53808 and our PMV at the Steam Illuminations

 19 December 2020. Here are two Trust assets with an important role in the Watercress Line's 'Steam Illuminations' – which... View Article

Roger Newman

The Trust very much regrets to record the passing of Roger Newman on 24 November. He had been unwell with... View Article

53808 in steam at Ropley

  27 November 2020. Our S&D 7F No. 53808 was in steam today to test a couple of minor jobs... View Article

‘Progressing our Future’ appeal now exceeds £20,000

15 November 2020. We're delighted to announce this great milestone in our appeal to secure the Trust's future for another... View Article

Trust strengthens management team with two key appointments

12 November 2020.   The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust is pleased to announce two new, and important, additions to... View Article

Trust’s Parcels & Miscellaneous Van moves to the Watercress Line

On Monday 9 November, the Trust's Parcels & Miscellaneous Van (PMV) departed from Washford on its way to the Watercress... View Article

Starting to look autumnal as 53808 heads away from Alton on 25 October

Leaves have been falling and the rails are damp… it’s certainly starting to look autumnal as the Trust’s S&D 7F... View Article

Could have been long ago… 53808 at the Watercress Line gala

20 October 2020. Could have been long ago… Jason Baker captured the mood well with 53808 on the last day... View Article

53808 in action at the Watercress Line’s Autumn Steam Gala

17 October 2020.

After the Trust's S&D 7F moved from the West Somerset Railway on long-term hire in August 2020, the gala was the first time in active service on the Watercress Line since 53808's last visit some years ago.

It was a delight to see 53808 striding up the 1 in 60 gradient between Ropley and Medstead; in the video we include two of the other locos involved; Stanier 'Jubilee' 45596 'Bahamas' and SR S15 30516.

The main part of the video was taken between Ropley and Medstead followed by a short section at the foot crossing between Alresford and Ropley. We have also included some still images featuring 53808 taken by Julian Clark on Friday 16 October.

You might also be interested in the updated Kingfisher DVD about the 7Fs, available from our online shop.

Click on 'Read more' to see photos from this event.

53808 steaming in preparation for the Watercress Line gala weekend

15 October 2020.

53808 has been in steam in preparation for the Watercress Line gala weekend from 16-18 October, this running providing the opportunity to bed-in the new piston rings.

Click on the 'Read more' button to see the photos.