Frome, Radstock, Bristol
** Please note - a short piece on the Vobster Light Railway follows at the very end of this section.
Ride a trolley on the Radstock branch. Some clips of a trolley ride on the abandoned and overgrown section of the Radstock branch can be seen here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0p-am4Zl2w this section is alongside a public footpath. Quite how one would stand regarding liability and insurance is not known.
A rough sketch map of the Bristol and North Somerset Railway showing connecting and inter-connecting railways along the route.
Frome area RTT plan - with Radstock added. Courtesy Guy Vincent.
A concise record of the history the this line can be obtained by clicking on this link,www.northsomersetrailway.com/history.php North Somerset Railway Company Ltd.
Frome North Junction Signalbox diagram. The line indicted branch up and down is that to Whatley Quarry and formerly to Radstock and Bristol. The diagram is dated 10th September 1974. Courtesy the Guy Vincent Collection.
Frome station
Various pictures of Frome station appear in our section Taunton to Westbury and in addition three stone train workings copyright the late Bob Taylor courtesy Guy Vincent.
Various pictures of Frome station appear in our section Taunton to Westbury and in addition three stone train workings copyright the late Bob Taylor courtesy Guy Vincent.
D1006 Western Stalwart is seen in Frome West Yard on the 23rd February 1975 Copyright Bob Taylor .
D1009 Western Invader and 31260 seen from Frome North Signalbox on the
12th July 1976. Copyright Bob Taylor
D1001 Western Pathfinder weaves its way over the pointwork with the 08.40 Ardingly - Frome Somerset Quarry sidings (Hapsford) empties on a damp 30th January 1974. Copyright Bob Taylor
Frome Welshmill Allotments about 3/4 mile north west of Frome station.
Frome West Ground Frame in 1975 On the line to Radstock Copyright Chris Osment
Reproduced with permission of the National library of Scotland OS Map Great Britain 1937 /61 Frome west siding is shown inside the triangle alongside the Radstock branch.
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.
A classic picture as 47148 appraoches Frome West on the 27th April 1977 on a stone train from Whatley. Copyright Mike Ware.
Frome Welshmill, Class 66 721 'Harry Beck' in special livery 6V42 Wellingborough - Whatley 9th March 2016
The same train at the same place almost a year later. At Frome Welshmill we see 66718 'Sir Peter Hendy' on the 6V42 the 0813 Wellingborough - Whatley on the 16th March 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Frome to Whatley Quarry Notes by Guy Vincent written on 3rd September 2017
Despite the rain I felt like spending the morning 'spotting' for a change so first port of call was the former ARC (now Hanson/Heidelberg Cement) quarry at Whatley near Frome. Here, two former BR class 08 shunters 08650 and 08947 (a former long-time Westbury resident) currently reside and it was possible to photograph them from the road bridge and quarry entrance gate, plus solitary mainline diesel 59005 'Kenneth J Painter'. Whatley is located in a quiet country area and rail connected by way of a stretch of the former GWR Frome-Radstock branch line which is used between Frome North Junction and Hapsford Junction, a distance of 2 miles 38 chains. From this point the short link line down to the quarry is relatively new, it was built in the early 1970s to allow mainline locos through due to the original route being too restricted by height/width/weight limitations. Three short tunnels are included in this new stretch, Bedlam, Great Elm and Murdercombe plus a heavy duty rail-over-river bridge. Beyond Hapsford the Radstock branch has been disused since July 1988 when the Marcroft wagon repair works closed. The points have long been removed and the associated cabling has also been taken out. The branch was included on Westbury Panel when the Frome area was re-signalled in 1985 but only as a token-worked long siding with no signals provided. Much of the old track, now overgrown and unusable, remains in-situ. Nature has well and truly reclaimed most of the route and it is possible to walk/cycle over it from Buckland bridge (Buckland Dinham) to Radstock town centre via Mells Road and Kilmersdon, this now being part of 'The Collier's Way'. Various proposals have been put forward over many years to re-open the line from Radstock through to Frome but no physical work has yet been undertaken along the route which has suffered several landslips and become heavily wooded in places. Housing now occupies the former extensive goods yard at Radstock with just a small narrow strip to one side, very close to the housing area, for any possible railway use. Personally I think Somerset is already well catered for as far as heritage railways go and the Radstock route should be left as it is, a green oasis and wildlife haven.
