South Devon Railway Opening

On July 11, 1848, the South Devon Railway inaugurated service between Exeter and Teignmouth, extending the Great Western Railway's broad-gauge network into Devon. Engineered under Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the line featured innovative atmospheric traction experiments alongside conventional steam locomotives like the 4-4-0 Bury types. This 15-mile coastal route overcame challenging terrain with impressive viaducts and cuttings, boosting regional trade and tourism. Its success demonstrated the viability of broad gauge for high-speed passenger services and influenced later West Country expansions, leaving a legacy in preserved sections now enjoyed by heritage railways.