Somerset & Dorset

I just wandered what everyone thinks about the two projects which are now trying to bring this glorious line back to life...

the new somerset & dorset railway based at Midford
and the somerset & dorset railway trust at Midsomer Norton

and both with ambitions plans to extend to pretty much the entire length of the original line
one even stating "We aim to restore the whole line, from Bournemouth to Bath and to Glastonbury and Wells, using a mix of lobbying, strategic trackbed purchase and restoration of sections of the route as they become viable."

 

The "New" S&D is not based at Midford, at least not yet. The "New" S&D was, as I understand it, set up as an offshoot of the S&D Heritage Trust based at Midsomer Norton. Recently the site at Midford has become available and therefore the "New" S&D has taken the opportunity to try and purchase it - a good idea in my view as it will never get any easier to safeguard these sites for a renewed S&D. As you say, the "NEW" S&D has the very ambitious aim of restoring the whole line. This aim is far too high in my view but it is quite likely that some long sections of the old S&D will be returned to their rightful use and I would not have thought that even a year ago. There are several organisations working to keep the S&D alive of course including the Trust at the WSR, the Shillingstone Station Group and the Gartell Light Railway which runs over part of the old S&D formation. What a shame that we didn't have the money, the fervour and the willingness to do this in 1966!

 

How much of the trackbed is built over?
Of course, that's not a complete bar to restoration as - with oodles of cash - buildings can be bought and demolished!

 

Taking into account the present preservation centres on the line of the S&D, just how far can they theoretically extend? Up six miles or eight or further?

Regards