Guy Vincent Many thanks to Guy for the above details.
Despite the rain I felt like spending the morning 'spotting' for a change so first port of call was the former ARC (now Hanson/Heidelberg Cement) quarry at Whatley near Frome. Here, two former BR class 08 shunters 08650 and 08947 (a former long-time Westbury resident) currently reside and it was possible to photograph them from the road bridge and quarry entrance gate, plus solitary mainline diesel 59005 'Kenneth J Painter'. Whatley is located in a quiet country area and rail connected by way of a stretch of the former GWR Frome-Radstock branch line which is used between Frome North Junction and Hapsford Junction, a distance of 2 miles 38 chains. From this point the short link line down to the quarry is relatively new, it was built in the early 1970s to allow mainline locos through due to the original route being too restricted by height/width/weight limitations. Three short tunnels are included in this new stretch, Bedlam, Great Elm and Murdercombe plus a heavy duty rail-over-river bridge. Beyond Hapsford the Radstock branch has been disused since July 1988 when the Marcroft wagon repair works closed. The points have long been removed and the associated cabling has also been taken out. The branch was included on Westbury Panel when the Frome area was re-signalled in 1985 but only as a token-worked long siding with no signals provided. Much of the old track, now overgrown and unusable, remains in-situ. Nature has well and truly reclaimed most of the route and it is possible to walk/cycle over it from Buckland bridge (Buckland Dinham) to Radstock town centre via Mells Road and Kilmersdon, this now being part of 'The Collier's Way'. Various proposals have been put forward over many years to re-open the line from Radstock through to Frome but no physical work has yet been undertaken along the route which has suffered several landslips and become heavily wooded in places. Housing now occupies the former extensive goods yard at Radstock with just a small narrow strip to one side, very close to the housing area, for any possible railway use. Personally I think Somerset is already well catered for as far as heritage railways go and the Radstock route should be left as it is, a green oasis and wildlife haven.
Guy Vincent Many thanks to Guy for the above details.
Whatley Quarry branch
HAPSFORD JCT OS 25 inch Scotland, 1892-1949 England and Wales, 1841-1952 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland. This map shows the original branch the route of which was subsequently considerably altered to permit the operation of modern locos and rolling stock. Frome to the right, Radstock to the left.
Bedlam Tunnel No pictures yet 13 Chains long.
Great Elm Tunnel 15 Chains long
Great Elm tunnel June 2008 Copyright John Thorn
Looking from Great elm tunnel towards Whatley Quarry. June 2008. Copyright John Thorn
The original route was re-engineered bypassing Great Elm tunnel. This is the original route in June 2008 Copyright John Thorn
Murdercombe Tunnel. 2 Chains long.
The North portal of the eerie sounding Murdercombe Tunnel on the Whatley Quarry page, taken on 'unlucky for some' the 13th October 2020 the diminutive tunnel is at the yard exit protected by W285 signal controlled from Westbury Power Signal Box, also of note is the catch point - Driver Alan Peters
You can just see through the two chains long Merdercombe tunnel in this view taken by Alan Peters. on the 13th October 2020.
Why is it called Murdercombe tunnel? David Critchlow replies.
I believe local legend has it that there was a battle between 2 lords, after which the losing side was 'grievously put down', some on the battlefield, others were hung.
Tedbury hill fort forms the north side of the combe so it is quite feasible for a battle to have taken place here.
Dave Critchlow Many thanks David.
I believe local legend has it that there was a battle between 2 lords, after which the losing side was 'grievously put down', some on the battlefield, others were hung.
Tedbury hill fort forms the north side of the combe so it is quite feasible for a battle to have taken place here.
