England's Best Loved Lost Railway: The Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway

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Exploring the history, the stories, the accidents, the architecture and the remains of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway. Might you consider supporting my channel even more? www.buymeacoffee.com/rediscov...
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Footage for this film was shot in the Spring of 2019 (Evercreech to Burnham, Wells and Bridgwater) and Summer 2020 (Bath to Bournemouth) and I am indebted to the Somerset & Dorset Railway Heritage Trust for permitting me to film at Midsomer Norton when it was otherwise closed to the public.
0:00 Introduction
1:38 Bath Green Park & The Main Line
4:20 The Two Tunnels
4:37 Accidents on the S&D
7:13 Midford
8:39 Wellow
9:44 Shoscombe & Single Hill Halt
11:05 Radstock North
12:14 Midsomer Norton
12:57 Chilcompton Tunnel
13:54 Chilcompton
14:38 Binegar
15:27 Masbury
16:24 Ham Wood Viaduct
16:37 Winsor Hill Tunnels
17:16 Bath Road Viaduct
18:00 Charlton Viaduct (Drone Footage)
18:53 Shepton Mallet, Charlton Road
19:48 Prestleigh Viaduct
20:13 Evercreech New
21:00 Evercreech Junction
23:07 Cole & How the S&D formed
25:26 Wincanton
26:07 Templecombe
26:58 Templecombe Explained
29:23 Henstridge
30:12 Stalbridge
30:53 Crossing the Stour (Drone Footage)
31:39 Sturminster Newton
32:56 Shillingstone
33:28 The Onward Journey (Drone Footage)
34:03 Stourpaine & Durweston Halt
35:03 Blandford
35:46 Blandford Viaduct (Drone Footage)
36:53 Charlton Marshal Halt
37:53 Spetisbury
38:43 Bailey Gate
40:13 Corfe Mullen Junction
40:45 Wimborne
41:16 Corfe Mullen Halt
41:54 Broadstone Junction
42:30 Broadstone
43:24 Through Bournemouth
44:26 Bournemouth West
45:30 The Branch Explained
46:37 Beginning the Branch
47:00 Pylle
48:16 West Pennard
49:03 Glastonbury & Street
50:05 Polsham
50:50 Wells Priory Road
51:18 Into the Levels
52:09 Ashcott & Meare
52:56 Shapwick
53:49 Edington Junction
54:44 Cossington
55:16 Bawdrip Halt
56:45 Bridgwater North
57:15 Back to The Branch
57:49 Bason Bridge
58:31 Highbridge East
59:39 Burnham
59:55 End of an Era
1:01:52 Coda
1:02:12 Credits

[@Perthshire]

A masterpiece! A mega budget BBC programme couldn't do any better than this. Well done ;-)

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That is really very kind of you to say so! The pleasure of making these films is that one can do them on their own terms - I can imagine the BBC would have some very specific programme making requirements!

[@mikeuk4130]

Yes, so much better than if it were narrated by, say, Bill Nighy, who called a Brush Type 4 a "D47-class". That sort of programme will always fail because someone, somewhere doesn't know his or her stuff.

[@mikeuk4130]

@@rlock5758 Sorry, I can't remember. I didn't watch it, just caught a snatch which was enough to identify it as "celebrity narrates rail/travel programme as not enough people will watch an expert doing it properly" stuff. Actually, it could have been from "the world's most scenic railway journeys" on C5. The target audience wouldn't notice or mind, however. To my mind, better to do a Portillo and ignore the traction!

[@tipthetube3219]

Marvelous video. Excellent delivery. One of the best

[@ladela7348]

@@mikeuk4130 To be honest, the Brush Type 4 was later known as the Class 47 and pre-TOPS all units of the class used the prefix D, so it would be a pretty excusable mistake to make in my opinion.

[@eggballo4490]

They really need to bring back these railway line in their entirety. That will do wonders for the people, environment, and the economy.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wouldn't it be lovely? I wonder if we would pay it any attention if it was still running, though? I agree - would be lovely to journey this line in full once more!

[@Mgameing123]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways IDK but the summerset railway should come back it must start at bath spa andbe electrified the a straight alignment to allow trains with higer speeds

[@RichardASK]

@@Mgameing123 The cost now would be astronomic. Would the passengers, whoever they would be, be prepared to pay the huge cost of tickets? I wouldn't be here if I didn't love railways, but why should anyone pay for it, but those that use it?

