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2. e
3. Restoration at Washford (pics)
(This last project is the longest-running but is not based on the ex-S&D line.
It does, however, house the ex-S&DJR 7F loco, 53808)

Tstation was built in 1873 for the opening of the "Bath extension" single line on July 20th 1874. Situated four-hundred feet up in the Mendip hills and overlooking the town (then village) of Midsomer Norton, the station, in Silver Street was twelve and a half miles from Bath Green Park station terminus and was beside a bridge which carried the inclined railway over the road. The line was doubled in 1886, when the bridge was replaced and a signal box erected. Nearby, connected to the station by rail, was Norton Hill colliery, one of many mines in the north Sommerset coalfield, now but a distant memory. The station was most famous for its beautifully manicured gardens and won many prizes in "Best kept station" competions held by British Railways. 3F & 7F, with coal from Norton Hill Colliery. July 1961. (RC Riley) system on March 6th 1966, one month after Norton Hill colliery.

 

The last demolition train departed on July 12th 1968 and the track was lifted in the spring of '69. A year later, the narrow girder bridge, 48, over Silver street was totally obliterated and landscaped for road widening .The station was sold for use as educational premises in 1969 and resold bv the last owner to Wansdyke District Council in September 1995. (Now BAINES).

After twenty-seven years, the most complete surviving Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway station was returned to railwav ownership on March 28th 1996 when the Trackbed Trust officiallv signed an (initial) three year lease with the council, being the first railway group to occupy a full S&D station in twenty years after the original Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust had to abandon their pioneer station scheme at Radstock North station, moving their collection and preserved class 7F goods engine to Washford station on the now well established West Somerset Railway.

The site is being restored to its fine 1950's condition, (See Nick's wonderful recreation in the next picture!) to include a new signal box and

 

 

greenhouse. Double track will be relaid, with goods' sidings to turn it into a working steam museum. Naturally we have our eyes on other parts of the line as well ...!!

The site will include a tourist information centre , childrens' play area and will border an eventual seven acre native British woodland, managed by the Trackbed Trust and involving locals and conservation parties in its upkeep.