Dave Critchlow Many thanks David.
Images for the above tunnels and other features are available on : - https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=whatley+quarry+branch+tunnels&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwjE95XTu7TWAhXLJcAKHbxPCckQsAQIOA&biw=1034&bih=615
Whately Quarry
Whatley Quarry, 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen
Early developments at Whatley Quarry, 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen
Whatley Quarry. 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen
Whatley Quarry. 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen
59 Village of Great Elm at Whatley Quarry. Copyright Roger Winnen 3rd July 1993
A Class 25 at Whatley Quarry. Copyright Roger Winnen 3rd July 1993
A Foster Yeoman engine is seen at Whatley Quarry on a very wet day. 30th June 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen
59201 at the quarry. 30th June 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen
Whatley Quarry. 30th June 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen
Whatley Quarry 08650 3rd September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Whatley Quarry 08947 3rd September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Whatley Quarry 59005 3rd September .2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
Whatley Quarry 08650 3rd September 2017 Copyright Guy Vincent
A new arrival at Whatley Quarry for Mendip Rail is former Scottish based shunter 08730. This was delivered new to 65C (Parkhead, a sub-shed of Eastfield, Glasgow) on 23rd August 1960. All future transfers were to depots in Scotland and following privatisation it was eventually acquired by Alstom and based at Glasgow works and used as works pilot where it was still to be found in late 2018. 08730 was for several years named 'The Caley' but this is no longer the case. In more recent times 08730 has been purchased by RSS (Railway Support Services) and overhauled for spot-hire use as per its arrival at Whatley. The loco is painted in pale blue livery with a grey roof, yellow radiator end and red RSS branding.
Not too far away at Midsomer Norton station is another former Scottish shunter, D4095 / 08881. Coincidentally this loco was also delivered new (23.08.1961) to a Scottish depot (Stirling) and spent most of its career in Scotland including a spell at Glasgow works.
Photos of 08730 taken through bars of locked entrance gates to quarry where, obviously, entry is strictly prohibited.
Guy Vincent
Not too far away at Midsomer Norton station is another former Scottish shunter, D4095 / 08881. Coincidentally this loco was also delivered new (23.08.1961) to a Scottish depot (Stirling) and spent most of its career in Scotland including a spell at Glasgow works.
Photos of 08730 taken through bars of locked entrance gates to quarry where, obviously, entry is strictly prohibited.
Guy Vincent
Whatley Quarry 08730.13th June 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent.
Whatley Quarry 08730 13th June 2021 Copyright Guy Vincent
A closer look at Whatley Quarry
Guy Vincent June 2021
Guy Vincent June 2021
A closer aerial view of the current shunter on hire to Mendip Rail at Whatley Quarry. 08730, a long-time Glasgow Works pilot and formerly named 'The Caley' taking a weekend break in the yard with several class 59s for company. The shunter, now operated by Railway Suppot Services (RSS) is reportedly bound for Hams Hall Railfreight Terminal, West Midlands, and has received ABP blue and grey livery in preparation for this placement. Hams Hall is located on the Birmingham-Nuneaton line and according to Associated British Ports website is the country's busiest inland railfreight terminal. Although 08730 has spent most of its life to date in Scotland it received its last classified major repair in October 1984 at BREL's Swindon Works, just 40 miles from Whatley! Of course in those days shunters made their way by rail for such overhauls, sometimes solo or often in convoy via various suitable freight workings. I remember seeing lines of them stabled in Gloucester New Yard en-route to and from Swindon. See bescotplus.co.uk/shuntersintransit for more info on this interesting topic.
Guy Vincent
Guy Vincent
Whatley Quarry 08730 & 59002 101 202 203 206 26th June 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Whatley Quarry 08730 26th June 2021. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Whatley Quarry Shunters
Guy vincent
Guy vincent
From an EM dated 10th March 2022 - Following recent departures from Whatley Quarry of shunters 08730, 08787 (aka 08296) and 08947 only one example is believed to be present, 08933. I recently managed to grab a couple of photos of this elusive loco from the road bridge spanning the quarry arrival / departure line. 08933 has been owned by Mendip Rail for a number of years but was at first kept at Merehead and later sent to Whatley where it was usually stabled out of sight. 08652 may or may not also be here, I could see no evidence of it when I visited last weekend.
