Castle Cary to Weymouth

Castle Cary to Weymouth

Extensive references made to the Track Layout Diagrams Section 17 by Tony Cooke - with his kind permission.

A rough sketch map of the line. Please note that the extra station shown above (C) - Poundbury tunnel is Bradford Peverell & Stratton Halt

Castle Cary

Castle Cary station courtesy of Google Maps. To see recent track layouts zoom and pan. On this view the line to the right is to Westbury and Paddington - the line to the left is to Taunton and that leaving at the bottom of the page is to Yeovil, Dorchester and Weymouth

Castle Cary on the 11th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

Castle Cary. A view of the up platform and station buildings from the down platform. 11th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

This time a view of the down platform from the up side. 11th September 1964 - Copyright Mike Roach

A view as a train heads away towards Bruton from Castle Cary in the early 70's Copyright Peter Butt

A 37 arrives at Castle Cary with a service for Weymouth. Undated Copyright Roger Winnen

Big changes had been made at Castle Cary by the time this photograph by Ron Kosys was taken. An extra face had been added to platform 2. Here we see 33102 with 2 TC sets pauses at Castle with the 09.53 from Weymouth . It's Saturday 13th August 1988. Copyright Ron Kosys

Sparkford Closed passengers 3rd October 1966 Goods 7th January 1963

This is the site of Sparkford station. Taken on 2nd June 1984. Copyright Roger Winnen

Marston Magna Closed passengers 3rd October 1966 G oods 5th November 1962

6024 "King Edward I" passing Park Bridge Marston Magna in heavy rain with the returning "Yeovil Betrothal" charter. Presumably, after the wedding at Sherborne the contents of the tanks have now turned from water into wine? Copyright Brian Pibworth

Yeovil Pen Mill

Map of Yeovil Pen Mill station courtesy Google Maps. The line leaving top right is to Castle Cary and those leaving at the bottom of the map are to Yeovil Junction and Dorchester respectively. Zoom and pan to get recent track layouts.

Approaching Yeovil Pen Mill from the north . 24th July 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

Rogers train arriving at Yeovil Pen Mill on the 21st April 1984 Copyright Roger Winnen

Yeovil Pen Mill. 21st April 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

Following on from Ron Kosys's suberb 1970s pictures, here is 47008 passing through Yeovil Pen Mill with a Swindon to Weymouth holiday extra on 16th August 1982. Five years on from Ron's 1977 photo, the yard still seems to be in use albeit a solitary 4-wheel van-fit wagon. 'The Weymouth Wizard' was a midweek additional service that B.R. ran in the high season holidays between 1981 and 1985 when extra rolling stock was readily available to supplement the existing timetable at busy times. The train was routed via Melksham which for the first four years of its operation was a freight-only line. The following is an unreferenced extract from Wikipedia "A special, large, commemorative headboard was often carried by the locomotive heading the train, this had been produced by Swindon Works carriage shop and was designed by works sign-writer / illustrator Ernie Hewlett. At the time the Chippenham to Trowbridge stretch of line was under threat of closure and the success of this train went some way to laying the foundations for the route to re-open under the terms of the 'Speller Act' with a limited, experimental passenger service commencing in May 1985. With this came the re-opening of Melksham station". It would be interesting to know if the train called at the newly re-opened Melksham in 1985. Regards Clive Smith

A 31 hauled service crosses a DMU bound for Weymouth at Yeovil Pen Mill. The date is 21st April 1984 Copyright Roger Winnen

A 37 departs Yeovil Pen mill heading for Weymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

The railway scene at Yeovil Pen Mill six Years apart - three pictures from Ron Kosys two from 1971 and one from 1977.

A smashing study of the station and yard at Yeovil Pen Mill on the 22nd July 1971. Hymek 7018 passes through with stone bound for Yeovil Junction. Meantime in the yard a Warship stands at the head of a healthy freight. Copyright Ron Kosys

The same Hymek returns light engine from Yeovil Junction. Note the Southern platform trolley. 22nd July 1971. Copyright Ron Kosys

31265 + 31136 pause at Yeovil Pen Mill with a Weymouth train. Note that the yard still in use. It looks as if the young man sprinting up the platform has just been advised to be quick - the train is about to leave! 7th June 1977 Copyright Ron Kosys

A selection featuring Yeovil Pen Mill kindly supplied by Chris Osment

The first of this set dates from 26th May 2003

Yeovil Pen Mill. The station building seen here on 26th May 2003 Copyright Chris Osment

In Feb 2006 I went there to photograph some of the surviving lower-quadrant signals which were due for replacement. The ‘bubble-car’ seen in picture _6 turned up while I was there – don’t know what it was doing.

Yeovil Pen Mill YPM 60 & 61 As seen on 7th February 2006 Copyright Chris Osment

Yeovil Pen Mill YPM 60 & 61 As seen from the south on 7th February 2006 Copyright Chris Osment

Yeovil Pen Mill YPM 60 & 61 As seen on 7th February 2006 from the A30 road bridge. Copyright Chris Osment

Looking south along the island platform - note the neat footbridge arrangement giving cover from the main to the island platform. Viewed looking south towards Weymouth 7th February 2006. Copyright Chris Osment

Moving a little further north along the island platform. 7th February 2006. Copyright Chris Osment

A view looking north towards Castle Cary, nowadays the next station. 7th February 2007. Copyright Chris Osment

This ‘bubble-car’ named John Cameron turned up while I was there – don’t know what it was doing. 7th February 2006 Copyright Chris Osment

Royal Visit to Yeovil

In May 2012 HM Queen visited Yeovil as part of her Diamond Jubilee Tour, which was brave considering the trouncing Somerset Parliamentarians gave Royalists at the nearby Civil War Battle of Babylon Hill.
I had previously wondered how the Royal visitors would cope with arriving at a passing station on an active railway. The idea of other travellers tapping on windows or asking for autographs seemed unlikely and so it transpired, as this sequence of pictures shows.
Report and photographs kindly supplied by Brian Pibworth for which many thanks

"DBS 67026 "Diamond Jubilee" passes slowly through Yeovil Pen Mill station, while the silver band and official welcoming party wait on platform 1. The signal is off for the Yeovil Junction connecting line." 2nd May 2012 Copyright Brian Pibworth. Note the policemen stationed about the area.

