I suspect not, as by late 1971/early 1972 the line was awaiting confirmation of permission to close. Even though formal transfer to private ownership was not until October, the first steam service ran on Sun 30/07/72. I think the interim period to formal transfer saw just a limited BR shuttle from Paignton to Kingswear. There was a comment that the first steam train was poorly supported because of the high fare-a massive 60p!