Regards. Guy Vincent
Regards. Guy Vincent
Whatley Quarry 08933 5th March 2022 Copyright Guy Vincent
Whatley Quarry 08933 5th March 2022 Copyright Guy Vincent
Whatley Quaryy Update - 12th March 2022 Guy Vncent
Another trip to Whatley Quarry yesterday (12th March 2022) found a second class 08 shunter present in the depot area. In addition to 08933 which was seen last weekend 08650 was visible next to some loaded ballast hoppers. This means there are 3 shunters in total at Whatley: the American GM EMD SWI001 with Hanson branding, numbered 120 and named 'Kenneth John Witcombe' and the two ex BR class 08s, 08650 and 08933. The remaining MRL shunters are 08296 (actually 08787 but not numbered as such) at Barton under Needwood, repairs or spares? 08643 located at Merehead and 08947 also away at Barton under Needwood for repairs. 08652 has reportedly been sold and is now at Goodman's yard, Wishaw. Finally, also at Merehead is the GM 'Switcher' No 44 'Western Yeoman 11'.
Photos taken 12.03.2022 of 08650 (2). Photo from 30.10.2016 with 08650 again plus No 120 and 59002
With regards, Guy Vincent
Photos taken 12.03.2022 of 08650 (2). Photo from 30.10.2016 with 08650 again plus No 120 and 59002
With regards, Guy Vincent
Whatley Quarry 08650 12th March 2022. Copyight Guy Vincent.
08650 Whatley Quarry (on ballast) 12th March 2022. Copyight Guy Vincent
Whatley Hanson 120, 08650 & 59002 30th October 2016. Copyright Guy Vincent.
Many many thanks to Guy Vincent for bringing us these pictures plus of course so much detail in the histories of the shunter fleet. Well done Guy and very much appreciation for your time and trouble.
Also congratulations to the managers of Whatey Quarry for keeping their premises so clean and tidy - my first impression on seeing these pictures was that they were of a model.
Also congratulations to the managers of Whatey Quarry for keeping their premises so clean and tidy - my first impression on seeing these pictures was that they were of a model.
Hapsford Junction
Where the Whatley Quarry branch left the Frome, Radstock, Bristol line was known as Hapsford Junction. Although a group exists with the intention of re-opening the Frome - Radstock line from Hapsford Junction, and we wish them all the best, there doesn't seem to have been much progress since 2016. Guy Vincent has very kindly written a report on this barely existent stretch of line which appears below together with his photographs - after his report which goes as far as Radstock we continued our coverage from Mells Road to Radstock.
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Report by Guy Vincent.
A brief update on the Radstock-Frome 'North Somerset Railway' situation as requested by Clive Smith.
The former GWR station and goods yard sites at Radstock have now been redeveloped with housing and a new main road has been built at the western end. A narrow strip of land, in close proximity to the new housing and with very limited road access, has been 'reserved' for future railway use on the north-eastern edge of the development. The line itself has not been used for almost 30 years and much track is now missing, especially at the Great Elm end of the line. All the remaining track will need to be replaced as it is in such poor condition. Three landslips have occurred on the route since abandonment by British Rail in 1988 and substantial work will be needed to enable trains to run over them again. Between Radstock and Mells Road the steeply graded, wooded section runs through a deep cutting that has just about been returned to nature with flora and fauna well established. There is no signalling along the 5 mile route and at Hapsford Junction where the Whatley Quarry branch diverges from the abandoned branch all points have been disconnected and partially recovered,along with the track towards Buckland Bridge, the first public access point. Nature has well and truly taken hold of the entire route and, frankly, although noises have been made over many years about re-opening this line, very little evidence exists that this will ever happen. There would appear to be a small group of people who genuinely have the wish and belief that it can, but, having walked the route last year and enjoyed the peace and astonishing variety of plant and wildlife species that have now colonised the route, I personally believe that it should be left as it is. Far better for efforts to be concentrated into taking the East Somerset Railway into Shepton Mallet or extending the S&D Midsomer Norton line down into Radstock.
