Branch Line Video Memories

Ref: BL268D

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UPDATED APRIL 2013

The Great Western Railway's branch from Witham to Yatton passed through some of the West Country's most beautiful scenery. The railway passed through the rolling countryside around the villages of Wanstrow and Cranmore before crossing over the Somerset & Dorset at Shepton Mallet.

The line then skirted around the south side of the Mendip Hills passing through the cathedral city of Wells. As well as explaining the city's complicated railway history, some excellent cine film shows the Market Place and Cathedral in the late 1950s.

The line then passed through the dramatic and beautiful scenery around Wookey, Cheddar and Axbridge before dipping down to join up with the Great Western's Bristol to Exeter main line at Yatton. Again some superb cine film shows Cheddar Gorge with a wealth of ancient buses struggling up the gradient as well as the centre of the pretty village of Axbridge.

Railway highlights from the 25 minutes of archive film include a trip from Shepton Mallet to Whitham filmed in the late 1950s and a journey from Whitham along the length of the branch to Yatton filmed during 1963. Scenes taken after the line's closure show one of the last Strawberry Specials loading up at Draycott and a trip down the remaining stub of the branch to Cheddar on the RCTS Railtour in 1969.

The cine film is complemented by numerous archive black and white photographs which give a comprehensive look st the line's history. Modern film shows what is left of the branch today including scenes inside Foster Yeoman's quarry at Merehead and the East Somerset Railway at Cranmore.

A full commentary as well as the memories of the men who worked the branch complements the film.

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Cover photo: Hugh Ballantyne
Narrated by: George Griffin & Colin Skevington
Written by: Derek Phillips
Edited by: Ian Heys
Sound: Mono, AVS Transacord
First published on DVD: 2013
Screen aspect ratio: 4:3 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R

Running Time: 60-mins (1hr 0min)

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People who bought this item also bought:

1. Memories of the Somerset & Dorset (60-mins) (Ref: BL394D)

2. Classic Western Region Vol.1: Exe Valley Railway, Culm Valley Light Railway, Tiverton Branch (60-mins) (Ref: BL248D)

Ref: BL232D

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While its neighbour the Bluebell Railway has survived to become one of Britain's foremost preserved railways, the "Cuckoo Line" between Polegate and Eridge in East Sussex succumbed to the Beeching Axe in the mid 1960s. Many railway enthusiasts might argue this rural route to be equally worthy of preservation since it wound its way across the picturesque Wealden landscape and possessed several impressive mock-Tudor stations, typical of the style built by the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway (LBSCR) in the 1880s. Sadly such an outcome became an impossible dream.

Nevertheless, as this DVD reveals, a rich legacy of cine-film and still images has survived to enable us to enjoy and cherish the memory of a much loved single line branch, once a through route between London and the South Coast and the haunt of a variety of locomotive types.

Drawing on a wealth of excellent archive cine-film and still photographs, the film includes journeys over the Cuckoo Line behind steam in both directions reliving the timeless events at each station along the way. Scenes are also captured over the last weekend of passenger services on scheduled trains and "The Wealdsman", an enthusiast's special excursion run by the LCGB. Latterly the truncated DEMU shuttle between Polegate and Hailsham is seen before it too was withdrawn in the autumn of 1968.

A brief history explains the line's complex developement, followed by a detailed station survey revealing the handsome "Wealden" style of achitecture employed on many buildings. In addition, the living memories of former railway employees are captured, giving a fascinating insight into the day to day life of the line.

In conclusion, a "Then and Now" sequence shows us what is left of the Cuckoo Line in the 21st Centrury, some 45 years after the last passenger train made its final journey from Eridge to Polegate.

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Customer Reviews

Ref: BL393D

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The Hayling Island Branch was one of the Southern Railway's most famous due to the use of London, Brighton & South Coast Railway Terriers as its motive power right through to the closure of the line in 1963.

It was the timber bridge across Langstone Harbour and its associated weight restriction that necessitated the use of these diminutive yet much loved locomotives.

