New Baby for Gartell

(Pic and text courtesy John Penny)

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EXCLUSIVE! The newest steam locomotive in the country - possibly even the newest in the world - is scheduled to appear at the Gartell Light Railway next Monday 29th August, 2016. Subject to final inspections and running trials* the locomotive - as yet un-numbered and un-named - has been constructed over the last 17 years by John Uphill. Similar in design to the GLR's first steam loco (No. 6 'Mr. G' of 1998) and again an 0-4-2, the loco has been designed to spend much of its time with the GLR, increasing its traction numbers to three steam and three diesel. (*Please note: Loco is subject to availability)

Gartell 16 June 2016

Both pics 16.6.2016 copyright John Penny Facebook GLR

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A strong team today avoided the showers to undertake track work at Pinesway, paint platform trolleys, nearly complete the repainting of Common Lane box and Chandler continued with his fight against the ever growing grass!

Never forget this gem of a narrow gauge line that threads its way through classic S&D (lowland!) scenery, with everything having that S&D touch, depsite the narrow gauge!

The line will be open on Sunday 26th June 2016 for the usual three-train service. Come early and have a breakfast with them. They're open from 10.00, first train 10.30, then every 20 minutes throughout the day.

Gartell signalbox work

Trevor puts some finishing touches to this bit. Still the upper part to do!

Meanwhile, at the rear of the box, C.J. Ian and Hugh get to grips with what needs to be done.

I couldn't resist this shot, possibly because I hadn't really taken notice of the direction before. It looks right away from the station throat as you can see.

Looking back toward the engine shed from the picnic area, we can spot Keith finishing some painting of a bench. GLR No. 5 waits patiently for a driver.

Work on the Northern end of the box. Trevor is up the ladder, Mike on the steps whilst Ian keeps a watchful eye and Sheila takes a brief break away from landscape duty. One can certainly see the difference in the paintwork. All the front boards have been replace as well.

All above pics and text by John Penny 26.5.2016

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We had fantastic weather down here in Wessex today and, as the above pics show, the team down at Gartell certainly made the most of it.

Gartell is famous for having a fully signalled route, and on operating days runs a very intensive service on the line. The signalbox and signals are certainly not there just to look right - they do the job they are supposed to, to keep the line moving and safe. Last time I was down there John Penny kindly allowed me into the box and it was hard to talk as he was constantly pulling some lever or other!

The Gartell Railway is an absolute gem and the attention to detail is fantastic. The line is of course operating this bank holiday weekend.

Gartell this weekend

John Penny source

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This coming May bank holiday weekend will see the fabulous S&D themed Gartell Light Railway running. With steam and diesel and a new extension there's plenty for all the family to see even if you've been many times before - and if it will be your first time you're in for a rare treat!

Gartell works today 31.1.2026

(31.1.2016 Pics and text copyright John Penny)

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At the moment every railway seems to be undertaking track renewals or ballasting. Not be be left out here is today's GLR action with unloading from our hopper and the finished product. The blocked stream at Tower View station has now been cleared, this is the view before ,there is a stream under there !

Huge step forward for the S&D

SHILLINGSTONE

(All pics 20 & 21.1.2016 copyright Allen Pocock)

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We are beginning to see things happening on the S&D that many of us thought would perhaps never happen - from the wonderful reconstructions at Midsomer Norton and Shillingstone, the return of signalboxes at both locations, Midford saved for ever for rail use, the wonderful (if low key) restoration at Spetisbury, the narrow gauge S&D experience at Gartell, the Sentinel at Midsomer Norton, more and more people pushing for the whole line restoration and, now, the arrival of TWO steam locomotives at Shillingstone!

Many years ago Midsomer Norton has a sign stating that the aim was to open a 'short demonstration steam line and museum' - I worked really hard to get rid of that sign and aim and was the prime mover behind rebranding that part of the line 'Mendip Main Line'. I've not had a lot of involvement at Shillingstone, but just a few years ago the slough of despond seemed to be pulling the strings there, with them at one time retreating to the aim of building a 'Farming Museum' with a static rail element. How times have changed!