Try the group's website: Home - Heritage railway between Radstock and Frome - North Somerset Railway Company Ltd to see what they have to offer. The info does not appear to have been updated for some time now..
Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy
A brief update on the Radstock-Frome 'North Somerset Railway' situation as requested by Clive Smith.
The former GWR station and goods yard sites at Radstock have now been redeveloped with housing and a new main road has been built at the western end. A narrow strip of land, in close proximity to the new housing and with very limited road access, has been 'reserved' for future railway use on the north-eastern edge of the development. The line itself has not been used for almost 30 years and much track is now missing, especially at the Great Elm end of the line. All the remaining track will need to be replaced as it is in such poor condition. Three landslips have occurred on the route since abandonment by British Rail in 1988 and substantial work will be needed to enable trains to run over them again. Between Radstock and Mells Road the steeply graded, wooded section runs through a deep cutting that has just about been returned to nature with flora and fauna well established. There is no signalling along the 5 mile route and at Hapsford Junction where the Whatley Quarry branch diverges from the abandoned branch all points have been disconnected and partially recovered,along with the track towards Buckland Bridge, the first public access point. Nature has well and truly taken hold of the entire route and, frankly, although noises have been made over many years about re-opening this line, very little evidence exists that this will ever happen. There would appear to be a small group of people who genuinely have the wish and belief that it can, but, having walked the route last year and enjoyed the peace and astonishing variety of plant and wildlife species that have now colonised the route, I personally believe that it should be left as it is. Far better for efforts to be concentrated into taking the East Somerset Railway into Shepton Mallet or extending the S&D Midsomer Norton line down into Radstock.
Try the group's website: Home - Heritage railway between Radstock and Frome - North Somerset Railway Company Ltd to see what they have to offer. The info does not appear to have been updated for some time now..
Guy Vincent Many thanks Guy
Radstock Branch near Kilmersdon 31st August 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent
Radstock Branch stillexists near Kilmersdon 31st August 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent
Abandoned Brake Van at Mells Road 29th August 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent
Mells Road 29th August 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent
Landslip evidence Frome branch 31st August 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent
Radstock. This is where the new line will have to run along here. 31st August 2016 Copyright Guy Vincent
Radstock Wagon Works, Marcrofts 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen
Back to 1986 at Radstock - Keith Gale.
I saw today (20th April 2023) the pictures of the closed Radstock Wagon Repair Works and notes regarding its closure in 1988. It was always one of my 'bucket list items' to get a photograph of a train on the branch and I cannot recall why I was in the area - but I guess it was just pure chance that I happened to be around the Frome area when I saw a 'mixed freight' heading up the branch line. That was of course unusual because normally all of the freight trains in the area are consistently formed of stone wagons - even today. Of course there was no internet or Real Time Trains to tell me what was going on - so I just took the chance and drove to Radstock. Attached are the results - two photographs of 47125 negotiating the undulating track and dropping off some wagons at Radstock for repair before heading back light engine to Merehead, no doubt for more onerous stone train duties. The date was 20 March 1986.
Please feel free to use and put these on the Cornwall Society website if you think useful.
Kind regards Keith
Please feel free to use and put these on the Cornwall Society website if you think useful.
Kind regards Keith
47125 arrives at Radstock 20th March 1986. Copyright Keith Gale.
47125 stands on double slip pont while shunting at Radstock 20th March 1986. Copyright Keith Gale.
Many thanks to you Keith.
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We continue now from Mells Road towards Radstock and Bristol
We continue now from Mells Road towards Radstock and Bristol
Mells Road Five and quarter miles from Frome
MELLS ROAD OS 25 inch Scotland, 1892-1949 England and Wales, 1841-1952 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland. Mells Road station at upper centre the main branch line to Frome to the right and to Radstock to the left. The line heading south is the Vobster Branch - this continued on the map below on the right hand side.
