The South Devon Railway 'Dumbleton Hall Retires'

31st October saw 4920 Dumbleton Hall sharing the days services with 3205 on what will be the 'Hall's last day in public service before the 10 year overhaul falls due.
Because of its axleweight the engine has been restricted to the Staverton - Totnes half of the line.
A members day for Dumbleton Hall Society members later in the month will be its last steaming.
It spent 2 years with the boiler ticket ticking away before going into service on the PDR (Paignton and Dartmouth Railway) in 1992, since when it has run around 37,000 miles.

Update 22nd November 1999

21st November 1999 saw 4920 Dumbleton Hall in steam at Buckfastleigh for the last time before the expiry of its 10 year boiler certificate. Society members were able to attend to enjoy a last day with the engine. After some running around the yard the loco took coaches 9111 'King George' and Victorian  Saloon 249 of 1894 down the line to a point just short of Nursery Pool Bridge over which it cannot pass in  steam at present because of axle loading. An impromptu photo charter was held as the evening sun  popped over the nearby hill.  SDRA Bulliver magazine Editor, Dave Kelland, took the attached photographs to record the occasion. The SDR now awaits a report on the bridge and will need the 'Hall's' boiler  surveyed before a decision is made regarding the way forward.
Options include just a boiler overhaul and keep the engine at Buckfastleigh - it has only run 37,000 miles since its extensive rebuild after rescue from Barry; repairing the boiler and using it in the SDR's other large tender engine 3803 which is light enough to run on the line; to a complete overhaul back to tip top condition for more outside hiring. The latter option is unlikely at present bearing in mind the line's other priorities and workload. A final option of stuffing and mounting is unlikely to meet favour with anyone!
 
 

	For a reminder of how 4920 looked last time she "ran"  of the Ashburton branch click here. (Note the 03 diesel providing motive power for the running in).
And finally ..................................