Shillingston to Blandford Forum S&D Railway 1983

[WBDE]

Thank you for posting the wonderful video. I can see a lot of potential with this right of way even in it's present condition. Do the British have something similar to the U.S. Rails to Trails program? Converted to bike or walking trails, this old line could become quite attractive and popular.

[Gigagannet]

@WBDE Thank you for your comment Great you enjoyed the video. They have in the last few years installed a foot bridge here between the two spans. Most of the old branch lines have been saved and turned into walk and cycle ways which is great. Who knows with the ever rising price of fuel they may open them up again one day hopefully.

[MICKTHEMERC]

In 1964 we had family friends who were German, the Husband was a USAF Serviceman named Bob Geirhart, they lived within a cul de- sac, in a bungalow which backed onto this line in the village , i have vivid memories of the huge monsters charging passed on the line,my love of the S&DJR began there and then and continues today, thank you for posting this, wonderful memories

[Gigagannet]

@MICKTHEMERC Hi Mick Your welcome great story. Glad you enjoyed the video I lived in Spetisbury at the time the railway was operational in 1960. I too have vivid memories of those huge monsters. I have some original film of the trains passing through Shillingston and Blandford Will try and post over Christmas.

[MICKTHEMERC]

@Gigagannet Yes please that would be great, as much as you have, i will never tire of watching it, " MERRY CHRISTMAS" keep it coming, when you have time of course, keep warm.

[ravenseft]

What a wonderful if very sad clip. The music was very well chosen. Do you know if there is anything left of Durweston Halt?

[Gigagannet]

Thank you. Great you enjoyed the video.

I moved away from Blandford in 1990. Having seen some recent photos on Google there seems to be just the concrete supports for the platforms.

According to Google Earth the arches over the river appear to have now gone.

[soundnicetome]

Two great railway routes,the GCR,and the S&D,both abandoned,because of money then was and is now all important.All that time and effort gone forever.Politicians should hang their heads in shame,at the sheer folly of their decisions to close both lines.Today both would have provided excellent tourist attractions,such a shame !!

[Gigagannet]

Thank you for your comment, and I agree with you. I remember the days it was operational as a child, thought it would be there forever with all that work to build it. The railway network was far better looked after in those days than what they are now.

[Gigagannet]

Check out Hollandtowers in the search box on youtube for film of Blandford forum station in the1960's.

Also excellent footage of Shillingston and Bailey Gate available to purchase on DVD in the Golden age of steam. Follow the link from hollandtowers.