"With the Royal Train sidelined on the Yeovil Junction connection , the Weymouth - Gloucester DMU arrived for a service call with its bemused passengers being quickly shuffled off the platform." 2nd May 2012 Copyright Brian Pibworth.

"The now reversed Royal Train drew into platform 1 and the welcoming ceremony swung into action." 2nd May 2012 Copyright Brian Pibworth

The Royal Train duly in position for her Majesty to de-train. 2nd May 2012 Copyright Brian Pibworth

"Have you travelled far"? The dear lady disembarks and greets the crowds outside Yeovil Pen Mill station. Brian is to be congratulated in getting to such a position so to get such an elevated view. 2nd May 2012. Copyright Brian Pibworth.

The planning of this operation required immaculate timing and all involved are to be congratulated on the organisation of the event. Little did the passengers on the service from Weymouth realise that they were being given precedence over the Queen!.

July 2006 saw a
‘Yeovil 150’ event held in the yard.

The 29th of July 2006 saw the 'Yeovil 150' event. Various items of equipment and side shows in the yard. Copyright Chris Osment

Another items of interest on the 29th July 2006 was railtour train which has paused on the outside platform. Nothing in the Six Bells Website on this! The 158 is on route to Castle Cary and presumably Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Chris Osment

The 2008 photos were taken while preparatory work for the new signals was underway.

17th April 2008. Preparatory work for the new Signals at Yeovil Pen Mill. Copyright Chris Osment

17th April 2008. A general view of site preparatory work for the new Signals at Yeovil Pen Mill. Copyright Chris Osment

The following three photographs taken in 2012 show the new upper quadrant signals at Yeovil Pen Mill in use. Note all the H & S precautions. Compare these views with previous ones.

Yeovil Pen Mill 27th June 2012 Copyright Chris Osment

Yeovil Pen Mill Signalbox on the 27th June 2012 Copyright Chris Osment

KJ asked a few questions :- I had to put the thinking cap on to answer your many questions about the lampmen. It is me with my colleague Tim Reynolds. At the time we were 'zappers',assistants to the MOM at Yeovil Junction doing a variety of jobs around the area, and sorting out any problems or emergencies that might arise concerning the running and safety of trains. We did early and late shifts. On Thursdays we did the lamps at Penmill. If I was early turn, I would be at Penmill ready to walk out to do the up home signals, where south junction used to be, once the Weymouth train had departed and i had the ok from the signalman. After returning to the box, it was time for a cup of tea,before returning to the junction. When my mate came on duty at 1230, he would go straight to Penmill and start to change the lamps around the station, If I wasn't otherwise engaged I would join him and give him a hand finishing the job before I went off duty at 1330. The following week it would be reversed. However there were the odd occasions when we had to do them on our own. As this was done between trains there wasn't a problem and signalman knew where we were as he could see us. The lamps were used in the ground signals [dummies] as well and there was no cycling involved. Early Friday mornings the few signal lamps at the Junction were changed, this didn't take long and were usually done by the time the MOM came on duty. We were never involved with maintenance to signals or equipment, all that being under the wing of the S&T DEP. The lamps would burn for a week without a problem. Many thanks for your long reply and the picture. Copyright

Yeovil Pen Mill 18th September 2020 Alan Peters.

A couple of pictures from a trackside view of Yeovil Pen Mill with 66847 "Terry Baker" (a friend and colleague) Colas Rail road learning engine on a glorious 18th September 2020 and of course the semaphore signals - Alan Peters

Yeovil Pen Mill 66847 Terry Baker 18th September 2020 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Yeovil Pen Mill 18th September 2020 Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Yeovil Pen Mill 13th December 2020 Guy Vincent

Yeovil Pen Mill station on the dark winter evening of Sunday 13th December 2020. Platform 1 is deserted as 158767 waits time before departing with the 2V93 1807 Dorchester West-Bristol Temple Meads. Engineering work taking place beyond Dorchester meant trains were unable to serve Weymouth, a rail replacement bus running in lieu. Yeovil Pen Mill remains a very interesting station to explore as it retains much olde-worlde atmosphere of times past. Of GWR origin, from 2nd April 1950 it was administered by BR (SR) and the Southern influence still lingers through the use of dark green paint on the station although this reflects the current operator Great Western Railway. Nowadays platform 2 is unofficially regarded as out of use with all southbound trains using the other side of the island, platform 3. The footbridge spans just one line and the staircases have attractive late 19th century decorative iron banister supports although not quite so ornate as those at Exeter St Davids. The bridge is 141 miles and 27 chains from London Paddington by way of Swindon, Melksham and Frome.

Note: On referring to an old record book I realised that it is now almost 30 years since 158767 started work for British Rail as part of the new fleet of 90mph 'Super Sprinters' that commenced operation on the Cardiff-Portsmouth route on Monday March 18th 1991. Later transferred away to the Trans-Pennine route 158767 joined First Great Western in 2006 following displacement by new class 185 units and has remained in the west country ever since. A photo scan dated 19.03.1991 shows the now elderly set when new calling at Bradford on Avon on the 0622 Cardiff Central-Portsmouth Harbour.