Although the branch provided a lifeline for the residents on the island it also carried generations of holiday makers to the seaside and is fondly remembered by all who were fortunate enough to travel on the line.

To try and recapture the lost charm of this delightful line, Branch Line Video have brought together over 20 minutes of high quality archive cine film, much of it shot on 16mm and almost all of it in colour, allowing us a highly detailed look at this fascinating branch.

Each of the stations at Havant, Langstone, North Hayling, and Hayling Island are explored in depth including many poignant then and now views.

Coupled to this we have photographs from the famous collection of A.A.F. Bell.

Alan's vast knowledge of the line allows us to see not only the railway but allows us a unique insight into the people who worked on the branch.

We have visited all the important locations on the branch and filmed what remains today, including a visit inside Havant Signal Box.

As the Terriers returned to their home shed at Fratton each night we also explore what remains of the site today.

Whilst filming at Fratton we capture Merchant Navy Pacific, Clan Line, the first steam locomotive to reach Portsmouth for over 20 years.

We gained a unique access to the trackside to record this historic event.

Finally we have memories from many of the men who worked the line during its life, and the whole film makes for an absorbing and sometimes amusing insight into this greatly missed branch.

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Narrated by: Greville Sockett
Written by: Ian Heys
First published on DVD: 2007
Screen aspect ratio: 4:3 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R


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Ref: BL383D

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The railways of the Isle of Wight have always had a special charm with memories of long hot summer days, golden beaches and deep blue skies. An 02 tank at the Pier Head with her Westinghouse brake pump panting impatiently, waiting to take the holiday maker to Sandown, Shanklin and Ventnor.

For the more intrepid traveller such exotic locations as Yarmouth. Freshwater, Merstone Junction and Ventnor West beckoned. Now that only a small stub remains of this once extensive network. Branch Line Video have brought together a unique collection of cine film, archive photographs, memories of railwaymen who worked the system during steam days as well as modern footage in order that you can relive some of that old magic.

Each of the lines, both open and closed are explored in turn as we travel from Ryde Pier Head through to Ventnor including a look at the Brading branch. From Ryde St Johns we take the line to Newport and Cowes before a gentle meander takes us down the delightful route to Yarmouth and Freshwater.

On our return to Newport we follow the line to Merstone Junction and Sandown before we take our final trip down the much loved branch to Ventnor West. Using either cine film or archive photographs each station is seen in its heyday and then compared with the scene today.

We have drawn together a collection of over 20 minutes of cine film some of which dates from the 1920s and most of which has not been seen in public before. The film is accompanied by a full commentary giving the details and history of each line and is sure to rekindle the charm of the Islands railways in the viewers heart.

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Cover photo: Colour Rail: A Class 02 0-4-4T at Ventnor.
Narrated by: Greville Sockett
Edited by: Produced by Ian Heys
Sound: Janeen Holbrow
First published on DVD: 2007
Screen aspect ratio: 4:3 SD
Classification: Exempt
Number of discs: 1 DVD-R
Media Format: DVD-R

Running Time: 60-mins (1hr 0min) , Colour and B&W
.

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Ref: BL390D

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The railway from Axminster to Lyme Regis with its light curves, steep gradients and beautiful scenery was probably the Southern Railways most memorable branch line. To add to the route's unique charm the branch also played host to the elegant Adams Radial tanks for over 40 years. The line faithfully served the local people as well as the many thousands of holiday makers for just over 62 years and although closed in 1965 its memory remains strong amongst those whose life was touched by the Lyme Billy either through work or pleasure.

Our unique collection of cine film (over 15 minutes) starts with scenes taken at Lyme Regis in 1943. During a family holiday Vic Mitchell (Middleton Press) persuaded his father to use their last reel of cine film on the elderly Radial tanks rather than the usual beach scenes. The results give us a vivid impression of the station during its last years in Southern Railway hands. From the collection of S.A. Peerless we have a marvellous piece of colour film which shows the entire length of the branch in detail with the Ivatt 2MT tanks in charge. To give the complete story of the branch we also have scenes of the Radial tanks in their final days on the line before the story is concluded with footage of the DMUs working the route just before closure.

