Somerset & Dorset Branch Memories

[@blaggercoyote]

Such unbelievable short-sightedness! If the S&D were still running now it would be very busy with commuters avoiding the ghastly traffic congestion from the south into Bath.

[@philipfowler5280]

I'm inclined to think that a frequent qualification for a minister is to know nothing about the subject. Kind Regards, Philip

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

​@@philipfowler5280 The lines were not unnecessarily closed. The traffic did justify keeping them open. The railways were losing 100 million a year in 1963. If there is traffic to justify it they will be reopened. As is happening with the varsity line and others. Actually Beeching recommended that line for development but it was closed later by the Wilson Gov against Beeching's advice. Rail buffs start from the premise that any piece of track is a good idea. This is not financially sound. They can't be kept open at taxpayer expense for the sole purpose of titillating a few enthusiasts.

[@glynjones6801]

Fabulous film , long live the S&D !.

[@amazoniaamazonia7225]

Thanks to Ken Barter and Philip Fowler having the foresight to make this excellent film, it captures a wonderful piece of social history for later generations. Tim C.

[@philipfowler5280]

Thanks Tim. Thank Goodness I eventually persuaded Ken that I could sync all the live location sound! Best Wishes, Philip

[@markcarey8426]

Brilliant. Thanks so much for sharing this footage and blessings to all the conservationists.

[@philipfowler5280]

Many Thanks indeed, Mark, Best Wishes, Philip

[@rolymier8659]

Thanks for posting. Never saw the S&D at work, but Ivo Peters films and books introduced me to the line. My sister moved to Somerset not far from Shapwick and l have explored what remains of the lines from old maps. Love these films.

[@philipfowler5280]

Thanks Roly. Three years of editing there, two for film, then one for sound - the bit Ken Barter didn't think I could pull off! Best Wishes, Philip

[@bobsmodelrailways]

A bygone age for sure. When life seemed so much less stressful and much more enjoyable!

[@philipfowler5280]

Yeah. Thanks Bob. All the Best! Philip

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Can you believe it’s been 58 years since the Somerset and Dorset railway closed

[@Properkunt]

Being a lad from basonbridge, this is great, I’ve been hunting the for something like this for years and it was KZbin recommended Great footage especially going over the bridge down merry lane, and how vegetated the bank of the Brue is now compared to then

[@philipfowler5280]

How wonderful - you've made my day too - great to hear that! Best Wishes, Philip

[@thebrummierailenthusiasts5329]

Quite a few station buildings are still here but others have since disappeared and being replaced by residential houses and industrial areas and of course they disappear without a trace

[@novakingood3788]

21:16 Whenever the name Blandford Forum crops in any context, not just railways, I immediately have the Flanders and Swann song, 'Slow Train', in my head for hours afterwards!

[@oldsteam3618]

I will know more about England from the Cut to the Railroad. Than any book. From the U.S.A.. Golly Good show mate.

[@philipfowler5280]

Thanks Carl. Best Wishes, Philip

[@rupert6478]

this was in my recommended, and I really enjoyed it :)

[@philipfowler5280]

Thanks Robert! Best Wishes, Philip

[@steamgent4592]

Fantastic thanks for sharing it!

[@johnmurray8428]

Thank you.

[@philipfowler5280]

Thanks John. Best Wishes, Philip

[@djburland]

Sad to see

[@likklej8]

Michael Eavis of Glastonbury festival fame has the trackbed running through the site. The farm had its own milk dock

[@philipfowler5280]

Thanks for that, lkklej8. Best Wishes, Philip

[@tdoran616]

Did you make this documentary? It’s pretty good

[@heatherhall3452]

Enjoying these videos from Queensland Australia 🇦🇺 I was born in Harrogate and immigrated to Australia in 1969 -1970 coming by boat the Castel Felice - do you know which train would have taken us to the boat?

[@philipfowler5280]

Hi Hannah. If the ship left from Southampton, then yes, you certainly might have traveled over the Somerset & Dorset to get there. Others might be able to comment on possibly more direct routes. Best Wishes, Philip

[@Isochest]

I just wish these rail services were in situ with Network Rail and the Freight companies

[@oldsteam3618]

You can see part of the Cut at. 5.46/5.50.

[@a11csc]

i think dai woodham should have a statue in the nrm

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

@Aussie Pom Woodhams was a business. Dai cut up 80 steam locos in the 1960s, mainly GWR types. He rubbed his hands with glee as the fireboxes were copper and he'd only paid for the weight of steel. Preservationists paid top money for any locos and parts, so Dai was no saint, he was first and foremost a scrap contractor.

[@73Datsun180B]

Yet he still on sold engines. Why you comment on every steam video?

[@paulduncan3214]

The trains could come back if cars became too expensive . . . . . . . . . any ideas ?

[@philipfowler5280]

Thanks Paul. "What goes around comes around". Vinyl records are a good example! Come to think of it, that's a bit of a pun... Regards, Philip

[@Shelfandtabletoplayouts00gauge]

@@philipfowler5280very good 👍

[@alankendrick3251]

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