Richard Burningham, Manager of The Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership has been in touch with details of a special series of events this coming weekend that some of you may be interested in…
A weekend of special events will kick off on Friday 1 June, with a cake being cut on the 10 54 train from Plymouth to Gunnislake as it crosses Calstock Viaduct to mark the 110th anniversary of the Viaduct and the railway between Bere Alston and Gunnislake opening. 
The cake will be cut by Gunnislake and Calstock’s Cornwall Councillor Dorothy Kirk and Calstock Rubber Band will also be playing on the train. Pieces of cake will then be handed to passengers. The Rubber Band will also play on their journey into Plymouth on the 09 29 train from Gunnislake.
On Saturday 2 June, Les Deering, Tamar Valley Heritage Guide, will be leading a railway-themed walk, organised by the Tamar Valley AONB. The walk will start at 11 40 from Calstock station, to coincide with arrival of the train from Plymouth at 11 32 and will finish in time to catch the 13 56 back to Plymouth. It will be around Calstock, focussing on the railway, history of the viaduct and East Cornwall Mineral Line.
Booking is essential, by calling 01822 835030 or e-mailing enquiries@tamarvalley.org.uk
Vintage bus trip – There will be a vintage bus trip from Gunnislake station to Okehampton station on Saturday 2 June, connecting with the 10 59 train from Plymouth and returning to Gunnislake and Calstock in time to get the 17 27 from Gunnislake and 17 39 from Calstock to Plymouth (arrive at 18 12). The bus will stop in Brentor and Lydford and will pass the old stations at Brentor and Bridestowe. There will be two hours in Okehampton and the Dartmoor Railway Supporters Association are running trains between there and Meldon. The trip will allow a return train trip to be taken (cost of this train £5 adult). The bus is a vintage single decker 1979 Western National Bristol LH, part of the WHOTT fleet http://www.busmuseum.org.uk/
There is no cost for the bus trip itself. There are a very limited number of seats available and booking is essential – please e-mail railpart@plymouth.ac.uk to book and mention if you will be taking the train to Gunnislake to connect with the bus. Initially bookings will only be accepted from people who will be taking the train to Gunnislake to connect with the bus but, for those who will not be taking the train to Gunnislake, remaining seats after Wednesday lunchtime will be available to you. Please book now and any seats will be allocated based on when your e-mail arrived.
More details along with a short history of the line can be found here: http://www.dcrp.org.uk/celebrating-50-years-of-the-tamar-valley-line/
A great branch line with stunning scenery looking over the Tamar Valley and towards Dartmoor on the climb from Calstock to Gunnislake. It's a great pity the line still doesn't continue to Callington. I used to enjoy travelling this line on the old BRCW Class 118 DMU's with their Leyland engines working hard on the steep inclines. Laira two car set number P480 consisting of 51312 and 51327 seemed to be used on the line almost exclusively during the 1970's and 80's.
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