Somerset & Dorset Railway Dvd, Part 1 TVP

Description

Part 1: The Route Explored.

Known by some as the ‘Slow and Dirty’, by others as the ‘Swift and Delightful’, the Somerset & Dorset Railway had a character all of its own.

The Southern half of the line ran through rolling farming country.

The Northern half crossed the Mendip hills on some fierce gradients.

The line, despite being closed over thirty years ago is still deeply missed by those who grew to love its unique atmosphere.

In this programme we explore the route of this former main line, starting at Bournemouth and ending at Bath sixty-three miles to the North.

On the way we explore the stations and engineering structures using archive film from the 1960s, as well as comparisons between past and present.

The programme comprises:

North from Bournemouth: With scenes at Bournemouth West, Gas Works Junction, Broadstone Junction, Bailey Gate, Blandford Forum, Shillingstone, Sturminster Newton, Stalbridge and Henstridge.

Templecombe: A study of the hub of the line, with views of the Lower and Upper Stations, working methods, the yards as well as the engine shed.

Wincanton – Evercreech: With views of Wincanton and its surroundings and detailed scenes at Evercreech Junction showing freight and passenger traffic in the station and yards to the North.

Over Masbury Summit to Bath: Trains on the fierce grades of the Mendips plus the stations at Shepton Mallet, Masbury, Chilcompton, Midsummer Norton, Radstock, Shoscombe Halt, Wellow, Midford and Bath Green Park.

Plus we look at freight operations to Writhlington Colliery and the collieries around Radstock.

In addition to the archive film we include reminiscences of Mike Arlett and Ron White, both of whom have a thorough working knowledge of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway.

Colour and Black/White film.

Approx. 75 minutes.

This dvd is being sold on behalf of and with full permission of the copyright owner – Transport Video Publishing (TVP).