| On 9th July 1967 the last steam services ran on the Southern Region of British Railways as part of the modernisation plans. Final steam locally were three freight trains from Weymouth to Westbury (through Yeovil Pen Mill) that day
conveying perishable goods. In conjunction with the operation of two very special trains, Yeovil Railway Centre arranged special events and the following are arranged to show:- (a) Saturday 8th July train (b) Sunday 9th July train (c) Some of the attractions and displays |
| Saturday 8th July saw Railway Touring Company use West Country Class 34046 'Braunton', currently running as Battle of Britain Class 34052 'Lord Dowding' to head 'The End of Southern Steam' excursion. Train ran from London Waterloo to Yeovil Junction (Platform 3). After a break of around 40 minutes the train ran to Weymouth with Class 33 diesel 33207 'Jim Martin' (running round at Yeovil Pen Mill). Steam followed later to take the train back to London via Bournemouth. |
| On the approach to Yeovil Junction. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| Swinging left towards Platform 3.(Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| After pushing back the coaches to clear the points, steam is detached and runs onto Yeovil Railway Centre metals. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| Coaling (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (Photo courtesy Roger Marsh) |
| Next task is turning the engine. (Photo courtesy Roger Marsh) |
| (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| Class 33 diesel 33207 'Jim Martin'. |
| After oiling, and servicingis complete, the engine reverses back onto Network Rail and prepares to run to Weymouth. (Photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| (Photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| 9 July 2017. 35028 'Clan Line' fresh from overhaul, ran the UK Railtours 'The Waterloo Sunset' special from London Waterloo to Yeovil Junction, returning via Salisbury, Southampton and the Portsmouth Direct line. A break over over 3 hours at Yeovil gave passengers the opportunity to view the various attractions provided. |
| On the double track section from Templecombe. (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| 'Clan Line' approaches the Junction. (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| Engine and support coach (POB) came onto site (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (Photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| (Photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (Photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| (Photo courtesy Brian Haigh) |
| (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| Our Ruston shunter 'River Yeo' was used to.... (Photo courtesy Dave Tozer) |
| ....propel the Support Coach onto the turntable.... (Photo courtesy John Cornelius) |
| ....where it was turned manually (many hands make light work?) (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| Engine Crew (Wayne & Matt) (Photo courtesy Roland Groom) |
| (Photo courtesy Brian Haigh) |
| Coach tanking. (Photo courtesy Brian Haigh) |
| Waiting departure. (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| Some of the attractions. Our grateful thanks to all the volunteers, friends and attractions who worked hard over many days and without who the weekend would not have happened! |
| Andrew Barclay 'Lord Fisher' on loan by its owner Barry Buckfield, powers our train rides. (Photo courtesy Dave Tozer) |
| (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| Scale traction engine and Miniature Railway |
| (Photo courtesy Brian Haigh) |
| Engine Shed had real ale, railwayana, Model Railways and snakes/bugs! |
| Salisbury & Stonehenge Gauge 1 Railway |
| Incredible detail which Gauge 1 allows. (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| (Photo courtesy Paul Blowfield) |
| Gill gets to grips with a snake (or is it the other way round?) |
| Transfer Shed (Visitor Centre) was buzzing and the catering staff were busy! |
| Also busy were the BBQ team. |
| Friends of Templecombe Station |
| Shepton Mallet Drifters had a pool and displays of Model Boats |
| Yeovil Junction Ambassador Jonathan Crook and Gail Coleshill (Friends of Crewkerne Station) at Yeovil Junction on Sunday 9th July, Johnathon is definitely entering into the spirit! (Photo courtesy John Coleshill) |
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