Visitors to the recent and highly successful Diesel Gala at Midsomer Norton Station were the first passengers carried behind a three coach train for 53 years.
In preparation, workers at Midsomer Norton Station had a test run of the three carriage train earlier in the week. This was the first time a three carriage train had operated on the Somerset & Dorset Railway for 53 years.
Driver, Roger Wornor and Head of Operations, Graham Findley, who were on the locomotive, were signalled away by Chief Mechanical Engineer, Barrie Papworth, who was acting as Guard. They all expressed their delight at the success of the Test Run.
The operation of a three carriage train has been made possible thanks to the hardworking team, led by local born Richard Witcombe, which has restored a 1955 British Railways carriage from very poor internal condition. It joins the other two carriages currently in use. The team have had to completely re-panel the interior and even reinstate the area where a toilet was once located. Richard and the working volunteers who travelled on this test train were thrilled at the experience. He said: “This feels and looks like a proper train. It certainly looks impressive in its maroon livery.
“The Heritage Railway will be offering more train rides this year, giving visitors the opportunity to view the spring flowers now exposed by the clearing work along the line.
Trains will be running on the following non-event dates: March 24th, April 7th, May 5th, June 2nd, and June 30th.