Witham to Westbury

Witham to Westbury
and Westbury Sheds

BR Western Region Summer timetable for 1962. The only way to tell its Western Region, from a distance, is the colours used.Cream and brown for Summer; brown and cream for winter. Page size is 234mm by 152mm. From the Mike Roach Collection

From the Mike Roach Collection

Extract from the Summer Timetable - this last period of operation for stopper trains between Castle Cary & Taunton, Summer 1962 It can be seen that it was a pretty sparse service. Thanks to Mike Roach for providing this extract. If you wanted to travel from Taunton to Castle Cary in December 2014 there are 8 trains a day, on weekdays, from 06.17 to 20.25 taking 20 to 22 minutes non-stop.

We start our coverage in this section just west of Witham.

Witham, west of - we see 47379 on the 2nd June 1984. An up train which appears to be a motorail which as lost its coaches! It was fairly common for excess cars for a motorail to be carried on an extra train. Copyright Mike Roach

Witham, west of 47379 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach This and the shot of the same train above was a puzzler for a while until the embankment carrying the branch line from Witham to Cranmore, and one time to Wells, Cheddar and Yatton was spotted climbing up grade to the left.

Witham Thirty six and a half miles from Taunton

Witham on the 7th September 1963. Looking west, the up platform on the right has a bay at the far end for trains on the Cheddar valley Line to Yatton. Copyright Mike Roach

The up platform again but this time looking east. Note the bay and the station masters house. 7th September 1963. Copyright Mike Roach

Witham 7th September 1963 as 5912 Queens Hall powers through with a down service. Copyright Mike Roach The station would appear to have a complement of one trolley and one sack truck to each platform. There was a board crossing over the main line at the east end of the station. Copyright Mike Roach

82037 stands at the branch platform on the 7th Sept 63 Copyright Mike Roach Comment by Chris Osment - It will be noted that signal number 60. the Bay to Down Branch Starting signal is off, and that it is likely that the train will be propelled back up the branch.

More recent views at Witham (Not that recent!!)

Witham Signal Box in 1975 The box had 67 levers but was abolished in 1984 when the junction was taken over by Westbury Control. Copyright Chris Osment.

Witham Signalbox - an interior view taken in 1975 by Chris Osment Copyright.

This is the same photograph as above only in black and white - it may make things a little clearer. 1975 Copyright Chris Osment

An enlargement from the view above of the track diagram for Witham junction as in 1975. Although not very clear it does serve to indicate the track layout at the time . The branch line to Cranmore, Wells and Yatton can be seen leaving the diagram to the top left. Track Circuited areas are shown by means of bold lines on the diagram. Copyright Chris Osment

Witham Signal Box on the 21st April 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

Witham (Somerset) on the 28th June 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

Blatchbridge Junction

Western Marquis passes the 28 lever signalbox at Blatchbridge Junction. D1046 Western Marquis was built at Crewe and released for traffic in December 1962. Its first shed allocation Bristol Bath Road. Finally shedded at Laira. It was an early candidate for withdrawal this taking place in December 1975. It ran 1,248,000 miles service, but was withdrawn early due to collision with D1064 Western Regent. Copyright John Cornelius

Blatchbridge Junction Signalbox in 1973 This 28 lever box lasted until 1984 Copyright Chris Osment

Copyright John Cornelius. Note the striking resemblance between the dark green on the loco and the FGW livery being introduced in 2015/16.

A smashing signalmans view taken by John Cornelius, Copyright

A class 33 020 with a Weymouth bound train which has called at Frome and rejoined the main line at Blatchbridge Junction. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Blatchbridge Junction Frome. A Class 50 hauls a west bound train past the junction. It is a mist April 1976 Copyright Mike Roach

A smashing shot of Union of South Africa, at Blatchbridge Jctn Frome 12th August 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Frome Forty one and three quarter miles from Taunton

One of the collection of Mike Roach

The smart forecourt of Frome station with the CRS minibus neatly parked. 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

800405an Departure from Frome heading westwards, (Or an arrival from the direction in which we are travelling on the website) note the quite active yard with oil tankers and oil drums. 5th April 1980 Copyright Roger Winnen

It's 1972 as a Class 52 Western draws its train, probably London bound into the former, no bi-directional up platform at Frome. The former down platform retains its lamp standards but probably not its bulbs. The good yard lies to the right behind the platform. Copyright Derek Buttivant

The train has departed = time for a shot through the unique train shed which Frome still possesses. 1972 Copyright Derek Buttivant. Derek draws our attention to the six fire buckets - rather necessary at a station constructed almost completely from timber!

= quick look at the goods yard, the loading gauge serves as a reference point as it also appears in the first B/W picture of the down platform. Derek writes 'I was amazed to find, still forming part of an operational siding a short length of track still laid with Barlow rail in 1972. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Frome from the east on 31st July 2014. Taken during an official National Railway Heritage Awards visit by Chris Osment who had official NR permission to be in this location. Copyright

A study by Mike Roach in April 1975 Semaphore signals still in use. Copyright A note from Chris Osment - I found this view interesting in that, although the bracket signal seen in the distance remained in use for many years, this is the only ‘modern’ picture that I can recall with the platform canopy still in place by the old bay for Radstock line trains

810416ba Looking east out under the canopy which formerly provided protection for passengers using the service to and from Radstock & Bristol as well as main line services. A Class 33 seen in the distance is hauling stone from one of the local quarries. 16th April 1981 Copyright Roger Winnen

Frome 820410bw B813 a Metro Cammell unit provides the service from Weymouth to Bristol at Frome on 10th April 1982 Copyright Roger Winnen Note that the platform for Radstock & Bristol is still clearly marked 3, yet the service from this platform ceased on the 2nd November 1959 some twenty three years earlier!

A view through the train shed taken by Derek Buttivant in 1972. Copyright.

Frome South Signalbox in 1973, this had been closed in 1970, - Copyright Chris Osment

A 'nice' bit of exhaust as 33005 accelerates away from Frome on the 5th June 1984 Bristol - Weymouth. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Frome Taken on the 31st July 2014 during an official National Railway Heritage Awards visit by Chris Osment who had official NR permission to be in this location Copyright Chris Osment

Frome with 47285 hauling 10 coaches and forming the 16.45 Weymouth to Cardiff service on 2nd June 1984. Barely two coaches of the ten coach train would have been platformed. Back to the camera is Walter Julian our late Chairman. Copyright Mike Roach

A most interesting and extremely rare double centre pivot wooden signals at Frome, there are now , as far as we know, no longer any examples of stop & distant arms of that type on the same post. Centre pivot signals themselves are rare, there is one at Liskeard and another at Bishops Lydeard on the WSR. This photo taken on 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach At the foot of the signal there is a notice - see below.

