard achieved on our opening day. We hope that the locomotive will be able to give footplate rides during 2020.
See historical details of the Planet and where we are currently with its restoration here.
LATEST NEWS
URGENT! We are trying to bring the nameplate and numberplate from 34019 "Bideford" back to the town. The set of plates are coming up for auction at the end of February.
The locomotive was named by the Mayor, William Chubb, at Bideford station in 1946. It was scrapped by British Railways in 1967. This is an opportunity to bring back part of the town's heritage that should not be missed. The nameplate would also be an appropriate companion to a coffee table that was presented to Mayor Chubb at the naming ceremony in 1946. This was donated to the Centre last year.
Auctions are obviously unpredictable so we would like to raise extra cash to ensure that our bid is successful. Any contribution would be gratefully received. Please donate using the options below using PLATE as your reference. Many thanks.
COVID-19
Because of difficulties in meeting Government advice relating to social distancing, the Bideford and Instow sites are closed at the moment. Come and see us at Easter when we hope to reopen.
LATEST MAGAZINE (WINTER 2020/21) NOW OUT!
WEBSITE SALES PAGE
Do look at the Sales Page where you can buy BRHC booklets and other items, and all those railway books that you've been looking for. All income goes towards developing our sites.
PAYMENTS AND DONATIONS
This is where you can pay for sales items and for your membership fee.
You can also make a donation to help us through these difficult Covid times.
There are three options:
1. a cheque made payable to the Bideford Railway Heritage Centre and sent to BRHC c/o Tree Tops, Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 3NA or
2. by bank transfer (BACS) to A/C Number 20370096 Sort Code 20-04-59, using your surname and DONATION, MEMBER or SALES as the Reference or
3. by PayPal, debit or credit card using your surname and DONATION, MEMBER or SALES as a message.
Many thanks for your support.
oPENING tIMES
We're open from 10.30 to 4pm every weekend from Easter to the end of October half-term, and daily during school holidays.
We are a small group so there may be rare occasions when we can't open. If this is the case there will be a message on the Tea on the Train facebook page (below). Please check.
When we are not open the site is still accessible from the Tarka Trail.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH US? Working Parties are held on Wednesdays. Phone 07854590503.
BRHC on Facebook
Bideford Railway Heritage Centre, Instow Signal Box and Bideford Tea on the Train all have pages on Facebook - join us there!
Visit Us!
Interpretation Centre
Our historic railway parcels van at Bideford contains a fabulous interpretation display, with beautiful information panels, a model railway and a high-tech touchscreen interactive.
It's an in-depth historical experience of life on the north Devon railways - come and see us!
Tea on the Train
The Quirky Cafe in the Carriage! Join us for a selection of delicious food, homemade cakes, local ice creams and hot and cold drinks.
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