A NEW SITE DEDICATED TO RAIL, BOTH PRESERVED AND NON-PRESERVED
All images, artwork and text copyright to Graphicphoto-arts. Photographs taken by Mike Tuck/Keith Himsworth. All new membership enquiries are welcome. If you see yourself in any photographs, contact us for a copy! Why not visit Midsomer Norton on a Sunday to see for yourself what is happening. Visit the shop and take a look at the rebuilt signal box.
I (Mike Tuck) am a member of the railway project at Midsomer Norton, once a thriving station on the Somerset & Dorset railway.
Above: Thanks to Andy Chapman for this photograph. Taken at a time when things were in very early stages. A massive difference to how things are now.
Another A Chapman picture! What makes me smile in this one is the "slow down" sign beside the road. I like this picture because it is representive of the way things will hopefully be going in the long term. Things are a lot diferent at this location, though fortunately in a railway fashion. The bridge (no48) at this point was removed in 1969, possibly during the November. The track between Midsomer Norton and Radstock was also being lifted in this particular year, so the area was a hive of activity. The difference being, rail was lifted and removed using road transport.
The first things in 1969 to happen S & D closure/demolition wise, was the closure of the Broadstone/Blandford section, and possibly the Emborough Stone Works sidings were also lifted. By Feb of 1970, Blandford yard had been cleared. Thanks to Tim Deacon's book for this info, "The Somerset & Dorset-aftermath of the beeching axe" A valuable book for any serious collecter to own.
This is my photo blog, and I hope you enjoy the pictures. They are somewhat variable, but of a positive nature. Thank you to all those who have paid pleasant comments of support! Thanks also to people who have sent photo's in.
To get involved at M.S.N you can either go to:
or contact me directly on:
tuckm97@yahoo.co.uk A snowy welcome awaited volunteers during January. This would result in the road railer refusing to start, D 1120 following suit resulting in the volunteers deciding to continue with some much needed clearance work, where it was required. This involved a warm fire! I caught D1120 turning over. After a moment or two, it was clear the engine was not going to start. I am glad to say that, since this picture was taken, both and the RRV have started successfully. A deliberately evocative photograph. The Queen Mary is a little out of place by S & D standards, but one wonders if one, or several of these bogie B-V's would have been ideal for the type of freight which ran on the line. This photograph also reflects an old past time which allowed mixed trains highly common on branch lines in the flying years of steam.
Compare this scene with the picture right at the top! I know it is a reverse view, but when you look at this picture and see the track disappearing from view towards Chilcompton Tunnel.
I tried to angle this shot. The road as well as the station are in the picture. In the distance the Mark 3 buffet coach can be seen. Green livery with a white roof!!!!
Below is the up platform. Hopefully this will be a platform allowing passengers to ride to Radstock by rail again. Note the signal box behind the shelter.
Finally, looking up the line, or is it, down the line? The snow laden track bed looks stunning, reflecting years gone by. All one needs is the Evening Star thundering through with The Pines! Perfect!
If you want to be involved in this project or indeed others onsite, why not email me, tuckm97@yahoo.co.uk for more info, or simply go straight to the trusts website:
All pictures by G.P.A unless stated otherwise.
If you want to get involved at Midsomer Norton then go to the main site, www.sdjr.co.uk for more information.
Have a good day.
Mike Tuck
bravenet.com