LAST TRAIN FROM EVERCREECH JUNCTION

'Steam at Silver Street'

27th & 28th February /

5th & 6th March

 

Midsomer Norton was at the heart of the S&D 50 celebrations during its ‘Steam at Silver Street' event. Jinty 3F ‘47406’ (on loan from the Great Central Railway) - gave visitors a step-back-in-time taking in scenic views of the North Somerset countryside, while climbing the 1:53 gradient towards Chilcompton. This was the first mainline steam locomotive to grace S&D metals in half a century.

 

Also in steam - was the resident Sentinel engine that ran along a section of the down line. 

 

Crowded platforms with excited visitors once more graced this iconic location on the line, who came from near far to soak up the atmosphere, and play a part in this important milestone in the history of the Somerset & Dorset Railway. Those attending this event included many former S&D railwaymen.

 

Chairman of Bath of North East Somerset Council - Cllr. Ian Gilchrist: cut the ribbon officially reopening the reconstructed signal box on the morning of Saturday March 5th (50 years to the very day that the last scheduled public trains ran on the Somerset & Dorset Railway).

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'September Steam'

10th & 11th /

17th & 18th September

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Due to the unavailability of a Standard 4MT class locomotive back in February/March - plans to stage the re-enactment of the last S&D public train at Midsomer Norton were postponed. It was hoped this could be made possible in September. In August, it was announced by the S&DRHT that their search had been successful -  80079 would be visting the line, on-loan from the Llangollen Railway.

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Sadly two days before the event was due to begin, former S&D fireman Ian Bunnett passed away. In his honour, on Saturday 10th September - 80072 was specially renumbered 80041 for the day and supported a wreath on the smoke-box door.

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On different days throughout two consecutive weekends - 80072 was renumbered 80041 and 80043, this was to reflect the last loco numbers that ran on the 5th March 1966.

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Such is the enduring affection and interest in the Somerset & Dorset - platforms were once again packed with excited passengers.

Many who had came considerable distances to witness this spectacle - they were not disappointed. This was the largest mainline locomotive to visit the town since closure of the line 50 years ago.

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