The Atmospheric Railway to Newton Abbot (IA Section)

A talk by Tess Walker

In 1844 the atmospheric principle of railway traction, an innovative method of moving people and goods, was growing daily in grace and favour with the public. Brunel was convinced that it was a winner and recruited wealthy investors. The Atmospheric system became fully operational on the South Devon Railway line from Exeter to Newton Station by February, 1848. As materials, technology and practices failed, however, shareholders’ profits fell, and they lost faith in the system such that, after September 1848, only steam engines ran on the line.

This talk traces the rise and fall of the atmospheric railway.

Tess Walker is a volunteer for Newton Abbot Town & Great Western Railway Museum and for the Railway Studies Collection at Newton Abbot library. Researching many aspects of Newton Abbot’s buildings and characters, she is also an author, lectures and guides walks.

Fee for DA-members £3, and £5 for non-DA members.

Lunch may be obtained at Austin’s Department Store Café near St Leonards Tower (Tel: 01626 333444) or Country Table Kitchen in Bank St. (Tel: 01626 202120). Other cafés are located close to the museum.

The Newfoundland Way paying car park lies just to the east of Newton’s Place.