A train (thought to be the 4.36pm departure) from Axminster is setting off from Combpyne in 1960, heading east for the coast down the ruling gradient 1 in 40, it will soon cross over the Cannington Viaduct about 1 mile from the Lyme Regis terminus. Note that contrary to all the rules the leading coach still has a brake lamp attached. The branch closed in November 1965 but the Adams tanks ceased working not long after this picture was taken. In 1959 some of the track was renewed and easing of the curves carried out. The discarded sleepers seen in the foreground are evidence of this work which was done to prepare for the use of ex-LMS 2-6-2Ts due to take over from November 1960.

© David P Williams Archive / Rail-Online