Here is a close up of the notice at the foot of the signal it advises that the signal is the property of the British Rail Museum and is thus its future is assured. It is a pity that Mike Roach, who took the photograph, could not get into a position to get the full wording. Copyright Mike Roach

An up HST leaves Frome on the 20th January 2013 Copyright Guy Vincent

166202 at Frome on 2M12 1404 Frome-Swindon on 21st February 2018 . This was a single class 153 diagram until the January timetable change.Copyright Guy Vincent

Frome through the eyes and camera of Adrian King

1. The main facade of the station building complete with classic chimney's.
2. The handsome train shed unfortunately reduced to a single line these days.
3. & 4 Frome Station boasts two Blue Plaques the first to ; T.R. Hannaford the station architect ; the second to the writers Leonard & Virginia Woolf.
5. A Class 166 service No. 166213 departs Frome on the 23rd March 2019 for Weymouth.6. Heading eastwards for Westbury Class 165 No.165120 on Sunday 20th April 2019.

Picture 1 27th January 2019. Copyright Adrian King.

Picture 2. 27th January 2019 Copyright Adrian King 27th

Picture 3 Copyright Adrian King.

Picture 4. Copyright Adrian King.

Picture 5. Copyright Adrian King.

Picture 6 Copyright Adrian King.

History of Frome Signal Boxes - this is indeed complicated - you are recommended to read this profusely illustrated and detailed site prepared by the Great Western Society, Bristol Group. http://www.gwsbristol.org/hfrome.html

Frome North Signalbox diagram dated 10th September 1974. North Box closed 6th October 1984 and was removed to Didcot shortly afterwards. The line labelled branch up and down is that to Whatley Quarry, formerly to Radstock and Bristol. This diagram courtesy Guy Vincent - from his collection.

Just beyond the station lay Frome North box controlling the junction for Radstock and ultimately Bristol. Taken with permission - Copyright Keith Jenkin

The signalman leans from his window at Frome North Box in 1978. Copyright Chris Osment A collection of tail lamps lies on the ground outside the box.

Incidentally, the wooden framework of Frome North box now forms the basis of ‘Frome Mineral Junction’ at the GWS at Didcot (see http://www.didcotrailwaycentre.org.uk/guide/branchline.html#frome)

This view shows the lofty position occupied by the North Box at Frome. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Another view of Frome North box from the south side of the road bridge. Copyright Mike Roach

Frome West Signal Box was at the apex of a triangle controlled by Frome West, North and South boxes and was on the line to Radstock and Bristol. It was later reduced to the status of a ground frame. This picture taken in 1975 by Chris Osment Copyright.

Frome as an east bound train departs under signals which will see it through out onto the main line at Clink Road Junction. Copyright Keith Jenkin

A look through the goods shed at Frome, note the five plank wagon. April 1976 Copyright Mike Roach

Frome, a Great Western 5 plank wooden wagon W128193 at Frome in April 1976 Copyright Mike Roach Note the wagon has a bleak future being condemned.

Frome Miscellany
Guy Vincent looks at his photo collection

Hello Keith,
Sorting out some odd photos today I found one that was taken during a visit to the NRM, York, on 30th June 2002. It shows the former Frome station up starting signal and Frome North distant, both of which were centre-pivoted due to poor sighting, being hidden beyond the platform awning. You have a nice shot of the signal in it's original location so this should make for an interesting addition. The signal was removed over the weekend of 26-27 October 1984 when control of the Frome area was transferred to Westbury PSB. The notice that was painted onto the bottom of the signal post read: 'This signal will become the property of BRB Museums'.

Frome Station Signal at NRM York 30th June 2002 Copyright Guy Vincent

A picture of 'Tornado' (working a return Exeter-London Victoria 'Devon Belle' charter) departing Frome and passing over Rodden Road bridge was taken by my daughter, Charlotte, on April 2nd 2016. She was a passenger in her partner's car and the loco appeared as they waited at the traffic lights! Frome North signal box was located on the other side of the bridge. This was quickly dismantled and the top section was taken to Didcot Railway Centre where it can be found today as 'Frome Mineral Junction' in full working order. The base of the 'box can still be seen from the road although it is now partially hidden by vegetation. The lever frame was sold to the West Somerset Railway and subsequently installed in Crowcombe Heathfield Signal Box.

Frome Tornado crosses Rodden Bridge, on April 2nd 2016. Picture by Charlotte Vincent Copyright ,

Also attached are three further images of Frome station, two showing a return Weymouth-Bristol 'Seaside Express' with 34046 'Braunton' taking water on 10th August 2014, and one of the south end of the train shed following restoration in March 2014 with 150232 waiting time on a local service to Westbury. One day I hope to make a through trip by train, Frome to Ashburton, changing only at Castle Cary and Totnes - barn to barn! It's going to happen!

Guy Vincent - Many thanks Guy

Serious accident at Frome

Frome 01 March 1987 33032 in the sidings at Frome West Yard. Copyright Guy Vincent

The drivers end of 33032 at Frome West Yard March 1987 33032 Copyright Guy Vincent

THE PHOTOS
Two photos showing 33032 in Frome West Yard following the collision that took place at Frome North Junction on Tuesday 24th March 1987. The loco had been heading 2B77 0655 Yeovil Pen Mill-Cardiff Central (5 mark 1 coaches) and, having departed Frome under clear signals and the route correctly set for the train to run up towards Clink Road Junction, it collided head-on with loco 47202 working 6B03 0708 Westbury Yard-Whatley Quarry (30 empty PGA's) which had passed Frome North's protecting signal at danger. The crew of 33032 were able to leave the loco unassisted but the driver of 47202 had to be cut out of his cab. A full report of the incident can be found online www.railwaysarchive.co.uk.

33032 was initially moved into the sidings at Frome West Yard where it was examined and eventually made fit to travel by rail back to Westbury and then Eastleigh works where it was stripped and scrapped. From the June 1987 newsletter of the long defunct BRC&W Type 3 Preservation Group I quote the following report by group member Ron Wheeldon.

33032 THE END OF THE LINE
"On Tuesday 24 March 1987 the news arrived that the 0655 Yeovil Pen Mill to Cardiff had collided with a stone train making its way from Westbury to Whatley Quarry. The collision happened at Frome North Junction and involved 33032 on five mark 1 carriages and 47202 pulling thirty hopper wagons.

Eye-witness accounts say that 33032 jumped into the air as the trains collided head-on and derailed. The quick-thinking driver of 33032 fortunately escaped serious injury by running back into the engine room and behind the bulkhead. The driver of 47202 was not so lucky and was trapped in his cab for three hours before being taken to hospital with multiple injuries. Six passengers were also taken to hospital but were released later after treatment.

Before the driver could be released, eighteen wagons were detached and the two trains were eased apart by loco 47125, which later removed four carriages from the rear of the passenger train. A class 31 then arrived with two breakdown carriages.

The following morning there were only five wagons remaining and four PW gangs were hard at work repairing the damage done to the track. By then, 47202 had already been moved to Westbury and 33032 had been dragged into the nearby sidings.

It was only when a closer look was taken that the full extent of the damage was revealed. As well as number one end being flattened back to the bulkhead, 33032 had a bent frame, no buffers, no fuel tank and a missing traction motor."