To complement this marvellous collection of cine film we have a wealth of photographs with many then and now views of Axminster, Combpyne and Lyme Regis along with well known features along the line such as Cannington Viaduct and Trill Woods. Old railwaymen recall their days working on the branch, whilst Ron While (Colour Rail) and others recall what it was like to use the line either as part of every day life or as part of a trip to the seaside. The film is accompanied by a full commentary giving the detail and history of the branch and is sure to convey the charm and beauty of the line to the viewer.

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The Southern Region branch line from Seaton Junction to Seaton is perhaps best remembered for the thousands of holidaymakers who used the branch to reach the pretty seaside resort up until the line's closure in 1966. However the branch had much to offer the discerning traveller. The line clung to the slopes of the surrounding hills with only the occasional farmhouse for company, before entering the valley of the River Coly at Colyton. The beautiful rolling hills give way to Colyford as the valley broadens out and joins forces with the River Axe. With over 25 minutes of archive film we take a look at this pretty line and the people and places it served.

The main action, from the familiar camera of Stan Peerless, captures the M7 0-4-4Ts working the branch in 1962 and takes us on a journey from Seaton to Seaton Junction. Here we see a dazzling array of Southern Region express motive power on the London Waterloo to Exeter Main Line both at the station and on Honiton Bank. There are also scenes of ex-GWR Pannier tanks at work on the branch as well as the DMUs in the final year of the line.

When the branch closed in 1966 much of the trackbed was subsequently rescued and today plays host to the marvellous Seaton & District Tramway. Through some wonderful vintage cine film taken by Gordon Langford, we can trace the fascinating history of the tramway from its earliest days at Eastbourne and its subsequent removal to Seaton in 1970. Modern views of the line enable us to see how far the tramway has progressed including its new "Victorian Terminus" at Seaton, whilst a wealth of Black and White photographs help to create many poignant then and now views. The DVD is accompanied by memories of those who worked on or travelled over this fascinating little branch.

Narrated by Greville Sockett.

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Released on *two* DVDs. The seaside resorts of East Devon sotted along the coastline between Lyme Bay and the Exe estuary have long been a popular holiday destination. For many years the railway played an important role in developing the towns of Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton, both connected by branch lines from the Southern's main line between London Waterloo and Exeter.

An independent railway until the 1023 grouping, the Sidmouth branch also served the rural communities of Ottery St.Mary and Tipton St.Johns. By 1903 a branch line from the latter to Exmouth via Budleigh Salterton completed the East Devon railway map.

This unique documentary includes over 40-minutes of rare archive cine film, much of it never shown before, and follows the history of both lines from their earliest days until closure in 1967. In the summer of 1963 we take a journey from Sidmouth Junction to Sidmouth in steam days with scenes at Ottery St.Mary and Tipton St.Johns. BR Standard Tank and M7 locomotives are seen in action. The DMU era during the mid-1960s is well covered on a trip from Sidmouth to the junction where main line activity is in evidence. Plus a journey from Tipton St.Johns to Exmouth via Budleigh Salterton.

Highlights include a detailed station survey showing each location as well as lineside views; passenger connections being made at Tipton St.Johns, scenes at Exmouth's former SR station and the local ferry to Starcross and a nostalgic ride on the 1965 LCGB East Devon Railtour behind steam on both branches.

A lively narrative describes the typical daily workings of each line and is complimented by the reminiscences of former local railwaymen whose fond memories bring to life the atmosphere and character of the two branches - a chapter of history now sadly missed by many enthusiasts and East Devon folk.

And finally, a "Then and Now" sequence takes a fascinating look at the two branches almost 40 years after closure.

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Few railways could rival the character and charm of the Somerset & Dorset. From the climb out of Bath Green Park to the fierce gradients of the Mendip Hills around Midsomer Norton and Shepton Mallet where locomotives struggled with heavy trains packed with holidays makers. From the mysterious Somerset Levels around Glastonbury and Highbridge, through to the beautiful rolling countryside close to Blandford Forum and Templecombe the S & D has rightly grown to be one of the country's most famous lines.

