Latest Blog Posts

Local campaigners to apply for a public Right of Way through the Winsor Hill Tunnels

11 January 2021.

You may be aware that the Winsor Hill Tunnels, part of the Historical Railways Estate, were gated off a couple of years ago.

Local campaigners would like to claim a public Right of Way based upon established usage over a period of time. If you have evidence of walking through the tunnels (and over Ham Wood/Bath Road viaducts) many years ago, they would appreciate your help.

If you have evidence of past use that you could contribute, follow this Facebook link or email windsorhilltunnels[@]gmail.com. (Please click on the email address then delete the square brackets; this deters automated emails).

Model Railway Exhibition highlights video produced to coincide with the cancelled event this year

Callum Willcox writes, "9th - 10th January 2021 would have seen the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust host it's annual Model Railway Exhibition, at Edington Village Hall, Somerset.

However, like many Model Railway Exhibition around this year, the event had to sadly be cancelled. So to mark the occasion, I've picked some of my favourite layouts from previous years to create this special Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust - Model Railway Exhibition highlights video, showcasing a wide selection of amazing model railways, in a variety of scales and gauges. All being well, the show hopes to return bigger and better than ever next year!

Hope you enjoy!"

Appeal fund reaches great milestone of £30,000 - but more is needed

5 January 2021.

Our appeal fund has reached £30,000 - another great milestone in ensuring that the Trust can continue its work well into the future.

With the move of 53808 and the PMV to the Watercress Line leading the way, other vehicles (like the Fruit D, illustrated) will also move, as well as our extensive S&D museum collection.

But this is a costly process so please support us by clicking on this link and choosing one of five donation methods. Even better, join us as a member! Your support will be greatly appreciated.

[Photos: Jason Baker, David Temple, Rod Ormston.]

53808 looking - and sounding - fantastic on the penultimate evening of the Watercress Line's Steam Illuminations

26 December 2020.

53808 looking - and sounding - fantastic on the penultimate evening of the Watercress Line's Steam Illuminations. WARNING: flashing lights.

This video, by James Batcheler, has a lengthy sequence of 53808 pounding up the gradient towards Medstead, plus footage of 30506 doing the same. Owing to changes in the Covid tiers, the remainder of the Steam Illuminations timetable has sadly been cancelled.

53808 and our PMV at the Steam Illuminations

 19 December 2020.

Here are two Trust assets with an important role in the Watercress Line's 'Steam Illuminations' - which are still bookable on various dates until 3 January. Next to the familiar sight of 53808 is the Trust's PMV [Parcels & Miscellaneous Van] with 'Miscellaneous' in this case being a generator for the displays.

You might also enjoy this video with 30506, 76017 and 53808 in illuminated action.

[Photo by Richard Bentley.]

Roger Newman

The Trust very much regrets to record the passing of Roger Newman on 24 November. He had been unwell with Covid-19.

Roger was a long-standing member of the Trust and in recent times had an involvement with the running of the Trust's AGMs and is pictured here presenting a prize certificate.

TransWilts CIC - which promotes improved public transport facilities and connectivity in Wiltshire - posted "We are deeply saddened to hear that Roger Newman has passed away. He was an exceptional volunteer with over 30 years service to Trowbridge station and a long standing member of West Wilts Rail Users Group. He will be sorely missed. We send our condolences to his family."

53808 in steam at Ropley

27 November 2020.

Our S&D 7F No. 53808 was in steam today to test a couple of minor jobs that have been carried out and this was followed by some shunting at Ropley.

[Photos by Richard Bentley.]

'Progressing our Future' appeal now exceeds £20,000

15 November 2020.

We're delighted to announce this great milestone in our appeal to secure the Trust's future for another 50 years.

Much more is still needed to support the movement of historic vehicles and S&D museum exhibits to new locations where they will be seen by new and larger audiences.

The movement of S&D 7F No. 53808 to the Watercress Line was the first and largest part of this process but there is much more to do. Please support us by clicking on this link and choosing one of five donation methods. Thank you.

[53808 photo by Richard Bentley.]