[@therailwaycatuk5477]

it does exist still but in parts. Midsomer Norton is a heritage railway, they currently have rebuilt 1 mile of track from scratch and have been trying to fund and gain permissions over the years to expand it further. The biggest problem is that majority of the old track beds have been developed on since the 60s. There are supermarkets, industrial estates and housing estates on most of it that is not woodland cycle paths. Not to mention they destroyed the viaducts in places to avoid budgeting to maintain their upkeep. Absolute cheapskates they were in the 60s. All for automation, progress and modernisation. What they ultimately did was cut off the towns and villages. Now I dont know the Bournemouth end very well, so I may be wrong, but I think some of it still exists down that way as the mainline connections.

[@Sidneyyoungblood75]

@@therailwaycatuk5477 apart from the mainline route from Weymouth to Waterloo, none of the offshoot lines exist. Bournemouth West was demolished in the 60s or 70s. Broadstone and Wimborne in the 70s & 80s. Blandford in the early 80s I think.

[@scopex2749]

Excellently made! I know every inch of this trackbed as i carried out a 2 year track survey of the entire route from Bath to Bournemouth. Incorporating a feasibility study of existing bridges, tunnels and those that need replacing if the line was to reopen. 😃The government is all for reopening lines as the roads are reaching capacity. Also the area is not well off and attracts few tourists or revenue. The track bed is in excellent shape for track laying and one section still even has track laid! This would totally regenerate this area of Somerset, with a modern day service To Bournemouth but ALSO more importantly a Heritage line like no other! Imagine travelling the original route hauled by double headed locos! The revenue from this alone would bring in millions, creating jobs and prosperity 👍🏻🇬🇧 One section had its viaduct deliberately blown up as ‘unsafe’. There was little wrong with it, this was to prevent any such re opening! Most bridges are intact some merely needing new single track girder bridges and cuttings excavating. Incidentally the trackbed still remains railway property. Any illegal possession of said land can be simply removed with a court order. Several crafty land owners have taken over the track bed claiming “its mine”....well no....its not.😂 could we raise enough interest to take this before parliament to back the scheme with government grants to bring back the complete S&DJR? This would also return peace to the area removing the need for trucks and cars in the small lanes.🙂 Environmentally also a sound investment. But greedy land owners have DELIBERATELY built a new housing development directly where the old Radstock station could have been replaced. Of we delay too long the chance to reclaim our heritage will be gone. PLEASE EVERYONE WHO IS INTERESTED SUPPORT THE REOPENING OF THE S&DJR for future generations 🇬🇧👍🏻 All the money they are WASTING on HS2 they could use on this more worthy route! If the government can just demolish and tear up ANYTHING in the way of HS2 so should this be to replace the S&D! CLEAR the trackbed and relay the whole line.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really glad you enjoyed the film - and I, too, enjoyed reading your thoughts on the subject - most engaging!

[@Sidneyyoungblood75]

So greedy developers have built houses where a station COULD be placed. Please clarify if this land is owned by greedy developers or by Railtrack/Network Rail or whatever their name is now

[@sarahmiller4734]

I hope you don't mind me asking but how long ago did you carry out the survey? I only ask as I am nosey and find this really interesting. Thanks

[@newforestpixie5297]

In spite of the Bristol area and Bournemouth/ Poole + satellite towns having the largest populations of SW England, when that line was tore up there wasn’t an alternative connection of direct road between them and 55 years after hasn’t seen much improvement to alleviate congestion for the folk living in and along the routes between these cities . HS2 is indeed a horrendous idea and waste . 👍🐢

[@sarahmiller4734]

@@newforestpixie5297 I live in Christchurch and I know exactly what you mean about travelling in the area.

[@nouvalari]

Not just informative but thought provoking. Brilliant presentation, acute sense of detail and filming. Relaxing delivery that proves there are still people who pride themselves with the art of decent production. BBC eat your heart out.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wow, thanks so much for the compliments you have paid my film! Making this was an absolute joy and something I will always remember.

[@anthonymoore6009]

I totally immerse myself in these quality films, but at the same time they leave me desperately sad for what we have lost. Keep up the brilliant work.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad you enjoy these films - they are a delight to make and I hope to do so this coming Easter! Many thanks for your ongoing support!

[@sarahmiller4734]

Are you me? I only sat that as this is exactly how I feel about the destruction of the country's infrastructure in the constant quest for "efficiency" as it always seems to be so short-sighted.

[@martinhall60]

What an amazing programme, well done sir. I wish the S&D could be brought back in its entirety, i know when i am driving in the countryside its not long before i have a queue of vehicles stretched out behind me all wanting to overtake me, and i am doing the legal speed limit for that area. People are not paitent anymore, we live in a rat race world now sadly. I would gladly go by train if i had the chance to. Well done ,wonderful channel and program.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you so much for your kind words about my film - it was such a involving process becoming immersed in all things S&D! Agreed - the pace of things today is too much. My channel acts as a stay against all that! Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series 🙂

[@johnfoster7996]

I remember Barbara Castle. Her mantra was, “You know it makes sense” which I translate as, “We know what is best for you”!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I don't really know much about her at all...