This DVD contains 60-minutes of superb archive cine film and allows us once again to relive the delights of a journey over this most famous of railway lines. The DVD takes a look at the whole line starting at Bournemouth West. We then progress towards Bath taking a look at each of the stations with lineside action in between. Highlights include some very rare shots of the remains of the original S & D line from Corfe Mullen to Wimborne and an elderly 3F shunting at Shillingstone and Stalbridge. Templecombe is looked at in depth with views not only of the peculiar reversal undertaken by S & D trains but also at workings on the Southern region main line and some marvellous shots of the Motive Power Depot.

At Cole we see where the line crossed the Western Region before we arrive at Evercreech Junction. Here the camera of Stan Peerless takes the timeless journey down the branch to Glastonbury and Highbridge. Highlights of this section include footage of a goods train on the level crossing at Highbridge before we see the locomotive being turned inside Highbridge Works. We also catch scenes of the Saturdays only passenger working to Burnham-on-Sea before we return to Evercreech Junction.

As we carry north we catch scenes of trains passing over the summit of the line at Masbury and through the beautiful countryside around Midford and so into Bath Green Park. Accompanying the film there are interviews with some of the men who worked on the S & D as well as people who travelled the line. Their reminiscences help to bring back many treasured memories of the Somerset & Dorset.

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People who bought this item also bought:

1. Memories of the Cheddar Valley Branch (Ref: BL268D)

2. Classic Western Region Vol.1: Exe Valley Railway, Culm Valley Light Railway, Tiverton Branch (60-mins) (Ref: BL248D)

Customer Reviews

Ref: BL392D

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The Swanage branch meandered gently from the main line at Worgret Junction to the terminus at the pleasant seaside resort some 10 miles distant. The traveller was entertained with views of water meadows fed by the rivers Piddle and Frome before crossing the heath land made famous by its deposits of china clay and the narrow gauge railway system that was built to serve the pits. But it was the gap in the Purbeck Hills that forced the line so close to Corfe Castle that made the journey so much more enjoyable.

We start with a brief history of the branch and the varied motive power that was associated with it during its lifetime before we turn to the familiar camera of Stan Peerless for a trip down the branch in 1965. Over 15 minutes of superb archive cine film starts at Wareham with steam locomotives working on the main line as well as providing the motive power for the branch. At both Worgret Junction and Furzebrook we catch Standard Tanks on china clay trains before we reach the intermediate station at Corfe Castle. Numerous scenes show this most photogenic of locations before the cine film concludes with scenes taken at Swanage.

The second part of the video examines what remains of the branch today and we start with a look at the preserved railway. Filmed during the latter part of 1995 it includes the new section from Harmans Cross through to Corfe Castle and on to the new station at Norden. Appropriately we have both the M7 30053 and Bullied Pacific 34072, "257 Squadron" working the service trains.

We carry on travelling north to take a look at the Railtrack section from Furzebrook through to Wareham and the B.P. gas trains that operate daily to Avonmouth Docks. As well as looking at Wareham Station we take a look inside the signal box which has seen little change since the days of steam. As usual a wealth of archive photographs provide some fascinating then and now views and this coupled with the memories from the men who worked the line make this a truly memorable record of a much loved branch.

UPDATED: The DVD has been updated with scenes taken in September 2008 at Swanage, Harmans Cross, Corfe Castle and Norden with Bulleid Pacifics "Manston" and "Eddystone" working the service trains.

Narrated by Greville Sockett/Colin Skevington.