The New S&D is also undergoing some changes with both Spetisbury and Midford setting up as separate organisations so they can focus and concentrate on getting those two sites up and running, the New S&D becoming a lobbying and oublicity group for the whole line (which is why this blog is sparking back to life, just a tiny part of that process) and Wessex Links Ltd as always operating as a land holding group for an expanding portfolio of stretches of line held for ever for future rail use.

2016 will be 50 years since the temporary and ridiculous closure of our line, and will be a real turning point for the S&D as all the groups expand and the rail presence on the S&D gets bigger and stronger in every way. When we look back to perhaps fix on the real turning point for the S&D I suspect the arival of two steam locos at Shillingstone will be right up there with the saving of the Midsomer Norton site and the purchase of Midford! These are great times to be an S&D fan! 

Gartell's last regular operating days of 2015

GARTELL LIGHT RAILWAY

John Gartell returns from the morning engine warm-through and line inspection in the beautiful but chilly October morn.

Heading up the hill in bright sunshine, No. 6 makes easy work of the 1 in 30 and 1 in 35 gradients as it rounds the curve and goes under the main-line bridge heading toward Pinesway Junction.

Fireman Mike Baker, proceeds to the front of No.6 with the coupling bar, prior to the run-round at Pinesway Junction.

No.6 passes points 11 at Pinesway Junction. The points will shortly change and the locomotive will proceed in an up direction, after it runs round its train.

The beautiful if chilly October morning is evident as the run-round takes place at Tower View.

Happy visitors at Tower View. The loco is running round prior to our non-stop run to Park Lane.

Simultaneous departures at Pinesway Junction.

Steve Rodd and Alan 'Chalkey' White crew GLR No.9 'Jean' as it runs through Pinesway Junction on the non-stop run to Park Lane with the latter-day 'Pines Express'.

Another spirited departure from Common Lane.

'Right Away' at Common Lane for the 'Pines'!

Steam and Diesel with a simultaneous departure from Pinesway Junction.

John 'Bert' Penny contemplates the next move at Common Lane 'box. (Photo by Dave Clark)

(All pics and text by or courtesy of John Penny at the Gartell Railway).

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The last open day of 2015 also brings to an end the 25th season at the GLR. With a plethora of willing staff, John was able to spend a little time behind the lens, just helping out with a couple sessions at Common Lane Box. I hope you like his selection of photos - and see you next year!

Gartell this weekend

(All pics copyright John Penny)

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This Sunday (27 September 2015) is the penultimate day of this season for the Gartell Railway - 21 years of operations!

If you haven't been to this fantastic and recently extended 2 foot gauge line with a distinct S&D feel you really should try and get along! With none of the commercialism and crowds of your typical heritage line it is an absolute joy to visit. And the weather is looking good too!

More info (from Wikipedia)

he Gartell Light Railway is a privately run narrow gauge edutainment railway located at Yenston, south of Templecombe, in Somerset, England. It operates a 2 ft (610 mm) narrow gauge railway running for ³⁄₄ mile (1.2 km), partly along the track of the old Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway.The railway has 4 stations - Common Lane, Pinesway Junction, Park Lane and Tower View. The railway is controlled using a comprehensive signalling system operated from two signalboxes - Common lane and Pinesway Junction. Both signalboxes control a mix of semaphore and colour light signals with mechanically operated points. The railway is open to the public on selected dates through the year when it normally operates an intensive 3 train operation with departures from Common Lane station every 20 minutes through the day between 1030 and 1630.

Locomotives

Number	Name	Builder	Type	Date	Works number	Notes
1	AMANDA	Gartell Light Railway	Bo-BoDH	2000		Ex Southend Pier Railway, rebuilt on the railway
2	ANDREW	Baguley-Drewry	4wDH	1973	3699	Acquired in 2007
5	ALISON	Alan Keef	4wDH	1993	10
6	Mr. G	North Dorset Locomotive Works	0-4-2T	1998	698	Newly built for the line, based on the design of W.G. Bagnall locomotive Polar Bear
9	Jean	Alan White	0-4-0T+T	2008

Gartell last weekend - freight 'n' all!