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways she introduced the gra ts that stop or in some cases slowed down the closure processes for uneconomic but socially useful lines

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways She put through the Equal Pay Act in 1970...still waiting for that to happen!

[@andrewlong6438]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways I believe she was the Transport Secretary that gave consent to close the line. In some circles as vilified as Ernest Marples.

[@EllieMaes-Grandad]

She was also a friend of TINA . . . . there is no alternative.

[@drevo50]

What a lovely fim, complements the Betjeman programme perfectly. A sad loss, but the hard fact was that there was very little traffic, certainly not enough to support what must have been an expensive operation. All that double heading didn't come cheap.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for your thoughts and kind words!

[@leescastle8324]

Thank you for another excellent insight into England's railway past. The loss of the S&D, together with the Great Central, illustrates the folly of the Beeching report and the political short-sightedness of the time.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you - and my pleasure - both films were a joy to make 🙂

[@douglasfleetney5031]

That was just wonderful. Thank you so much for all your hard work in making this brilliant episode. You are going to have your work cut out to better this episode! Thanks again for brightening up another furlough day...

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I wasn't going to release this until Spring, but I thought that how it might offer some escape during these dreary lockdown days - and it sounds like it has worked. Really glad you enjoyed the film and thank you so much for your kind words about it.

[@Smannellites]

Thank you for this wonderful, very detailed and beautifully produced video. I lived in Dorset, near to Blandford Forum, in the 1970s and I can remember the day of the Blandford bridge demolition by explosives. I worked at Plessey at Templecombe and in the mid-70s they needed to expand and acquired the Templecombe Lower Yard, which needed the replacement of the old trackbed linking to the upper station by the road which exists today. There used to be a second iron bridge over the road for the link line which was removed when the road was constructed, but the abutment on the upper station side can still be seen today. Many of the staff at Plessey were ex-railwaymen who had been made redundant when the line closed, one who I knew well had been a fireman on the line in his youth working on the banking engines which (I think) operated out of Templecombe up to Masbury summit. In the 70s there were a few surviving buildings on the Lower Yard, one being the old engine shed, quite a substantial building that Plessey used as a machine shop. Sadly, looking at the Google Earth view of the site, it seems to have been demolished. Plessey itself as a company, like so many other great British electronics companies, is now long gone, having been acquired by Thales. Thanks again, this brought back some happy memories.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for sharing your memories of this line and this area - it brings the place to life in a way my films never can

[@Smannellites]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways Here is a link to a website which has a photo of the old Lower Yard engine shed. Obviously I cannot post the photo here for copyright reasons. www.wikiwand.com/en/Templecombe_railway_station#/Locomotive_sheds

[@martinlee5604]

The story of the beautiful Somerset & Dorset. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@ZalMoxis]

Amazing time when Britain had industries and local endeavour to produce things. As well as pride in appearance and standing.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, agreed

[@Sidneyyoungblood75]

Production figures started to decrease year on year from 1900 onwards but rose tinted glasses should never be taken off when talking about the past.

[@pwhitewick]

Fantastic presentation as always. I should imagine films like this would be used in years to come as thorough documentaries, teaching for the many that wish to learn of this line.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you ever so much for your kind words about my film 🙂

[@john-pu5uy]

Just CLASS.... Deserve a TV Slot for sure well done.. -And the railway to be reinstated

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!

[@davidreeks4297]

Such a well produced film. It brought back so many memories for me. Back in the late 50's I use to travel from Chippenham to Bath Spa, walk to Green Park, and then take the train to Parkstone. In summer it was a delightful journey - so long as you were not in a hurry! Then there was the shunting at Templecombe! One of the things which showed the difference betwen frequent travellers and the novice visitor was when approaching the tunnel out of Bath. The "old hands" would get up and close all open windows so as to minimise the suffocating smoke that entered the train as the hard-working locomotives entered this very tight tunnel. Happy memories. The other great thong about the S&D was that it was like an extended family for the emplyees who all seemed to know each other.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for saying so and for sharing your wonderfully evocative memories of this remarkable line!

[@snubby4624]

That hour flew by! Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so pleased - my main concern is that an hour is a long time on KZbin, so your feedback is most welcome!

