Wyke Crossing to Templecombe Incl.

Sherborne
to Templecombe Incl.

A superb photograph by John Cornelius. In the distance Yeovil Junction station is visible. Copyright John Cornelius

Bradford Abbas approx one mile east of Yeovil Junction.

47704 Bradford Abbas one mile East of Yeovil 27th July 1991 1O86 0925 Sats only Plymouth-Waterloo Copyright Ron Kosys

47707 passes Bradford Abbas on the 27th July 1991 with the 1O37 the 12.36 Sat Exeter to Waterloo Copyright Ron Kosys

Wyke Crossing Located between Yeovil Jct and Sherborne

Wyke Crossing box was reduced to ground-frame status in 1960 and closed in 1964. The box then languished in a nearby orchard until it was rescued by the Gartell Light Railway in 1993, refurbished, extended (by inserting a 6-feet section in the middle), erected on a new base and fitted with a 30-lever McKenzie & Holland frame recovered from Becton Gas Works (in London). There was further refurbishment in 2013-14. Many thanks to Chris Osment for these details.

The former Wyke Crossing box in its current location on the Gartell Light Railway. Copyright Chris Osment

Sherborne

From the Mike Morant Collection

50013 Agincourt departs Sherborne heading for Exeter on the27th June 1982 Mike Morant Collection

780401c Sherborne Station Main buildings are on the up side. Copyright Roger Winnen

780401a Sherborne Signal Box Copyright Roger Winnen

780401f A old turntable behind Sherborne Station Copyright Roger Winnen

Sherborne crossing notes courtesy of Martin Duff N.R. Operations Manager

A local control unit was provided, attended by a crossing keeper. The LCU was situated in a locked cupboard at the London end of the up platform line, and a small panel of indications was provided in the office where the keeper resided between trains. The indications and LCU are seen weeks before closure in February 2012, and the photographs of the crossing and former signal box was taken one Sunday in July 2011. The former signal box which had been dormant since the 1960's changes had to be removed to site equipment for the re-control to Basingstoke, and is now a memory. CCTV is now the method of operation. The small team of four here who worked the crossing were charming, welcoming people. Indeed, some of the finest tea and right railway welcomes could be sampled anywhere from Gillingham to Honiton!

Sherborne signalbox and level crossing. The box sited on the up side of the line. July 2011 Copyright Martin Duff

DSCF9522 Sherborne Crossing and track layout. Picture taken seven weeks before closure in February 2012. Copyright Martin Duff

DSCF9519 Instruments at Sherborne Crossing box taken seven weeks before closure in February 2012

DSCF8172 Barrier equipment at Sherborne Crossing. Feb 2012 Copyright Martin Duff

50017 Royal Oak slows for the Sherborne stop with the 0915 Waterloo – Exeter 1V09 on Saturday 27th July 1991. Copyright Ron Kosys

Sherborne, 159 022 forms the 14.35 for London Waterloo on the 23rd October 2019. Copyright Chris Osment

Autumn tints on the leaves as 159 022 adds its own splash of colour forming the 14.35 departure for Waterloo on the 23rd October 2019. Copyright Chris Osment. Two elderly gentlemen wait at the barrier to cross.

Castle Farm Level Crossing
A nasty incident occurred at Castle Farm Occupation LC, about three quarters of a mile east of Sherborne, when early one morning the cows were coming in for milking. This was caused by the Relief Milker either not being aware of the need to first check with the signalman that it was safe to cross or forgetting to do so. This dairy farm still survives and the farm LC is still in use, as it was not deemed viable to build a costly overbridge, which was the only way to replace the LC. Many thanks to Tony Hill for this information.

Oborne

Oborne is 4 miles west of Templecombe. Thumper 205033 returns east with the 0925 Su Yeovil Jnction -Salisbury. This unit was previously seen the same day heading west through Templecombe e.c.s. 24th May 1992 Copyright Ron Kosys

Former LNER Class A4 4-6-2 No 60019 "Bittern" slows to walking pace to negotiate tight clearance on the A30 bridge at Oborne, near Milborne Port with the "Locomotive Exchange Special". The railtour commemorated the trials conducted by the newly nationalised British Railways when LNER A4 pacifics 60033 "Seagull" and world record holder "Mallard" ran the A.C.E. route from Waterloo to Exeter. On that occasion the A4s were down to 30 mph at this point but, at the time of this picture, due to raising of the trackbed, steam locos are now restricted to single figures to prevent oscillations fouling the stonework. 1st June 2008. Copyright Brian Pibworth