From the BRC&W Type 3 Preservation Group Newsletter No.8, September 1987, written by the late John Frood of Exeter.

PREPARATION AND MOVEMENT OF 33032

"On Sunday 31st May the Eastleigh breakdown crane attended the site at Frome where 33032 was.

Staff from Eastleigh came to prepare 33032 for the journey back to Eastleigh works because the engine was required urgently for use in another 33. During the course of the day the following work was carried out:

First of all the removal of the bogie at number 2 end. This bogie had been very badly damaged by the batteries that had been pushed back. The bogie was taken out and replaced by one from withdrawn 33007. Next they had to cut away the very damaged number two end. Things did not go exactly to plan as the cab caught fire twice during removal.

After the roof at number one end had been removed, buffers were attached to number two (radiator) end and air cylinders were affixed to make the loco air-braked once again. As luck would have it, the staff had a sunny day and completed everything they had set out to do.

On Thursday 4th June 33050 was sent light from Salisbury to Frome pick up 33032. 33050 had to propel 33032 as far as Westbury due to the lack of equipment at the other end. 33032 was then pulled to Eastleigh via Southampton to enable it to be propelled straight into the works.

The whole movement took place during the early afternoon in bright sunshine. My only regret was not being en-route somewhere to capture 33032 on it's last journey."

NOTE. Would such a movement be authorised today? Definitely NO! It was certainly a different world back then.

With the other images, the one showing the site of Frome North Signal Box just above Rodden Road bridge clearly depicts the signalman's concrete 'Privy' and the concrete post that was placed at the end of the wooden screen in front of the cubicle. See Chris Osment's photo on the Taunton-Westbury pictures page. Not bad to survive in-situ 33 years after redundancy!

North Row Viaduct is on the branch 0m51ch distance from Frome North Junction.

Guy V 08.10.2017

North Junction 2017 (Radstock & Whatley to right) Copyright Guy Vincent

North Signal Box Site, Rodden Road Bridge. 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent Note signalmans concrete privvy almost hidden in the trees. Also the concrete post that was placed at the end of the wooden screen in front of the cubicle.

Chris Osments picture of Frome North Signalbox in 1978. Note the concrete post which retained the screen and is still in position. Copyright

South Junction Site in 2017. The Radstock line trailed in from the right until 1963. Copyright Guy Vincent

Looking east Frome South Junction site of. The Radstock line went off to left until removed in 1963. This picture 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent

The site of the former west sidings (left). North Junction ahead. Picture taken in 2017. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Frome West sidings were actually located in the triangle of land between Frome South, West and North Junctions. A passenger train today running from Frome towards Westbury skirts the area, visible to the left and now covered in new housing, after the train has passed signal W195. Frome West Ground Frame 'box was at the Radstock end 'tip' of this triangle. The sidings where 33032 stabled after the collision ran approximately parallel, on a lower level, to the freight-only line (which still exists as the first stretch of the Whatley branch) from Frome North Junction to the former Frome West Junction. The second picture of 33032 shows the line (looking towards West Jctn site) on the right at a higher level. Some other sidings existed further back and I remember in the mid-late 80's Bardon Aggregate bogie hoppers being loaded here by mechanical excavators prior to dispatch by rail, usually hauled by class 56 locos.

The Frome Triangle from OS Map Great Britain 1937/61 Reproduced with permission of the National Library of Scotland. South Junction was nearest to Frome station, West Junction was off to the left and North Junction was, and is, towards the top of the map. North Junction Signalbox was on the far side of Rodden Road.

North Row Viaduct is on the Radstock branch 0m 51ch distance from Frome North Junction. This is the third viaduct out from Frome North Junction. 9th April 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent. The viaduct crosses the appropriately named River Frome.

Frome 10th August 2014 34046 Weymouth-Bristol Copyright Guy Vincent

The back end of the return Weymouth Seaside Express at Frome 10th August 2014 Copyright Guy Vincent

Frome 150232 22nd March 2014 Copyright Guy Vincent

Clink Road Junction

An extremely interesting picture by Derek Buttivant showing an engineers train in operation at Clink Road Junction in 1970. The up line was badly damaged and all up trains were routed via Frome station (The original main line route) until the points could be replaced. You will note that the through main line has been cut and the diamond crossover temporarily removed. The use of a steam crane will no doubt please many viewers. It is further reported that signalbox narrowly avoided being destroyed by the derailed wagons. No doubt the duty signalman had exciting things to write in his log. Copyright

A down goods hauled by a Hymeck waits the road at Clink Road junction. The signal in the foreground is the junction signal for the Frome loop - the visible arms being for the branch while the main-line arms are out-of-shot to the right. The new track on the up line and sleepers, trunking, etc stacked against the cutting side were all there as a result of the accident and subsequent rack repairs. 1970 Copyright Derek Buttivant

Clink Rd Jct The First Day of HST operation on The 'Golden Hind' from Penzance. Seen through a DMU windscreen. 253 013on the 6th Aug 1979. The HST is 253 013 Copyright Roger Winnen

Roger writes -
I took this photograph through the front window of a DMU to Weymouth, we were held at Clink Road Junction for the Golden Hind to pass on route to Paddington. At that time I was on an all line railrover and set off from Paddington to Westbury and Weymouth via Castle Cary and returning via stations on the Weymouth - Waterloo line where I took some of the recent photos sent in. I was advised before leaving home on holiday that the Golden Hind was commencing HST operation on 6th August 1979.
So I was watching out for it!

Clink Rd 50005 Collingwood with an up service coming along the avoiding line. 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

On the avoiding line. 47247 has just passed Clink Road Junction on the 5th June 1984 with the Westbury to Exeter Central Blue Circle cement Presflo’s. Copyright Ron Kosys

810416bf A short freight at Clink Road Junction crosses from the down main over to the up main to gain access to the singled track towards Frome. Note the 90 MPH restriction for trains heading eastwards. Copyright Roger Winnen

A close up of Clink Road Signal Box. This had 29 levers and closed on 6th October 1984 - we were lucky to get our pictures. Copyright Mike Roach 2nd June 1984

Clink Road box for the south 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Another study of Clink Road Box on 2nd June 1984 taken from outside the fence. The CRS minibus can be seen parked up on the road. Copyright Mike Roach

A view taken on 16th April 1981 by Roger Winnen The cold winter which as passed is in evidence - the grass looks beaten down yet the trees have started to get their foliage back. The junction, here according to the Middleton Press book on the area was modified in May 1977 to the simple crossover and turn out point seen here. The box enjoyed a life of fifty one and a half years having come into use with the opening of the Frome by-pass line in January 1933 Copyright Roger Winnen

810416bd 50003 Temeraire passes Clink Road Junction at speed with a London bound express. The date is, as above 16th April 1981. Note the PW men making their way up the path to the main road leaving the signalman on his lonely duty. Copyright Roger Winnen

On the Frome by-pass line.