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Memories of Yeovil Junction and the Yeovil to Taunton Branch is based on three films made by Stan Peerless during the 1960s. The first concentrates on Yeovil Junction and shows the fascinating variety of passenger and goods traffic that used to work through this busy station. Express trains thunder through on their way to London, or westward to the holiday resorts of Devon, whilst locals from Salisbury and Exeter stop to collect passengers, many of whom will have travelled to the junction station on the branch train which shuttled between Yeovil town, Yeovil Pen Mill and Yeovil Junction. This fascinating service formed the second of Stan's films and provides a wonderful record of a service that no longer exists, though the line between the Junction and Pen Mill remains open for freight traffic. The Taunton Branch started at Yeovil Pen Mill, and although the station remains virtually unaltered from the days of steam, today it is about the only reminder of the branch left in the Yeovil area. Most traces of the Town station and the branch have totally disappeared since closure in the 1960s, making Stan's record of the branch all the more interesting. Each station on the branch is covered along with the varied pattern of services that used the line. Views of Cogload Junction and Taunton Station include Western Region steam as well as Diesel Hydraulics. To complement the 40 minutes of superb archive cine film we have interviewed many of the men who worked in the area, and indeed the commentary is written by Derek Phillips who worked as a fireman from Yeovil Town Shed for many years. The final part of the DVD looks at what remains of Yeovil's railways today and through black and white photographs creates many poignant then and now views.

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Ref: BL263D

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In 1965 Gordon Dando had the rare opportunity of taking a footplate ride over the Somerset & Dorset from Bath Green Park to Templecombe & back. The cine film he took during the journey is here coupled with views taken from the carriage window and numerous lineside shots to provide a unique picture f the northern sections of the S & D.

Despite the imminent closure of the Somerset & Dorset a wide variety of locomotives is seen working both passenger and goods trains.

Having completed the journey the DVD then takes a look at the branch from Evercreech Junction to Highbridge. Each of the stations on the line is featured whilst some poignant shots at the end of the end show recently abandoned track bed at Burnham on Sea.

The DVD is accompanied by a brief commentary giving details of the trains and locations seen. With over 45 minutes of superb colour cine film and authentic sound from the archives of Peter Handford, this is as close to experiencing a journey over the S & D as you are likely to get over 40 years after the closure of the line.

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Ref: BL239D

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From pre-Dunkirk to post D-Day. Original, unissued official film, of high quality mad when photography was restricted. Unique views of many historical events that have only previously been recorded in print. A totally silent film with the original brief titles.

(The numbers relate to the relevant page in the book "War on the Line"by Middleston Press)

Evacuation - Children destined to the country (32)

Precaution - Defence of tunnels (149)

Communication - Messengers by motor cycle to Dorking (141)

Blackout - Blue bulbs. Window and lamp masking (151)

Information - Emergency sign writing (153)

Conscript transport - Departure from Waterloo

BEF - British Expeditionary Force leaves for France

Embarkation - Men and materials at Southampton

Canadian Troops - Arrival at Farnborough

Leave Trains - More demands on Victoria (53, 131)

Recreation - Canteens at London termini

Nature's War - Landslide at Folkestone Warren

All Clear - Speed limit on the relaid track

Dunkirk Evacuation - Dover Marine - landing and loading, Margate, LNER stock, Allied troops

Redhill, feeding and refreshing (7-3 1)

Hospital ships - The SR Cross Channel Packets (8, 12)

Civilian Casualities - Hospital trains at Windsor (32, 36)

France capitulates - More foreign troops on the SR

Refugees & prisoners - The 5th column at Waterloo

Station Signs - Removal and obliteration (152)

Front Lines - SR Local Defence Volunteers parade (194)

Chief Officer helps - Home Guard formed from LDV (197)

Cooperation with Army - Firearm training for staff. Gallantry of railwaymen

Enemy Action - Track and stock damage Clapham Junction (55-107), Portsmouth Harbour platforms (104)

Works War Production - Boats and Pontoons (156), Landing craft, Wagon kits for Russia (160)

Waterloo & City - New stock and the Armstrong Lift in action. Removal of 1898 coaches

New Locomotives - Naming of 21C1 Channel Packet (157)

Women at War - A multitude of tasks undertaken (172)

American Army - New traffic demands again

DDay - Preparations and after

Troop Ships - A new role for SR ferries (8)

WD Locos shipped - The 1000th recorded at Dover (129)

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