After slowing to negotiate a tight bridge, safety valves blow and the crew of 60019 "Bittern" apply sanders to help maintain grip on the 1: 80 gradient from Milborne Port, Dorset. After slowing to negotiate a tight bridge, safety valves blow and the crew of 60019 "Bittern" apply sanders to help maintain grip on the 1: 80 gradient from Milborne Port, Dorset. After slowing to negotiate a tight bridge, safety valves blow and the crew of 60019 "Bittern" apply sanders to help maintain grip on the 1: 80 gradient from Milborne Port, Dorset. 1st June 2008 Copyright Brian Pibworth

Millborne Port

Milborne Port 780331c Milborne Port Station (Closed 7th March 1966) - Copyright Roger Winnen

Courtesy of the Mike Morant Collection

Templecombe

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Templecombe LocationPlaceTemplecombeLocal authoritySouth Somerset Coordinates 51.002°N 2.4164°W Coordinates: 51.002°N 2.4164°W Grid reference ST707225OperationsStation codeTMCManaged bySouth West TrainsNumber of platforms1Live arrivals/departures and station information
from National Rail EnquiriesAnnual rail passenger usage*2002/03 69,9152004/05 75,3942005/06 80,5022006/07 85,4992007/08 98,5032008/09 107,8002009/10 98,8522010/11 106,5562011/12 112,3582012/13 106,750HistoryOriginal companySalisbury and Yeovil RailwayPre-groupingLondon and South Western RailwayPost-groupingSouthern Railway1860Upper station opened1862Lower station opened1966Closed1983Upper station reopenedNational Rail – UK railway stationsA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z* Annual estimated passenger usage based on sales of tickets in stated financial year(s) which end or originate at Templecombe from Office of Rail Regulation statistics. Methodology may vary year on year. UK Railways portalTemplecombe railway station serves the town of Templecombe in Somerset, England. It is situated on the London Waterloo to Exeter line 112 miles (180 km) from London. The main station opened in 1860 but a smaller station on the lower line opened in 1862. It was closed in 1966 but was reopened in 1983 following local community pressure. It is currently operated by South West Trains.

Ellerman Lines on a train Exeter bound. 'Ellerman Lines' still exists, well half of it, it appears as a sectioned locomotive - to show the 'workings', in the National Railway Museum York. Copyright John Cornelius

The bogie of 30913 rests on the bridge over High Street, Templecombe. This bridge was subsequebtly replaced in single track form. Note the station name emblazoned on the canopy end. The Somerset and Dorset platform was on the far side of this island. Copyright John Cornelius

Templecombe, change for Bath or Bournemouth. Copyright John Cornelius

Thumper 205033 heads west with the 5V04 e.c.s. 0830 Salisbury-Yeovil Junction 24th May 1992 Copyright Ron Kosys

Let's set the scene at Templecombe with this delightful picture from Brian Pibworth. Lord Nelson with the 'Southern Sunset' railtour at Templecombe 8th July 2007 Copyright

Templecombe station frontage and forecourt. A far cry from what is there now.
[Mike Morant collection]

The Church St Mary of Abbas has seen many changes at Templecombe station - here, probably in 1989 it looks on to a closed station - on damp day. The S &D has all gone but as yet the forest of trees hasn't obliterated the trackbed. Copyright Roger Winnen

790613e Templecombe Station (Closed 1966 reopened 1983) This picture taken in 1989 from the back of a Waterloo train shows the station during its closed period. Copyright Roger Winnen

920606b A Waterloo bound train behind a Dutch liveried Class 33 calls at Templecombe. Copyright Roger Winnen

Templecombe from the footbridge long before the down platform was extended to be alongside the running line and the former up platform put out of use. Copyright John Cornelius

A privileged view of the approach to Templecombe station. John was rail staff at the time. Copyright John Cornelius. This view shows Templecombe station from the east. The line has been reduced to single track but High Street bridge remains double track. This bridge was later replaced by a single track structure. However with only the former up platform in use passenger approach to the platform was over the footbridge, or under the signalmans supervision, via a barrow crossing at the west end. This unsatisfactory situation has since been resolved by extending the former down platform outwards to provide safe access for passengers from that side. The footbridge and barrow crossing have since been closed.

