Exton Quays The story

On the 12^th July 1858 an act was passed through parliament to open a line from Exeter to Topsham along with an extension to Exmouth. The Topsham to Exmouth section using the original route that was first planned by Brunel for a broad gauge line from Exminster to Exmouth the idea was never built. Around 1866 the Odams fertilizer factory approached the LSWR for a rail head to be built serving the factory and the local community. An act was passed and a small Station was provided along with Two sidings serving the factory and the Quayside, the line opened on the 29^th June 1871 under full ownership of the LSWR. (Exmouth docks did not exist at this point) Five weekday trains a day were planned although, this was soon upgraded to Seven. No access was allowed from the public to the Quayside except on Sundays when a permit could be obtained from the station master for fishing and crabbing.

Goods traffic was the main income for the line taking advantage of the Quayside at Exton built by the LSWR and the lack of navigational waters to Exeter. Odams main import was Guano from Brazil and South Africa, this was off loaded from barges at the Quayside and transported into the Factory. Finished fertilizer products were than transported by train to all points in Great Britain. Other goods traffic included fish and timber products. Two covered wagons a week arrived from Nottingham with products for the local 'Boots' Stores. Coal was another major product distributed to the local community. One cattle train a week was booked on Wednesdays to take cattle to the market at Exeter. One other special wagon a week arrived at Exton, this was a gas tanker to supply gas for the station lighting and carriages, although these were sometimes filled at Exeter.

Adams 02's were the mainstay of the line but often a spare Adams radial from Lyme Regis would stand in for some services. An Adams B4 could often be seen on the morning goods from Exeter, Two hours were allowed to shunt the yard before returning to Exeter.

Its 1936, a warm early September day, storm clouds are gathering in the distance. The sounds of Seagulls squarking, chirping and wailing. The waters lapping against the Quayside wall. Station Master 'Mathews' pulls off the signals with a clunk. Passenger waiting on the platform discussing the day ahead. The porter, Eric is busy lining up the empty milk churns ready to be loaded.

In the distance the beat of an Adams class 02 climbs the short bank towards the station, then the sounds of hissing steam as driver John shuts off the regulator, the rattle of steel wheels on steel rails, moments later the 02 bursts through the over bridge and coasts into the station. This is the 7.32 from Exeter. The start of a new day as the first train arrives. The fireman jumps out to uncouple the 02, they have Eight minutes to run round uncouple the covered van from the rear of the train shunt into the bay platform couple up to the train ready to return. Eric is fairly new to the job and still getting to grips with the job of rolling milk churns. Passengers aboard the train, Annie is off to Exeter to start a new job in town. Doors slam, “all aboard” Station Master 'Mathews' blows his whistle, Driver John opens the regulator the 02 barks into life and disappears under the road bridge. Calm is restored. Hurry hurry, No time to relax as the morning goods will be arriving in Seventeen minutes.