Bad weather 'will cancel trains' (BBC News)
 

Some train services between Exeter and Plymouth along a coastal railway line will be cancelled in very bad weather, a rail company says.

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I have driven through there many times with the sea coming over the wall and it's not a very nice experience when the loco disappears under a big white wave.
Now they have single line working over the up line when it gets too bad but you still get wet.

ccmmick.

Thought that was the GWR carriage wash.:eek::D

You know that is typical of the modern 'can't do' railway......I wonder if other companies will use this as a potential way of saving money and/or a way to duck the issuie involving badly designed/cheap trains?

In answer to Anon Mouse; Unfortunately, modern technology is rather more vulnerable to water in any form than the Victorian technology of steam days. If you came down to South Devon anytime there is a East wind blowing, you wouldn't be able to stand anywhere near the Dawlish sea wall (unless you have a death wish) at high tide. You will get wet standing on Dawlish station bridge.

Coming from South Shields, you should know the power of the sea; a cubic metre of water weighs approximately a ton. One wave 2 metres high (a medium one) will have between 100 and 200 tons of water in it - a Pacer wouldn't stand a chance! Remember modern DMU's are far lighter than the "old" stock and steam locos.

Before you complain about the rail companies, think of the physics involved. There would be an outcry if a train was washed off the track in a storm (Think of the Tay Bridge disaster over 110 years ago).

Pity the old "Southern" route Exeter - Plymouth is no longer with us.