The Dartmoor Railway

This film takes us to the Dartmoor Railway located on the northern edge of Dartmoor in Devon. Once part of Southern Railway network, the 'Withered Arm' was the former Exeter-Okehampton-Tavistock-Plymouth route along with minor branchlines. The line beyond Meldon Quarry closed in 1968 as part of the Beeching Axe. The Dartmoor Railway now runs between Sampford Courtenay and Meldon Quarry, push-pull trains-usually top and tailed operates the line.
In this film focuses on Diesel-Electric Multiple Unit Class 205 (known as the "Thumper") operate a regular Dartmoor Railway service. These multiple units introduced from 1957-1962 operated on the suburbs of South East London, and on the line from Hastings to Ashford. Along with the South West routes to Southamton and Portsmouth. But were never seen anywere in Devon, so its unique to see a DEMU operate out of its former third-rail territory.
The impressive Meldon Viaduct can be seen in this film along with a dynamic view of Dartmoor.
Ballast trains usually operate between Coleford Junction and Meldon, on weekdays "as required" basis. The route itself is owned by Aggregate Industries who maintain a quarry supplying railway ballast at Meldon.