During Restoration

During Restoration from Start to Finish . . .

This page documents the progress being made on the restoration of the station.

(click on individual pictures for larger images, then click "Back" button to return)

Photos below copyright © Mike Rutter
The parcels shed receiving attention with the windows being repaired and woodwork that has been neglected for many years being replaced where necessary.	Part of the scale pan of the scales which were sited in the lean-to between the main station building and the parcels shed.	The mechanism of the scales visible down the hole where the scale head would have been situated.	Temporary roof repairs made by volunteers to keep the rain out until the roof is repaired.	Full platform of the scales has been excavated with the removal of part of the concrete base that the oil tank was resting on. Note these are marked MR	Removing the oil tank from the lean-to at end of the station that was used to supply the heater inside station when used for furniture manufacturing.	Repaired sash window	Cutting back the vegetation that has grown out of control for many years.
The porters shed as it used to be in 1966. Copyright unknown	The concrete base of the porters shed has been exposed after some careful excavation. Much of the brickwork of the original building was discovered as it had been buried. It is hoped to use all the salvaged bricks when the building is rebuilt.	Base of porters shed.	18/01/2004 The gate between the main station building and the parcels shed which has just been restored.	25/01/2004 The trackbed to the south of the station is now becoming clear of vegetation although some large roots are still to be removed	25/01/2004 The station is now visible from the end of the down platform for the first time in many years.	08/02/2004 More repairs on the parcels shed to the sash windows and the sliding door.	08/02/2004 The parcels shed is now receiving attention with the windows being repaired and the woodwork that has been neglected for many years being replaced where necessary.
08/02/2004 Two weeks later more vegetation has now been removed from the down platform to reveal the fence along the back of the platform.	07/03/2004 These have now been removed and discarded, to be replaced by new ones which were a mirror image copy of the ones on the other end of the canopy.	28/02/2004 The Station canopy with the "saw teeth" at the Northern end removed. At some point after closure the original teeth at this end of the canopy had been removed and later replaced with roughly sawn ply board replacements.	28/03/2004 Replacement slates, for the ones stolen in 2002, were located and very kindly donated by member and volunteer Dennis Burgess.	28/03/2004 Work being carried out on the parcels shed roof. Wood rotten from years of neglect is being replaced by volunteers prior to the roof being felted, battened and re-slated.	10/04/2004 The same job from a different angle. This view shows clearly how the roof on the parcels shed was cut away above the window to allow more light in	10/04/2004 Slates are returned to the parcels shed roof over Easter weekend. Preparation for a re-paint in BR Southern colours also continues.	17/04/2004 Excavation near the parcels shed has revealed some remains of the North end of the up platform. Where the tarmac is missing the former "lower level" platform, made from paving bricks, can be seen buried underneath.
17/04/2004 After some searching , the position of the buffers in the former cattle dock have been located. A JCB is now required to excavate further.	17/04/2004 Another view of the same building. A coat of primer has now been applied in readiness for the building being painted in B.R. Southern colours.	17/04/2004 The Parcels shed now nearing completion externally. The ridge tiles and the guttering is all that is left to do to complete the roof.	More excavation took place at the station in the area of the cattle dock Photo Copyright Mark Pike	More excavation took place at the station in the area of the cattle dock. Photo Copyright Mark Pike	03/05/2004 During removal of spoil many sleepers (now rotten) and rail chairs were discovered. It would appear that once the rails had been removed, after the stations closure, that the cattle dock had been filled in with rubble with the sleepers still in place.	03/05/2004 Much of the original stone work remains intact, having been buried for many years under the industrial estate car park.	03/05/2004 Over May bank holiday weekend an excavator was used at the station to remove infill from the former station cattle dock.