56050 seen on Frome by-pass with a train of loaded PGA's on the Merehead to an unknown destination. 5th June 1984 Copyright Ron Kosys. This is a most interesting composition, note the clean exhaust of the 56 and the slight haze of dust off the loaded stone train. Also note the telegraph poles then part of the railway scene and that most interesting and frail looking foot bridge.

Between Frome and Westbury

143619 Berkley Marsh 5J93 1302 Exeter St Davids-Westbury 11th December 2015. Copyright Guy Vincent

60007 on the 15.35 Theale to Whatley empties seen at Berkley nr Westbury 5th May 2016 Copyright Roger Geach. Note the Westbury White Horse in the distance on the right. A nicely lit evening scene.

59201 on the 7v52 Hamworthy to Whatley empties seen at Berkley Marsh on Wednesday 14th June 2017. Copyright Roger Geach

59002 on a Merehead to Acton nr Westbury 28th June 2002 Copyright Roger Geach

The returning Oke Rail Charter from Stratford on Avon and Oxford to Okehampton. Seen here at Berkley Marsh 43093 & 43188 1Z45 1613 SoA-OKE 21st April 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Near Westbury

Traditional and very seasonal - it's Glastonbury Music Festival week as 47749 is pictured near Westbury 28th June 2002 Copyright Roger Geach

Fairwood Junction

800405ao A view of Fairwood Junction at Westbury taken from a down train. 5th April 1980 Copyright Roger Winnen Note the 'smoke' coming from the chimney at the cement plant east of Westbury. Note also the speed restrictions for the main avoiding line, straight ahead and the very much reduced limit for the sinuous lines to and from the station. The Westbury Power Signal Box took over with effect from 11th May 1984, however it would seem that this junction was already controlled by colour light signals operated from the box in the foreground. Note in the distance a plume of 'steam' from the chimney of the Westbury cement factory. The chimney was demolished in September 2016.

A reminder of times gone by, gone is the signalbox, gone is the locomotive & coaches and even the elm trees. A nice shot at Fairwood Junction 31110 Weymouth to Bristol Temple Meads 6th May 1974 Copyright Roger Geach

Fairwood Junction, dead straight lines towards Frome. New ducting associated with the re-signalling twists its way back towards Westbury Power Box.

Fairwood Junction box (There was no gate or barrier or notice at the entrance to the signalman's path so we carefully walked down keeping to the path to get this view, and returned quickly). Copyright

A view of the derelict and already vandalised box from the signalman's path. 2nd June 1984

Westbury 50037 Illustrious having left the main line at Fairwood Junction coasts in towards its Westbury stop. The avoiding line can just be seen on the left hand edge of this picture.2nd June 1984 MLR

Dashing across to the other bridge at Fairwood 50015 Valiant roars on on the avoiding line with a Paddington to Paignton service 2nd June 84 Copyright Mike Roach

A Class 52 Western heads out of Westbury with a down service at Fairwood Junction in about 1970, the avoiding line curves in from the right - Copyright Derek Buttivant. The White Horse which is visible from afar surveys the railway scene over a wide arc. It is believed to have been cut into the hillside in the 16th century to celebrate the supposed Battle of Ethandun in AD 878.

An unusual shot. A view through the fence very near Fairwood Junction. In the foreground the Westbury avoiding lines. Here 46051 can be seen making smoke during May 1974 Copyright Roger Geach In the background steam can be seen rising from the cement plant east of Westbury.

Two for the price of one. An unknown up working is already slowing for Westbury as 47469 takes advantage of the clear signal and powers away to join the main line at Fairwood Junction with the 1b55 1230 Paddington to Paignton in May 1974 Copyright Roger Geach

33106+8014+8015 seen at Fairwood Junction with the 10.30 from Weymouth on 23rd September 1989 1030 Weymouth

Westbury Forty seven and a half miles from Taunton

For a very interesting article on 'Dainton Tunnel Signal Box and Westbury Iron Works' look at our Features section for January to June 2017, and scroll down.

Its 17th April 1981 and Westbury Station frontage has changed little since then. Copyright Roger Winnen

Demolition has started of the the former British Rail Staff Association club opposite Westbury station. The club closed about 4 years ago and the site quickly became derelict. Now it is to be cleared, levelled and surfaced in order to provide an extra 145 badly-needed car parking spaces. The club buildings were originally put up in about 1947 when the GWR / BR established a hostel and canteen here for arriving traincrew requiring accommodation. In the late 1960s the hostel, aka 'the White House' (a large C shaped concrete building that surrounded the club on 3 sides) was closed. BR continued using part of this building for traincrew mess facilities and booking-on and for office and managerial staff. A BR staff training centre was also established here in the early 1980s. Privatisation saw the 'White House' become redundant as each business found smaller and cheaper space on the station and in the freight yard and the main building was demolished in 2007. The club struggled on for some years but dwindling membership and the smoking ban from 2007 sealed it's fate. Once works are complete however the front of the station will at least look tidy and parking will be much easier. Note: These railway clubs were once very common but in recent years have started to disappear. Taunton and Bristol (outside Temple Meads) spring to mind. However one club that is still going is the GWRSA, close to Yeovil Pen Mill station. Guy Vincent - Copyright Picture taken at `10.42 on 16th September 2018

The same frontage looks inviting on a cold winters night - here it is on 29th December 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen

Before the re-signalling

Westbury South Signalbox Diagram 1952 Guy Vincent Collection N.B. The station platforms on the right, The lines upper left towards Taunton and lower left towards Salisbury

RCTS: Wessex Wyvern 8/7/56. Churchward 4300 class mogul no. 6372 hauled just the one leg of this tour from Weymouth to Andover Junction via Westbury where this shot was taken. 6372 was a Taunton allocated engine throughout the BR years and was withdrawn from there in December 1963. [Mike Morant collection]

A moment of fame for 6999. Deputising for 4079 at Westbury on Saturday 9th May on a special from Paddington to Plymouth. 4079 failed on the approach to Westbury in attempt at 100mph running (apparently the firebars melted !). With no substitute castles being available, 6999 worked the train on to Taunton from where 7025 Sudeley Castle, worked the train forward to Plymouth. Copyright Martin Scane

Class 47 D1738 brings in an up service, note the semaphore signals and the green fields beyond the station bounds. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Signs of the times? Derek writes - 'In about 1971 these signs were replaced by standard BR black on white - these rather unusual signs in brown enamel with white lettering were mounted beneath the station canopies. Copyright Derek Buttivant.

Looking into Westbury station from the road overbridge, a view by Chris Osment in 1975. Note the metals from the avoiding line- to the left of the line serving platform 1 have gone very rusty. Copyright

Westbury, 26 July 1977. 31261 on 0919 Bristol TM-Portsmouth Harbour passing derailed 46017 and 25220 with the Bristol Bath Road. Photo Bob Taylor Guy Vincent Collection

Westbury,26 July 1977. 46017 derailed. Photo Bob Taylor Guy Vincent Collection

Westbury (Wilts) 47511 arrives on 1X00 0830 Salisbury-Wolverton Empty Royal Train, Saturday 03 December 1977. Photo Bob Taylor Guy Vincent Collection

Westbury (Wilts) 25048 arrives from the Taunton direction on an 8 coch Barnstaple - Ludgershall Troop Train. Friday 14.th July 1978 Photo Bob Taylor Guy Vincent Collection

Its 17th April 1981 Westbury before the resignalling. Copyright Roger Winnen. Note in this view that the metals mentioned in the view above as being 'very rusty' have been removed leaving, at the very bottom of the picture the point frog and on the board crossing newly inserted timbers.

