17th Dec 1983

I can hear the noise now: the constant hissing of steam, leaking from every orifice, like a deflating tyre that never goes flat, as the loco is partially obscured within a cloud, steam drifting around the platform like sea mist. It is scenes like this, now consigned to the annals of history, that make you realise that you're getting old! I think steam heating on trains eventually came to an end around 1987/88, but around this time it was still common, with Mark 1 stock in everyday use. This is also another long-lost aspect of the railway: The Relief! Peak 45012 stands at the platform with the 09.13 Paignton to Newcastle relief train, carrying passengers and parcels to their family and friends for Christmas. Newton Abbot was also still controlled by mechanical signalling, and the distinctive down bracket signal mounted to the foot bridge, can be seen clearly above the steam!