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Somerset & Dorset

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by Reading General, Jul 3, 2016.

  1. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    Which site would you say is the best to visit?
    (exclude Washford as I've been there)
     
    Reading General, Jul 3, 2016
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  2. aron33

    aron33 Member

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    My two choices would either be Midsomer Norton, or Shillingstone.
     
    aron33, Jul 3, 2016
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  3. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    You could do the bike ride from Midford to Bath, through Coombe Down and Devonshire Tunnels for something a bit different
     
    Johnb, Jul 3, 2016
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  4. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    not unless they've widened the tunnels and have a de-fib on stndby
     
    Reading General, Jul 3, 2016
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  5. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    What could I expect to see?
     
    Reading General, Jul 3, 2016
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  6. aron33

    aron33 Member

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    Midsomer Norton (South) has had the entire site restored, complete with all track. Currently, they have 1 mile of track, and are fundraising to extend another mile to Chilcompton cutting, bringing them to 2 miles of track. They have a Sentinel 0-4-0VBT, a Class 08, and a EE 0-6-0DH
    Shillingstone has the station building restored, along with the down platform. Track has been relaid towards Stourpaine and Durweston Halt, and Lamb Bridge (north of Shillingstone) has been saved from demolition and for future northwards extension. They have two Czech 0-6-0T's, a Ruston, and a Class 08 (under overhaul/repairs) as motive power
     
    aron33, Jul 3, 2016
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  7. Johnb

    Johnb Nat Pres stalwart

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    I think both have websites if you google it
     
    Johnb, Jul 3, 2016
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  8. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    of course I have done, but websites are sugar coated usually and I prefer to ask for first hand independent views.

    Both sound as if they are in their infancy but worth calling in to for half an hour.

    I tried calling into Midsomer Norton last year but the place was all closed up with nowhere to park and a very busy road outside (Saturday morning).
     
    Reading General, Jul 4, 2016
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  9. DisusedBranch

    DisusedBranch Guest

    Have you forgotten that lynbarn is reopening the whole thing? ;)
     
    DisusedBranch, Jul 4, 2016
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  10. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    no but I'm thinking of going this month :)
     
    Reading General, Jul 4, 2016
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  11. Daddsie71b

    Daddsie71b Member Friend

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    Yugoslavian built (not Czech) 0 6 0 based on American WD Yankee tanks. Number 30075 and 30076. 30075 originally restored at Swanage in early 90's
     
    Daddsie71b, Jul 8, 2016
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  12. aron33

    aron33 Member

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    Thanks for the correction, Daddsie.
     
    aron33, Jul 8, 2016
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  13. SpudUk

    SpudUk Well-Known Member

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    Highly recommend Midsomer Norton, very atmospheric even if nothings running
     
    SpudUk, Jul 11, 2016
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  14. Reading General

    Reading General Part of the furniture

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    Thanks, I tried before but it was all closed up and nowhere near to park
     
    Reading General, Jul 11, 2016
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  15. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    There is a large free public car park in South Street. If you are going down the hill, right & right again.

    I was there on Saturday with my two youngest and we had a great time
     
    johnofwessex, Jul 11, 2016
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