[@100SteveB]

What a fantastic presentation. I greatly enjoyed taking this trip back in time along the S&D. I wonder what it is about old railways that fill so many of us with nostalgia and a great interest in lines that many of us never actually travelled? I remember back in the 80's when I was in my late teens I became facinated by the old railways of the Isle of Wight, I spent many happy days exploring the old abandoned lines. And then even more time spent reading about the lines, learning about the engines and the many characters that worked on the lines. A way of life for generations of folk, now nothing more than memories. To stand in a cutting, or in a tunnel, or on a bridge, just imagining what it had been like just a few decades earlier. The engines and their crews, all of which seemed so familiar after reading so much about them, all now long gone. But they leave behind so much interesting history to explore.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I completely share your sentiments - I've a long term plan to make a film about the Isle of Wight and its lost railways!

[@davidhookway514]

Very good film. Lived in Blandford when trainline was running. Remember stopping train at Spetisbury Halt.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you indeed!

[@spencerblake5713]

This is my railway, I lived in Shepton mallet as a kid so I walked the overgrown line more Times than I could count, I love this

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad it helps to evoke those memories!

[@philhomes233]

While there's much about the S & D avaliable, this film adds a great amount to the story, a (rather sad) delight. Thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure, thank you for your kind words about my film

[@robertewins1112]

Magnificent production; you must be very proud of this piece which, in my view, stands superior to TV productions like "Walking Britain's Lost Railways." I hope you continue your invaluable recording of Britain's Lost Railways.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm ready and set to make my next few films, so never fear! Really glad you enjoyed this effort - thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂

[@fiachra4266]

Well, that put a lump in the throat and a tear in the eye. Thanks for a super film.

[@fiachra4266]

some nice footage here too...kzbin.info/www/bejne/iquTnoF-jLd5b5o

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the film - maybe 'enjoyed' is the wrong word! Thank you for taking the time to comment 🙂

[@dustpanandthebrush5293]

Ohhh if only railway shows on TV were like this instead of useless segments like sampling the local jams etc , brilliant work and amongst the top tier of railway KZbinrs I sir salute thee

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for you kind words about my film and my channel - I know what you mean about some of those TV programmes, where the presenter is 'invited' to try their hand at a local craft or to taste some local delicacy - you can probably hear my eyes roll when this happens...

[@philnewstead5388]

Agreed I find it very frustrating when I sit down to watch a so called railway programme only to find most of it to be about anything but the subject of the title.

[@nigelduckworth406]

A most excellent video. This is a very welcome addition to the Mac Hawkins Then and Now book on the S&D. There are many views in your film which are not covered by his book, and which I have never seen previously either in the flesh or on film. A great deal of research must have been put in to this film and the appreciation of so many people below is thoroughly deserved. I travelled on the Pines Express to Bournemouth from Manchester on this line when I was 6, 7 and 12 years of age and, despite never living anywhere near it, have managed to cycle quite a lot of it recently whilst on holiday. You have filled in the many bits I have never been to ( or over!) since the age of 12. Thank you so much.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad you enjoyed the film and that it stirred some memories for you. Making it was a joyful experience which I will never forget 🙂

[@Petecope]

Despite impatiently wanting to watch this yesterday, I've had to wait until tonight. I was seriously impressed. Having worked around some of the areas the line passed though, I've had the chance to see some discrete features but it was great to see everything brought together in this brilliant film. Thank you for taking the time to shoot and produce it. It is both professional and crafted with love. It will get a repeat viewing very soon.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really kind of you to say so, thank you indeed - it was an absolute delight to make, exploring all the countryside and finding these architectural treasures - please view repeatedly and share widely :)

[@nigelsabin1713]

I went on the S&D in August 1962. My only visit; I copped 53807 AND 92220 (Evening Star) on the Pines Express. Happy Days. Another excellent video!!!!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very nice! What a remarkable experience to have had!

[@Perthshire]

A superior, professional, slick, beautiful production! 100s of hours of work must have gone into this!

[@Perthshire]

This was my second viewing ;-)

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You are so kind, thank you for saying so. I'm glad it withstood a second viewing. Lots of many happy hours went into this one!

[@katesmith5767]

1 minute in and I'm excited already! gorgeous cinematography and music so far :)

[@garyparker2541]

a lady after my own heart!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really glad you are enjoying it - only another hour to go!

[@paulboyle6857]

I recall as a schoolboy attending a summer camp near Swanage in Dorset & travelling there on the Pines Express down the H & D line to Wareham where we changed to the branch line to Swanage now a wonderful heritage railway.I,ll never forget the view of Corfe Castle from Corfe station;must go back sometime soon soon,my sister lives in Bournemouth so no excuses!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for sharing your memories

[@carlsturges6048]

Absolutely brilliant, way better than any TV offering of late (you know what I'm talking about) and exactly what people who love disused railways want to see.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so pleased - KZbin gives one the freedom to make specialist films that are simply impossible on TV - thanks so much for your kind words about my film!