C.J. sits patiently with GLR no. 5 'Alison' at PW 29 signal, as the 'Pines Express' heads through with a non-stop to 'Park Lane' headed by GLR No.9 'Jean' with Driver Steve Rodd at the controls, and owner/builder/fireman Dr. Alan 'Chalky' White alongside him.

The rare sight of three trains at 'Pinesway Junction'

C.J. keeps his eye on Driver Mike Baker at the controls of GLR no. 1 'Amanda' as he takes a down train off the branch at 'Pinesway Junction'

The goods train waits in the platform at 'Pinesway Junction' as a non-stop service heads through for 'Park Lane'

The signal PW 29 comes off for a down train on the branch at the moment the photographer releases his shutter!

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(all pics 29.6.2014 copyright John Penny/Gartell Railway)

Scenes on the GLR taken 29th June. What a day; the weather was fine and several visiting parties enjoyed the show. Good to see the motorbike club, the lads from Yeovil Junction, the Plymouth railway circle, the 'G' scale crew and of course all our other visitors. A two-train 25 minute service (always sufficient on our June date) allowed other staff to provide breaks - and we even ran goods trains for the benefit of the photographers and the entertainment of the rest (including ourselves!) 

literary gartell ...

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The new Gartell Light Railway (GLR) book, 'The Gartell Light Railway - the story so far' is now hot off the local printing presses and is in direct response to numerous requests for a published history and guide to this unique Somerset tourist attraction. This A4 sized soft cover book was written by a GLR volunteer who has been involved with the GLR since its very early days. The book details the development of the GLR from its inception right through to the present day including the extension of the line to its newest station at Tower View. Also featuring in its 32 glossy pages are a section on the GLR loco fleet complete with colour photographs of all the steam and diesel locomotives, sections on the comprehensive signalling of the line, a detailed description of the line and much more. The book, a 'must' for GLR aficionados, is keenly priced at £10.00 and is currently only available from the GLR shop which is open on all of the GLR 'open' days. For those unable to visit the GLR then the book is also available via mail order direct from the GLR for £10.00 plus £1.50 to cover First Class postage and packing via the Royal Mail. Please send your remittance to: GLR Publications, Gartell Light Railway, Common Lane, Yenston, Templecombe, Somerset. BA8 0NB.

Demand is expected to be heavy for this unique book so visit the GLR soon to obtain your copy or obtain one from the GLR Publications Department.

facebook

(Gartell this autumn, courtesy John Penny)

One of the most active on-line sites for general S&D related stuff is the New S&D Facebook group, now with over 300 members and new stuff appearing all the time.

Facebook groups have blossomed lately with many active sites for the S&D. A couple more interesting sites I've recently set up include OUR GROWING RAILWAY and THE RAIL THING, which step away from the S&D a little, though not always!

gartell this weekend

Well yes... yes - it is that time again

This Sunday 3rd June we are running the Gartell Light Railway with the NEW LINE WELL AND TRULY OPEN!!

We are even running a 'more interesting' timetable which should allow trains to cross at the flyover, something we believe is unique on the Steam Scene in this country.

So bring along your friends and relatives and have a pleasant and relaxing day out with us.

REMEMBER! If you come by bicycle, Adults and Seniors are just £5!!

Please pass this message on to everyone in your address book that lives within 50 miles of Templecombe - and ask them to do the same.

Oh and if you have SatNav, our postcode is BA8 0NB

See you there!

gartell 2012

Gartell Railway Open Days 2012

Easter Monday 9 April
Bank Holiday Monday 7 May
Sunday 3 June
Sunday 24 June
Saturday 28 July (Steam & Vintage Show)
...Sunday 29 July (Steam & Vintage Show)
Sunday 5 August
Sunday 12 August
Sunday 19 August
Sunday 26 August
Bank Holiday Monday 27 August
Sunday 30 September
Sunday 28 October

where it all started

If you ever wondered where the idea of a rebuilt modern S&D came from you need look no further than the constitution of the SDRHT at Midsomer Norton - 'to assist with any 21st century reconstruction as part of the national network or as a heritage railway'.

