South Devon Railway

Brunel surveys a railway route between Exeter and Plymouth that later becomes the South Devon Railway.

Earlier survey work by Brunel helps shape plans for extending broad-gauge railway communication from Exeter toward Plymouth.

Brunel recommends atmospheric propulsion for the South Devon Railway, expecting savings and greater freedom in gradients and curves.

Parliament authorises the South Devon Railway, enabling Brunel's route from Exeter toward Plymouth to proceed.

The first South Devon section opens with conventional locomotives while the atmospheric equipment is still being installed.

The South Devon Railway extends from Teignmouth to Newton while Brunel continues preparing atmospheric traction.

An atmospheric-powered train hauls eleven goods wagons on the South Devon Railway during experimental running.

A Brunel-designed viaduct opens on the South Devon route as part of the extension toward Plymouth.

Brunel plans larger traction pipes for the steeper section beyond Newton where greater pulling force is required.

A Brunel-designed elliptical railway overbridge is completed for the South Devon Railway near Plympton.

Atmospheric passenger working extends from Teignmouth to Newton on Brunel's South Devon system.

Persistent leakage, unreliable equipment and high operating costs lead to abandonment of atmospheric traction on the South Devon Railway.

Completion of the Tamar crossing allows the Cornwall Railway to connect directly with the South Devon broad-gauge network.

A South Devon locomotive makes the first test crossing of Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge.