Hallenbeagle HST
Keith Barrow
Keith Barrow
Hi Keith, Despite the less-than-ideal weather conditions yesterday afternoon I couldn't resist venturing out for 43002's first visit to Cornwall since its restoration to original livery. The train is 1C81, the 12.00 Paddington - Penzance GWR service. Kind Regards Keith Barrow
Many thanks
Many thanks
Nicely framed - a reminder of the old days. 8th May 2016 Copyright Keith Barrow.
Just a ticket!
Keith Jenkin
Keith Jenkin
Way back in 1966 I was not really an enthusiast but a TV Broadcast about the forthcoming demise of the Somerset and Dorset Railway caused me to make the effort to make that first and last journey on the S & D. I boarded the 08.15 at Bath Green Park, the train comprised of three green coaches hauled by 8F 48760 which wasn't fitted for steam heating in March! On time, off we went at a leisurely pace up the bank, through the tunnels then passing through some lovely countryside to Evercreech. Here the original main line from Highbridge joined us.
Soon after leaving Evercreech, and just after crossing the W.R. main line we came to a stand at Cole at 09.38. Cole was a small station served by double track, the main station building comprising of a waiting room and booking office, was on the Bournemouth bound side. A few hung out of the windows on the crisp and bright morning. The guard walked up and down the platform announcing that the last Somerset and Dorset tickets were on sale here - anybody for souvenirs? At this, it seemed that the whole train emptied and formed a queue at the booking office which did a fair (fare) trade for several minutes - we were at least five minutes late getting away! Probably the best trade the station had done for some years! KJ
Soon after leaving Evercreech, and just after crossing the W.R. main line we came to a stand at Cole at 09.38. Cole was a small station served by double track, the main station building comprising of a waiting room and booking office, was on the Bournemouth bound side. A few hung out of the windows on the crisp and bright morning. The guard walked up and down the platform announcing that the last Somerset and Dorset tickets were on sale here - anybody for souvenirs? At this, it seemed that the whole train emptied and formed a queue at the booking office which did a fair (fare) trade for several minutes - we were at least five minutes late getting away! Probably the best trade the station had done for some years! KJ
Here is the ticket - the ticket bears the inscription 'Somerset and Dorset Joint Committee'. The S&D Joint Committee was abolished in 1949 so quite how old the ticket was I don't know.
A fine photograph by Mike Roach which includes the station building at Cole - I recall that the booking office was the nearest door.This picture dated April 1965. Copyright Mike Roach
If you want to see more of our coverage of the S & D take a look at the relevant sections of this website.
The Twins at Bodmin
John Cornelius
John Cornelius
Copyright John Cornelius
The pair will run together for the last time at the China Clay and Steam Gala weekend at Bodmin on September 9th to 11th finally again on September 17th which will be just hours before the boiler certificate on 098 (30587) runs out.
Yeovil Railway Centre
Mike Bojko
Mike Bojko
Mike Bojko visited the Yeovil Railway Centre on Saturday 7th May and sent us this photograph of a coach used on this short but nevertheless interesting railway. For further information on open days, and events etc please click here. https://www.google.co.uk/?gws_rd=ssl#q=yeovil+railway+centre
Looking immaculate at Yeovil Railway Centre here is the coach referred to above - it bears the number 59515 7th May 2016 Copyright Mike Bojko