Best regards

Guy Vincent

A smashing wintertime shot at Yeovil Pen Mill with 158767 2V93 13th December 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Yeovil Pen Mill Footbridge 13th December 2020. Copyright Guy Vincent

Bradford-on-Avon with 158767 on the 06.23 Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour on the 19th March 1991. Copyright Guy Vincent It realised this is not YPM but is part of the article above.

Many thanks Guy.

Yeovil Pen Mill Engineering - Bill Elston

Rail improvement work is taking place this week between Yeovil P.M. and Weymouth
In connection with this work, ballast train, 6Y89, running from Eastleigh to the worksite passed through YVP
double headed by FL66560 and Gennessee 66415 'You Are Never Alone' (as if ! )

Best wishes. Bill Elston.

66560, YPM Engineering. 26th September 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

66560, 26th September 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

66415, 26th September 2022. Copyright Bill Elston

Many thanks Bill.

A view from the road bridge just to the south of Pen Mill station. A Weymouth bound train heads away with the line to Yeovil Town off to the extreme right. Also to the right can be seen the track bed leading into the former shed. 24th April 1976 April Roger Winnen

Yeovil Pen Mill. Looking into the site of the shed. on the 24th April 1976 Roger Winnen N.B. The rails that served the pit have been left in position. In fact they are still there in 2017. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Deviating from the Pen Mill to Weymouth route we follow the xxx line towards the site of Yeovil Town station. This was beyond the bridge in the distance. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Yeovil Town The bridge at the entry to Yeovil Town Station from Yeovil Pen Mill (and also Yeovil Junction). 24th April 1976 Copyright Roger Winnen

A recent photograph, courtesy of Colin Burges. howing that the rails which were alongside the pit still remain. 8th July 2017 Copyright Colin Burges.

Colin Burges wrote a short article on a recent visit to the shed site - you'll find this in 'Features Mid May to December 2017' Click and scroll down.

Passing under the Southern close by Yeovil Junction

The above map reproduced with permission of the National Library of Scotland show the location just to the east of Yeovil Junction station where the line from Castle Cary to Weymouth passes under the Southern route. The following two photographs were taken from the formation of the never used tracks towards Yeovil Junction which would have taken trains direct from the Weymouth line into YJ station.

Nunney has just passed under the Southern and heads for Weymouth. Copyright John Cornelius

A week later and Nunney returns from Weymouth. Copyright John Cornelius

Thornford Thornford Bridge Halt Name shortened in the 1960's

Thornford Bridge Halt, before the name was shortened to simply Thornford. There were, in double track days, staggered platforms here, one either side of the bridge - the up platform was to the north of the bridge. July 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

Thornford Halt viewed from a train on the 24th July 1974 Copyright Roger Winnen

The station was opened by the Great Western Railway on 23 March 1936 as Thornford Bridge Halt. It was renamed in the 1960s to its present shorter name. Copyright John Cornelius

Yetminster

Yetminster in July 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

Yetminster station again in July 1962 complete with double track, signalbox sidings, station staff, and station masters house. Copyright Mike Roach

Taken on the 24th July 1974 we see that Yetminster Station has become somewhat basic - the line has been singled and a 'bus shelter' provides comfort for commuters/ Copyright Roger Winnen

Yetminster 21st April 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

Chetnole Halt

Chetnole railway station is a small rural station serving the village of Chetnole, Dorset. The station is on the Heart of Wessex line 21¼ miles north of Weymouth towards Westbury.The station was opened on 11 September 1933, being originally built of timber. This was replaced by a concrete structure, believed to be in the 1960s. The line was singled in 1968.

A study of Chetnole Halt, the upside platform which opened in 1933. Taken in July 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

Another view of Chetnole Halt, again looking towards Castle Cary. July 1962 Copyright Mike Roach

Chetnole Halt 21st April 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

One would scarcely believe that there was once double track here! Copyright John Cornelius.

Specials passing Chetnole

Power 'a plenty' as 44871 & 777 hurtle through Chetnole. Copyright John Cornelius

Courtesy John Cornelius

Just a week later and a lovely shot of Tangmere working hard approaching Chetnole. Photo courtesy of John Cornelius.

Chetnole Test Train 43274, 23rd March 2022. Copright Bill Elston

Chetnole Test Train 43272, 23rd March 2022. Copright Bill Elston

Evershot tunnel

A quite remarkable shot of the entrance to the 308 yard Evershot tunnel. Note the linesmans cabin, the double fencing protecting the line at the tunnel entrance. Copyright John Cornelius

The deep cutting and northern portal of Evershot (or Holywell) tunnel which is now kept clear of vegetation all year round. 1st January 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Evershot

Evershot 810421zn The site of Evershot Station as captured by Roger Winnen on the 21st April 1981 Copyright There was quite a sizeable station here in the days of double track before 1965 complete a good shed and loading dock. The station was at a location - Holywell. The 308 yard Evershot tunnel is just 100 yards NE of the station location.

Maiden Newton

Map of Maiden Newton courtesy of Google Maps. Zoom and pan to see recent track layout. The Bridport branch headed north alongside the main line for a short distance before turning sharply to the south east.