[@carlsturges6048]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways , I live in Potton so am lucky we have so much left of the varsity line although there's no real access. I lived in Harpenden growing up so we had the Dunstable to Welwyn branch as our playground, happy days.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@carlsturges6048 we're neighbours, I live in a village very nearby beginning with W.

[@carlsturges6048]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways , really I'd no idea but thought you were local because of your video locations.! Thanks again for all of your videos I share them with my friends who are all dedicated train buffs.

[@alistairshaw3206]

This is a masterpiece, your best video yet! I can't imagine the hours of research and hard work you put into this. The BBC should give you a job! Barbara Castle was as bad as Ernest Marples, different politics, but equally bad!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Each and every hour invested in making this film was a joy - truly an involving experience I will never forget. So glad you enjoyed the film and thank you for your greatly appreciated high praise 🙂

[@johnbarlow6990]

Wonderful - you have made my day! I am a native of Nottingham currently living in Templecombe, and you have now covered my two favourite lines - the Great Central and the S & D. Congratulations.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wonderful! You have lived and continue to live in two places with a remarkable railway history! I'm so glad you have enjoyed both films!

[@johnjephcote7636]

I used the S&D whenever we holidayed in Bournemouth. Later, I lived in Blandford and walked my dog along the trackbed north and south when the viaduct was still existence all the way to the Stour. Now I live in Nottinghamshire! I have an original crest, having bought an old transfer in the sixties.

[@callummacmillan6268]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways I’m also a native of Nottingham who used to live in Bath, I just want to say the same, thank you for your films covering the GCR and now the S & D - both stories are so well made and fascinating, congrats!

[@amandapryar4675]

Its very sad to see what we had and lost; even I don't remember all these lines yet I morn they're loss because it's a part of our history, and many people will never know what we truly had. But this film is just a taste of what we once had. Thank you so very much 😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure, thank you!

[@trevorwright6165]

what a wonderful trip you have taken me on thank you so much all the best from trev in west sussex

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it - many thanks for your kind remarks!

[@aro4491]

The down tunnel at Windsor Hill (at 17:15 in the video) was used after the line closed in 1966 to test one of the Rolls Royce Olympus engines for the Concorde aircraft that was then in development.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That is fascinating, I had no idea - I wish I had!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Friends! I hope you enjoy this film - if you can *like* it and *share* it far and wide, I'd be grateful - if you can *subscribe* better still! Please let me know what you think in the comments below. Might you consider supporting my channel even more? www.buymeacoffee.com/rediscovering

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@Jack Warner You're too kind! Thank you!

[@Sheepraisin]

This was a big undertaking. Wonderful work, I salute you! Thanks so very much and I look forward to whatever you produce next.

[@carlharris2808]

Thank you so much for the time and effort you put into this video. Sad to see all the craftsmanship of the bridges viaducts and tunnels stations etc just destroyed and lost forever to the UK and future generations to view and enjoy.

[@mr.d1775]

Very good video and I think the best so far. Nice to see some parts of the line preserved.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@mr.d1775 Really glad you are enjoying it - thank you for your kind remarks

[@alantraish3368]

Highbridge wharf Your hopes have died They float like driftwood on the tide Out out into the sea Oh sad forgotten S&D Betjeman fired all this emotion in me from that 1963 branch line film. A comprehensive review of what once was . The culpability at the end was poignant too. Just thank you was immense.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the film - definitely the most challenging and rewarding experience I've had making this series. Really glad I could pay homage to Betjeman's powerful documentary and so pleased that you found my channel - do consider subscribing and enjoy my other films in the series!

[@michaelpilling9659]

Absolutley brilliant! The film exceeded all my expections. A remarkable journey - by far the very best currently on film. A magnificant video. Congratulations on a superb piece of film work

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for being so kind and complimentary about my work - so glad you enjoyed it!

[@onlycompetitions5083]

A delightful film, really enjoyed it. Outstanding narration and I even liked the sound effects. Nice that so many of the structures still survive. I took an “intermission” for ice cream and other refreshments.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Good idea, it's quite long, glad you enjoyed the film!

[@colingraham1065]

A superb video. John Betjeman would sigh and say I told you so at the loss of this line.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@RichardWells1]

Fascinating, poignant, brilliantly narrated with great photography, helpful maps and aerial shots - a really professional production, which clearly took a great deal more than half an hour to assemble!! Although I never visited or travelled on the S&D, I remember as a young teenager being intrigued and a little horrified at the blank page staring at me from the new 1965/66 Southern Region timetable, in the centre of which appeared a small printed notice explaining that services between Bournemouth West and Bath Green Park had been withdrawn. Thank you for such an interesting and detailed tour of this long dead, but not forgotten, piece of British railway infrastructure. Greatly appreciated.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you ever so much for your kind remarks. Putting this film together was a delight - I spent hours and hours putting edits together, then scrapping them completely and starting all over again - but that's part of the fun! Really glad you enjoyed the film.