780331b The old S & D at Templecombe - Copyright Roger Winnen. This a very interesting shot from the Southern Main line looking back though the bridge to the site of the former Somerset and Dorset shed. Until the demise of the S & D in March 1966 there were sidings passing under this bridge. These metals once made a connection towards Salisbury however this was removed many years before this picture was taken in 1978. Copyright Roger Winnen

Templecombe Signalbox.
More very interesting information from Martin Duff. Operations Manager.

Reference the pictures below. Seen in summer 2010, this box had 16 levers with working distant signals. It fringed with Gillingham (Dorset) SB and Yeovil Junction SB. It could be switched out if required, as it often did on Saturday nights with all traffic running via the Up Exeter line to Yeovil which was, and remains bi-directional. In addition to signalling, the signalman here sold tickets between trains and indeed did so after closure until June 2012 when temporary alternative arrangements were provided by SWT. After the signalling was re-controlled to BSK in late February, the box remained in use early and late turn until June as a pedestrian crossing keeper job. The platform on which the signal box was situated is now closed, together with the footbridge and the pedestrian level crossing. The old down platform has been built out to abut the single line and a new ticket office provided. For now, the old box survives, albeit with no function.

Templecombe Signalbox and station at the time, in summer 2010 using the former up platform for up and down trains. The single line here becomes double towards Yeovil, to the left in this view. At one time, until March 1966, the far side of the platform served the Somerset & Dorset Railway, most trains between Bath and Bournemouth ran into this platform before continuing their journeys. Copyright Martin Duff

Access to the former up platform was either by the footbridge or by means of a level crossing at the west end of the platform. As can be seen the crossing had to be strictly controlled and wheel chair passengers had to be there in good time. Copyright Martin Duff

A view looking from very near the waiting shelter towards Salisbury in the summer of 2010. The former down platform has since been extended to abut the single line seen here. This occurred in March 2012. The former up platform and the footbridge have been closed and the signal box although out of use remains in position. The footbridge seen in this picture originally came from Buxted and dates from 1893. Copyright Martin Duff

Inside the signalbox at Templecombe, the track diagram is from the Yeovil direction on the left to Salisbury on the right. The short siding, formerly the down main, was used amongst other things for the naming ceremony of class 47 739 ~ Robin of Templecombe 1938-2013 ~ at Templecombe with Robin Gould himself unveiling the plates. September 30th 2008. Copyright Martin Duff

Summer 2010 - the frame at Templecombe signalbox. Copyright Martin Duff.

Another view of the frame in the pristine signalbox at Templecombe. Summer 2010 Copyright Martin Duff

The station name adjacent to the figure on the former up platform. Summer 2010 Copyright Martin Duff

Templecombe re-visited
on the 7th August 2014

Many thanks to Peter Butt for this drawing. The S &D line closed in March 1966 and the main line station to passengers in May 1966. The main line was reduced to single line to the right between a new point situated approximately where the words 'To Exeter' are on the drawing. The views from the viewpoints on the drawing will be covered when we do the Somerset and Dorset.

For details of an incident which occured soon after the opening of the new platform at Templecombe

Templecombe 7th August 2014 The station approach, a new station building is seen to the right, the former goods shed now in private use is seen in the distance. Copyright Keith Jenkin

Templecombe 7th August 2014 As the 11.25 service departs for Exeter note the former up platform now out of use but still looking good. The former down platform has been extended across the formation. Copyright Keith Jenkin

For details of an incident which occurred soon after the opening of the new platform - it wasn't amusing at the time but is now. It prove guards are human and make mistakes. Go to Google and look up Templecombe and - The Phantom 2:43 Templecombe to Waterloo

In relatively recent years the former double track bridge over the road here has been replaced by a single track version. The station approach is up to the right beyond the bridge. Before the closure of the Somerset and Dorset in March 1966 there was another bridge crossing the main road just behind the photographer at this location. 7th August 2014 Note The underside of the bridge is scored by vehicles a little too high.

A view looking towards Salisbury under the now redundant footbridge - the shelter serves as protection when the spacious booking office and waiting room is closed. Note on the former up platform the step which was used by agile railway staff having sprinted across the main line to gain access to the platform - long since out of use. 7th August 2014 Copyright Keith Jenkin.

