11th November 2012 - GWR Steam Railmotor No 93 on the Looe Valley branch line.

The Great Western Railway (GWR) built a fleet of 99 steam railmotors between 1904 and 1908.

Lovingly restored by the Great Western Society at Didcot Railway Centre, Railmotor No 93 was certified for main line running in June 2012.

The Liskeard and Looe Railway opened in 1860. This sunday steam returns to the branch line with 5 return trips to Looe.

The 08.30 leaves Liskeard station.
The 8.75 mile journey from Liskeard to Looe starts with a steep descent to Coombe Junction, where the train reverses.

Steam Railmotor 93 was built in March 1908 and ran as a self-propelled unit for nearly 30 years, before being converted to a locomotive-hauled auto trailer in 1935.

The Looe Valley branch line then follows the East Looe river, which becomes a tidal estuary at Sandplace.
Looe railway station sits opposite the point where the East Looe river joins the West Looe river.

All trains have to slow and stop before crossing the road at Terras Pil.

After a short stop the Railmotor starts it's return journey to Liskeard.

Passengers enjoy the Edwardian Oak and brass interior.

Unfortunately during the first run the steam engine frequently applied the brakes and stopped due to low pressure in the boiler
The Railmotor has an odd design in that the boiler pivots on the motor axle
and when the firebox doors are opened, cold air enters the firebox reducing the pressure in the boiler.

As the day progressed, the team learnt how to deal with this feature and each run became more efficient.

High tide today is at 15.09, just about the time the 14.30 from Liskeard passes Terras Pil.

Several people line the small bridge to wait for the Steam Railmotor to pass.

Autumn colours reflect in the river.

The Steam Railmotor approaches Terras Pil from Looe.

Steam railmotors were designed for specific purposes:
- Economical to run
- Easy to reverse withou the need for a passing loop
- Easy to operate on branch lines with a number of stops or unmanned stations.

As today is Rememberance Sunday the Railmotor proudly wears a poppy on the front and rear of the carriage.

You can read more about the Steam Railmotor project here.

All images © Ian Foster / fozimage