A SITE DEDICATED TO THE
S & D
And other lines in the UK
All images, artwork and text copyright to Graphicphoto-arts. Photographs taken by Mike Tuck/Keith Himsworth unless otherwise stated. All new S&DHRT railway membership enquiries are welcome. Enquiries via tuckm97@yahoo.co.uk or simply go to the main site www.sdjr.co.uk and follow the links.
Why not visit Midsomer Norton on a Sunday to see for yourself what is happening. Grab a coffee in the Buffet coach and then visit the station shop on any Sunday to browse through the many railway books and as memberships can be purchased here, BECOME A MEMBER! Paul will be in the shop to assist you. Also, take a look at the excellently rebuilt signal box.
You can also ask for Mike, volunteer liaison Co-ordinator directly, or Kieth Himsworth Personel administrator. Either way, BECOME A MEMBER!
Please remember to STAY OFF the track when visiting. Please do not climb on any engines, fittings, fixtures or rolling stock. Railways are dangerous, YES even preserved ones!
"REMEMBER-SAFETY COMES FIRST!"
All photos copyright (G.P.A ) and are taken by Mike Hodge (was Tuck) unless stated otherwise.
Above shows Jeremy Woodrow (far right) taking two new trainees through their paces in connection with running trains at Midsomer Norton. As simple as this idea sounds, I can tell you that, it is not. The paper trail in itself is unbelievable. However, the positive side to this is the fact that there are many volunteers wishing to get involved across the board and there is always room for new faces. If you have relevent experience with any aspect of functional railways, do please get in contact.
Phil and Clive get to grips with cleaning D1120 in the yard before the start of what turned out to be a mammoth day shunt! Loco cleaning always has been an important part of railway history. Any driver or fireman will tell you this. The good thing with cleaning a loco, is that you get to know it well.
Above shows Clive handling a wet brush. Behind him is the Queen Mary Brake and the Dogfish ballast wagon.
Pic K.Himsworth.
Above shows the shunt in progress. Note the new signal and dummy. If you have ever had to shunt a significant amount of wagons about and remember every single move, then you'll realise how complicated it can get. The train in the picture above had been set back into what we call "The Shed Road" The main point and associated cross-over is controlled by the ground frame. The signal box will eventually take over once it is completed and ready for use.
Pic K Himsworth
Above shows the same shunt move, but from a little further back. The Sentinal loco can be seen in front of the flat bed wagon. Trains will run into this platform. They will have exactly a quarter of a mile of track to run on. Everything in railway terminology is measured in Chains. According to a resource, only the railway use this style of measurement.
Above demonstrates on a practice run what trains will look like during proper revenue earning runs. With Phil Jones at the controls, D 1120 rolls gently into the platform. The brake van passengers consisted of a joyful bunch of volunteers who were rounded up to act as passengers. It was worked out that a total of 16 could be fitted in on the B.V in comfort. Of course, children have to be taken into consideration, and also a guard plus an assistant.
The train comes to a halt close to an L.M.S B.V which was put in front of the stop blocks on a temporary basis. (Pic K Himsworth)
Above as one part of the shunt is complete, volunteers discuss the next move with the driver. The grey B.V on the right of the picture will be uncoupled. Note the red light on the bonnet of the loco! (Pic K Himsworth)
Below is the new green house which is coming on nicely at Midsomer Norton. I captured this on August 15th. There is a little way to go, but what a wonderful sight this will be when it is finished!
Below, the road railer has been recieving a little bit of attention lately. An over-all inspection revealed several faults which, as I type this, are being put right. There is a dedicated RRV group at Midsomer Norton now, and anyone who feels they can help in any way, are welcome. In all fairness, the machine is indeed an old one, the first of its kind on British Railways. Gamble Rail owned these K.G.T's. I believe there are a few about in preservation on steam railways. Make contact if you are interested in getting involved with the road railer group, or any other area at M.S.N.
Don't forget to mail if you wish to get involved. You will be made most welcome. Ask for Kieth or Mike.
It is hoped you enjoy these pictures. Why not drop into the station on any Sunday morning and become a member? Get involved and become part of the ever expanding S & D story.
To get involved at M.S.N you can either go to:
or contact Mike directly on:
All pictures copyright to graphicphoto-arts unless stated otherwise.
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