Like many other New S&D members I am also a life member at Midsomer Norton. They have always been an incredibly forward-looking group and have inspired all of us working towards rebuilding the S&D as a real railway. They have worked wonders at Midsomer Norton in seemingly impossible circumstances, the site was once earmarked for sub-standard 20th century housing! Yet even 20 years ago, whilst being told by the dinosaurs 'Midsomer Norton will be demolished and vanish forever' they had the foresight to plant the idea of a fully restored line, an icon buried deep in their constitution yet, in its own way, every bit as powerful as the 'Perchance it is not Dead but Sleepeth' wreath placed on the buffers of the L&B line at Barnstaple Town station in 1935, or the Festiniog leaving Blanche at Blaenau years before the rails reached her.

Everyone involved in restoring the S&D; whether a ticket office person at Midsomer Norton, a narrow gauge signalman at Gartell, the shop staff at Shillingstone, the people restoring old carriages at Washford, the Seales clearing the platform at Midford, Dean Cockwell powering ahead the taking over of Spetisbury, the New S&D legal team studying CPOs, Environmental Assessments or trackbed arrangements and all the thousands of others supporting and rebuilding this line are all working towards the same thing - making the inevitable possible!

a new S&D - an unstoppable force!

This has come in through the comments section and I felt it needed a wider audience!

Further to comments of yesterday, I have watched my DVD (The Somerset & Dorset railway) where it shows clips of the past and the state sponsored vandals of 1967 (How I hate that era)destroying the S& D and interviewing the former staff, it showed how we have as a society really lost the plot when we allowed Beeching to destroy this wonderful line along with a good many other lines. The staff were not well paid however they had that family pride in what they did and there was none of the dreadful dehumanising of society that we read about today where it seems that is is me me me then me again to make sure and s@@ the rest of you Jack. Also the point that one lady came about living in Henstridge she now has to rely on someone to drive her about plus it takes 3 buses to go from Evercreech to Bath, some progress or what!!! This country needs to stop funding overseas aid, the EU and getting involved in other peoples wars and our so called leaders need to grow one, listen to the people and act accordingly. That way this country will become prosperous again with a happy population. I live in Torpoint in East Cornwall and have learnt that it can take a resident up to one hour to bus into Plymouth from Tavistock for work/shopping school etc, The faster steam trains could do it in half the time. So much for petrol heads etc! and their stupidity of the 60,. I was born in 1963 the tail end of the baby boom, did no one ever ask of the future twenty years later when we would all be left school etc. Thanks Beeching and Marples for the destruction of a proud line and system and society that was just and fair and decent. I look forward to a ride on the legendary S& D at Midsomer Norton, Gartell and one day Shillingstone and hopefully other locations as well. Compulsory purchase boy needs to be consigned to the dustbin of history like a dinosaur. To those of you who go out to these lines and voluntarily give up your precious time thank you for what you are doing, I hope it will fire up the younger generations into giving up virtual worlds and the shllow culture of celebrity that we seem to have to day. The real heroes to me are that generation who lived through two World Wars and endured the most appalling sacrifices and then had to rebuild our country 1946 onwards. People like the late Ivo Peters who must have spent considerable time and money with capturing the memories and images of the line and of course the S& D staff like the late Donald Beale. We owe it to them to rebuild the S& D and many other lines like it.

gartell

The Gartell Railway has published this poster which gives details of its running days in 2012. With their extension heading steadily northwards towards Templecombe this superb narrow gauge line has been really buzzing over the last few months.

more track laid!

There's some great work going on down at the Gartell Railway with track now beginning to head towards Templecombe. The Gartell blog is an excellent source of information and this link will give lots more specific details of the work going on there.

There is also now a Gartell Facebook group.

It's great to see that the Gartell is giving the two established S&D standard gauge groups a run for their money!