[@bryannewman5012]

The S&D was a lovely line, and your film done it complete justice. Well done and thank you,

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to pay my work that compliment, thank you!

[@davidbrayshaw6162]

That was something else! Absolutely excellent piece of work! The time watching flew by! One of the lines of Britain I have always been fascinated with but I feel possibly a little like the Waverley Route in the Borders - should never have closed as strategically would have been a very useful route today! Ah well! Gone but NEVER forgotten!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I was worried about keeping the pace up for an hour, so your remarks are very reassuring! Thank you for your kind words about my film 🙂

[@davemarson7241]

That was wonderful, really enjoyed it. Better than most of the rubbish on television.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it and thank you so much for your kind remarks. Yes - TV - all the channels there are and nothing to show!

[@geoffbrookes4594]

Excellent production…..as are all Rediscovering Lost Railways……….but who do we thank for all the hard work and research that goes into the making of these films. It would be nice to be able to put a name on comments. Or perhaps you prefer to remain in the background? That’s ok. Thanks 😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for your very kind remarks - really glad you enjoyed this film - it was a pleasure to make. As for me...I must admit that I prefer to remain in the background (for me, the subject of the films should be front and centre), though you can spot me piloting the drone in this film a couple of times and in other films in the series!

[@flippop101]

“Britain’s best loved lost railway,” a perfect portrayal of its remnants, a most impressive and well researched video. Much appreciated in Germany, thank you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks! Most kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@markhill7901]

Congratulations on a great video. Absolutely amazing that many of the station buildings still stand and the viaducts have survived. Hello from Brisbane, Australia.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Always glad to welcome a cousin from Down Under. It really is striking how many wonderful buildings and architectural delights are still to be found. Glad you enjoyed the film!

[@7fonshed61]

Excellent. You should teach the tv companies how to produce a quality railway documentary. No stupid presenters or going off topic here! Very well done

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so - yes, my eyes roll whenever the presenter has to try their hand at some local craft! Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!

[@pauljohnson4871]

Totally agree. So sad seeing that line almost wiped from the map

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, a great shame - but some fine stately relics to whet the appetite!

[@davidarmitage677]

An excellent video covering the S&D and its branches in a lot of detail. Interesting to see so many of the surviving structures as well as many old photographs of the stations when they were still open. Thank you!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really glad you enjoyed the film, thank you for taking the time to comment

[@FutureRailProductions]

We need a time machine so we can go back and stop Beeching from publishing his book. Nice work on this.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, let's get to work on it!

[@simoncroft9792]

Great archive pictures and sound , well discovered. Much better than a music background on its own. Excellent quality

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed - I must admit I'm especially fond of this film 🙂

[@richardpettet9996]

Excellent film. Any film company would be proud of the production. Certainly fit for TV. Better than anything now showing

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really kind of you to say so, thank you. I thoroughly enjoyed making it. Do consider subscribing and have a rummage around my channel!

[@richardpettet9996]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways I'm already a subscriber and do rummage around your channel

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

@@richardpettet9996 my apologies - it doesn't flag up who is and who is not! Most grateful for your support 🙂

[@adrianevans7252]

The Bath road viaduct had a bit of trouble in February 1946 as during work to widen it, a section collapsed. Luckily there was no traffic running at the time.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I read about this and included it in my original narration but ultimately had to cut it - a scary story, thank goodness no one was hurt!

[@mikkie444]

Brilliant I always look forward to these just made my day THANK YOU

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you, I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the film!

[@TheOracle65]

I'm only just seeming this but what an excellent film, so full of history, landmarks and information. Oh man, that poem at the end was emotionally poignant, full of pathos allied to the video of the end of the road. Lets hope once was lost will rise again.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

A thousand thanks for your comment and kind words about my film. Making this film was one of those life moments I will always treasure - so much to see and explore and a chance for me to put my understanding of amateur film making to the test. It is a film of which I allow myself to be proud (if I'm permitted to say so!)

[@TheOracle65]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways You most definitely are permitted to say so! Your documentary films are obviously very well researched, not rushed and well edited. They also have a highly personal, emotional touch that is missing from many documentaries. This was present even in your early films with no vocal commentary but filled with soulful music that I must admit brought a tear to eye sometimes in both pride in what was achieved and sadness in the way it was swept away. For those of us who love the railways, their history and what they represent this is gold :-) Keep up the great work!

[@davidsheriff8989]

One if not one of the best documentaries on our old trains I have come across..hats off to you folr such a well presented and researched video....

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That's so kind of you to say so, this was undoubtedly the most challenging but rewarding project to date!