Some additional information kindly supplied by John Thorn with reference to the map above.
The track winding around the Vobster branch is the route of the Dorset and Somerset Canal. This was actually a canal branch to connect the coal fields at Nettlebridge with the main canal at Frome. Never completed, there are some remains including an aqueduct in Coleford. On Barrow Hill between Mells Road and Frome experimental 'Balance docks' were built as an alternative to locks.
Best wishes,
John Thorn Many thanks indeed John.
The track winding around the Vobster branch is the route of the Dorset and Somerset Canal. This was actually a canal branch to connect the coal fields at Nettlebridge with the main canal at Frome. Never completed, there are some remains including an aqueduct in Coleford. On Barrow Hill between Mells Road and Frome experimental 'Balance docks' were built as an alternative to locks.
Best wishes,
John Thorn Many thanks indeed John.
VOBSTER BRANCH from the OS 25 inch Scotland, 1892-1949 England and Wales, 1841-1952 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland. This branch served in addition to Vobster Quarry, the Newbury and Mackintosh Colliery's. See further note on the Vobster Light Railway at the end of this selection of pictures.
See further note on the Vobster Light Railway at the end of this selection of pictures.
Radstock Wagon Works and Kilmersdon Colliery
RADSTOCK WAGON WORKS AND KILMERSDON COLLIERY OS 25 inch Scotland, 1892-1949 England and Wales, 1841-1952 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland
Writhlington Complex at Kilmersdon Copyright Martin Scane
Writhlington Complex at Kilmersdon Copyright Martin Scane..N.B. This is a young Martin Scane proudly standing on the footplate.
Writhlington Complex at Kilmersdon. This view taken during the last few weeks before closure shows the rather lax Health and Safety at the time with children having rides. Copyright Martin Scane
Readstock Wagon Works
There is some highly recommended viewing here :- http://www.radstocktofromerailwaytrust.co.uk/gallery.htm
Copyright John Cornelius
A rare photograph of a train at the then end of the Frome - Radstock branch at the Wagon Works. many thanks to John Cornelius for this picture - his copyright.
The Cornwall Railway Society on a minibus tour paid an official visit to the Wagon Works area at Radstock. Some of the pictures appear below.
Radstock. (GWR
Marcrofts in background. 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen
Marcrofts Wagon Works at Radstock . 3rd July 1993 The rails still in situ leads towards Mells Road, and Frome. Copyright Roger Winnen
The CRS party explore the works. 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen
A Polish Loco in store at Marcrofts Wagon Works. 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen
The Polish 0 -6 - 0 awaits further service on the 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen
Radstock North Signal Box taken from TVSC, Didcot On an official visit on the 8th April 2011 Copyright Guy Vincent
Radstock West Eight and a quarter miles from Frome
Looking back towards xxxxxc works. Room is being left for a cycleway, not a railway. Copyright Colin Burges.
Viewed from a balcony shortly before re-developmnt Copyright Colin Burge
Midsomer Norton and Welton Nine and three quarter miles from Frome
Farrington Guerney Halt
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Farrington Gurney History. The station opened on 11th July 1927 by the Great Western Railway. Situated north of Paulton Halt and south of Hallatrow station. Passengers had to buy their tickets from a tiny office behind the Miner's Arms pub. The station which was situated at the location where the road heading east out of the village passed under the railway. The station was closed to both passengers and goods traffic on 2nd November 1959.
Farrington Gurney History. The station opened on 11th July 1927 by the Great Western Railway. Situated north of Paulton Halt and south of Hallatrow station. Passengers had to buy their tickets from a tiny office behind the Miner's Arms pub. The station which was situated at the location where the road heading east out of the village passed under the railway. The station was closed to both passengers and goods traffic on 2nd November 1959.
Farrington Guerney The Miners Arms with the ticket office. 30th June 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen
Farrington Guerney Booking Office. Tony Goulding waits in vain to book a ticket to Radstock. Note signage. 30th June 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen
GWR Ticket Office at Farrington Gurney Halt. 30th June 2007 Copyright Roger Winnen
Hallatrow Eleven and half miles from Frome
HALLATROW & CAMERTON BRANCH OS 25 inch Scotland, 1892-1949 England and Wales, 1841-1952 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland.
Note:- On the map above its will noted that the Camerton branch opened in 1873 is shown extending only to the right hand edge of the map - this was the situation in 1892 Opened in 1873, it joined with an existing branch from Frome to Radstock, and was later worked with it as a single entity. In 1882 the Camerton Branch was opened by the GWR to serve collieries at Camerton; it was later extended to Limpley Stoke, on the Bath to Trowbridge line. It closed to passenger traffic in 1925.
Clutton Fourteen and a quarter miles from Frome
Pensford Viaduct
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Grade 2 listed 16 arch Pensford Viaduct was built in 1874 to carry Bristol and North Somerset Railway. it is 995' long and 95' high. The line it carried closed in 1968.
The Grade 2 listed 16 arch Pensford Viaduct was built in 1874 to carry Bristol and North Somerset Railway. it is 995' long and 95' high. The line it carried closed in 1968.
Pensford Viaduct. 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen
The former trackbed on Pensford Viaduct, built for double track now overgrown. 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen
A 'valley view' of this remarkable structure taken by Chris Osment. Copyright
PENSFORD OS 25 inch Scotland, 1892-1949 England and Wales, 1841-1952 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland. The station is in the centre of this map with the viaduct to the south.
Pensford viaduct beautifully lit, we're looking south November 1999 from a plane landing at Bristol Pensford station site, now built over, is centre far left. Copyright John Thorn
Pensford Seventeen and a half miles from Frome
The station opened on 3 September 1873 by the GWR. The station was situated on the Station Approach road. In 1898, the platforms were extended and a new signal box opened on the south end of the up platform. The principal traffic was coal and passengers. The station closed to passengers on 2 November 1959 and to goods traffic on 15 June 1964. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The former platforms at Pensford Station. 28th June 1986 Copyright Roger Winnen
Brislington Twenty two miles from Frome
BRISLINGTON OS 25 inch Scotland, 1892-1949 England and Wales, 1841-1952 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland. Brislington station is located at the centre of this map, the line continues towards Bristol at the top. Of additional interest are the two competing tramway routes.
Bristol Temple Meads Twenty four and a quarter miles from Frome
BRISTOL OS 25 inch Scotland, 1892-1949 England and Wales, 1841-1952 'Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland
The Vobster Light Railway
1992 - 1994
1992 - 1994
An update on the Vobster Light Railway. Whether one should put an update before the original articles or after them is a 'moot point'. However Brian Cuttell has kindly written in on 17th November 2022 with more details
Brian writes -
Hello,
I came across your CRS website while looking for photos of the Vobster Light Railway and I can add some details to the Vobster Light Railway section.
After the VOR closed in 1994 the exhibits were stored in the Radstock area for a few years. Henry & Mary Frampton-Jones moved to Derbyshire and set up the two-foot gauge Derbyshire Dales Narrow Gauge Railway at Rowsley at the Peak Rail site. They moved their locos and rolling stock from Radstock to Rowsley from 1998 onwards and began running trains at Rowsley in 2004 using ex-Vobster Ruston 487963 & Ruston 393325 'top & tailing' the red coach No2. DDNGR trains were suspended from 2015 due to Henry's health problems and most of the exhibits have since moved elsewhere since Henry passed away a few years ago. However, the ex-Vobster coach No2 remains at Rowsley and has been used by the Ashover Light Railway Society in 2022 who have laid a short narrow-gauge line here.
CRS Photos:
The yellow loco with the 'unnamed gentleman in the VLR vest' - This is Motor Rail 22070 with owner Henry Frampton-Jones in the VLR vest. Henry later moved this loco to Rowsley.