A view from just prior to Maiden Newton, the former double track has been singled opening out into a passing loop just prior to the station. The Bridport branch passed though the right hand span of the bridge turning into a deep cutting to pass under Cattistock Road. This is a view from the north. 23rd July 2008 Copyright Chris Osment

Maiden Newton similar, but showing on the right the footpath on the track of what was once the Bridport Branch 23rd July 2008 Copyright Chris Osment

Arrival at Maiden Newton. 3rd May 1975 The last day of the Bridport branch Copyright Roger Winnen

A view from the footbridge looking north as a branch train bound for Bridport waits in the bay platform. 14th June 1985 Copyright Chris Osment

Maiden Newton on the Last day of the Bridport branch. The 11.37 from Bridport arrives 3rd May 1975 Copyright R. Winnen

The single car branch train has been supplemented by an additional three car set and stands ready for another trip down the branch on that last day. 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Maiden Newton up side on the 14th June 1985 Copyright Chris Osment

Maiden Newton exterior of the station on the 12th June 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen

Maiden Newton down shelter 14th June 1985 Copyright Chris Osment

Maiden Newton Signal box on the 3rd January 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Maiden Newton Signalbox 14th June 1985 Copyright Chris Osment By this time the 'standardisation vandals' had been at work and the cast iron nameplate had been removed in favour of an enamelled sign.

The inside of Maiden Newton Signal Box on the 14th June 1985 Copyright Chris Osment

Maiden Newton 14th June 1985 Copyright Chris Osment By now it's just a passing loop with a couple of sidings on the diagram.

Maiden Newton Time for a chat as a service from Weymouth crosses one to Weymouth Passing at Maiden Newton. The date is 12th June 1986 - the line towards Weymouth had been singled since 9th June 1968 and that back towards Yeovil a couple of weeks earlier on the 26th May 1968. Copyright Roger Winnen

Departure from Maiden Newton heading for Weymouth. 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Focus on Maiden Newton by Guy Vincent

1). 150102 captured at daybreak at Maiden Newton working 2O66 0647 Westbury-Weymouth on Christmas Eve, Saturday 24th December. The same unit then returned some 80 minutes later with 150244 on 2E20 0846 Weymouth-Gloucester. The small hut (Pic 2) contains the instrument from where the driver withdraws a key token giving him authority to enter the single line section ahead to Yeovil Pen Mill. Maiden Newton is a very atmospheric place where it still feels as if you are living in the 1950s. Sadly the branch line to Bridport has gone, this closed in May 1975, but the GWR signalbox (4) remains and both it and the unstaffed station buildings (5, 6 and 7) are in good condition. The track through the station has lasted very well indeed, there are two-bolt fishplates in-situ on both lines (3) and some of the GWR bullhead chairs have casting dates as far back as 1924! In 1981 the BBC filmed the second episode of series 3 of their popular comedy series 'To the Manor Born' here. Entitled 'Station Closing', Maiden Newton became 'Marlbury' and British Rail proposed closing the line and selling the station site to the owner of Grantleigh Manor, property developer Richard de Vere (Peter Bowles) for a cash-and-carry supermarket development. Audrey Fforbes-Hamilton (Penelope Keith) can be seen buying a ticket from Marlbury to Taunton at the booking office then, later, alighting from a dark blue Bristol-bound Metro-Cammell class 101 3 car DMU set (B823). There are several other scenes in and around the station with a final view of a departing DMU conveying de Vere (Peter Bowles) away to a meeting. As the (same?) Met-Cam set picks up speed it is just possible to read 'Maiden Newton' on one of the lamp-post station signs!

150102 calls at Maiden Newton 24th December 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent (A gem of a picture, enjoy the colours)

150102 150244 Maiden Newton 24th December 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Maiden Newton 3 Track 9th November.2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Maiden Newton 4 Signal Box 16th February 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Maiden Newton 5 Station 16th February 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Maiden Newton 6 Station Building (1) 16th February 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Maiden Newton 7 Station Building (1) 16th February 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks indeed Guy for focusing on Maiden Newton and its connection to 'To the manor born'.

Little has changed at Maiden Newton - here it is on the 21st September 2019.

It's 11.43 on the 21st September 2019 as we see, on a bright sunny day, two trains passing at Maiden Newton. The train on the right running in is the 11.39 to Weymouth and the train on the left is the 11.41 to Bristol TempleMeads. Copyright Chris Osment. N.B. The Bridport branch platform was on the left - this fell into disuse on the closure of the Bridport branch on the 5th May 1975.

Passing times at Maiden in 2020 - Newton Guy Vincent

Just twice a day GWR's Bristol-Weymouth line services are booked to pass each other at Maiden Newton station. Today, in glorious early autumn sunshine 166206 with the 2V68 1311 Weymouth-Gloucester and 166208 on the 2O76 1042 Gloucester-Weymouth stand while their drivers collect and surrender the single line tokens for the section towards Yeovil. 'Thames Turbos' now transferred to the Bristol area work the majority of services on this route with 158's occasionally appearing and class 150s of all types now relegated to history. Guy Vincent

Maiden Newton, Former 'Thames Turbos' 166206 & 166208 pass at Maiden Newton on the 21st September 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

Maiden Newton 166206 & 166208 21st September 2020 Copyright Guy Vincent

Many thanks Guy

Grimstone & Frampton
We don't have any pictures at the moment but if somebody can help it would be much appreciated.

Bradford Peverell & Stratton Halt Closed Passengers 3rd Oct 1966 Goods 1st May 61

Bradford Peverell & Stratton Halt. 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen The station became unstaffed from 11 April 1966 and closed on 3 October 1966.

Bradford Peverell & Stratton Halt. 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Bradford Peverell Halt . 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Dorchester West

Map, courtesy Google maps showing Dorchester West. The line towards Maiden Newton and Castle Cary becomes single and exits at the top, that to Weymouth to the bottom. Zoom and Pan to see track layouts and also Dorchester Junction.

