Branch Line Backdrop

We now have a backdrop behind the branch line that runs from Gunnmere Junction to Anchwood.

It rises above, as it runs parallel to, the main line to Davemore and was previously backed by a blue wall.

Now, though, it has a photographic backdrop, as can be seen in the photographs below.

A Class 42 heads an express for Sueston past a Class 37
heading north with a long train of ventilated vans.
Meanwhile, a Class 121 is held at signals on the branch line.

The same trains viewed from the other direction.

The 121 now leaves the branch line and heads
into Gunnmere Junction.

While the 37 is now seen having arrived at Davemoor.

Re Joyce at Midsomer Norton

It was a special 'Sentinel and Vintage Vehicles Weekend' at Midsomer Norton South this weekend (8 and 9 July) so we went along on the Saturday to see how things had progressed since our last visit which, ashamedly, was some time ago now.

Well, I can tell you the progress has been amazing with the line almost reaching the start of the infilled cutting leading to Chilcompton tunnel and, indeed, from August 7th to 11th they are hold a Track Bash Week to try and lay the rest of the track in one go.

Once the filled in cutting has been reached a platform will be constructed and locos will then be able to run around their trains - fantastic! 
Thereafter the cutting will obviously need to be cleared of its in-filling, something that will doubtless take a lot of time and money to achieve.
However, after that ... well, who knows?!?!

The station itself also looks terrific with some modifications having been made to the ticket office / shop in order to allow for an expansion of the sales area. They now sell a wide variety of books, models, toys and DVDs etc.

The former stable block at the station now houses an S&D museum and it is full of many fascinating S&D related artifacts. You can quite easily spend an hour or so in there perusing the many and varied items that are on display.
It is indeed to be highly recommended, as is the buffet coach and its adjacent seating area where you can partake of some delicious refreshments whilst watching the trains.

Sentinel steam locomotive, Joyce, was on train duty this weekend and, in the car park, there was a display of various Sentinel and other vintage road vehicles - as shown in the photographs below.

The view across Silver Street upon our arrival -
with one steam waggon already in situ ...

... but soon to be joined by a second ...

... and with a third in the background!

The seating area adjacent to the buffet coach
with the museum building in the background.

Joyce gets ready to depart with her two coach train.

The view across Midsomer Norton from the train.

The end of the line ... for now!

Looking back towards the station

Resident diesel shunter D1120. This is an English Electric
0-6-0 Diesel-hydraulic Locomotive, Type DH648A-60.
It was built in 1966.

Class 08 D4095 with a mixed train at Platform 2.

Joyce gets ready to depart with the next train
in the half-hourly service ...

.. and giving it all she's got up the 1 in 47!

Fire bucket notice beneath the signal box.

Inside the fully restored and immaculately-kept signal box.

The signalman's view looking towards Chilcompton.

Properly lettered fire buckets on Platform 1.

A steam car has now arrived in the car park as we are
about to depart. I know very little about steam cars
but is this a Stanley?

Wow! Where's the clutch?

A final view of the station - with the newly-arrived
steam car attracting many admirers.