Reminisce and enjoy. Copyright John Cornelius

Westbury 800408au A Class 08 hauls cement wagons out of Westbury Cement Works. Copyright Roger Winnen

The same day as above as the Class 47, seen above, pulls out with a heavy stone train. Copyright Roger Winnen

What a glorious sight - a feast of semaphores at Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

800405al Arrival at Westbury of a Class 31 on a Weymouth service. Copyright Roger Winnen

The new era still with semaphores a Paddington-Plymouth HST enters Westbury. 10th April 1980 Copyright Roger Winnen

6th June 1981 as a class 47 on a passenger working comes in from the Bristol direction, Hawkridge Junction is just beyond the distant bridge . Copyright Roger Winnen

Two privileged views at Westbury from Derek Buttivant

A view from Westbury North Box in about 1970 with a Cardiff - Portsmouth train arriving under the road overbridge. Copyright Derek Buttivant

Westbury North Signalbox in about 1970. A busy box, no doubt. Copyright Derek Buttivant.

After re-signalling and track rationalisation

The new track layout at Westbury Station seen from the road overbridge on the 2nd February 1984 Copyright Roger Winnen

A general view of Westbury as a Class 33 on a Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour service drifts in to its platform. A lack of stock on the sidings to the right gives one an idea of the extensive layout here which still prevails. Copyright Keith Jenkin

840602cf The new layout at Westbury North End. Copyright Roger Winnen Note - Hawkridge Junction box is visible through the distant arch. The line towards Hawkridge is falling at quite a rate which is evidenced by the level siding on the right.

Saturday 23rd September 1989 47456 arrives at Westbury with the ECS off a Bolton to Bristol and Bath Adex 47705 comes to a stand with the 1210 Paddington to Penzance. Copyright Ron Kosys.

Westbury Panel in 1984 (Looking very new, almost like a model) Copyright Chris Osment

880906cq A loaded Foster Yeoman train leaves Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen

880906cr A Class 56 hauls a very long ARC stone empties train into Westbury seen passing the panel box. 6th June 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

Class 56 light engine and two 33s on Ballast Workings at Westbury. 7th September 1988 Copyright Roger Winnen

Its the 2nd June 1984 as a class 33 with a Cardiff- Portsmouth Harbour working passes the new Westbury Panel Box. Copyright Roger Winnen

33035 arrives with a service from Cardiff to Portsmouth Harbour. A service today, in 2014, provided using three car 158 sets. 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach

Westbury with YNV wagons on the 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach This area had previously been Westbury Iron Works and is now occupied (2014) by a car sales area.

On the 20th August 1991 Westbury was host, for a few minutes, to the weedkiller with two class 20's. Copyright Roger Winnen

Westbury Inter City 125 Sign 18th August 2009 Copyright Guy Vincent

A lovely recent picture. 37609 37259 Westbury 1Z37 Eastleigh-Inverness Pathfinder Tours 14th April 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

A very rare event at Westbury - Guy Vincent

HST TRIPLE HELPING
For the past 3 years it has in theory at least and with luck on one's side, just been possible on summer Saturday mornings to witness the three operational platform faces at Westbury each occupied by a GWR HST set. Right-time running of 1C75 and occasional cancellation/late running of one or another of the services has often scuppered attempts but today I was rewarded with the spectacle. The trains concerned are, left to right: P1 1C75 0835 Paddington-Paignton (due 0955-0956); P2 1O72 0906 Bristol Temple Meads-Weymouth,"The Weymouth Wizard" (due 0955-1003) and P3 1A77 0747 Plymouth-Paddington (due 0957-1001). As luck would have it 1O72 arrived just 2 minutes late at 0955 into P2, followed by 1A77 into P3 one minute early at 0957. Finally, just 4 minutes late and making the shot 'work' for me 1C75 slipped into P1 at 0959.

With the impending arrival of new class 800 and 802 bi-mode DEMU's it is unlikely that this scene will be repeated next year although I hope I am wrong! This past week night-time testing of the new traction has been taking place with 800005 and 802002 both observed passing through Westbury. One day you will receive notification from 'our' end that a HST set is unexpectedly en-route to Penzance vice an unavailable 'Flying Cucumber!'

Guy Vincent. Many thanks Guy - not a fan of 'Flying Cucumbers' 12th August 2017

Three HST's at Westbury 12th August 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

In contrast to the picture above - the modern image in 2018. Lucky? Friday 13th April 2018. Under a leaden sky three class 165 Turbos at Westbury at 1035am. 166215 on 2V88 0853 Weymouth-Gloucester, 166210 on 2C12 1025 Warminster-Westbury and 166207 on 2O86 0842 Gloucester-Weymouth. Just a few weeks ago these three trains would most likely have all been formed of class 150 units but, with 16 sets having now gone to Northern Rail this will no longer be the case and the Turbos are here to stay. Picture and caption copyright Guy Vincent - many thanks to Guy.

Westbury 37099 on return from its days work. ex 3Q14 Westbury 29th March 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent N.B. 37099 with it's three coach ultrasonic test train stabled in the 'Patney Siding' adjacent to Westbury North Junction and the 1981-built panel signal box where roofing repairs seem to be underway. A daytime trip from Westbury to Weymouth and return followed by a shorter spin-out to Thingley Junction and back via Melksham had just been concluded. The loco was delivered into service from English Electric's Vulcan Foundry, Newton-Le-Willows, as long ago as December 1962. Withdrawal by BR took place in March 1996 and then, following almost twenty years in private/preserved ownership status, it returned to the main line with current owners Colas Railfreight at the end of 2016. The loco worked over several of the country's heritage lines during it's time in preservation although it has yet to feature on any of the West Country branches.

