Storms Close ‘Last' Section Of S&D In Regular Use
Heritage Railway|Issue 261
NEARLY 150 years after the line was opened, the last surviving part of the original Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway main line – and the legendary system’s westernmost extremity – has been taken out of public use.
John Smith
Storms Close ‘Last' Section Of S&D In Regular Use

Following extensive damage suffered by galeforce storms in the Bristol Channel in early January, Sedgemoor District Council has ordered emergency repairs to the roadway on Burnham-on-Sea’s jetty – which once carried trains to waiting ships parked alongside.

The jetty was 900ft long, built by the Somerset Central Railway (which later became the Somerset & Dorset Railway) and opened on 3 May 1858.

The railway itself had opened on the 17 August 1854 to run from Glastonbury (by Snow’s timber yard) to Highbridge, terminating at the wharf (by the cattle market). Those instrumental in getting the railway built were George Reed, a prominent Burnham resident, George Warry, of the Manor House, Shapwick, and James Clark, the shoe maker at Glastonbury.

The railway was extended in 1859 to Wells, Priory Road, terminating opposite the Sherston public house, and the other end of the line was in 1858 extended to Burnham-on-Sea, the station being built behind Abingdon Road.

The holiday traffic necessitated the building of a second platform, long enough to accommodate 10coach trains. From this station, track was laid across the Esplanade on to the jetty with a point laid on the wooden part of the pier, allowing two sidings to run down the jetty.

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Denne historien er fra Issue 261-utgaven av Heritage Railway.

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Storms Close ‘Last' Section Of S&D In Regular Use
Heritage Railway

Storms Close ‘Last' Section Of S&D In Regular Use

NEARLY 150 years after the line was opened, the last surviving part of the original Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway main line – and the legendary system’s westernmost extremity – has been taken out of public use.

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 261
Driving A Deltic!
Heritage Railway

Driving A Deltic!

Chris Newton recalls his recent driver experience course at the Nene Valley Railway on Deltic diesel locomotive No. 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier, which he enjoyed with his brother after seeing it advertised in Heritage Railway.

time-read
6 mins  |
Issue 261
Norfolk Loco-Hauled Finale
Heritage Railway

Norfolk Loco-Hauled Finale

A POPULAR class of diesel locomotive first introduced in 1960 has finally ceased regular timetabled passenger services on Norfolk’s GreatYarmouth and Lowestoft branches.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 261
Britain's ‘First' Public Railway Rises From The Ashes
Heritage Railway

Britain's ‘First' Public Railway Rises From The Ashes

A HISTORICALLY important scheme to restore part of what is claimed to be Britain’s first public railway is set to have its first track laid this year.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 261
Homefleet variety
Heritage Railway

Homefleet variety

THE Mid-Hants Railway’s (MHR) October 18-20 autumn gala provided a varied line-up from the line’s resident fleet of locomotives – and also acted as something of a farewell event for a popular performer.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 261
Building On A Successful Year
Heritage Railway

Building On A Successful Year

Gareth Evans talks to A1 Steam Locomotive Trust trustee Mark Allatt about the latest developments at the operator of popular A1 No. 60163 Tornado, its current new-build £5 million P2 2-8-2 No. 2007 Prince of Wales and the next project – the LNER V4.

time-read
10+ mins  |
Issue 261
At Last –Corwen Back On Line After 51 Years!
Heritage Railway

At Last –Corwen Back On Line After 51 Years!

A MAJOR milestone was passed on October 17, when the Llangollen Railway’s running line into its new Corwen station was physically connected.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 261
1501: The Final Bow... For Now
Heritage Railway

1501: The Final Bow... For Now

New Year’s Eve 2006 brought down the curtain on the activities of WR 0-6-0PT No 1501 at the Severn Valley Railway. J Crosse pays tribute to a one-time colliery shunter’s nine-year stint on serious passenger duties.

time-read
4 mins  |
Issue 261
Pitchford Hall Produces Rich Pickings
Heritage Railway

Pitchford Hall Produces Rich Pickings

Britain’s most expensive Great Western Hall stole the show at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway’s hugely successful winter steam gala, while a long-time admirer of the 4-6-0s had the good fortune to make the occasion a real family affair, writes Fred Kerr.

time-read
2 mins  |
Issue 261
‘Instant' Extension Launches Churnet Valley Push To Leek
Heritage Railway

‘Instant' Extension Launches Churnet Valley Push To Leek

AFTER years of planning and negotiations, the first 659ft of the Churnet Valley Railway’s (CVR) eagerly awaited £1 million extension into Leek has carried its first passengers.

time-read
3 mins  |
Issue 260