08/05/2004 After a brief search the base was located and all the infill was carefully removed to reveal the exact size and location. Much broken glass and many broken roof slates were found from the building that was demolished 38 years before.	On 08/05/2004 more excavation took place at the station in the area of the former signal box. Photo Copyright Sam Rutter	13/06/2004 The front of the parcels shed now begins to look how it used to in days of BR (Southern) control after a coat of undercoat has been applied.	13/06/2004 A coat of primer is applied to the rear of the parcels shed. It has been many years since the paintwork on this building has received any attention, and it is very encouraging to see the old BR (Western Region) colours coloured up at last	04/07/2004 attention has now turned to the main station building itself. A hole in the canopy roof has allowed rain to rot some of the timber roof supports which are shown being replaced.	04/07/2004 Preparation work being carried out before the replacement timbers can be moved into place.	16/07/2004 The front of the parcels shed looking splendid in its final gloss finish.	16/07/2004 The rear of the parcels shed. Some work is still being carried out on the window frames, but externally the building is almost complete now that the Western Region brown has finally been painted over. Guttering is now on order and will be fitted in the next few weeks.
15/08/2004 Reconstruction of the missing piece of up platform retaining wall has now begun. This wall collapsed during the hard winter of 1963 and was replaced by timber.	24/07/2004 At present we are restricted to carrying out work inside the fenced area. This picture shows the area just to the South of the main station building, which is where the station garden started. The area is being tidied and the start of the garden is then going to be recreated.	24/07/2004 As work finishes on the parcels shed work begins on the main station building. In this picture some repairs are being made to the waiting room door frame. A timber is being inserted to replace the rotten one also in view.	15/08/2004 During the week commencing 09/08/2004 the surface of the cycle path was laid, by the council, from 100 metres south of the down platform up to where the shelter was situated on the down platform	15/08/2004 The drain which takes away rain water from the up platform has been cleared of debris and then reconstructed.	11/09/2004 Rebuilding the missing section of the "up platform" that collapsed during the heavy winter of 1963 continues slowly. The shortage of suitable matching bricks may be resolved if Blandford Town Council allow T.N.D.R.T. to retrieve some from the "soon to be demolished" flood arches of bridge no. 198 at Blandford.	11/09/2004 The main station building starts to look more "cared for" as various parts receive a long overdue coat of paint. The "saw teeth" on the north end of the canopy and the doors onto the platform look fine in newly applied BR Southern colours.	25/09/2004 A better view of the work in progress on the retaining wall of the up platform
25/09/2004 work going on at the North end of the station. Cast iron guttering, donated by Shillingstone public house "Old Ox Inn" is prepared for fitting to the parcels shed, and reconstruction of the collapsed platform edge is underway.	02/10/2004 The cast iron guttering now fitted is in the process of being painted black	02/10/2004 A replacement poster board, to replace one of the many once found at the station, has been fabricated and fitted to the rear of the main station building using the original brackets.	02/10/2004 More progress on the reconstruction of the up platform.	10/10/2004 Volunteers are seen reconstructing the brick frame of the doorway whilst sheltering from the weather.	10/10/2004 During w/c 04/10/2004 scaffolding has been erected around the station building in preparation for the necessary repair work to be carried out on the roof.	10/10/2004 Work continues on the up platform retaining wall.	11/10/2004 With the light fading fast (6:15 pm) most of the West facing side of the main station roof has been stripped of slates.
14/10/2004 With the East facing side of the roof stripped of tiles and battens, and all the rotten timbers replaced, felt is now being applied.	16/10/2004 With the roof off the opportunity was taken to remove the damaged ceiling in readiness for internal restoration.	16/10/2004 Fast progress is being made on the East side of the station building as the slates are re-applied.	16/10/2004 The West side of the roof is felted and battened ready for slating.	17/10/2004 Whilst work was progressing on the roof, other restoration continued with the reinstatement of a rear door in the main building.	17/10/2004 The Easterly side is almost finished.	23/10/2004 An early morning shot of the rear of the station with slating well under way.	24/10/2004 Another early morning shot showing the great progress made the day before.
30/10/2004 With all the tiles now applied, just the repairs to the middle chimney, cementing of the ridge tiles and the renewal of the lead work remain.	14/02/2005 Improvement to the Cattle Dock	28/02/2005 Repairs made to the middle chimney as part of the essential maintenance to the roof.	28/02/2005 A close up view of the newly acquired 'exhibition' trailer, yet to be repainted and re-furbished.	09/01/2005 After the high winds of 7th Jan, and whilst outside clearing up some debris, volunteers located the footings of the greenhouse in the undergrowth near the up platform Running-in-board posts.	28/02/2005 The exhibition trailer, now used as a mess room re-sited at the boundary perimeter.	28/02/2005 The site has been levelled and cleared with the 'tools' shed now re-located, and the space by it ready to receive the trailer	23/01/2005 The booking office chimney that once had a tree growing out of it has now been rebuilt. The tree was so embedded that some of the brickwork had to be removed to extract the tree
