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Somerset Dorset Joint Railway Reopened V1

History:

The Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway was formed in 1862 between the Dorset Central Railway and the Somerset Central Railway. Initially, it was anticipated that substantial traffic would be attracted to this cross-country link between the Bristol and English Channels. However, when the predicted volumes failed to materialise, it was decided to build an extension that ran north from Evercreech Junction to Bath, joining the Midland Railway.

This extension had to take a path over the Mendip Hills as the funds were not available to tunnel underneath, creating huge engineering nightmares. However, construction prevailed and the line eventually ran through the Somerset coal fields guaranteeing extra traffic. These developments eventually resulted in the line being transferred to the larger and wealthier railway companies in 1875.

The climb over the Mendips created one of the hardest lines to traverse in the country. In the eyes of the railway men, the challenges of driving this route gave it its charm and character. Southbound trains leaving Radstock were immediately confronted with 7.5 miles of almost unbroken climb, much of which was up to a 1 in 50 gradient before reaching the summit. Travelling North was no easier, as from Evercreech Junction the climb was entirely 1 in 50.

In 1948, shortly after the end of WW2, the railways were nationalised and the line came under the control of the Southern Region of British Railways. Passenger traffic reached a peak in the mid 1950's with many trains coming from places like Birmingham and Wolverhampton with the Pines Express coming in from as far as Manchester.

Decline began in 1958 when part of the line was transferred to the Western region of British Railways. The stretch between Bath and Templecombe was soon downgraded with the withdrawal of many inter-regional services.

The last Pines Express service ran this route in 1962, after which it went via Oxford avoiding the Somerset & Dorset Railway completely. This year also marked the end of all but the local services along the line and it was not long before closure loomed. Over its last few days, several special trains ran along all parts of its network with enthusiasts from all over the country travelling to visit it as a mark of respect.

In 1965 the Southern region of British Rail Reopened the Line from Templecombe to Radstock and in 1975 the Line was extened back to Bath.

I have signaled parts of the route, Resignaled parts of the Route, Upgrade Line Speeds and replaced track with Riviera Line track.

Focus Time Period:

The route is set in 1988 at the peak of the reopened lines activity pre-electrification.