[@johnniec9097]

Yet another excellent informative video , detailing a line I now have the pleasure to walk part off. The evocative sights and sounds bring the journey to life , it beats the offerings on MSM .

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really glad you enjoyed the film and that it evoked the right atmosphere!

[@jaundicedoutlook7247]

Now, that was an hour very well spent indeed! Once again, thanks for your hard work in making this excellent documentary. Superb stuff.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it! Yes - the planning and editing took the most amount of time, the filming was short by comparison - but I enjoyed every minute of it - glad you did too.

[@alanrobertson9790]

Superb. I've explored some of the disused structures, mainly around Bath and hate the small single track roads so appreciate the scale of the work needed to present a documentary like this. The documentary is fast paced so although over an hour long it never seems ponderous. Can enjoy in the comfort of my armchair what would take days.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad to be of service! I know what you mean about some of those roads as I discovered. Some wonderful things to see nevertheless!

[@foxyut]

Excellent video. My late Godfather was born in Child Okeford and cycled to Shillingstone for his first job at Shillingstone Station with the S&D. In his career, he worked for different railway companies/departments, from Euston to Bristol, until his retirement at Exeter, St David's.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

What a remarkable history and connection to have 🙂

[@foxyut]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways He was very interesting to listen to when he spoke of his "journey" with the railways. Even his final home for a number of years was in a lodge of a big country estate, which was over a railway tunnel, with a ventilation shaft in his garden.

[@LucasHarris]

absolutely fantastic! arguably one of the best channels for in-depth railway histories! congratulations on the tremendous project!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That really is very kind of you to say so - making such films is just so rewarding and I'm glad to have subscribers such as yourself who find enjoyment in these short pieces. Many thanks indeed. Any recommendations for a future film are always welcome!

[@simonc858]

Fabulous video, I am only 3 mins in and hooked, I love this line too, my family are from Wyke, near where this ran, my grandfather wrote many many letters fighting against the closure!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wonderful! At least there are still so many graceful structures left. Lovely part of the world around Wyke - I look forward to returning when the opportunity knocks. Enjoy the rest of the video!

[@garrymartin6474]

Fabulous film the best on the S&D I've seen in many years ! Well done !

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your kind words about my film, most kind. Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!

[@angelsone-five7912]

I`m sorry to say that I too have parked my coach on the site of Bournemouth station and didn`t even realise. Magnificent video.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I daresay you're not alone! Thank you so much for your kind words about my film.

[@angelsone-five7912]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways A real tour de force.

[@sackvillebag]

As ever a wonderful telling of another lost rail. Thank you look forward to hearing your next project.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your kind words about my film - many more projects to come!

[@chrisoddy8744]

Lovely! Bit sad about Midford viaduct's film trivia (as it is the viaduct featured in the opening shot of the Titfield Thunderbolt) but with a run time of 63 minutes I can see why it wasn't included. Fantastic filming and narrating as per usual!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, it was the running time and my shot was not long enough to fit it in!

[@alahhead7068]

So sad that this line was closed, if it was kept running, now it would be a wonderful tourist attraction.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, it would be a fine heritage railway for sure!

[@jontaylor7450]

Strange as GWR was known as `Gone with regret` and the S&D was known as `Smelly and dirty` by many followers...Excellent film all the same, thanks.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure, thank you!

[@timdaugherty5921]

You deserve 100K subscribers for this! you do some awesome work my friend!! this must take lot of time and effort for this! Cheers!!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

It really does, but it's a true labour of love - always happy to welcome more subscribers!

[@BlaiddLlwyd]

Great work with this one! It's interesting to see the way that some places have taken care to preserve what there is of the railway and others have just wiped it from existence. I doubt the supermarkets and factories will last as long as the railway architecture and I can't see them ever being listed. I enjoyed the Betjeman quotes as well, I used to have that documentary on an old VHS tape.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much! It would have been remiss of me to not include any Betjeman - his documentaries are the high watermark.

[@grahamandrew907]

Superb, thanks.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you too!

[@Duranie9]

Very professional, excellent narration, filming and stills. A thoroughly enjoyable journey through time. Thank you. 🙂🚂

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That's very kind of you to say so! Do subscribe if you've not already done so and enjoy my other films in the series!

[@peterwarren5412]

Another great video well done! Can't imagine how long it must have taken.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

A long time but it was a pleasure. Thank you so much 🙂

[@andrewhowe555]

Outstanding work, well worth all your effort. Exceptional 🚂🙏❤️

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed - do share far and wide if you can 😁

[@ade9685]

Fabulous video and the branch very much brings back memories of the branch line to burnham film with Sir John. Your quotes of his poems very much added to your film. Excellent sir subscribed of Somerset!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks for your kind words and subscription - I could not have made this film and not alluded to the great Sir John! Have a rummage through my channel and let me know what you think!

