Pecorama or no Pecorama

[Geoff]

Just got back from Paignton after a weeks holiday, and one item on the list was to goto Pecorama, the wife is not very good on her legs so it was careful planning and making sure she would be OK to visit.

It is very hilly there so you need quite a long time in there if you are lame on your legs, first visit was the model exhibition, there are plenty of oversized models in there but it was quite enjoyable then one makes ones way into the model shop and yes I could of spent quite a packet with her in doors explaining we had to save some money for the rest of the holiday, they do spoil things some times.

By the way we bought the expensive ticket so we could get 2 rides on the train, so we caught the first train of the day and it was an enjoyable experiance, we had planned the next ride after lunch, I have to say the gardens are well looked after with a lot of gardners doing there job there, well after visitng the restaurant we went in the queue for our second ride and after about half way round the train decided to break down, well the driver got out of his seat and started asking people for empty plastic bottles so he could fill the engine from the pond, it was quite amusing but when he fore so he was not getting anywhere he decicded to use his radio for help as the steam train was losing water.

After about 30 minutes wait an engineer came over to us to explain we would have to walk back to the station for a refund, I said the refund is not the problem but where are the spare loco's you have and he said they were not in service, now with the wife being bad on foot we had to walk back on the and beside the train track, it took quite a while to get back and while coming back what did we meet a diesel loco on its way to drag bag the sick steam engine and carriages.

I am sure I spotted another 4 or 5 Loco's at Pecorama so why did they not have a backup incase of a mishap is beyond me, maybe it was health and safety issue that we had to walk back but it just spoilt that bit of the day.

Would I go back yes I would but they do need to get there act together to keep us visitors happy but at the end of the day we enjoyed the experience of Pecorama.

[austinbob]

I think Pecorama is a really nice day out, especially if the weather is good. Haven't been there for a few years now but would definitely go back.
Its also close to the Paignton and Dartmouth railway and the Seaton Tramway, both of which are well worth a visit.
Glad you enjoyed your visit but a shame about your unplanned walk

[Bealman]

I am old enough to remember when Peco started the whole shabang, and made a special visit when I was there a few years ago.

Travelling all the way across the world, I found it a very rewarding visit.

The shop staff needed waking up though.

[Malc]

I found the shop wasn't as competitive, price wise, as it could have been. The model exhibition was very good though and the miniature railway was a delight. Well worth a visit.

[GrahamB]

It's a shame the locomotive failed. Having had a look at their stock list it appears they only have one diesel locomotive. Not sure why they didn't get that running - perhaps there was no-one passed competent to drive it or it had also failed. It would not be possible to steam up another steam locomotive as that takes a couple of hours unless they had one in light steam for standby purposes and doing that isn't cheap.

As regards other attractions I'd suggest the Seaton Tramway or the South Devon Railway (Buckfastleigh - Totnes).

[guest311]

a very good day out, trains for me 

gardens for SWMBO 

train ride for us both 




and cream teas in the Pullman 

[Beach Halt]

My youngest son took his kids to Pecorama yesterday and was kind enough to ask me if I would like a gift.

Two GWR wagons please - 

It has got my 8 year old grandson interested in the hobby, lets see where that goes.

[Modelrailwayquest]

I got invited to film behind the scenes a few weeks ago at Peco and loved every second.   They have two locos called Jimmy and Ben, one named after comic Jimmy Cricket and the other after Revolution founder and ex BBC reporter Ben Ando.   I understood why the naming of the Ben loco but the reason for the Jimmy one, well he was doing a season at nearby Weymouth and came along one day.  Really recommend as a day out, spent time between filming in the gardens with that amazing view.

[PLD]

They have two locos called Jimmy and Ben

Those are the two passenger rated diesel locos...
There's at least another 2 works diesels plus 8 or 9 steam locos. It is mainly the steamers that run the passenger service when it is 1 or 2 trains in service. Diesels are mainly used if a third train is needed or there is a failure in service...

[Browning 9mm]

a very good day out, trains for me 

gardens for SWMBO 

train ride for us both 




and cream teas in the Pullman 

swmbo always insisted on the cream tea.

[nick_bastable]

Buckfastleigh is nice and a very good model shop

[emjaybee]

My father was instrumental in getting 'Orion' restored in Wolverton Works. There was a great picture of my Dad hanging a banner on the back of the coach ready for it's journey by road.

 

[port perran]

For anyone who hasn't seen the factory visit and interview with senior Peco staff conducted by @port perran and @Nbodger in 2022, please follow the links below

https://youtu.be/a8Rsazjwv5A?si=08PuUwRVtiaEbuGh


https://youtu.be/IX4Aj4XY8Uo?si=DsALz3X1KzsZNsmr