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

[@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.

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@9F2214]

The double headers with 9fs were unlikely assisting the 9f, but instead, the train was transporting the smaller engine to another place to be used as a locomotive pilot there for another train.

[@philiprufus4427]

So made financial sense to put a chemist in charge instead of an engineer and close the lot and spend ten times the treasury money on Roadways and 'Development Opportunities.' Nothing to do with, 'We can HIKE the cost of running a car or lorry,over the next thirty years either !'

[@9F2214]

@philiprufus4427 Beaching, Thatcher, and Blair did incomprehensible damage to uk industry. It's the way they try to justify closing industry as 'progress' is what really gets under my skin.

[@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.

[@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.

[@davidhookway514]

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

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you indeed!

[@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.

[@philiprufus4427]

@@sarahmiller4734 Felt that way since boyhood, I am seventy one now. Still I saw a lot before it was trashed for profit. Never sawThe S and D but they trashed plenty in Scotland,Wales,The North of England. I am lucky,I have lots of English as well as Scottish relatives,and travelled extensivly 'man and boy,' so saw a lot,especially Devon and Cornwall,Sussex,and Yorkshire and The North as well as Scotland.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🙂

[@noeldunford4955]

​@@RediscoveringLostRailwaysYes it's sad to see that wonderful railway go the problem is no one looks any Further than there nose if the railway was there now it would make money just look at the roads now full and overflowing plus pillups and police service fire service ambulance service doctor service road damage And don't take that into account £££££££££££

[@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

[@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!

[@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

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@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 🙂

[@I_Am_Just_A_Technician]

Easily the best documentary on the S&DJR on KZbin. I'm an avid railway enthusiast and have recently taken to train simulators to revive the line and put it into a state of "What could have been" as in the line never closed and operates semi preserved with regular trains from Bath to Broadstone. I'm definitely going to be rewatching this religiously to get the infrastructure and scenery just right 👍🏻

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You are very kind - thank you - this was such a joy to make. I don't know if it is your cup of tea, but you might share one of your simulator videos on KZbin - if you do, let me know, as I would certainly watch it!

[@katesonanadventure]

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!

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@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!

[@alantunbridge8919]

The S&D was something of a Holy Grail for we railway enthusiasts back then. I travelled between Bath & Bournemouth West in August 1964 ( plus other now closed lines in the area) & again on the 6th March 1966 on the R.C.T.S. “S.&D.J. Farewell Raitour. A sad day indeed for we gricers, I think its attraction was the quirks of its operation & the countryside through which it ran.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wonderful memories - how I'd love to have travelled its every length!

[@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!

[@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!

[@martinlee5604]

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

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

So glad you enjoyed it 😊

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@DrPangloss]

What a delightful way to spend an hour during these miserable days of lockdown.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so pleased that you enjoyed the film! I was going to release it later I the year, but I thought the summer scenes would be a good respite from the current gloom!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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 🙂

[@andrewiow6327]

I know an old chap in Sturminster Newton who use to work on the trains from Bath to Bournemouth, had some very interesting chats

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I bet!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@mikewoodman7700]

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

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Very kind of you to say so, thank you!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@pauljohnson2430]

Really good documentary, must have taken a lot of planning and research. I think Ivor Peters would have been sadden to see how the old S&D has virtually disappeared. Thank - you.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you - and it certainly did! Yes, I think Mr Peters would not be best pleased, but I'd wager he could still capture some fine photographs of the line in its present state.

[@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!

[@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!

[@andrewhowe555]

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

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

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

[@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!

[@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 🙂

[@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 🙂

[@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.

[@michaela.chmieloski3196]

18:01 The various views of Charlton Viaduct unequivocally demonstrate that the monetary investment in the drone is completely justified. Nothing from the ground could convey this structure's grandeur as that produced by a bird's-eye perspective. Thank you for taking the time to explain the somewhat troublesome passenger train movements at Templecombe. The use of the map made the movements into/out of the station easily understood. 31:20 An adventurous hound taking a swim. A very enjoyable documentation of this long-gone railway line, with an informative narration throughout. Thank you for the time and effort to put this together.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you - in terms of scale this has been my biggest project to date and I'm quite happy with the end result. If I only used the drone once for the shot of the viaduct, it would've paid for itself many times over. Sorry for my tardy responses by the way - just moved house and things are in disarray!

[@michaela.chmieloski3196]

@@RediscoveringLostRailways First, no apologies are necessary, your life does not revolve around replying to my comments on your channel. Second, if I understand you correctly (there's always the possibility of something getting lost between the British-American/American-British English translation), best of luck to you and your family in your new home. Again, a nicely done and informative program.

