Here are a few thoughts on the 'Mendip main line project',and the new S&D:
(a)- MSN station and its environs.
Great work has been done at MSN station over the past 13 years, not least in 2001 when the station came under threat of redevelopment for housing; securing its future was not easy!
More recently, we have seen the signal box brilliantly rebuilt, the platforms resurfaced, gardens re-established, double track restored etc. However, if the late '50s atmosphere is to be recreated, many small tasks (which are seldom, if ever mentioned by the trust) need to be completed. These include: replacment finials on the signalbox + guttering leading down to a replacement water barrel on its Shepton side; reinstated lamps (to look like the original ones, but don't have to be gas); small metal posts with wires through them along the length of the garden by the up platform (look closely at Ivo's photos if you don't believe me- the small rudimentary fence can be seen behind the running board). Finally, proper replica 'running in' boards need to be made. The present ones look amateurish and are the wrong size (the originals were about a foot tall and probably consisted of a metal name plate attached to a larger piece of wood).
More major projects include the rebuilding of the greenhouse; the lean-to against the signalbox; the small sheds next to the toilet block and the associated platform gate, and finally, the lamp hut. Although the present loo block is 70s, this does't really matter, as the original was about the same size. Perhaps it will be replaced in a few years.
All of the above are just things which I (and probably other S&D fans) have noticed, and are by no means a slur on the marvellous work which has already been achieved. It would just be good to know that these things pipeline! Can anybody with inside knowledge let me know, please?
Of all the reconstruction taking place, the only disappointing part is the decision to put the down starter at the end of the platform instead of where it should be on the bank. Perhaps it will be restored to its original position (for sighting reasons, at least) when trains come into the station from Radstock, and eventually, Bath.
(b)-Civil engineering projects on the 'new S&D'.
The track length is constrained by two things- the infilled cutting and the missing Silver street bridge. As for the cutting, instead of spending millions digging it out, they could pay an expert a few hundred pounds to take a deep sample including the waste building materials. If toxins were found in the sample (as is likely) the government would be obliged to give substantial funds towards its excavation (if not pay for the whole thing!).
Fairly recently, there has been much speculation about the design for the replacement bridge over Silver street. A lifting bridge has been declared unnecessary, so we can have a conventional one. Why not aim for something resembling the original-i.e. a girder bridge with masonry abutments? These abutments could be incorporated into a high, new limestone wall along the edge pavement which would suport, and allow for the enlargement of the astronomical garden. The only difference from the scene of the 50s should be that the bridge is longer. The trust have stated that they intend to build a single track bridge, but if a double track one becomes availiable, surely they will take this. If one does not come up, funding will have to be raised to double it ourselves. The new bridge over somervale road should be built to accomodate double track (although for a while a cyclepath will share it).
Unfortunately, Sustrans plan to put a cycle track on the routh between Radstock and MSN. This will mean that the extension to Radstock will be single track. However, when it is proved that we are serving a genuine transport need, Sustrans will have to put their path elsewhere as we double the line. Thed trust should have emphisised this from the begining- before Sustrans poked their nose in!!
The trust should act now to safe guard the future of Redan bridge, Baker Robinson's bridge and the Chilcompton station site.
There are eight missing bridges between MSN station and Masbury, and (I think) a further five to Shepton. Almost all of these will be easy to rebuild as most were girder bridges, but what about burnthouse and Coalpit lane bridges? Will these both be rebuilt as twin brick arches on masonry abutments? I hope so!! It will make the 'new S&D' authentic, and allow for the recreation of all those famous shots!
At Binegar station site, the bungalow across the platforms will have to be purchased and demolished, as deviation of the route here would be VERY difficult.
(c)-The image of 'The mendip mainline project'.
The trust needs to be more clear about its objectives. Restoration of the route between Radstock and Shepton is a good medium term goal. This needs to be mentioned on the trust's website. We need to be ambitious if we are going to attract investment. Upon reaching Radstock, hopefully the council will support us in reaching Bath Green Park again. This reopenrd stretch will be well used! Making a connection at Templecombe will be the next big step.
All the volunteers at MSN have done great work to date. Keep it up, and thanks for making a start on what is going to be a major project-rebuilding the whole S&D.
)) but it would be very useful for the region for two reasons: