The Midland in Gloucestershire
Part 2
Ian Thomas
For the second installment, I will take a look at the Stonehouse Bristol Road to Stroud / Nailsworth branch lines. In this instance, it is a branch off a branch line, off the main line. The main branch ran from Stonehouse to Nailsworth, with a small spur from Dudbridge to Stroud Cheapside (or Wallgate). It was known by either name.
The Nailsworth branch opened in 1867 and the Dudbridge to Stroud branch in 1886, with other stations at Ryford, Dudbridge, and Woodchester. The Midland wanted its share of the rich merchandise from the Stroud valley mills, of which there were numerous, plus a good deal of coal traffic into the town. They were competing with the GWR, so opposition was strong. However, there was a good passenger service. In 1946, around eleven departures ran from either end, plus the shuttles into Stroud.
It was a rather complicated scene at Dudbridge indeed; you needed to study the timetable over a gallon of tea on a wet day to take it on board! The line never really prospered, despite the goods traffic, and all passenger services were suspended on and from June 16th, 1947 (this was a measure across Britain as an economy drive due to a chronic coal/coke shortage as a result of the severe winter of 1947), and the suspension was made permanent from June 8th, 1949.
Trains were a mix of conventional locomotive and coaches, and also railmotor push/pull services from 1932. A variety of Midland types were used, from 1300 0-4-4T’s on the railmotors up to 3F and 4F 0-6-0 tender locomotives. The train was affectionately known as the “Dudbridge Donkey”, similar to the neighbouring “Dursley Donkey”. BR Standards were used toward the end, and finally Diesel Hydraulic Class 14.
Between the 1940s and late 1950s, summer excursion traffic operated to exotic destinations such as Weston-super-Mare and Barry Island, the latter routed via the Severn Railway Bridge. The Billy Smart’s Circus visit brought in all it needed by train on one occasion—quite remarkable how the humble branch line could be used, almost anywhere in Britain.
Railtours ran over the branches, including the Dursley Branchline Centenary tour of August 26th, 1956, and the Gloucester Railway Society tour of July 7th, 1963, plus many others, both these tours visiting other outposts of Gloucestershire.
The goods traffic carried on until BR abruptly closed the line in 1966, with the final goods train running on June 1st that year.
The Nailsworth branch opened in 1867 and the Dudbridge to Stroud branch in 1886, with other stations at Ryford, Dudbridge, and Woodchester. The Midland wanted its share of the rich merchandise from the Stroud valley mills, of which there were numerous, plus a good deal of coal traffic into the town. They were competing with the GWR, so opposition was strong. However, there was a good passenger service. In 1946, around eleven departures ran from either end, plus the shuttles into Stroud.
It was a rather complicated scene at Dudbridge indeed; you needed to study the timetable over a gallon of tea on a wet day to take it on board! The line never really prospered, despite the goods traffic, and all passenger services were suspended on and from June 16th, 1947 (this was a measure across Britain as an economy drive due to a chronic coal/coke shortage as a result of the severe winter of 1947), and the suspension was made permanent from June 8th, 1949.
Trains were a mix of conventional locomotive and coaches, and also railmotor push/pull services from 1932. A variety of Midland types were used, from 1300 0-4-4T’s on the railmotors up to 3F and 4F 0-6-0 tender locomotives. The train was affectionately known as the “Dudbridge Donkey”, similar to the neighbouring “Dursley Donkey”. BR Standards were used toward the end, and finally Diesel Hydraulic Class 14.
Between the 1940s and late 1950s, summer excursion traffic operated to exotic destinations such as Weston-super-Mare and Barry Island, the latter routed via the Severn Railway Bridge. The Billy Smart’s Circus visit brought in all it needed by train on one occasion—quite remarkable how the humble branch line could be used, almost anywhere in Britain.
Railtours ran over the branches, including the Dursley Branchline Centenary tour of August 26th, 1956, and the Gloucester Railway Society tour of July 7th, 1963, plus many others, both these tours visiting other outposts of Gloucestershire.
The goods traffic carried on until BR abruptly closed the line in 1966, with the final goods train running on June 1st that year.
Please click any image below for an enlargement
 4F 44264 shunts at Dudbridge 1964. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |  41208 at Stroud Cheapside with the Dursley Branch Centenary tour. 25.08.1956. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |
 44814 with the 09.15.Bristol TM-Gloucester Eastgate service leaving Stonehouse, Bristol Rd. August 1962. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |  47308 at Stroud Cheapside station on 07.07.1963 with the Gloucs Rly Society tour. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |
 47308 at Stroud Cheapside station on 07.07.1963 with the Gloucs Rly Society tour. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |  47308 running round at Nailsworth. 07.07.1963. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |
 73031 at Stonehouse on a stopper to Bristol TM circa 1963. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |  78001 shunting at Woodchester. 1965. Copyright the late Ben Ashworth. |
78004 at Ryeford. 1965. From Ian Thomas's Collection.
78004 at Ryeford. 1965. From Ian Thomas's Collection.
 412008 at Nailsworth with the Dursley Branchline centenary train. 25.08.1956. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |  Gloucs Railway Society tour 2Z10 at Stroud Cheapside on 07.07.1963. Copyright the late Ben Ashworth. |
Ivatt 2-6-0 No. 78001 passing Dudbridge in 1965. Copyright the late Ben Ashworth.
