The
Portland Branch
Extensive references have been made to 'Rail and Road Transport on the Isle of Portland' by B.L. Jackson. This is a most excellent book detailing the history of the line. It is published by the Oakwood Press.
Also to'Track Layout Diagrams Section 17 Weymouth Line by R.A. Cooke'
Also to'Track Layout Diagrams Section 17 Weymouth Line by R.A. Cooke'
The Weymouth Station The Portland branch although connected to the main line by rail did not have a service from Weymouth station. The branch trains ran to and from Melcombe Regis station which was only a matter of two hundred yards away from the main terminus in a southerly direction along King Street passing over the Harbour Tramway on route.
Melcombe Regis 168.61 O 20 5 09 C 5 6 63
750503zj What was left of Melcombe Regis Station. 3rd May 1975 The line had closed to passengers on the 3rd March 1952 and to goods on 5th April 1966 It was used for wagon storage for a while but appears to have been removed in 1973. Copyright Roger Winnen
Melcombe Regis old station. 12th June 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen
The remains of the former Backwater Viaduct at Melcombe Regis. 3rd May 1975 This is the view looking across Backwater towards the south bank, the line continued beyond this viaduct towards Portland. Melcombe Regis station which provided passengers access to the town of Weymouth was situated on the north bank. Copyright Roger Winnen
However, all is not lost, much of the route of the line has been re-opened as the Rodwell Trail, a walking and cycling path. The line closed to passengers some 63 years ago, so perhaps it is fitting to explore the route as best possible by bicycle. Kevin Jenkin is the driver for trip on his 0-1-1-0 machine as he takes us, as best possible, along the route of the old line to Portland and Easton. Many thanks to Kevin.
The smart board advising all and sundry about the Rodwell Trail Route. In this depiction one can see much of the route on its sinous way towards Portland. We start our journey at 'You are here'.
A view of the Rodwell Trail from the B3155 road bridge. 20th August 2015 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Leaving Weymouth behind. 30th August 2015 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
The 58 yard Rodwell tunnel looms ahead. 30th August 2015 Copyright Kevin Jenkin
Rodwell tunnel 58 yards built for double track
Rodwell One and three quarter miles from Melcombe Regis
Wyke Regis 170.63
Sandsfoot Castle Halt 170.07 O 1 8 32 Closed 3rd March 1952
The Fleet - is the name for the strip of land bounded by salt water either side which joins Portland to the main coast. It was crossed by the railway from Weymouth to Portland and Easton.
Portland Four and three quarter miles from Melcombe Regis 172.59
There is a most excellent article on Portland station to be found on http://www.disused-stations.org.uk/p/portland_second/index4.shtml
Portland and distant Weymouth seen from the upper deck of a bus. The site of Portland station is in the centre was just below the centre line of this picture.. The 3rd May 1975 Copyright Roger Winnen
The two pictures below were 'grabbed shots' from a CRS minibus touring the area. Unfortunately due to time constraints we didn't do more that to climb the hill and view the panorama. As driver of that minibus I remember just how lucky we were as we descended the steep hill some kind 'local' threw a large piece of rubber which hit the windscreen with a resounding 'thump'. Luckily the windscreen survived - had it shattered our possible injuries and the problems of being stranded in Dorset would have spoilt an otherwise very good day out. KJ
The remains of Portland Station platforms. As seen on 3rd May 1975 The structure to the right of the tallest pylon in this picture was the Control Tower for the the R.N.A.S. airfield. Copyright Roger Winnen
The remains of Portland Station platforms. As seen on 3rd May 1975 Obviously there were not many hours left for these remains situated on MOD property. The original railway terminus, later a goods station lay straight ahead where the platform lines curved to the left. The Verne Prison sits on the left hand side of the ridge ahead. Copyright Roger Winnen
Beyond Portland towards Easton
The old railway may be followed for some distance until it enters a security area beyond which you may not pass.
The old railway may be followed for some distance until it enters a security area beyond which you may not pass.
Looking downhill along the cutting about 100 yards from the station site. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
This view from the Easton station side of the first road over bridge out from the station. The line would already have been in a cutting which deepened before opening out onto the hillside. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Another view of the bridge, this time the line is dropping through a deep cutting, to the right the locomotives still had a pull up towards Easton Station. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Wakeham Road bridge - old track bed looking towards Easton. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Wakeham Road bridge looking downgrade. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Looking down the steep climb up towards the road bridge. This bridge ws the first one out from the station. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
The approach to Easton station was a continuation of the steep climb which commenced from Portland station.
Peter Jenkin standing on the first over line bridge under which a passenger train heading for Melcombe Regis would pass. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Easton rail route a small piece of Brunels Bridge rail used in fencing. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
The cutting by which the line passed under this bridge has all but been filled in. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Easton Station site
No doubt we've found the station site. 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Easton Station site has now been occupied by an elderly peoples home 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Easton Station bridge looking towards the quarries 1st July 2015 Copyright Keith Jenkin
Easton Eight and half miles from Melcombe Regis
Portland - Colin Burges has done an article on his findings in particular of a narrow gauge system feeding the guns high above the harbour area. To see this please click here and scroll down to article 28.