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 Goods services were withdrawn on 5th April 1965, local passenger
services were withdrawn on 7th March 1966 and singling of the line began in 1967.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. |
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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 |
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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 |
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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 |
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This page was last updated 3 December 2002