SEmG

Yeovil Junction

The SR's line to Exeter became part of the Western Region in January 1963 which rapidly downgraded the line in favour of its line via Castle Cary. Goods services were withdrawn on 5th April 1965, local passenger services were withdrawn on 7th March 1966 and singling of the line began in 1967. With singling the down platform was taken out of use and the footbridge truncated at the up platform. It was not possible for trains to pass in the station following singling.

However despite this savage downgrading the former LSWR main line - serving more centres of population than the GWR line - refused to die. Double track was within months reinstated between Yeovil and Sherborne (the Sherborne to Templecombe section had remained double track), a passing loop east of Tisbury station was introduced on 24th March 1986 and trains could again pass in Yeovil Junction station from 26th March 1975, all to increase capacity and reliability. The civil engineering department occupied the buildings and some sidings on the former down side and the turntable was retained for turning their track machines.

It is perhaps quirky that such an extensive station could be built in the middle of nowhere, however the large site has paid off in railway preservation terms. Between 1986 and 1988 under the inspired leadership of Gerald Daniels, Area Manager Salisbury, steam specials between Salisbury and Yeovil Junction were run, and the retained turntable was used for turning the locomotives. To prevent the turntable being removed the South West Main Line Steam Company was formed in 1994 and today they occupy the down platform and part of the Clifton Maybank branch formation as a destination for rail tours and as a steam/diesel preservation base.  Following the acquisition of a large collection of industrial locomotives the operation was renamed in summer 2001 as the Yeovil Railway Centre.

 
cdyeo02.jpg (28124 bytes) The Yeovil Railway Centre now occupies the Clifton Maybank site and part of the former down platform. Clan Line is seen here visiting on 2nd October 1999 with Hertfordshire Railtours "Treacle Eater" tour.

photograph by Colin Duff

 
The line westwards is still singled. Note that both platforms are signalled for reversible working.

photograph by Colin Duff

cdyeo07.jpg (27086 bytes)
 
cdyeo06.jpg (27202 bytes) The signals at the up end of the platform demonstrate that even though the station is much reduced in stature it is still a junction! Singling of the former main line line by the Western Region is regarded by Southern enthusiasts as a travesty and one big mistake.; The old up line between Templecombe and Yeovil is signalled for bi-directional running but the old down line remains uni-directional. It is hoped that the new Wessex TOC franchise will sponsor more restitution of double track.

photograph by Colin Duff.

 
The spur from Yeovil Junction to Pen Mill,
17th April 2002.

photograph by Colin Duff

Yeovil Jn
 
Yeovil Jn Yeovil Junction signal box from the passing up Cathedral's Express on the 17th April 2002.

photograph by Colin Duff

 
35005 Canadian Pacific being turned on the turntable at Yeovil Junction on the 17th April 2002.

photograph by Colin Duff

Yeovil Jn

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This page was last updated 3 December 2002

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