Imagine you are sitting on a grass bank just above the sea wall beside the railway line between Dawlish and Teignmouth in Devon, in particular the third bay west of Dawlish known as Horse Cove which is represented about half way along the model.
Shell Beach Cove, a private beach used by guests staying at Shell Beach House is to your right and Parson’s Tunnel lies to your left.
The sun is warm reflecting off the sandstone cliffs, a cold beer (or coffee) rests in your hand and your mind wanders to thoughts of the railway long ago.
Suddenly a seagull screams as it wheels above the waves, then you hear a steam whistle (or diesel horn) in the distance which heralds the approach of a train as it warns any workers of its impending appearance.
The locomotive bursts out of the tunnel, the beat of its engine thrumming in your ears as it rushes past until it disappears into the next gaping tunnel and silence (other than the sounds of the gulls) reigns once more.
This is the famous ‘Rails along the Sea Wall’ as so often depicted in magazines and books. The beauty of the red sandstone is as vivid now as in the 40s and acts as perfect backdrop to the mainline railway. There are no roads or houses near the cliff edge, just a footpath and steps down to the railway.
The period depicted is the early 60s, Diesel monsters are taking over from the tradition of steam which has been relegated to the more humble duties of the railways as it heads to its final days. The coaching stock is varied as British Rail had re-introduced the Chocolate & Cream of the Western Region, Green for Southern Region and are now introducing the new Maroon coaches whilst there are still some of the Carmine & Cream (Blood & Custard) coaches still running.
Rolling stock in use includes a variety of kit built and propriety stock, some of which has been ‘weathered’ to portray the running conditions of the era.
