The fireman of 64XX 0-6-0PT No 6414 prepares to take the token for the Royal Albert Bridge whilst working a Plymouth to Saltash auto train in April 1951,

Peter Kerslake says "That signal box is still there today on the Plymouth side of the Royal Albert Bridge, after colour light signalling came into use here the signal box was retained for some time as a store and rest facility for permanent way workers .


The road bridge above the train is situated on Normandy Hill, so named to remember the countless number of American marines who set off from the River Tamar below for the beaches of Normandy in the last war and who were marched down past here from their barracks situated high on this side of the river.
There is a splendid memorial to honour them down on the waterfront, and this bridge is still a favourite vantage point for cameramen when there's a steam special about
The single line across the bridge is just ahead of 6414 and the tablet will be surrendered again as they run into Saltash station and past the station signalman at his side of Mr. Brunel's bridge. "


Photo: W.J. Verden Anderson/Rail Archive Stephenson