Over the 'book launch' weekend in May 2025 I spent some time with Simon in Somerset. We explored some remnants of the Somerset and Dorset as well as visiting the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore...
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| 2025 / 1988 |
I casually mentioned I'd been this way once before, many years ago - probably circa aged 9 or 10. I'd pestered my parents to visit the quarry works of Foster Yeoman - this was before the Lima model (!) but after I was aware of the SW1001 switcher and Class 59s... even then, I was drawn to the idea of seeing these North American interlopers...
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| 1988 |
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| 2025 |
The child within me awoke as Simon pulled over in the yard entrance, opposite the quarry. Closed, quiet and silent on a Sunday, just as it was when I visited all those years ago...
Stolen glimpses of tracks, wagons and an enticing thought of the fleet of North American power parked up at the depot, out of site...
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| 1988 |
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| 2025 |
With everything at rest there is however, a feeling of missed opportunity. Like those fleeting moments when we walk past our own model, without the time or inclination to run a train. A passing contact, just enough interest to keep the fire burning but not to refuel - not to pause and just 'watch a train' (or play trains) for the sake of it...
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| 1988 |
But whereas in 1989 I had the family for company and other members were keen to move on quickly, Simon was patient and encouraging - indulging my childlike excitement of standing on these roadside grass verges once more, the babbling of the types of train we might have seen, and the high speed babbling about Lima models, big dreams and sad realities.
For now, these photos were another 'find' when I was trawling through content before Christmas. I'm glad I got to share them, to touch back on those emotions... to ponder if there could be a smaller take on such a location? Initial thoughts would suggest the depot and wagon repair shop would be fairly compact and operationally more interesting - alternatively, that photo of the weigh bridge has me thinking of pushing and pulling a train through a tightly controlled scene, empty, then loaded, and pausing (or going slow enough) to isolate and weight each wagon in turn...
Never stop being excited by trains. Until next time, more soon...
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Brilliant photos, James!
ReplyDeleteWhile I've seen the works several times, usually on the way to the Small & Delightful narrow gauge show (RIP) at Shepton Mallet, it's always been a fleeting glimpse from the bridge, though I did see the SW1001 one time.
Having the company of a patient, like-minded friend, especially with local knowledge is great on occasions like this.
Cheers,
Simon.
Hi Simon - thanks, yes, company made the trip even more worthwhile for sure...
DeleteHi James
ReplyDeleteI remember making that stop back in 1981 and I was fortunate to see the SW1001 working. It was just a few years into my now abiding interest in north American railroads and to see a real live EMD switcher was very exciting for me. Not sure if my wife was as enthralled!!
I think I sent a couple of photos from the visit back a couple of years ago
Best regards
Alan
Hi Alan, you certainly have, if you click on either of the labels it picks up your post too then!
Delete