The photo of coach No2 has Henry again visible on the right.
The yellow loco in use with the coach is ex-BR Ruston 393325. Henry is acting as guard on the train.
I hope this info proves of interest,
Cheers,
Brian Cuttell
Brian writes -
Hello,
I came across your CRS website while looking for photos of the Vobster Light Railway and I can add some details to the Vobster Light Railway section.
After the VOR closed in 1994 the exhibits were stored in the Radstock area for a few years. Henry & Mary Frampton-Jones moved to Derbyshire and set up the two-foot gauge Derbyshire Dales Narrow Gauge Railway at Rowsley at the Peak Rail site. They moved their locos and rolling stock from Radstock to Rowsley from 1998 onwards and began running trains at Rowsley in 2004 using ex-Vobster Ruston 487963 & Ruston 393325 'top & tailing' the red coach No2. DDNGR trains were suspended from 2015 due to Henry's health problems and most of the exhibits have since moved elsewhere since Henry passed away a few years ago. However, the ex-Vobster coach No2 remains at Rowsley and has been used by the Ashover Light Railway Society in 2022 who have laid a short narrow-gauge line here.
CRS Photos:
The yellow loco with the 'unnamed gentleman in the VLR vest' - This is Motor Rail 22070 with owner Henry Frampton-Jones in the VLR vest. Henry later moved this loco to Rowsley.
The photo of coach No2 has Henry again visible on the right.
The yellow loco in use with the coach is ex-BR Ruston 393325. Henry is acting as guard on the train.
I hope this info proves of interest,
Cheers,
Brian Cuttell
More details of the Derbyshire Dales Narrow Gauge Railway can be obtained with this link https://www.peakrail.co.uk/our-railway/peak-rail-stations/rowsleysouthstation/
A consise history of the route of the Bristol and North Somerset Railway can be obtained by clicking on this link. www.northsomersetrailway.com/history.php
In this it mentions a short 2' gauge railway which only lasted from 1992 to 1994 after which the equipment was moved to Radstock.
In this it mentions a short 2' gauge railway which only lasted from 1992 to 1994 after which the equipment was moved to Radstock.
However during the very short history of the line as a pleasure railway a Cornwall Railway Society party travelled by minibus to the line where we were made very welcome by Peter Nicholson who provided us all with a copy of the detailed notes and the track diagram seen below. At the moment we do not have permission to copy the valuable notes handed out on the day prepared for our scrutiny by Peter Nicholson - so far I have been unable to contact him. It is our hope that he will be available to tell us what has happened to the equipment during the quarter of a century which as passed. We also hope that he will give his permission for us to use his notes - if not, with our apologies, they will be removed forthwith. KJ
Notes copyright Peter Nicholson
Notes copyright Peter Nicholson
Sketch of the Vobster Light Railway as provided by Peter Nicholson to the CRS party in July 1993
This picture, courtesy Roger Winnen is entitled 'Backing into the shed'. We don't know who the gentleman sporting the 'Vobster Light Railway' vest is. 7th July 1993.
Update, courtesy of Brian Cuttell - we now know that the gentleman is. He is the owner Henry Frampton-Jones in the VLR vest. and the loco is Motor Rail 22070.
Henry Frampton-Jones watches as the coaching stock is moved up to the platform within the barn. 3rd July 1993. Copyright Roger Winnen
Moving stock in the barn (shed). 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen
This shot features the barn and coaching stock plus a caravan which might have been the V.L.R. Headquarters.The person carrying the CRS headboard is probably KJ. This picture shows that the barn is actually used for storing animal feed as well! 3rd July 1993. Copyright Roger Winnen
Approaching the terminus (Backwards) 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen
This picture is history indeed as our late Chairman Walter Julian videos a departure using his rather large camera. In the background the proceedings are observed by the late Peter Moore who passed away in September 2017. Copyright Roger Winnen.
The CRS special at the terminus. 3rd July 2017
The track and rolling stock at the terminus. 3rd July 1993 Copyright Roger Winnen