The 8th September 1962 saw the last Pines Express from Manchester to Bournemouth hauled over the Somerset and Dorset Railway. For the past year the S&D Trust has been looking at opportunities to mark the event. So the Trust, along with the Mid-Hants Railway, agreed for the Ropley based Ivatt Tank 2-6-2T 41312 to visit the railway for a short period in September 2022 to celebrate the 60-year anniversary of "The Last Pines" and the revival of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway at Midsomer Norton. 41312 was built in May 1952 at Crewe locomotive works and spent its entire working career on the Southern region. Whilst not strictly an S and D loco, members of its class were based for a period at Bath Green Park and were seen hauling passenger trains such as the Bath - Binegar local and the Templecombe - Evercreech Junction local. The class were also often used as banking engines to support heavier trains over the steep gradients of the northern extension of the line and could have been seen passing through Midsomer Norton Station regularly in the 1950's. In its heyday, the Pines express was hauled across the Mendips by famous combinations of locomotives such as an LMS Class 2P, a B.R Class 5 or a B.R Class 9F. Most notably the final train on the 8th September 1962 was hauled by the last steam locomotive produced from Swindon works, 9F 'Evening Star'. The visit of the Ivatt Tank 41312 was a fitting tribute to the historic locomotives that ran over the line in the 1950's and 1960's and as you can see recreated the pictures of a Somerset and Dorset local train. Also 0-6-0ST Austin No1 and ex BR 03 Class 03022 made the day a busy one with constant trains running. Most locos at the event ran with a wreath on the front, respectfully marking the passing of HRH Queen Elizabeth II. The Trust as usual made visitors very welcome and one of trains had an excellent buffet service, volunteers dressed in period costume gave the event a special feel as well. Thanks again to S&D Trust at Midsomer Norton for making the day a very special one in our gricing calendars. Keep up the excellent work folks,
Copyright of all pictures in this gallery belong to R Kelsey.