Return to Evercreech Junction - 1984

When Dr Beeching took his axe to the rural railway network few cuts were as savage, or as deeply resented, as that of the entire Somerset and Dorset system.
Its staff took great pride in working this steeply graded line over the Mendip Hills and a strong sense of family loyalty existed.
Before it was all swept away in 1966, Bath enthusiast Ivo Peters recorded the railway on film.

[@Jack_Warner]

I remember watching this in 1984. When all of my close family were still living in this dimension.

[@landhopper4296]

What puts this in perspective is that this programme itself is 40 years old, while they talk of events happening years before. The footage is fantastic though, especially seeing a 9F doing the job it was built for.

[@tangerinedream7211]

Oh for a time machine . Thanks for the upload .

[@martinmarsola6477]

A fine video of the history of this line. Sad to see, but thanks for the ride this day. Cheers mates! 🇬🇧🙂👍🇺🇸

[@kristinajendesen7111]

As a guard back in the 80s I worked with a couple of Bournemouth men who fired over the S&D out of Bournemouth West, Pete Guy and Aubrey Punter. If I remember correctly they worked the very last train over the line into Bomo West. Sadly as a Salisbury driver later I would pass the remains of the line on my way into Templecombe, on my way to Castle Cary from Westbury and after Bath on my way to Bristol. I would have loved to work over it but definitely wouldn't have had the strength for firing.

[@davew2452]

Thanks. A delightful film and delightful people.

[@adamh7588]

A Lovely insight and sad too

[@TheBBist-xh7iq]

A very enjoyable half hour...Thanks.

[@waldenhouse]

Devastating; a bygone era.

[@billpugh58]

Fantastic video.

[@alanmitchell2859]

They also stuck the knife into the LSWR as well.

[@johnboy8846]

Thanks for upload, my copy was in poor shape, memories of playing in Combe Down tunnel when line was still open!!

[@nigelkthomas9501]

Just imagine how busy this line would be now if it hadn’t closed. Such a shocking waste!

[@conceyullena]

Very nice video, greetings

[@TheStickCollector]

Nice. I wonder how many old junctions are still running

[@thusgordonplot4721]

Wow

[@theoccupier1652]

Ahhh .... the great days of steam :)

[@steveworthington930]

Never forgave the Western Region for shutting down the S&D, criminal.

[@malthusXIII-fo3ep]

Narrated by the great Mike Arlett. Is he still alive in 2024?

[@jonjon9047]

It would seem so. He’s not published a book since 2011 but I’ve found contributions up until December 2022. No obits so presume Mike is still around.