Fragonset class 33/ no. 33202 Meteor leading a support coach and Standard 8P pacific no. 71000 Duke of Gloucester passes through Dorchester West station en route from Weymouth to Yeovil Junction on 9/7/05. [Slide taken by Mike Morant]

Dorchester West Class 47137 9th June 1975 Mike Morant Collection

Dorchester West looking north, on 3rd October 1978. The line was singled in 1969 to the Maiden Newton passing loop. There once was a signalbox beyond the right hand platform - this closed in 1968. Copyright Roger Winnen

Crossing the 12.15 Weymouth-Bristol at Dorchester West on the 3rd May 1975. Copyright Roger Winnen

Dorchester West, a view from the footbridge looking south towards the junction which is just beyond the bridge. 12th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen

The exterior of Dorchester West Station taken on 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Looking north along Dorchester West platform on the 3rd January 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

It's the 29th August 2010 when 5029 Nunney Castle attracts a small audience as it passes through Dorchester West with the Weymouth Sea Side Express. This ran from Bristol Temple Meads to Weymouth. From the Mike Morant Collection.

Dorchester West - a recent set of pictures brought to us by Chris Osment

Dorchester West Main Building. This is located on the down side. Looking grand in the sun on the 23rd July 2008 Copyright Chris Osment

Again the Main Building, this time seen from the South Aspect 14th May 2014 Copyright Chris Osment

Looking northwards along the down platform. 14th May 2014 Copyright Chris Osment (The line is crossing over Damers Road. A girder, part of the bridge, can be seen between the up and down lines)

Looking southwards towards Dorchester Junction 14th May 2014 Copyright Chris Osment. The bridge in the distance carries Weymouth Road over the line.

Looking south from up side platform to the main buildings on the down side 14th May 2014 Copyright Chris Osment

Looking north from Upside platform to the down side. 14th May 2014 Copyright Chris Osment

Something a bit different. Wild poppies at Dorchester West station on 9/7/05. [ Slide taken by Mike Morant ]

Dorchester West 66419 During closure for engineering work. 24th November 2021. Copyright Mike Bojko N.B. Double track through the station then single to Dorchester Junction. and also single north to Maiden Newton/

Dorchester West 158769 0905 Westbury-Weymouth. 1st January 2023. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Dorchester West former GWR station building (now Domino's Pizza outlet) 1st January 2023. Copyright Guy Vindent.

Dorchester Junction

Dorchester Junction Signalbox in 1971 Copyright Chris Osment

Dorchester South Junction long before third rail electrification. The metals to the left head for Dorchester West, Yeovil Pen Mill, and Castle Cary. Those to the right head for Dorchester South, Bournemouth, Southampton and eventually Waterloo. 3rd May 1975 The connecting curve to the right having opened 20th January 1857 The loop on the left was removed in 1972 (Tony Cooke Track Layout diagrams 17) Copyright Roger Winnen

Dorchester Jct. A Class 33 Propels its train towards Bournemouth, seen here approaching Dorchester Junction. 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

A rough sketch map of the line. Please note that the extra station shown above (C) - Poundbury tunnel is Bradford Peverell & Stratton Halt

The return of the Dorset Coast Express from Weymouth to Victoria on 8/9/2010 was hauled by Gresley A4 no. 60019 Bittern and is shown here on the descent from Bincombe Tunnel. [Mike Morant]

The return of the Dorset Coast Express from Weymouth to Victoria on 8/9/2010 was hauled by Gresley A4 no. 60019 Bittern and is shown here at Monkton Park a little way short of Dorchester South Junction. [Mike Morant]

The return of the Dorset Coast Express from Weymouth to Victoria was hauled by Gresley A4 no. 60019 and was ‘banked’ by Stanier 5MT no. 44932 as shown here on 8/9/2010 at Monkton Park a little way short of Dorchester South Junction. [Mike Morant]

Monkton and Came Halt Closed 7th January 1957
Situated about 500 yards from the hamlet of Winterbourne Monkton, it could never have generated much traffic maybe being perhaps a good starting off point for walks in the area known as Came is about a mile away. Maiden Castle is not far away to the west but there appears to be no direct footpath route.

Monkton and Came Halt taken on 3rd October 1978, some 21 years after closure. Dorchester can be seen in the distance. Starting away on the 1 in 91 up grade towards Bincombe tunnel could have been difficult. Copyright Roger Winnen

Bincombe tunnel 819 yards long

Situated north of Bincombe tunnel Signalbox - seen here on 21st April 1981. The box controlled a long crossover off which there were engine sidings facing north and south. The box closed in March 1970. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Bincombe Tunnels North and South

A remarkable picture by Roger Geach of a service heading for Weymouth emerging from Bincombe North tunnel behind an unidentified BR standard locomotive. June 1967 Copyright Roger Geach

Arn't we all envious and very grateful to John Cornelius for sharing his pictures of steam with us.. Copyright John Cornelius

34052_Lord Dowding with an up freight of 13 vans plus a brake van emerges from Bincombe South Tuinnel in July 1967 Mike Morant Collection

D6536 pilots 35030 Elder Dempster Lines leaving Bincombe South tunnel with an up passenger train in July 1967 From the Mike Morant Collection

A quite remarkable view taken from the closed platform of Upwey Wishing Well Halt looking through the Bincombe tunnels. The nearest one is Bincombe South tunnel 56 yards long and the longer one Bincombe North tunnel at 819 yards lies beyond. 3rd October 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

Why bother to take a second shot? Moving a short distance along the cutting face one can actually see right through the 819 yard bore of the north tunnel. Between the two tunnels lay catch points, the line is falling towards Weymouth at 1 in 50. 3rd October 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

30476 nearing the top of the climb from Upwey about to plunge into Bincombe South Tunnel. Wishing Well Halt in the foreground. Mike Morant Collection

Upwey and Wishing Well Halt Closed 7th January 1957

A view taken from the closed up platform of Upwey Wishing Well Halt at the down platform. 3rd October 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

4-6-0 30476 approaches Wishing Well Halt with an up service. 30476 was built at Eastleigh 30th April 1924. Withdrawn 31st December 1961 Cut up at Eastleigh 31st March 1962 Picture from the Mike Morant Collection

34093 Saunton South of_Bincombe_9th July 1967. From the Mike Morant Collection N.B Saunton survived until July 1967

Near Upwey

Nice to see, and probably to hear a Hymek on a sizable freight train heading up grade. Many thanks to John Cornelius. Copyright.