060411a 31452 31454 Photographed at Westbury. Copyright John Cornelius

A bit of steam

Castle class 7008 "Swansea Castle" with a mixed freight train in tow creeps past Westbury station on the 11th September 1964. Before about 1963 it was very unusual to see a Castle on a freight train (the driving wheels were too big for this kind of work). Towards the end of steam on the Western Region sheds were forced to turn out anything that could turn a wheel without leaking too much steam. 7008 was based at Old Oak Common at the time and was withdrawn from service the very same month, so this was one of its last trips. Copyright Mike Roach

9754 with a very long train of vans at Westbury. 11th September 1964 Copyright Mike Roach

73020 - this must have been one of the last steam locos in the BR era to pass through Westbury. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Westbury 1 Mar 67 73018 Copyright Martin Scane

Westbury 2 Mar 67 73018 Copyright Martin Scane

Here are two interesting (at least I think so) pictures from Westbury which you may find interesting.
They show Standard 5 73018 with a freight standing in the up goods loop at Westbury station.
I have no exact idea of the date but my notes simply say "one of the very last freights to enter Westbury station". That would put it at 1967 - possibly March ? The last freights were 9th July I believe.
73018 was , at the time, a Guilford loco (withdrawn July 67) which makes sense.
The train clearly shows some 9-10 china clay wagons ahead of some ventilated vans (I think). My Uncle worked on the railway (based at Westbury). He feels that normally, full china clay trains worked up to Stoke via Bristol but occasionally via Castle Cary and Westbury(especially if the train was short). Empties generally came back to Cornwall via Bath, Trowbridge, Westbury etc. He feels that being a short train, it could have been terminated at Castle Cary and headed onwards (eventually) at the head of a perishables from Weymouth to the Midlands, hence the Standard which would have worked the perishables from Weymouth. That would likely explain the vans at the rear.
The train would have been worked onwards from Westbury by diesel but at that time the steam engine would likely have worked light engine on through Trowbridge to turn at Bradford Junction - Westbury turntable being out of use by that time.
Anyway, at age 11(ish) I knew little of this but was fortunate to get the photos. My friend Tony has just crept into one of the pictures.
Hopefully this will be of interest (especially as its a china clay train).
I'd be interested in other people's comments.
Regards
Martin Scane

Tony Hill adds :- Almost certainly the sheeted open wagons are of BALL clay from Furzebrook sidings on the Swanage branch, on probably an Eastleigh to Westbury/ S.T. Jn freight en route to the Staffordshire potteries. By this date other than seasonal Channel Island Tomato/ perishable trains from Weymouth (like the two that ran on last day of Southern steam on 9/7/67 ) I am sure there were no regular freight trains between Dorchester and Yeovil PM. Many thanks Tony.

143619 Westbury FO 2J93 1520 WSB-EXD 11th December 2015 Copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury has seen a welcome return from former Yeoman class 59 59003 'Yeoman Highlander'. New to the UK with 59001, 002 and 004 in January 1986 the loco was sold by Mendip Rail in 1997 and went to Germany for further work but was then purchased by GB Railfreight and returned to the UK in late 2014. Since then it has seen sporadic use in the Midlands and Yorkshire but has now migrated south and is reportedly to be based at Eastleigh where it should begin to appear on routes it covered from new. This morning it came over from Eastleigh to Westbury to work the 'as required' 6M40 1159 Westbury-Stud Farm empty ballast box wagons. Sadly a retimed HST in P3 prevented any close-up views of the loco as it ran into the yard. Here are two shots of 'Highlander' (still named) at Westbury and passing Melksham. The challenge now is to photograph this one alongside on of the other early class members. Welcome back.

Guy V 12th June 2018

Hi Summer 2018 Guy Vincent
As predicted some months ago and with the 'high summer' period now upon us, new traction is now starting to appear at Westbury in normal passenger service. The late afternoon 1J91 1707 Paddington-Frome and return 5J91 1913 Frome-Padd'n EBi-MoMU (Empty Bi-Mode Multiple Unit, my acronym!) is booked for a new class 800 series unit and on the glorious evening of Monday 2nd this produced 9 car set 800305. Here is the return 5J91 leaving Westbury for Paddington. Incidentally, I have been reliably informed that major works are planned for the Christmas period this year at Westbury. These will include lengthening the platforms to accommodate a full 9 car IEP set and repositioning signals in the station area. Also due to be carried out is limited remodelling and realignment of the north end junction and for this work has already started in the triangle where the Newbury and Trowbridge lines separate. For optimum operational flexibility a valuable benefit here would be the reinstatement of the disused platform 1 but I don't think this is included.
From Monday 2nd July two-car class 165 units began working in the Central region alongside their former Thames Valley 3-car class 166 cousins. 165132 leaving with the delayed 2E28 1838 Westbury-Cheltenham Spa (via Bristol TM), 800305 sitting in P3 with the 1J91 Padd'n-Frome described above.

With best regards, Guy Vincent Many Thanks Guy

Westbury 2 North Junction Preparatory Earthworks for Xmas 2018 2nd July 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Almost lost in the mist at Westbury South/ 43041 1A77 08.58 Taunton to Paddington 24th February 2019 Copyright Guy Vincent . Further details supplied by Guy Vincent.43041 'Meningitis Trust' leading the 1A77 0858 Taunton-Paddington approaching Westbury at 0937 on a foggy 24th February. This PC was part of set 253020, one of the first batch of HST's delivered for the Western Region in 1976-7. It will be staying with GWR for a few more years as a member of the new class 255 'Castle class' 2 + 4 HST sets although top speed will be limited to 100 mph.

A4 60009 1Z50 with the 08.08 Paddington to Bishops Lydeard seen at Westbury on Saturday 19th August 2017 Copyright Roger Geach

60009 at Westbury on the return 1Z28 1650 ex Kingswear. If reports are to be believed this may well have been 60009's final visit to the South West as it's boiler ticket will expire next spring and the owner plans to retire the loco to a new purpose-built museum in Balbuthie, Fife. 8th September 2019. Copyright Guy Vincent. This was the last Bristol to Kingswear Torbay express of the season.

Westbury Holding sidings

Westbury Holding Sidings on 29th April 2020 with Colas a clean 70816 with new logo and work stained 70817 awaiting their next turn of duty, the modern containerised buildings and fuel point are operated by Colas Rail . Copyright Alan Peters

Westbury Shed

A lovely view of Westbury Shed on the 13th of September 1963 Copyright Mike Roach

Hall Class loco 6930 Aldersey Hall on Westbury Shed 13th September 1963. This loco was shedded at Tyseley at the time and withdrawn October 1965 and cut up by Friswell, at Banbury shed. Copyright Mike Roach

Modified Hall Class loco 6994 Baggrave Hall at Westbury shed. The loco was shedded at Shrewsbury at the time and was withdrawn just 14 months later in November 1964. It was extremely rare to see a clean steam loco at the time, except on railtours, as normal cleaning had ceased. It is thought that the loco had just been out-shopped by Swindon Works; but can anyone confirm that please. This picture dated 13th September 1963 - Copyright Mike Roach

Martin adds a note :- This photo is dated 9/5/64 and shows 2-8-2 T 7249 at the head of a long row of engines on Westbury shed. 7249 was a Cardiff engine the (East Dock) which makes sense. Westbury shed was pretty busy then (those were the days) but never presented any problems when we fancied a wander around (which was fairly often). Regards Martin Many thanks Martin

Westbury shed area, from the platform. Copyright Keith Jenkin

5967 Bickmarsh Hall standing silently no doubt having the day off, somewhere in the main yard. N.B. Noting the wisp of steam near the safety valve one wonders if this loco was on standby in case of failure of a main line diesel? The position of the oil lamp on the buffer beam indicates that it was last used or going to be used on a Mineral or empty wagon train!! A 1960's photograph from Adrian King Copyright

An interesting shot of Clan Line at Westbury on the 23rd April 1974 Copyright Brian Pibworth. Brian draws our attention to the trespassers - who have ventured across the lines to witness the spectacle. It wouldn't happen nowadays, for several reasons!

