Somerset & Dorset Railway - At Midsomer Norton

Another previously unpublished photograph from the lens of the late Paul Deheyser.
The two Bulleids hauling the LCGB 'Somerset & Dorset railtour are seen here entering Evercreech New Station, one of the stations on the line that faired far worse that MSN - not a trace of it remains today.
Date 5th March 1966.... Photo copyright: Paul Deheyser
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It's been mentioned that we've been 'churning' out the FB posts recently, so what better pun to link to a photo of the ongoing restoration of our LMS 6 wheel Milk Tanker!
Built in 1927 in Derby, it spent many years transporting milk around the country. It's currently used to store water for visiting steam locomotives, and is receiving vital restoration work to bring it up to the fine standard of other wagons and carriages that have been restored at Midsomer Norton
http://www.ws.vintagecarriagestrust.org/w s/WagonInfo.asp…

So what links 'Del boy and Rodney' to Midsomer Norton? No, it's definetly not these two fine chaps who have been restoring our Wickham Trolley, but it's what they have installed inside our Wickham - a Reliant 3 wheeler engine!
The Wickham came to us as a kit of parts, minus an engine. Our restoration team have sourced, and fitted a Reliant engine linked to a BMW differential - hopefully we'll see this useful machine working on our line soon. 👍
And before anyone asks, no we won't be painting her yellow advertising 'Trotters Independent Trading.....New York, Paris, Peckham, Midsomer Norton......'

When was the last time we saw a three coach train at Midsomer Norton?
Three superbly restored BR Mk1 coaches look right at home in the south bound platform at MSN. All that's missing is passengers and....(add your favourite S&D loco!) 👌

Work continues on the extension to the base of the infilled cutting. The '£20 for a Ton' appeal is still open to anyone who wishes to help see another section of the S&D open to passenger use again!
Our thanks goes to all those who have kindly donated, and of course to the volunteers who week in, week out get stuck in to some serious shovelling!
https://www.sdjr.co.uk/news/213-ballast-a ppeal

A really great picture sent to us from Laura Cansfield

Although they may not have mastered the Mendips the way the 7Fs and 9Fs did, the Bulleid Light Pacifics' always looked at home on the S&D. This photo shows 34006 'Bude' & 34057 'Biggin Hill' at rest near Chilcompton on 5th March 1966. Another fantastic shot of the last railtour taken by the late Paul Deheyser.

Diesel locomotives working over the S&D route were rare prior to its closure in 1966 but today you can experience haulage by classic diesel traction by coming along to our Diesel Weekend. You will have the opportunity to be hauled by Class 08 D4095 while sitting back in maroon livered BR Mark 1 coaches, one of which is the only remaining vehicle from the consist of the last passenger train over the S&D into Bath Green Park. Freight trains will be run featuring our diesel hydraulic locomotive D1120 which was built by English Electric at the same workshops where the famous Deltics were constructed. So come and join us and experience the delights of a run over part of the old Swift & Delightful.

While the temperatures outside are pretty un-inviting, have a good look through our events list and operating days calendar to pen in your next visit to the S&D! What event would you like to see hosted at Midsomer Norton in the future?

Some great twilight pictures courtesy of Mike Abbott

Following on from the superb nostalgic photo of an Up Train at Midsomer Norton here's a present day video of our BSK being shunted into the Down Platform so that some work can be undertaken from there.

And now for something a little bit special.....! This stunning photograph has been left to the Trust, by one of our lifelong supporters. Taken on the 5th March 1966, The LCGB 'Somerset & Dorset' special traversed the S&D hauled by two Bulleid Pacifics - it was the last 'special' the S&D would see. It is amazing to see our station in this image, and provides our supporters the taste for the future, when hopefully more of the S&D will be restored back to its former glory. 👌 Photo copyright: Paul Deheyser

We'll post a full itinerary of our operating dates for 2019 on Facebook this weekend, in the mean time, you can see a run down of when our unique resident Sentinel steam locomotive 'Joyce' will be operating this year.
Put a date in your diary to experience 'Joyce' grappling the 1:50 gradient south of Midsomer Norton! 💪
https://www.https://www.sdjr.co.uk/events -calendar.co.uk/events-calendar

We've had a reassuringly steady flow of donations coming in for our '£20 For A Ton' appeal, so a massive thank you to everyone who has donated so far!
The P'way gang spent another day jacking and packing the delivered ballast - we are closing in on the infill!
Further donations will naturally be gratefully received to help cover the remaining costs.👌... Please see our website link below to find out how to donate!
https://www.sdjr.co.uk/fundraising
Alternatively we are always on the lookout for more volunteers to help with the rebuilding of this iconic railway! Get in touch via PM to see how you can assist!
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A very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all our supporters, volunteers and followers!
2018 has been an amazing year for the Trust and I'd like to personally thank everyone who has visited, volunteered, donated and supported our efforts to restore the former Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton.
We collectively look forward to an exciting 2019, and welcoming even more people to our glorious station and railway.
... Wishing you all a peaceful and relaxing festive season and a prosperous new year!
Stephen Lacey Chairman of Trustees
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Following on from the previous video of the loaded ballast train leaving the yard at Midsomer Norton Station this is the return trip from the newly laid section having dropped the ballast. Exciting times with more to come with your help.
For a limited time, if you set up a Standing Order for your membership subscription, you will be sent set a copy of the DVD ‘Somerset & Dorset Reborn’
We can heartily recommend this DVD about our railway which has been produced especially fo...r us by Andrew Johnston who produced the iconic BBC documentaries 'All Change at Evercreech Junction', and 'Return to Evercreech Junction ' Simply go to
https://www.sdjr.co.uk/membership
download a membership standing order form and post off to the membership secretary. Once your first subscription payment is received by the Trust you will be sent the DVD.
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