5th Nov 2017

Clayton Class 17 no. D8568 is seen here moving light engine past Ashburton Junction Signal Box, to attach to the recently-arrived stock, which will form the 2B12 13.00 Totnes to Buckfastleigh. The Clayton was the main attraction for me, as it would have been for others. It's appearance in deepest Devon is a long way from its original stomping ground, being one of 117 locos mostly based in Scotland, and all withdrawn from service by 1971. This loco, amongst others, would have worked over the Waverley Route, between Edinburgh and Carlisle. We are lucky that this loco was preserved, thanks to its sale into industrial use rather than to the scrapper.