18th August, 2026
As regular readers will be aware we were recently bequeathed 'Jean' a diminutive 0-4-0 tender steam locomotive currently residing at the Gartell Light Railway near Templecombe.
Last Friday we held a volunteer's trip to see Jean during a private visit to the railway which utilises part of the former Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway alignment.
With the heatwave in place 'Jean' was only in light steam but gave the opportunity for our TrackForce members to ride on the footplate and eveyone to inspect this impressive locomotive. Service trains were also operating behind 'Amanda' their resident diesel locomotive.
We are hugely grateful to the Gartell Light Railway for hosting us and to Taw and Torridge Coaches for getting us there and back safely.