Latest Blog Posts

Could have been long ago... 53808 at the Watercress Line gala

20 October 2020.

Could have been long ago... Jason Baker captured the mood well with 53808 on the last day of the Watercress Line gala. Of course, if nothing else, the shiny paintwork gives it away that these are thoroughly modern images!

53808 in action at the Watercress Line's Autumn Steam Gala

17 October 2020.

After the Trust's S&D 7F moved from the West Somerset Railway on long-term hire in August 2020, the gala was the first time in active service on the Watercress Line since 53808's last visit some years ago.

It was a delight to see 53808 striding up the 1 in 60 gradient between Ropley and Medstead; in the video we include two of the other locos involved; Stanier 'Jubilee' 45596 'Bahamas' and SR S15 30516.

The main part of the video was taken between Ropley and Medstead followed by a short section at the foot crossing between Alresford and Ropley. We have also included some still images featuring 53808 taken by Julian Clark on Friday 16 October.

You might also be interested in the updated Kingfisher DVD about the 7Fs, available from our online shop.

Click on 'Read more' to see photos from this event.

53808 steaming in preparation for the Watercress Line gala weekend

15 October 2020.

53808 has been in steam in preparation for the Watercress Line gala weekend from 16-18 October, this running providing the opportunity to bed-in the new piston rings.

Click on the 'Read more' button to see the photos.

Emergency fund makes award to Trust for lockdown period

1 October 2020.

The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust Ltd is pleased to announce that it has been successful in its application for Heritage Emergency Funding.

A grant of £4,300 has been received which covers the costs of the Washford site during the lockdown period earlier this year. We wish to thank the National Lottery Heritage Fund for facilitating this grant, and of course thank all players of the National Lottery.

@TheNationalLotteryUK @HeritageFundUK

53808 due to run in 'Pines Express' themed gala on 16-18 October

24 September 2020.

53808 due to run in 'Pines Express' themed gala on 16-18 October.

The Mid-Hants. Railway are taking bookings for the Autumn Gala where passengers will be allocated a seat in a carriage set which will be hauled by all engines through the day... including 53808. More information and timetable on this link.

[Photo by Brian Kennedy]

New and Limited Edition items in our online shop

 

Part of Trust's collection to move to the Mid-Hants. Railway (Watercress Line) while a permanent location is sought

10 September 2020.

 

A joint statement has been issued about the move by the Mid-Hants. Railway, the Mid-Hants. Railway Preservation Society and the S&DRT.

 

Moving the collection will be hugely costly. We urgently need further donations in order to achieve the move. There is a variety of ways to donate which are described on the dedicated appeals page.

 

We also very much welcome new members to join us in what we are sure will be  a new and exciting future for the Trust - find out more about membership on this link.

 

Trust press statement issued now that 53808 has safely arrived at the Mid-Hants. Railway

28 August 2020.

With the arrival of our S&D 7F No. 53808 on the Mid-Hants. Railway, the Directors have today issued a Trust press statement.

Click here for the statement.

[Photo by Brian Kennedy]