DMU near Upwey seen in August 1984 From the Mike Morant Collection

Upwey Junction and Broadwey

First a steamy interlude at Upwey and Broadwey by Sid Sponheimer.

A service leaving Upwey & Broadwey station and heading north. Note the standard BR noticeboard - something else easily forgotten. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Looking to our left we see the same train continuing north, ready for the hard climb ahead. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Leaving Upwey, northbound. The Abbotsbury branch which closed on the 1st December 1952 had a platform at a slightly lower level and turned west, to the left, sharply after leaving the station. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Upwey & Broadwey 34001 Exeter Southbound Copyright Sid Sponheimer

34001 Exeter leaving Upwey and heading south . Copyright Sid Sponheimer

The same service gets underway southbound. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Upwey, a Westcountry approaches with an up service. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Upwey and Broadwey. 6th May 1967 Copyright Mike Roach

Upwey and Broadwey. The branch closed on the 1st December 1952 but luckily here a 'gem' picture nearly 15 years after that event Mike has captured the branch platform with just the rails missing. 6th May 1967 Copyright Mike Roach

750503p Upwey and Broadwey. on the 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen.

2x3 Car Dmus call at Upwey & Broadway. 12th June 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen

As the above train departs a CRS party on the up platform is taking the numbers at Upwey & Broadwey. 12th June 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen

A 4 TC set arrives at Upwey Copyright Roger Winnen 12th June 1982

The train seen on the left continues on towards Bournemouth. !2th June 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen

A footbridge study at Upwey, looking north up the bank. 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Upwey 780103l A Weymouth bound train passes through Upwey & Broadwey. Copyright Roger Winnen

And finally we complete our study at Upwey and Broadwey with this one of the station sign looking as if it has rather suffered from high winds on occasions! 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Between Radipole and Upwey.

Near Radipole on the 19th July 1981 Mike Morant Collection

Radipole Halt Closed 31st December 1983

Radipole Halt with the black pagoda. Its 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Radipole Halt about a mile from Weymouth. This view 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen One wonders if the black pagoda has still survived - which looks best - the pagoda or the bus shelter?

The answer to the above question is in this picture - the pagoda has disappeared. Radipole Halt 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Radipole Halt again in 1978 the halt closed five years later - lucky we caught it open! Copyright Roger Winnen

On the main line outside Weymouth Shed

Banking was frequently necessary out of Weymouth as with a good head of steam the banker gives a hearty shove to this large train. Prob July 1965 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

As 76057 cruises past Weymouth shed the banker on the up service can still be seen. Probably July 1965 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

80138 between the station and the shed. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Weymouth Shed

35007 Merchant Navy 'Aberdeen commonwealth' on shed at Weymouth October 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

34087 Battle of Britain 145 Squadron getting attention at the depot. October 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

34077 '603 Squadron' takes water - the main line Weymouth to Dorchester passes behind at a higher level. October 1965. Copyright Mike Roach.

34 071 '601 Squadron' takes its turn at the coaling stage - this is an action shot, you can almost hear the coal tumbling out of the coaling trolley into the tender. October 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

BR Standard Class 5 73080 simmers quietly in the sidings between duties. October 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

Looking north into Weymouth Shed in October 1965 Copyright Mike Roach

A nice shot of the turntable at Weymouth shed with 6983 Otterington Hall. July 1965 Copyright Sid Sponheimer

Weymouth shed from the north with 34084 253 Squadron, 35019, 35023 & 34098 Templecombe Copyright Sid Sponheimer Probably July 1965

Passing by Weymouth shed in a Calne to Weymouth train in the Summer 1965 34 082 '615 Squadron' , withdrawn in October 1966 N.B. Thanks to Richard Dixon for this info.

A ' Merchant Navy' class loco blows off at Weymouth shed - it will need to be turned before its next duty . This picture was taken during the summer of 1965. The site is now occupied by a housing estate. Copyright Keith Jenkin

A rare shot :- BR 9F 92231 on Weymouth Shed on the 6th September 1963 The reason why it's special is because it was allocated to Eastleigh at the time and shots of Southern allocated 9F's are rare. Had it worked into Weymouth on passenger duty one wonders? I really don't know to be honest but there are shots 'out there' of 9F's hauling passenger trains between Bournemouth and Southampton. Comments and the photograph from Mike Morant.

34023 "Blackmore Vale"at Weymouth shed receiving more than enough water ! MW From the Mike Morant Collection.

A mass of spectators watch as Sir Nigel is balanced on the turntable at Weymouth. Copyright John Cornelius

Weymouth shed collection 66. Copyright Trevor Snell

Weymouth shed visit 1966. Copyright Trevor Snell

1966 Weymouth shed. Copyright Trevor Snell

47426 sets out from Weymouth on the 5th August 1988 Mike Morant Collection

50037 Illustrious. It would appear to be running round its train. 8th June 1989 Mike Morant Collection

37350 23rd May 1989 It looks like the 37 is doing a similar 'run round' exercise to the picture above - the driver is looking backwards to check all is clear. Mike Morant Collection

Weymouth

Weymouth station courtesy Google Maps. Zoom and Pan to see recent track layout. The stub leading to the disused line to Weymouth Quay is still in position. Pan to the north to see the extent of the sidings etc.