[@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!

[@alistairkewish651]

The subtitles are superb. They are not of the predictive text variety, which means that rather than stabbing a guess at place names, they seem to have captured every one in a way I have never seen before on KZbin. What a change that makes if you care about the English language and history and geography and social endeavour all brought together under one roof.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Any channel with a growing subscriber count is remiss to not provide proper subtitles. It took me hours to type them up, but I'm glad they were worth it!

[@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 🙂

[@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!

[@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 :)

[@CliveBishop]

The best video ever, so sad that the S & D was killed off, but the time has come! The last steam train I took from Wimborne to Poole was hauled by a battered 70 year old GWR 0-6-0 and cost more than a gallon of petrol at 1s.6d. We came back by bus and used our 1933 Lanchester from then on. Since then we have walked the track to Sturminster Newton and South to Poole.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Wow! Thank you for that remarkable compliment! Do share far and wide if you're able to do so - and thank you for your evocative memories of the line post-closure!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@IronSalli]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@therailwaycatuk5477]

brilliant video. My Dad is obsessed with the S&D and thats kinda rubbed off on me too. Even my Mum has a love for it as her father was a great S&D enthusiast. Whats so ironic about its demise and various other Beeching cut railways is that they are needed more than ever in this era! Rail travel is still as strong as it ever was, and towns are expanding! East Somerset is greatly cut off unless you have a car or use the limited bus services. It's such a shame that the line can't be reinstated as it once was.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm so glad you enjoyed the film and, yes, agreed RE: our diminished rail services. A real shame.

[@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

[@jamesgilbart2672]

Brilliant, comprehensive account of the entire route. So sad it was all swept away. If not used as a railway, I hope that more parts of the line can at least be brought back into use as very scenic cycle ways/footpaths.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you. Making this was a joy and I'm so glad I got to cover it all.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@ceanothus_bluemoon]

Super film, though as with all of these, so sad for what has been lost. All the work that went in to making them and a few years later, deemed worthless. An hour absolutely flew by. Appreciate the work researching and filming over the last few years and I doubt a major TV company could have done better. Hoping there will be many more!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Glad you enjoyed it - and may more to come. Making these (especially this one) is truly a labour of love and I get to explore some fine countryside. So pleased the hour passed well - it is always a bit of a risk with these longer films!

[@MrMontey2002]

Fantastic piece of Social History. I spent my first year out of Agricultural College visiting farms throughout the area of the S&D in 1963 to 64, so many or maybe most of the places mentioned, were known to me. Amazing to find that so many archifacts and locations have survived. I hope, as the railways recover their natural place in the Nations transport system after their political assassination, that these rural cross country lines, can be reinstated.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Thank you for you kind words, thoughts and memories 🙏

[@jackdrusus2226]

Wonderful reconstruction of the past..what a quality piece of work

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

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

[@b4mouse]

Glorious stuff.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

Many thanks indeed!

[@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!

[@kipsome45]

A very enjoyable and engaging watch, thank you. Call me a cynic, but watching this makes me realise how much of this country’s charm has been lost forever. Oh, and subscribed!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm very grateful for your subscription - thank you! I know what you mean, there's something more corporate than characterful about our country I fear...

[@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.

[@andrewholloway231]

Just to say that I thoroughly enjoyed this film. A masterpiece. Thank you for all your hard work in bringing this film together. The viaducts that are still standing are truly astonishing.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

I'm always a bit uneasy about my films until I've heard from you Andrew! I'm so glad you enjoyed the film and approve. The architectural legacy of this railway is truly remarkable. We're so lucky that so much is left standing.

[@westhavengwr4613]

Great video as I know much of the route. In 1985 I photographed what remained of Wells Priory Road in an attempt to build a model. At that time the goods shed, stationmaster's house, platform and Tucker Street platforms were still in situ. Wells once had three stations within a couple of hundred yards.

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

It's remarkable how three station became none in so short a time - I would've loved to have visited the station's remains at that time - I hope it helped with your model! Really glad you enjoyed the film.

[@johnsharp8632]

Great video. All I can say is that the late Ivo Peters would have pressed the thumbs up button!

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

That would have been a tremendous honour!

[@daystatesniper01]

This is fit for a TV show !! you my old friend have outshone yourself with this one

[@RediscoveringLostRailways]

You're very kind - I hope the film adequately conveys this enjoyment I had making it 🙂