This is a steam powered push-pull train, in Great Britain called "autotrain", with former British Rail cab car # 233 "Kingfisher" leading, and 0-6-0 PT tank steamlocomotive # 6412 (not visible) shoving in the rear, entering Staverton on the South Devon Railway, during the heritage open days. The car was renovated till last year and is in a nice marron paint now. In the "autocoach" service a locomotive fitted with additional control equipment is used to power the autotrain. When running 'autocoach first', the regulator is operated by a linkage to a rotating shaft running the length of the locomotive, passing below the cab floor. This engages (via a telescopic coupling) with another shaft running the full length below the floor of the autocoach. This shaft is turned by a second regulator lever in the cab of the autocoach. The driver can operate the regulator, brakes and whistle from the cab at the end of the autocoach; the fireman remains on the locomotive and (in addition to firing) also controls the valve gear settings. The driver can also warn of the train's approach using a large mechanical gong, prominently mounted high on the cab end of the autocoach, which is operated by stamping on a pedal on the floor of the cab. The driver, guard and fireman communicate with each other by an electric bell system. On the right is the Staverton signal box, which controls the manualy operated gates of the road crossing also.