The redundant signalbox remains on the up platform. Prior to March 1966 trains for Bath and Bournemouth departed from the far side of this platform. 7th August 2014 Copyright Keith Jenkin

The goods shed survives at Templecombe albeit now in private hands. 7th August 2014 Copyright Keith Jenkin

The 12.25 to Exeter rolls into Templecombe passing the now isolated statue on the former up platform. 7th August 2014 Copyright Keith Jenkin

This shot taken at Templecombe by Barry Lucas on the last day of the Somerset and Dorset 5th March 1966 Serves to illustrate the view across the S & D tracks across the main line up platform to the main line down platform. Copyright Barry Lucas

The footbridge is now securely fenced off with Padlocked gates. 7th August 2014 Copyright Keith Jenkin

Templecombe Signal box Memories of the Somerset & Dorset with the mention of Wincanton once 4.25 miles by train Stalbridge once 3.5 miles by train. Copyright Colin Burges

Focus on Templecombe 2019
Chris Osment

This piece, courtesy of Wikipedia
Templecombe Closure and reopening
The "new" footbridge which was used from 1983 to 2012 to reach the reopened platform. In 1948, the Southern Railway was itself nationalised to become the Southern Region of British Railways. Two years later, the former goods and locomotive facilities were rationalised. All locomotives were concentrated in the Lower yard, and goods traffic was exclusively handled in the Upper yard. 1958 saw the S&DJR line north of Templecombe transferred to the Western Region, and in 1963 all lines west of Wilton South followed. Following these changes, most trains were transferred to other routes. Goods traffic at Templecombe ceased on 5th April 1965 and the Lower Platform was closed on 3rd January 1966. The S&DJR route was closed on 7th March 1966 along with the Upper station. The station buildings were demolished in 1968, but the signalbox was retained, and from April 1967, the line from Templecombe to Gillingham reverted to a single track.
The first suggestion of reopening the station came in 1975, and Somerset County Council carried out a survey of people living in and around the village to establish whether such a move would be supported by area residents. The results were encouraging, and an approach was later made to British Rail. In 1978, the council stated that £12,000 a year would be needed to subsidise the service, a figure that it could not then afford. The local community formed the Templecombe Station Working Committee (TSWC) to campaign for the reopening. On 5th September 1982, the TSWC arranged for a train to Paignton to call to test the demand for a service, and 270 passengers bought tickets. More trains were called on an experimental basis, and tickets were sold for a total of 2,273 passengers. Each time a train called the station, it had to be manned by members of the TSWC, and temporary lighting had to be provided if they called when it was dark.

The ticket office built in 2012. It was finally agreed that the station could be reopened on a three-year trial. The cost of works was kept to just £9,200 by TSWC members carrying out much of the work themselves. Reopening came on 3 October 1983. The services proved so successful that a new waiting shelter was provided in 1988, and an extension with toilets was added two years later. A 'new' footbridge was erected to connect the platform with the car park; it had originally been erected in 1893 at Buxted. The signal box doubles as a ticket office, and for many years the station was staffed full-time because of the need for a member of staff to operate the points and signals for the double track west of the station. After the commissioning of a new signalling system, controlled from Basingstoke, in March 2012, ticket office staffing hours were reduced. However, because the platform was only accessible by crossing the track, staff were still required to operate a level crossing for wheelchair users and other passengers unable to use the footbridge. To resolve this, the disused platform on the south side, where there is level access to the car park and streets beyond, was extended out across the disused trackbed up to the active set of tracks, and was provided with a basic shelter and lighting, an automatic ticket machine, and information boards.

Templecombe the former up platform now disused, This picture taken at approximately 13.10 on the 23rd October 2019 Copyright Chris Osment

The 'Tempus Fugit' statue on the former up platform. Copyright Chris Osment. 23rd October 2019.

The Tempus Fugit sculpture situated on the former up platform at Templecombe is both a sculpture and sundial. The bronze statue is of a railwayman consulting the British Rail timetable, some of the pages of which have blown away and landed on the grass. The statue forms the gnomon of the sundial; the pages on the ground mark the hours.

Templecombe. Looking towards Exeter. A view of the new and the old former up platform on the 23rd October 2019. Copyright Chris Osment

Templecombe a view looking in the Salisbury direction. Taken on the 23rd October 2019 Copyright Chris Osment

Many thanks to Chris for the above pictures.

Buckhorn Weston

"LMS Class 8P Princess Coronation 4-6-2 No 6233 "Duchess of Sutherland" makes a powerful ascent of the gradient approaching Buckhorn Weston summit with the Westbound leg of The Locomotive Exchange Special." `1st June 2018 Copyright Brian Pibworth

For a continuaton see Gillingham to Salisbury