23/01/2005 A different view of the cattle dock under reconstruction.	23/01/2005 Work repointing and replacing stonework in the cattle dock is underway. Much damage was caused when the outbuildings were demolished, but most of the original stone was found in spoil in the infilled cattle dock.	06/03/2005 These are 2 photographs taken of the station 39 years to the day after closure. The first picture is a classic shot of the station, and the second shows the rear of the station which was not photographed very often in the station's heyday, but in this shot the sun is rising over the station 39 years after it set and the line was closed.	30/01/2005 Vice Chairman Keith Bottomley repoints the booking office chimney.	On 27/03/2005 Shillingstone Station played host to around 25 classic cars as Melbury Abbas Preservation Society Annual Road Run called in for a visit to see how things are progressing. A fine collection of old vehicles from a wide ranging period of motoring history were present.	27/03/2005Work continues in the cattle dock area. The newly created flowerbed has been planted out by volunteers and has been very favourably received by members of Shillingstone Parish Council.
03/04/2005. Vice chairman Keith Bottomley adds the finishing touches to a stretch of ridge tiles on the main station building. The favourable weather enabled good progress to be made, and the centre chimney was also repointed.	03/04/2005. Work continues reconstructing the ramp at the North end of the up platform. More cobbles are needed, but anti slip tarmac may be laid on the incline.	25/06/2005 Many hours of work were carried out inside the parcels shed preparing the walls and ceiling for final painting. During preparation areas of Midland Region maroon and Southern Region green were both found underneath the blue applied by the last users of the building.	20/07/2005 Looking North at the main station building after a JCB was used to clear vegetation from the trackbed in readiness for the handing over of the lease.	The men at work: fence making. Dennis Burgess wields a hammer as Tom Antell helps Photos copyright © David J Cornes 2006	Syd Howlett General Secretary looks through the wire Photos copyright © David J Cornes 2006	Tim is welding the railway tracks together Photos copyright © David J Cornes 2006
Photos below unless otherwise stated are copyright © David J Cornes 2006
Tom Antell on the fishplate with Tim, and another by himself - he is a young man, most of them are retired!	Bob Smith is sawing	Cutting a hole for fishplates	Paul Burton is unloading ballast with the loader. for the railway tracks to sit on.	A quick breather before carrying on again.	The boys have a well earned tea break - yes even the guard dog!	New fence has been built along side the old cattle dock.	Volunteer Peter Dawson with some quick handwork on garden wall!!
Site of the greenhouse partly covered by spoils	Hearth from the Plate layers Hut	Pins from Plate Layers Hut	You can see just how big the pins are !	Base of the passenger Shelter	Peter Dawson walks down the now cleared path down to the station.	Repairing the fences on the far platform
View of cattle dock with newly laid track Photo copyright © R Wilson 2006	End of the Cattle dock with flowerbed Photo copyright © R Wilson 2006	Awards in the Parcel Shed Shop	The fence and very large station project sign!	Busy painting the fence - there's a lot to paint	Dennis busy digging for buried treasure!	Bob beside old Cattle Dock & newly painted fence	Bob busy selling and raising money for the project.
Demolition of the station grain store, on the industrial estate, which took place on Wednesday February 14th 2007. The badly fatigued concrete structure was beyond saving. Four small industrial units are to be constructed in its place.	Laying water pipe to the main station building Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	It appears our permanent way gang have decided to do away curved rail! Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	Serious excavations in progress to take the trackbed back to its original level. Our investigations have discovered this is where the signal box and porter's shed ended up after demolition. Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	Digging a trench behind the platform wall prior to dismantling. Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	This is the type of spoil that has to be dealt with before track laying preparations can start. Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	After the spoil has been removed, the damage to the lower six courses of brick are quite evident. Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	Not a pretty site (sight) but it is important we get it right! Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007
