Operation
The operational base is at Paignton, where an engine shed is part of the station buildings. Heavy overhauls are undertaken at Churston where there is a locomotive workshop on the west side of the line, and a carriage shop and turntable on the east side.
Signalling is by electric multiple-aspect signals controlled from a panel at Britannia Crossing. The level crossing at that site is supervised by the signalman at the panel, but that at Sands Road, just outside Paignton station, is operated locally by the train crew.
All stations have booking offices but those at Goodrington Sands and Churston are only open at busy times and tickets are issued on the train most of the time.
The steam railway also operates a small fleet of buses, many of which are open-top, on routes in connection with the railway and boat services on the river Dart and out to sea. This also includes the Paddle Steamer Kingswear Castle which operates on the river Dart in conjunction with the steam railway.
From 2013 the railway is open part time from February to the end of March; full time from April to the begining of November; and for Christmas trains on certain days in December.
Read more about this topic: Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway
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