Down the line on the Bristol & North Somerset
by Tim Venton
![Marsh Lane bridge](venton/marsh-lane1.jpg) |
The first bridge south from Clutton is Marsh Lane, seen here in 1976, but now destroyed. I have tried to model this. |
![Marsh Lane bridge](venton/marsh-lane2.jpg) |
Marsh Lane Bridge looking north in 1976. The up fixed distant was on the left. I do have a picture of the stump, but decided against putting it on here. |
![between Clutton and Marsh Lane bridge](venton/main-line.jpg) |
What amazes me is how clear it all looked back then; this is the main line in 1976, only 6 years after the track had been removed. It doesn't look like this now. |
![bridge between Clutton and Hallatrow](venton/bridge2.jpg) |
This was an occupation bridge between Clutton and Hallatrow in 1976. According to aerial photos, this bridge is now destroyed. |
![Hallatrow Station, 1976](venton/hallatrow1.jpg) |
The next station is Hallatrow – the station building is pictured c 1976. It has been restored since then. |
![Hallatrow station model](venton/hallatrow2.jpg) |
A model of Hallatrow is being built by Dave Keeler as part of the 18.83 challenge for the Scalefour Society. I leant him an old model of the station building, and a signal box for Scaleforum 2005. I was running my stock on his layout for these photos, in this one I was trying to replicate a shot by Hugh Ballantyne of a down train arriving at Hallatrow.
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![Hallatrow station model](venton/hallatrow3.jpg) |
An up train awaits departure for Clutton; I expect the signalman is just coming down the steps to give the driver the token. |
![Hallatrow station model](venton/hallatrow4.jpg) |
Overall view of Dave's model; I did consider building Hallatrow, but decided it was too big. He's managed to get the atmosphere of the station into a small space though. |
![Hallatrow station model](venton/hallatrow5.jpg) |
An up train departs Hallatrow. 7784 on one of my B-sets. |
![Midsomer Norton & Welton model](venton/norton2.jpg) |
The next station was Midsomer Norton & Welton. I spotted this N gauge model of the station at the Midsomer Norton Model Railway show. The light was coming in a window, hence the strong shadows.
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![Midsomer Norton & Welton model](venton/norton1.jpg) |
Overall view of the station. Midsomer Norton & Welton didn't have a passing loop or signal box in the '50s, but did have a goods shed. |
![Midsomer Norton & Welton goods shed](venton/norton3.jpg) |
The real goods shed at Midsomer Norton & Welton, in about 1975. |
![Radstock station](venton/radstock2.jpg) |
The level crossing at Radstock in 1975 |
![Radstock station](venton/radstock3.jpg) |
The remains of the down platform at Radstock in 1975. |
![Radstock station](venton/radstock4.jpg) |
A point lever in the Radstock yard |
![Radstock station](venton/radstock1.jpg) |
General view of Radstock yard |
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