S&D Wickham Wednesdays went well at Midsomer Norton

THE Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton ran a very popular series of rail trolley rides on seven Wednesdays from

June 2 to September 1 (RM May p90). Most of the half-hourly workings were fully booked in advance at £5 per adult, but additional services were run on occasions to cater for those turning up on the day without reservations.

Ex-BR No. B40W (Wickham 7504 of 1956), a Type 27A MkIII, has been beautifully restored and was able to carry up to six passengers at a time from Midsomer Norton South station to the present end of the line, just before an infilled cutting on the old S&DJR main line in the Mendips.

The present line is exactly one mile in length to the railhead. Plans are being progressed to build a halt at this location, but whether this will be called Tunnel Lane Halt or Chilcompton Tunnel Halt is yet to be decided.

PETER NICHOLSON The Somerset & Dorset Railway at Midsomer Norton’s ex-BR Wickham No. B40W waits at the end of the line ready to return to South station on August 4. This site does not have an official name and is referred to as the ‘Infill’ or the ‘Railhead’ until a halt is provided here.