Westbury Steam Shed 82D Friday 23rd April 1965 NB Type 2 D6310 and BR Type 4 D1039 Western King. Photo Bob Taylor (G Vincent)

Westbury Depot History
Guy Vincent

Westbury Diesel Depot was built in 1958-59 and stood on the site of former carriage sidings used for ambulance trains during WW2. The original purpose was simply a fuelling point and light servicing facility for the then new DMU fleet being delivered. The two covered servicing sheds were spaced so that a 3 car DMU would have both power cars under cover and the centre trailer exposed. Westbury steam shed on the opposite side of the yard complex closed in 1965 but with steady growth in freight traffic from the nearby Mendip quarries it soon became necessary to upgrade the facilities here to both service and maintain a variety of diesel locomotive types from humble class 08 shunters through to the mighty class 52 'Western' diesel hydraulics which soon became synonymous with Westbury working the heavy Yeoman and ARC stone trains. Following the introduction of class 59 locos from 1986 Westbury's importance declined and this was accelerated with the replacement of the old and increasingly unreliable DMU types by modern 'Sprinters' from 1988. Westbury depot closed in March 1993 and the buildings were demolished towards the end of that year but more recently demand has been increasing for space and this has led to the area once occupied by the depot buildings being opened up again so further sidings can be put in. I visited the site of the former depot admin block today where deep excavations have revealed the servicing pits that were infilled and concreted over in 1993.

1) 46035 (now preserved) outside the servicing sheds on 3rd October 1982. The shed behind the loco is the site of the pit in picture 3.

2) The diesel depot site from platform 3 of Westbury station 23rd March 2021

3) Looking in through the locked palisade gate at the depot site with the former servicing pit (finished in pale blue) visible in front of the class 70 loco.

Final word. When visiting the depot in the 70s and 80s it was customary to go into the messroom or office and ask the foreman or whoever happened to be around if it was OK to walk round the sidings. The most common response was ''OK, make sure you come back here before you leave but if anyone asks then I haven't seen you!'' I think this was pretty much a standard reply at most depots that allowed these 'unofficial' visits to take place.

Guy Vincent

1) 46035 (now preserved) outside the servicing sheds on 3rd October 1982. The shed behind the loco is the site of the pit in picture 3. Copyright Guy Vincent.

2) The diesel depot site from platform 3 of Westbury station 23rd March 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

3) Looking in through the locked palisade gate at the depot site with the former servicing pit (finished in pale blue) visible in front of the class 70 loco. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Depot and Recycling area
Visit and report 2021
Guy Vincent

Another visit to the locked gate at the secondary exit from the up yard at Westbury on the site of the former stabling point buildings. Diesel 56094 was present, stabled in the exact spot where 30 plus years ago it was normal to find these locos between duties. The newly relocated refuelling tanks are to the left of the '56' while to the right and beyond are more sidings and the Network Rail Recycling Yard. Here redundant track components are delivered from across the country for reuse or recycling. A sizeable ballast 'virtual quarry' is at the far end next to the line as it curves away towards Fairwood Junction. New ballast is currently received from Cliffe Hill Stud Farm Quarry in Leicestershire and then loaded onto trains for delivery out to where it is needed. Portions of the Fairwater (Taunton) based HOBC sets generally arrive here 3-4 times a week for refilling. This yard sent out most if not all of the new materials used during the recent major renewals in west Cornwall and received back the old track and ballast for disposal.

Waste ballast is brought in and unloaded by excavators onto a large heap in the 'new' sidings at the south end of the down yard. It is screened, cleaned and graded then sold back into the construction and aggregate industries. Much goes out by road but some departs by train. Southampton Up Yard (Bevois Park) and Willesden South West Sidings are both destinations currently receiving deliveries with DC Rail (owned by the Cappagh Group of companies) dealing with the Willesden traffic with their fleet of new JNA box wagons and recently overhauled class 60 locos. The latter can almost be considered as new, so high is the standard of finish. Plenty more waiting to be treated at Toton...

Guy Vincent

1) 56094 on site of former depot 3rd April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

2) Fuel tanks and site of former depot buildings 03.04.2021

3) Yard view 3rd April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

4) Spent ballast unloading area (down side new sidings) 23rd April 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

5) 60028 on 6M16 1731 Westbury-Willesden screened and cleaned spent ballast (possibly bound for HS2 works?) 18th March 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent

6) New JNA loaded with spent ballast 18th March 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.

Westbury Holding Sidings Development
A report by Driver Alan Peters in May 2021.

Changes are taking place on the holding sidings at Westbury (The former loco depot) the area was occupied by Colas Rail with porta cabins and fuel point, however this has now been cleared and the fuel point moved to expose the former rails of the depot which in turn have been dug up to relay two new sidings, it is unclear if these are additional yard sidings or expansion for GWR stabling.

Looking more like a main line!! 27th May 2021. Driver Alan Peters.

Westbury holding sidings 3 holding sidings at Westbury when 37025 visited for fuel complete with test train on 16th July 2020 Copyright Alan Peters

Westbury holding sidings 4 holding sidings at Westbury the same area on the 27th May 2021 when the new sidings were being prepared. Copyright Alan Peters

Westbury Holding Sidings Development 2
A report by Driver Alan Peters in September 2021.

'All quiet on the Westbury Front' Westbury Sidings 1 - 17th September 2021 Copyrght Driver Alan Peters

Westbury Sidngs 2 Colas Rail 67027 "Charlotte" is currently sat on the 'Stumpy Road' at Westbury, normally the Colas class 67's work Network Rail PLPR trains but 67027 is at Westbury for crew training in connection with the forthcoming RHTT season which will see the Colas operated RHTT trains work out of Swindon this year rather than usual Bristol Kingsland Road and Gloucester Horton Road. 17th September 2021. Copyright Driver Alan Peters

Heywood Road and Hawkridge Junctions

On the fringe of Westbury lies Heywood Junction where trains from London have the choice of either the avoiding line, or the loop in Westbury station, or, before the station the direct line on the Trowbridge via Hawkeridge Junction. Copyright Keith Jenkin

And on to Paddington - not covered. Label from the Julian Stephens collection

17th April 1981 and an HST approaches Heywood Road Junction. The signals are set for it to run into the station at Westbury. Copyright Roger Winnen The white horse located on the edge of Bratton Downs and lying just below an Iron Age hill fort, it is the oldest of several white horses carved in Wiltshire. It was restored in 1778, an action which may have obliterated a previous horse which had occupied the same slope. A contemporary engraving of the 1760s appears to show a horse facing in the opposite direction, and also rather smaller than the present figure. However, there is at present no documentary or other evidence for the existence of a chalk horse at Westbury before the year 1742. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Hawkridge Junction on 2nd June 1984 Copyright Mike Roach This view taken from the north shows the redundant signal box and the double track chord line around towards Heywood Road junction, the discerning eye will also pick out a through up loco hauled service on the avoiding line in the distance.