With nicely painted buffers 47449 brings the Royal Train set into Weymouth on the 26th June 1981. From the Mike Morant Collection

Changing times. Modern Track Machine DX79214 2 parked at Weymouth 28th November 1985 From the Mike Morant Collection

Quote from Wilkipedia The Wilts, Somerset and Weymouth Railway which was authorised in 1845, was built in stages during which the company was absorbed in 1850 by the GWR. The two last sections, fromYeovil Pen Mill to Weymouth and a connecting curve from that line to the LSWR station line later Dorchetser South were opened on 20 January 1857. The LSWR was granted running powers from Dorchester to Weymouth, where some of the platforms were dedicated for LSWR use; these powers were exercised from the opening day. The station was named Weymouth, although some timetables showed it as Weymouth Town. Branches to Portland and Weymouth Quay (both opened in 1865) ran from Weymouth Junction, just north of the station.

The original station buildings were designed by TH Bertram and constructed in timber with a glazed overall roof across the tracks; (See below) this was removed after WW2. By the turn of the century the station area comprised five platforms, a large goods yard, and a small LSWR engine shed; the GWR had a larger shed situated north of the station. Nearby, Melcombe Regis served Portland passenger trains until 1952 and provided an overflow platform for excursion trains on busy summer weekends until 1959.

After the Second World War, the station saw rapid growth in holiday and Channel Islands traffic. As a result the station underwent a major expansion in the late 1950s, gaining two lengthy excursion platforms (which now serve today's station), additional sidings adjacent to Jubilee Gardens, and a new signal box to replace two older boxes. However traffic soon declined and the station was progressively rationalised after the end of steam-hauled operations in 1967 with the goods yard closing in 1972 and the signal box and most of the remaining sidings being taken out of use in 1987. Although the current station is a mere shadow of its former self, the extension of third-rail electrification from Bournemouth in 1988 has given the station much improved services to London.

The current station is a relatively modern structure, having been rebuilt in 1986; in its final years, the old Weymouth station was far too big for the traffic it was handling.

Weymouth Station on the 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Weymouth station on 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen This was originally the LSWR's exclusive section. There was an overall roof covering the platforms seen in this and the previous view. Removed after WW2.

6372 at Weymouth on the 8th July 1956 Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection. This loco was used for the Weymouth to Andover Junction section of this railtour which went via Castle Cary, Holt Jct, Devizes, Savernake LL, and Luggershall. The railtour terminated at London Waterloo. The tour, previous to this picture had been to Weymouth Quay, Portland and Easton. .

One of the 'delights' of steam - remember coal dust and smuts in your eyes!! The fireman damps down the coal dust. The date is 24th March 1966. Copyright Geoffrey Matthews

750503zb Weymouth station with the 16.00 to Bristol Temple Meads making ready to start its journey. Note the gas lamps. Copyright Roger Winnen

The 14.35 departure for London Waterloo is propelled by a class 33 from Weymouth. This was at the time a standard way of working trains to and from London. 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

Two 3 Car Gloucester Cross Country sets at Weymouth Station with the 14.48 arrival from BTM. 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

35005 Canadian Pacific stands at Weymouth Station, and judging by the signal and smoke has just started to move on its journey to Waterloo. Not dated. Copyright Sid Sponheimer

A lovely colour shot from the Mike Morant Collection depicts BR 76007 at Weymouth awaiting departure on the 5th August 1966

A smashing action shot as BR standard 76026 gets under way from Weymouth station. Note the busy good sidings in the background. From the Mike Morant collection

BR_45493 and 34002'Salisbury at Weymouth_3rd July 1966 Green_Arrow_tour. Notes (Six Bells Jct) L.C.G.B. 'The Green Arrow Rail Tour' Locos Used 34002, 34100, 41298 & 45493 Stock Used booked for ten coaches of BR/SR stock, formed: BSK, 3x SO, RB, 4x SO, BSK Route : at least SPL1 Loco(s) Route 34002 London Waterloo - Salisbury 45493 + 34100 Salisbury - Yeovil Junction 45493 + 34100 Yeovil Junction - Yeovil Pen Mill 45493 + 34100 Yeovil Pen Mill - Weymouth 41298 Weymouth Jn - Weymouth Quay 45493 + 34002 Weymouth - Bournemouth Central , 34002 Bournemouth Central - London Waterloo. This super picture courtesy The Mike Morant Collection

The unusual pairing of two Merchant Navy class locos seen at Weymouth on a railtour. 35013 & 35030 on the 11th June 1962 N.B. 35013 21C13 Blue Funnel was built February 1945 Rebuilt in May 1956 Withdrawn July 1967 Scrapped at J. Buttigieg, Newport 1968 35030 - Elder Dempster Lines April 1949 April 1958 July 1967 Scrapped at J. Buttigieg, Newport 1968 Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection

34002 Salisbury 3rd July 1966 Copyright Trevor Snell

Black Five 45493 is pilot engine to Westcountry 34002 on the Green Arrow Railtour as it prepares to leave Weymouth on the return journey to Waterloo. 3rd July 1966. Copyright Trevor Snell

The 18.37 departure from Weymouth for Waterloo sets out from the terminus 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen.