The stone edging on the down platform has taken quite a bashing too. Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	Since closure of the S&D over 40years ago, time, nature and man have taken their toll of the 'up' platform. The southern half of the platform needs to be dismantled and rebuilt. Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	Surprisingly, the track drainage system still works. Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	Connecting the Station to the Water Main. Photo copyright © Syd Howlett 2007	The inside of the main station building with working fireplace- the fire was very hot and roared up the chimney - they knew how to build 'em in those days! Photo copyright © Becky Wilson 2007	The small garden which has been recreated at the side of the station. Photo copyright © Becky Wilson 2007	The station platform with trolley and benches - although it will be a long wait for the train! Photo copyright © Becky Wilson 2007	A slightly different angle - with Morning Star in the background, and my Mother wandering up the platform. Photo copyright © Becky Wilson 2007
Photos below unless otherwise stated are copyright © Rebecca Wilson
Denis has worked wonders and has transformed the ladies loo!	The ladies wash hand basin with new tiles and mirror.	The Parcel Shed Shop with flowerpots and totems on - looking very smart. The Diesel shunter is lurking in the background.	Although not the best of photos - Tom Antell recreated the Gents and Booking Room signs. In the background there are 2 lamp posts and a running in board & my Dad.	The Station Project Notice board.	Hummm . . . At least at present the 2 engines at Shillingstone are not up to running you down yet . . .	Inside the station main building. Since my last visit - the station has changed beyond all recognition. The boys have made a magnificent job.	Next to the fireplace is a wonderful seating area which was made by Denis.
The ceiling joists in the other rooms of the main building - there is still alot to do - but it's getting there.	This photos is of the studwork walls. There has been alot of very hard work going on in the last few months.	Another view of the ceiling joists and lantern to give light to work by.	A re-created ticket office opening.	Another look at the fireplace.	A closer look Please note that the sleepers which are cast iron and are original LWSR are for sale.	The new seating area in the ladies waiting room.	The working fireplace in the Ladies waiting room.
Again not the best of photos, but I've tried to show the ladies waiting room.	Drainage work being done on the trackbed.	The diesel shunter with Morning Star in the background.	New works starting with a frame and window on the goods shed.	The base of the Signal box fenced off as it's foundations are full of water.	The boards which point you in the direct of the Station Project from the Industrial Estate.	The Porters hut is nearing completion. Photo copyright © Bill Munden 2008	The Porters hut is nearing completion -as seen from a different angle Photo copyright © Bill Munden 2008
Bob the Shop keeps an eyes out for potential customers - please note the lovely spring flowers in the tubs Photo copyright © Bill Munden 2008	The Porter huts being built - OK it's not in order - but a good photo. Copyright unknown	The finished Porters Hut with lamp and diesel shunter in the background	A wonderful view of the flowerbed in full bloom and shunter	A view of the Porters Hut from the back, again surprise surprise with diesel shunter	Tom Antell busy strimming in the background, the photo being nicely framed by the porters hut fascia board.	Bob Smith showing me the wonders of the new Porters Hut which has become the worker mess hut - it's very cosy and tidy.	Even Merlin the greyhound has his bed in the Porters Hut - now that's what you call home from home!
Peter Dawson paints the Parcel Shed Shop externally - the work never stops.	Bizarrely these S&DJR fire buckets are in the Gents Loos - Would anyone like to talk about this ??	The Gents Loos - original urinals and proper loo, which are now all in good working order again.	The original Shillingstone Station bench which was kindly donated by . . . Nick & Jean Fincham	Two boards with some of the Station's history and Restoration information on.	An old cast iron fireplace being fitted in the station. Please note this fireplace is or ornament only it's not useable.	The inside of the main room of the station - the boys have worked very hard to re-create the station's waiting room and they have done a fantastic job.
The ladies Loo - is now in good working order again.	The sink in the ladies waiting room.	Copies of the plans for ongoing restoration works	The ticket office built by Dennis	The ticket office built by Dennis	The ticket office built by Dennis	Inside the ticket office	The snack bar in the man station building where you can sit down next to a warm fire.
Photos below unless otherwise stated are copyright © Graham Rains
Track laying in ready for the Ruston locomotive to be moved in front of the station.	Another view of how the track laying is progressing	A busy looking track bed with loads of work on progress	a similar view - the boys are being kept very busy!	The track laid and ready to receive the locomotive