The third point of the Westbury triangle of signal boxes - Hawkeridge Road. Already de-commissioned, a pile of rubbish lies alongside and the colour light signal which is operated from the power box is evident. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Westbury Avoiding line

Penleigh Park Footpath Crossing Guy Vincent

The Westbury Avoiding line passes to the south of the station and yards and runs from Heywood Road Junction (east of Westbury) to Fairwood Junction (to the west). There is a public foot crossing on the line close to the Penleigh Park housing estate and over the years countless enthusiasts have doubtless made the short journey from the station to this location to see trains not booked to call at Westbury pass by at high speed. I first discovered 'the fly-line' as it was described to me back in 1976 and took a few Instamatic colour prints of trains there.
Here are some images: 1) from the hot summer of August 1976 with D1048 'Western Lady' on an up express and 2) from today, 3rd August 2017, showing 975025 'Caroline' propelled by privately owned but DRS-operated 37403 'Isle of Mull' on a Willesden-Exeter-Willesden Network Rail Inspection run. The fields beyond the railway are due to disappear under 300 houses in the next year or two. Easy access has already been denied to the station from this area by the blocking-up of one of the footpaths. As part of the development a bridge will be built. This will take a new road from Penleigh over the railway and across to Westbury station. The crossing itself has recently been equipped with red & green lights and audible 'yodel' alarms activated by approaching trains (Images 3 & 4).

Images 5 and 6 show the original cast iron GWR Trespass notices that were in place from 1933 when the line was opened until the late 1980s when they were removed.

Guy V

Westbury avoiding line on a hot summers day in August 1976 D1048-Western Lady C opyright Guy Vincent_

Westbury Avoiding Line 975025 & 37403 2Z02 Westbury Avoider.3rd August 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent

Penleigh Park Foot Crossing. One of the original warning signs erected on the opening of the line in 1933 - these were removed in 1980. Copytight Guy Vincent

Beyond, and east of, Heywood Road Junction lay a large cement works, a very noticeable feature of this is/was a very tall chimney which emitted a while plume visible for many miles around. This was scheduled for demolition on the 18th September 2016 at 06.45.

A fine photograph of the chimney at Westbury Cement Works taken from a moving train on the 18th October 1999 by Roger Winnen. Copyright Roger Winnen

When its gone, its gone!
The end of Westbury Chimney.

Morning Keith,
Today, Sunday 18th September was anything but a day of rest for the thousands of spectators who invaded Westbury and the surrounding hillside to witness the demolition of the 51 year-old chimney at the former Blue Circle (later Lafarge) cement works situated to the east of the town below the famous White Horse. The demolition was scheduled for 07.00hrs but with local and national media/social media having been widely publicising the event large crowds were naturally to be expected. My wife and I arrived at 05.10 to find hundreds already gathered and for the next 80 minutes a constant stream of cars, vans, campers, 4x4s motorcycles and, as it got light, pedal cycles continued to slowly make their way along the narrow single track road to fill every available space on the top of the hill, the occupants then making their way across to the edge of the site overlooking both the cement works and a large area of west Wiltshire. At 0655am as daylight broke silence gradually descended as the warning siren indicated only 5 minutes to go. Then at 07.00hrs and ten seconds a large muffled boom was immediately followed by the 400 foot stack toppling in a north westerly direction to come crashing down exactly as planned in a large plume of dust, the show being all but over only twenty seconds after it started. As soon as the dust cloud started to rise we were in the car and away as quickly as we could, leaving thousands of others with the same idea to follow on...

The Westbury chimney demolition had mixed opinions, some were happy to see it go as it was a source of controversy for many years due to the smoke and dust pollution it was claimed it produced, a final row over the increased burning of refuse and, more so old tyres, may possibly have helped seal the fate of the plant as it is located in an area of outstanding natural beauty. However, while it was open the works provided much needed employment and benefited the local economy. At the time the works opened in 1962 the railway, another major employer, was in decline with the loss of dozens of firemen's jobs and the impending Beeching report seeing many stations and several local branch lines closed. Indeed some men transferred to Blue Circle from British Railways at Westbury and later redundancies saw more railwaymen join the expanding Somerset Quarries such as Yeomans at Merehead and ARC at Whatley. Both these firms now have a major rail presence at Westbury as many will know. The chimney was a notable landmark for just over half a century, visible from west country-bound trains as far away as Crookwood east of Devizes and from all other lines approaching Westbury. Many will miss its towering presence as their HST or, soon, Bi-Mode IEP whisks them along the main Paddington-Penzance railway line through the Westbury area.

Guy Vincent 18.09.2016
Thank you very much indeed for your article detailing not only the destruction of a 'local monument' but how employment has changed as the years roll by.

Westbury Chimney 11th September 2016 Guy Vincent

With seconds to go, Westbury Chimney at 06.59 18th September 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Westbury Chimney twenty seconds after the blast ! 07.00.20am 18th September 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

It's not thirty seconds after the blast, the chimney has hit the 'deck' and the dust rises. The end of a monument. 07.30.30 18th September 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent

Just a few of the thousands of spectators. Note the 'mass' on the crown of the hill on Bratton Fort above the White Horse. 18th September 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent.

On the 31st March 2016 (note the date) an entry on Google suggested that the chimney had been purchased as a monument and it's height would be increased slightly to beat that of Salisbury Cathedral. A circular viewing platform would be constructed around the structure which could be moved up and down under power (as in similar attractions elsewhere) and would provide superb views around Wiltshire. A glimmer of hope maybe but what was the next day - I was fooled for a moment!! KJ

'Storm Eunice'
Guy Vincent 'on the ball as usual' has caught for events of the day.

Good morning Keith
For the archive here are photos of the official travel advice as displayed at stations across the network yesterday (Friday 18th). These shots were taken on platform 1 at Westbury at 1540 hours where close by a group of Network Rail trackworkers were busily engaged with chainsaws cutting up fallen branches adjacent to the up sidings.

Regards, Guy Vincent

Demolition of the Former Dainton Signalbox

The former Dainton Signal Box that was featured on the CRS site in February 2017 (see Features) in use as a headquarters for the West Wilts Youth Sailing Trust has recently (week ending 14.12.2018) been demolished and removed as scrap from it's waterside location close to the entrance to Westbury station. The area is currently being redeveloped and as part of the deal the Sailing Trust are getting a new building provided for their use on the opposite side of the lake. Sadly no advance notice was given of the demolition so pictures were not possible.

Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy.

The former Dainton Signal Box until very recently located alongside the lake of a now water filled former iron mine pit located 100 yards from Westbury station. Seen on the 21st June 2018 Copyright Guy Vincent

Site of the former Dainton Signal Box next to the lake 26th December 2018 (Boxing Day) Copyright Guy Vincent