The 18.37 departure from Weymouth for Waterloo passes by. 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Class 31 arriving at 18.43 with the service from Bristol, notice the LMS BG Van. 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen

31136 is booked on the 19.40 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads. Copyright Roger Winnen

33105 Stands at the terminus of the old station, taken on 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

A typical platform scene in the old order. 3rd October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

The days of push - pull between and Bournemouth' A class 33 at the 'sea end' of Weymouth station. An undated picture Copyright Sid Sponheimer

19.40 to Bristol Temple Meads the conn with last train to Bridport from Maiden Newton. 3rd May 1975 Copyright R. Winnen

Over thirty years ago, a reminder of the past, remember 'Network South East'. Copyright John Cornelius

DMU B804 Weymouth 1982 From the Mike Morant Collection

Heritage visitors at Weymouth on 23rd July 1988. 2 BIL 2090 was built in 1937 at Eastleigh and now forms part of the National Railway collection. Allocated TOP's Class 401. With its strap operated drop windows it reminds us of the old days. The Mike Morant Collection

Heritage - Whilst at the other end of the same formation stands 4 Sub unit 4732. One unit was retained for the next 11 years for special duties such as enthusiasts charters and open day shuttles. Numbered 4732 it had been the last unit to receive classified repair in 1982 and to mark this event it was repainted into Southern Railway style green livery. The unit was stored from 1995 onward and became the target of several preservation attempts. (4-Sub notes) 23rd July 1988. From the Mike Morant Collection

Weymouth 37427 stands with the 1Z63 the 13.05 Yeovil Pen Mill 16th April 1988. Copyright Clive Smith.

The old Weymouth station , as seen on the 3rd of October 1978 Copyright Roger Winnen

Weymouth Station was rebuilt in 1986 Here is a view of it on the 11th May 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

What they come for - ice cream and sun bathing. The station is about 100 yards away down the street opposite the attractive clock tower. This picture on a sunny day - 28th August 1996. Copyright Roger Winnen

Nearing the end of its days of BR service but later to move into preservation is D1041 Western Prince 19th June 1976 Mike Morant Collection

An undated picture of D1005_Western Venturer as it stands at Weymouth. Courtesy the Mike Morant Collection

D1009 Western Invader stands at the head of its train whilst somebody peeps in wondering what makes it roar! Mike Morant Collection

47591 - a class 33 stands in the adjacent road. 17th September 1988 Mike Morant Collection

A clean 47080 makes a start on its journey away from the outermost platform. Mike Morant Collection

A rather grubby 46026 Leicestershire and Derbyshire Yeomanry at Weymouth Mike Morant Collection

Here is the Solent and Wessex Wanderer seen here on 12th January 1992. It arrived behind 56119 and 33114 Mike Morant Collection This tour originated from London Waterloo and ran via Andover then took the Laverstock chord line to run via Romsey, Southampton up goods loop, Reverse then Southampton down goods loop and on to Weymouth. See Six Bells Junction Railtour files.

A Wessex Electric at the buffer stops in Weymouth Station. 28th August 1996 Copyright Roger Winnen

A Class 37 heads a return working to Bristol Temple Meads. Note the first coach in the attractive blue South Wales & West livery. 28th August 1996 Copyright Roger Winnen.

Another view of the 37 hauled train above but looking towards the buffers. There is a short platform suitable for DMU's to the right behind the grey line side box. Copyright Roger Winnen.

Finally two class 444 sets stand either side of the main platform, something else, possibly a 150 is in the short right hand platform. 21st July 2008 Copyright Roger Winnen

Weymouth - the return Wizard 16.53 25th June 2015 Copyright Colin Burges. Our attention is drawn to the indicator telling us that this train is not scheduled at this station!!

Little and Large at Weymouth
166207 in platform 1 at Weymouth on the morning of Saturday 14th April. This had arrived the previous evening on the 1642 ex Gloucester and was due to leave attached to the rear of the 2E20 0853 Gloucester. However, this was formed of 158957 as seen at platform 2 so coupling was not possible. 166207 eventually left Weymouth attached to another 166 on the 1308 service to Gloucester. Note the difference in width between the two types of unit.

Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy

Guy Vincent takes a look around Weymouth Station throat on 14th March 2021

Work again took me to Weymouth today (14th March 2021) and an extended 2 hour break was included. Time enough to walk the entire route again from the Ferry Terminal to Alexander bridge and back, taking yet another set of photos as I went.
Here are a few of the end of the line not usually covered, that around Weymouth Junction, Jubilee and Jersey Sidings. The location is Alexander bridge. The modern three section bridge now in use dates from August 2006, cost over £640,000 and replaced the original GWR simple lattice-girder footbridge originally built in 1891.

1) 165128 waits to enter the station where it will form the 1407 departure for Bristol Temple Meads.

2) Weymouth Jubilee siding, Desiro Compound (containing GWR Turbos 166218 & 166207) and Weymouth Junction.

3) Weymouth Junction Up Tramway signal DR194, now permanently showing a red aspect.

4) Weymouth station throat with former railway land now sold off on right. Weymouth's 1957 signal box was formerly
situated to the left.

5) A close-up view of the remaining section of single track that forms the first stage of the tramway. Too far gone to ever carry another train, even the ballast seems to have disappeared...

6) I've added a historic image from my late friend David Bartlett's collection showing D1071 Western Renown arriving at Weymouth with an unidentified 'ADEX' on Easter Monday, 19th April 1976. Taken from a public footpath on the east side of the line all the land beyond the loco has now been redeveloped but back in 1976 was used for stabling coaching stock including the South Western TPO.

With regards, Guy Vincent.

Picture (2) Weymouth Junction view from Alexander Bridge 14.03.2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Picture (3) Weymouth Junction Up Tramway signal DR194, now permanently showing a red aspect. 14.03.2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Picture (4) Weymouth Station Throat & Former BR Land now sold off 14.03.2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Picture (5) Weymouth Tramway. Life Expired Track near Weymouth Junction 14.03.2021 Copyright Guy Vincent

Picture (6) Weymouth D1071 arriving on unid ADEX Easter Monday 19th April 1976. Copyright the late David Bartlett.

Many thanks indeed to you Guy. Super detail.