BFI

This lengthy 'phantom ride' along a stretch of partly elevated track through the Devon town of Barnstaple and its main station is an oddly haunting experience.

Aside from two briefly-glimpsed London & South-Western Railway employees waving flags (the second only visible as an arm emerging from the signal box), no human activity is apparent until the train reaches the main railway station - an earlier platform is mysteriously deserted.

However, this allows a greater opportunity to appreciate what are still clearly recognisable Barnstaple locations, with good views of the town as the train approaches the station. At the same time (presumably during the same trip), the Warwick Trading Company produced a similar 'phantom ride' through nearby Ilfracombe.

Michael Brooke

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