 Jinty 0-6-0T 47308 at Stroud Cheapside. 07.07.1963. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |  Midland Railway 0-4-4T 1308 at Stonehouse. 1947. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |
 Nailsworth branch service withdrawl notice 1947. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |  Nailsworth branch service withdrawl notice 1947. From Ian Thomas's Collection. |
Nailsworth station staff circa 1900. From Ian Thomas's Collection.
Stroud Midland Railway station circa 1900. From Ian Thomas's Collection.
Stroud Wallbridge in 1965. Copyright the late Ben Ashworth.
Many thanks indeed Ian - a superb collection of photographs and you have obviously put a lot of effort into your research. Very much appreciated.
MPower Kernow
Volunteers day
Last Saturday, MPower Kernow invited our volunteers and their families to a thank you day at Bodmin Railway.
There were opportunities to drive 5552 under the supervision and guidance of Driver Alan and Fireman Will, with a brake van attached.
MPower laid on a bbq and refreshments, before ending the day with a trip to Bodmin Parkway and back, and the attached photo.
MPower Kernow would not be the successful operation that it has become without the dedication of our volunteers, and this was our way of saying thank you !
Our thanks to everyone at Bodmin Railway who helped make it happen.
There were opportunities to drive 5552 under the supervision and guidance of Driver Alan and Fireman Will, with a brake van attached.
MPower laid on a bbq and refreshments, before ending the day with a trip to Bodmin Parkway and back, and the attached photo.
MPower Kernow would not be the successful operation that it has become without the dedication of our volunteers, and this was our way of saying thank you !
Our thanks to everyone at Bodmin Railway who helped make it happen.
MPower Kernow volunteers and supporters at Bodmin General. 21.02.2026 - copyright MPower Kernow.
Congratulations to MPower for all they have achieved, both in the railway world and the broader picture. For more information about the organisation, please click here.
Classic traction to Torbay
Paul Barlow, David Tozer, Martin Scane, Paul McGwynn & Clive Smith
Friday 27th February saw an interesting working into Devon. Locomotive Services' 40013 and 50050 top and tailed 3 coaches bringing GBRf (and reportedly some GWR staff) to Paignton (from Bristol) for a short visit.
D213 and 50050 pass Cowley bridge junction 0905 Bristol to Goodrington 1Z70. 27.02.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
50050 leading D213 is about to reverse to New yard Exeter (a scheduled movement). 27.02.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
50050 leading D213 reverses to New yard Exeter (a scheduled movement). 27.02.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
D213 and 50050 pass Exeter St Thomas 0905 Bristol to Goodrington 1Z70. 27.02.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
D213 and 50050 pass Exeter St Thomas 0905 Bristol to Goodrington 1Z70. 27.02.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
40013 leads the excursion through Exminster. 27.02.2026, copyright David Tozer.
50050 on the rear at Exminster. 27.02.2026, copyright David Tozer.
Well this was a treat for us south west enthusiasts. 40013 top and tails 50050 with three coaches on the 1Z70 09.05 Bristol Temple Meads - Goodrington CHS as it emerges from Parsons Tunnel. The train is believed to be a GBRf charter yet was conveying GWR MD and well known 50 enthusiast Mark Hopwood. 27.02.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
50050 on the rear top and tailing with 40013 with three coaches on the 1Z70 09.05 Bristol Temple Meads - Goodrington CHS charter as it heads along the sea wall from Parsons Tunnel to Teignmouth. 27.02.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
50050 top and tailing with 40013 on the 1Z71 14.41 Goodrington C.H.S - Bristol Temple Meads passing through Torquay station. 27.02.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
40013 on the rear top and tailing with 50050 on the 1Z71 14.41 Goodrington C.H.S - Bristol Temple Meads charter leaving Torquay station heading towards Torre. 27.02.2026, copyright Clive Smith.
A screenshot of the Coastcams Blenheim webcam at Dawlish, of 50050 returning from Goodrington. With thanks to Paul McGwynn.
50050 hauls the return leg of the excursion through Exeter St. David’s. 27.02.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
40013 on the rear passing through Exeter St. Davids. 27.02.2026, copyright Martin Scane.
A drone shot of 50050 and 40013 on the Goodrington to Bristol passing Staffords Bridge near Exeter. 27.02.2026, copyright Paul Barlow.
Many thanks to all for the superb photos of this very interesting working.
More 59's @ 40
Steve Clark
Just a couple more Class 59 images to bring the range of liveries up to date!
59002 is seen passing Wandsworth Road in Mendip Rail Green with Sevington to Merehead empty Boxes. Copyright Steve Clark.
59201 heads back to Angerstein Wharf with the 'Marcon' Hoppers from either Park Royal or Paddington New Yard. Copyright Steve Clark.
Finally, a bit of Orange!! Looking fresh out the Box in Genesee and Wyoming livery, 59203 approaches Masters Crossing with the 7B12 Merehead to Wotton Bassett. Copyright Steve Clark.
Many thanks Steve, they've certainly carried a few different looks over the years.