[@cmtwei9605]

Really interesting, plenty of nostalgia there. I went to school in Taunton long ago but never knew about any of this, until recently I saw the Channel 5 series. Your work here compliments the series. It's a great shame nothing of local and recent social history is taught in schools at least in my days. I can only imagine fragments of lines reopening in due course. I need to track down the books covering this.😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really glad you enjoyed the film, it was a delight to make. Many many books on the S&D, you will be spoilt for choice!

[@telemachus53]

This is what I've been waiting for! Spent the whole evening with Google maps open, wiki on all the place names and a beer revelling in this wonderful line. Many thx!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Sounds like an evening well spent! Thanks for your support!

[@garyparker2541]

If only time travel was a reality...I would slip back to summer 1938, and stand at Midsomer Norton Station in the bluebells and cornfields and just watch.....happy days before the world went to pieces. :-0)

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

If nothing else, I'd settle for a ride on all parts of this line on a fine summer's day!

[@JasonTrew2018]

The two stations, Binegar and Shepton Mallet, were used in a 1957 British Railway film called "Single Line Working" dressed up as two different stations (Averton Hammer and Boiland)

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That I did not know - thanks for the info!

[@PrinceJohn84]

I can see why this was a long time in the making. Not a single stone left unturned. Absolutely superb!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much! Yes - the planning and editing took the most amount of time, the filming was short by comparison - but I enjoyed every minute of it - glad you did too.

[@class43matty]

Love the documentary! Also love.this channel! Also looking forward to more of the stories of the lost lines in the future!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many more to come, thank you for your support 🙂

[@gregorycallow3078]

This is amazing! So well researched. Thanks for making this and all your hard work.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it! If you can subscribe, like and share it, I'd be most grateful!

[@martinmarsola6477]

Thank you for the trip back in time. ❤😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

My pleasure!

[@johndunford6082]

Consider myself lucky to have travelled between Bath and Bournemouth twice both ways and the branch each way. Indeed it was a special line through delightful countryside every bit as worthy as the Settle and Carlisle which is thankfully still with us. Loving this vid.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you! Wish I was around to have travelled on it myself!

[@timdaugherty5921]

Love these videos!!! Railroad history is just amazing!! Thanks from Tennessee!!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much Tim for your kind remarks and ongoing support for my films. It is really appreciated!

[@JIMSIG15]

Absolutely amazing and well made. Thank you for making this brilliant video 👍😊

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it! Do subscribe if you haven't' already done so, I'd welcome your support :)

[@roadie3124]

I traveled on the S&D railway for, I think, it's total length when I was 10. I was going back to school in Christchurch after school holidays. It was known affectionately as the Slow and Dirty.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wonderful memories, thanks for sharing 👍

[@racingdrifter]

Damn it's unfortunate about this railway's fate, I am still satisfied though you can still find some traces of the railways and and a heritage line. also great work again mate

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you - the relics on this route are superb!

[@racingdrifter]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways yeah they really are, sad to see the line rot

[@TheSuperHarrygeorge]

Do this route on cycle paths with my brother. Amazing scenery.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Yes, agreed - delightful!

[@eddo167]

well worth the second watch in May, thank you once again

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm glad it withstands a second viewing - thank you so much for saying so!

[@ralphtuck8509]

As a kid I used to play at the recently close Blandford station, we would sneak in through the not very good security fence. We held an exclusive club in the signal box.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wonderful memories!

[@Sidneyyoungblood75]

A very very high quality informative video without any bias towards rose tinted glasses.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for your kind words about my film, really glad you enjoyed it 🙂

[@ianpotter5840]

Well all I can say is that if you enjoyed making this film as much as I did viewing it you had a great time! Thank you so much. Absolutely brilliant.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really very kind of you - thank you., It was an absolute delight to make, scrambling about the beautiful countryside look for all this architectural treasure!

[@leonwalsh1978]

Fascinating! Thank you. A fantastic production.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you very much indeed for saying so!

[@lindsaydavis4188]

Thoroughly enjoyed this - thanks - would have loved it if you had included the runaway of 1936 in the list of incidents.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Really glad you enjoyed the film!

[@robertcarter9748]

A credit to the producers.Educational and yet sentimental too, excellent.Many thanks.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you, glad you enjoyed it!

[@jcmgt]

An absolute mixture of joy and sadness but obviously made with so much care and love.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I couldn't agree more - it is a bittersweet tale to tell and I am so glad that I got to do so!

[@mikewoodman7700]

Wow! what a great documentary, something mainstream channels should aspire to.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you!