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Top: On 11 June 2005, members from around the country met in Weymouth to explore the old railways and tramways of Weymouth and Portland. The rails of the standard gauge tramway between Weymouth's town and quay stations is clearly visible in the road surface, but recent pronouncements by Network Rail make it unlikely that a train will ever pass this way again. An alternative service is provided by the local horse bus. (Stuart Pickford) |
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| Above: The way things were. This photograph was taken about half a mile north of the picture above, but from the window of a six coach Hastings unit visiting Weymouth Quay on a railtour on 8 August 1987 – the 'Hastings Diesel Swansong'. By coincidence, this was the webmaster's wedding day! The special train was formed of two Hastings units and must have been quite a sight for unsuspecting summer visitors. (Stuart Pickford) |
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| Above: These are the remains of the engine house which once hauled wagons up Comberow Incline on the West Somerset Mineral Railway. It was known to railway staff as the 'winding house', and had the standard gauge track running over the top. The structure is visible from the B3224 about a mile west of The Ralegh's Cross Inn, which once served miners who dug out iron ore from the surrounding Brendon Hills. The incline was acquired recently by Exmoor National Park, but should not be accessed until it has been made safe. Meanwhile, the inn (with no 'i' in 'Ralegh') is worth a visit to view the fine collection of period photographs. July 2004. (Ivor Sutton) |
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| Above: A view of Comberow Incline from the top. If the way ahead looks steep, it's because it is – the gradient is 1 in 4. The incline accommodated double track, with rudimentary semaphore signals to control train movements. Exmoor National Park plans to allow access to the engine house at the top of the incline, but we are unsure as to whether access will be granted to the incline itself, not least because the land at the bottom remains in private hands. July 2004. (Ivor Sutton) |
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| Above: Beyond the bottom of Comberow Incline, the local landowner has designated the trackbed as a permissive path, and it is possible to follow the old railway for just over two miles to Roadwater village. This is the scene near the tiny settlement of Timwood. A little further on at Pitt Mill, the trackbed has been tarmacced to provide road access for locals in this remote area. Pitt Mill produces hand made paper, which artists regard as amongst the best available in the country. July 2004. (Ivor Sutton) |
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| Above: When the road and trackbed reach Roadwater village, the road swings sharp left in front of Roadwater station. This view shows what remains of the railway bridge over the stream immediately south of the station. The stream flows from a spring about half way up Comberow Incline and joins the Washford River nearby. Both the stream and the Washford River were invaluable to the 19th century railway builders, since they provided a gently graded valley along which their line could be built. July 2004. (Ivor Sutton) |
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Above: Roadwater station. The original structure was built of stone, as can be seen to the left and right of this view, whereas the flat-roofed, brick-built extension jutting into the garden is relatively recent. The low platform is clearly visible. Although the line was constructed primarily for mineral traffic, it also carried passengers. In the 19th century, they travelled free of charge up and down Comberow Incline, but at their own risk. There were few health and safety regulations in those days! N.B. The station is now private property, so please do not trespass. July 2004. (Ivor Sutton) |