Description

The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust is dedicated to preserving the memory of the railway which ran from Bath to Bournemouth, with branches to Wells, Bridgwater and Burnham-On-Sea. The line closed in 1966 as a result of the Beeching Report. It is still one of the best loved of the lines which are no longer running, with memories of steam trains climbing the Mendip hills carrying both passengers and freight, many of which were captured on film by legendary photographer Ivo Peters.  The Trust owns S&DJR 7F steam engine No. 53808, which returned to steam in 1987, and a Peckett 0-4-0 steam locomotive called Kilmersdon, which was the last steam locomotive to work the Somerset Coalfield.

We are currently raising funds to top-up the money available for the overhaul of 53808. This will be a major overhaul which will require re-tyring of the eight driving wheels and almost certainly, a new water tank, in addition to work on the boiler and frames.

If you are a UK taxpayer, Gift Aid enables us to receive 25% extra from your donation at no cost to yourself.

Help us return 53808 to running order without delays for additional fund-raising.

Photo above: 53808 on the high embankment west of Medstead & Four Marks station on the Watercress Line in Hampshire. The date is 4 November 2023, the last day of normal running before being withdrawn from service on the expiry of the boiler ticket and pending an extensive overhaul. [Photo by Rod Ormston.]