LAST TRAIN FROM EVERCREECH JUNCTION
S&D 50 Commemorations
on the West Somerset Railway
West Somerset Railway
S&D themed Spring Gala
5th & 6th /
12th & 13th February
The West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala this year had a Somerset & Dorset Railway theme, to mark the 50th anniversary of the closure of the line. Locomotives representing the Somerset & Dorset Railway (in order of appearance) were 53808, 34053 ‘Sir Keith Park’, 80043, 48624, 34070 ‘Manston’, 53809, 92214 and 44422.
53808 was overhauled and repainted in British Railway's black livery specially for the event.
During the event - the following West Somerset Railway stations were renamed as follows:
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Minehead - Bournemouth West
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Dunster - Shillingstone
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Blue Anchor - Bailey Gate
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Washford - Midford
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Watchet - Binegar
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Doniford Halt - Stourpaine & Durweston Halt
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Williton - Evercreech Junction
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Stogumber - Henstridge
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Crowcombe Heathfield - Shepton Mallet
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Bishops Lydeard - Templecombe
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Norton Fitzwarren - Midsomer Norton
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53808 was overhauled and repainted black prior to the event.
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S&DRT's 7F 53808 is backed up by 53809 in a classic recreation of
S&D double-heading - March 4th 2016.
(c) David Cable
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The West Somerset Railway held the most extensive S&D themed event commemorating 50 years since the line's closure. Memories of which were captured on video.
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The S&D closing ceremony was recreated at Washford
(c) S&DRT
The 6th March 1966 marked the day the famous Somerset & Dorset Railway running over the Mendips from Bath Green Park to Templecombe and onwards to Bournemouth West was closed by British Rail. 50 Years later the West Somerset Railway commemorated the anniversary of the Somerset & Dorset's closure during their 6 day Spring Steam Gala.
