Organisers of the Exmouth Land Train has announced that due to 'operational difficulties' the iconic train won't be returning this summer.

The train runs along the seafront in the busy summer months and is enjoyed by residents and holidaymakers.

A spokesman for the Land Train told the Journal: "To date, the Land train is not resuming its service due to mechanical and operational difficulties.

"Do look out for updates on the website - www.exmouthlandtrain.co.uk."

The two land trains are purpose-built vehicles under the model branding Tschu Tschu. Designed in Germany, the power to pull three carriages is supplied by an Isuzu engine which gets us up even the steepest hills. The carriages can carry up to 20 persons each and allows open, removable sides or fully enclosed. Exmouth residents voted to name the locomotive and carriages after popular figures in the town’s history. 

The locomotive is called Geoff Ingram, a seaman who helmed his fishing vessel the Sarah Jayne. He died in 2012 when his trawler capsized and sunk 2.5 miles from Berry Head. 

The other carriages are called Brian Rowsell, Bill Sleeman and Garth Gibson. 

The train runs from the Maer Road car park along the lifeboat station to Orcombe Point, then back towards Sideshore and the Harbour before heading into the town. When running the service runs once an hour on the hour.

The train did not run in the 2023 season either, and won't be returning for 2024.