...or should I say for those who use the railway as a lifeline for their commute; an end to the inconvenience of having to use a rail replacement bus, as well as two trains! Friday 4th April saw the opening of the Dawlish Sea Wall, much to the relief of punters. The first train to use the stretch, for the first time in 2 months while major repairs were taking place, was First Great Western 'Pacer' unit 143611, which unfortunately failed at Newton Abbot. I did go for a trip up to Exeter that afternoon, with 143620 + 143618 + 150128 as my traction up, and a nice HST and 143603 on the return. Of course, I took the opportunity to 'window hang' on the return journey to see exactly what had been done etc. The wall itself has been rebuilt in the damaged sections, however most the walkway is not currently open, and it doesn't look like it will be for a rather long time! The shipping containers that were placed there as a temporary measure still remain in place, though they are very battered.
Dawlish Station has bunting, and flags up to celebrate the re-opening, while free cakes were handed out during the Friday morning on HST services!
Although I, and everyone else is pleased that the railway line is back in use, It would be a lie if I sat here and said that the vast selection of coaches on the rail replacement wasn't enjoyed. Coaches from as far afield as Doncaster to transport people between Newton Abbot and Exeter St Davids.
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