		The photos (thanks to Graham Rains) show the Ruston engine being moved into place in front of the station on 18 /19 July 2009- a historic event both for the station and trust. The last diesels engines were the demolition trains in mid / late 1966.L		A drivers eyes view of the station - not seen in over 40 years

The parcels shed receiving attention with the windows being repaired and woodwork that has been neglected for many years being replaced where necessary.

Part of the scale pan of the scales which were sited in the lean-to between the main station building and the parcels shed.

The mechanism of the scales visible down the hole where the scale head would have been situated.

Temporary roof repairs made by volunteers to keep the rain out until the roof is repaired.

Full platform of the scales has been excavated with the removal of part of the concrete base that the oil tank was resting on. Note these are marked MR

Removing the oil tank from the lean-to at end of the station that was used to supply the heater inside station when used for furniture manufacturing.

Repaired sash window

Cutting back the vegetation that has grown out of control for many years.

The porters shed as it used to be in 1966.

The concrete base of the porters shed has been exposed after some careful excavation. Much of the brickwork of the original building was discovered as it had been buried. It is hoped to use all the salvaged bricks when the building is rebuilt.

Base of porters shed.

18/01/2004 The gate between the main station building and the parcels shed which has just been restored.

25/01/2004 The trackbed to the south of the station is now becoming clear of vegetation although some large roots are still to be removed

25/01/2004 The station is now visible from the end of the down platform for the first time in many years.

08/02/2004 More repairs on the parcels shed to the sash windows and the sliding door.

08/02/2004 The parcels shed is now receiving attention with the windows being repaired and the woodwork that has been neglected for many years being replaced where necessary.

08/02/2004 Two weeks later more vegetation has now been removed from the down platform to reveal the fence along the back of the platform.

07/03/2004 These have now been removed and discarded, to be replaced by new ones which were a mirror image copy of the ones on the other end of the canopy.

28/02/2004 The Station canopy with the "saw teeth" at the Northern end removed. At some point after closure the original teeth at this end of the canopy had been removed and later replaced with roughly sawn ply board replacements.

28/03/2004 Replacement slates, for the ones stolen in 2002, were located and very kindly donated by member and volunteer Dennis Burgess.

28/03/2004 Work being carried out on the parcels shed roof. Wood rotten from years of neglect is being replaced by volunteers prior to the roof being felted, battened and re-slated.

10/04/2004 The same job from a different angle. This view shows clearly how the roof on the parcels shed was cut away above the window to allow more light in

10/04/2004 Slates are returned to the parcels shed roof over Easter weekend. Preparation for a re-paint in BR Southern colours also continues.

17/04/2004 Excavation near the parcels shed has revealed some remains of the North end of the up platform. Where the tarmac is missing the former "lower level" platform, made from paving bricks, can be seen buried underneath.

17/04/2004 After some searching , the position of the buffers in the former cattle dock have been located. A JCB is now required to excavate further.

17/04/2004 Another view of the same building. A coat of primer has now been applied in readiness for the building being painted in B.R. Southern colours.

17/04/2004 The Parcels shed now nearing completion externally. The ridge tiles and the guttering is all that is left to do to complete the roof.

More excavation took place at the station in the area of the cattle dock

Photo Copyright Mark Pike

More excavation took place at the station in the area of the cattle dock.

Photo Copyright Mark Pike

03/05/2004 During removal of spoil many sleepers (now rotten) and rail chairs were discovered. It would appear that once the rails had been removed, after the stations closure, that the cattle dock had been filled in with rubble with the sleepers still in place.

03/05/2004 Much of the original stone work remains intact, having been buried for many years under the industrial estate car park.

03/05/2004 Over May bank holiday weekend an excavator was used at the station to remove infill from the former station cattle dock.

08/05/2004 After a brief search the base was located and all the infill was carefully removed to reveal the exact size and location. Much broken glass and many broken roof slates were found from the building that was demolished 38 years before.

On 08/05/2004 more excavation took place at the station in the area of the former signal box.

Photo Copyright Sam Rutter

13/06/2004 The front of the parcels shed now begins to look how it used to in days of BR (Southern) control after a coat of undercoat has been applied.

13/06/2004 A coat of primer is applied to the rear of the parcels shed. It has been many years since the paintwork on this building has received any attention, and it is very encouraging to see the old BR (Western Region) colours coloured up at last

04/07/2004 attention has now turned to the main station building itself. A hole in the canopy roof has allowed rain to rot some of the timber roof supports which are shown being replaced.

04/07/2004 Preparation work being carried out before the replacement timbers can be moved into place.

16/07/2004 The front of the parcels shed looking splendid in its final gloss finish.

16/07/2004 The rear of the parcels shed. Some work is still being carried out on the window frames, but externally the building is almost complete now that the Western Region brown has finally been painted over. Guttering is now on order and will be fitted in the next few weeks.

15/08/2004 Reconstruction of the missing piece of up platform retaining wall has now begun. This wall collapsed during the hard winter of 1963 and was replaced by timber.

24/07/2004 At present we are restricted to carrying out work inside the fenced area. This picture shows the area just to the South of the main station building, which is where the station garden started. The area is being tidied and the start of the garden is then going to be recreated.

24/07/2004 As work finishes on the parcels shed work begins on the main station building. In this picture some repairs are being made to the waiting room door frame. A timber is being inserted to replace the rotten one also in view.

15/08/2004 During the week commencing 09/08/2004 the surface of the cycle path was laid, by the council, from 100 metres south of the down platform up to where the shelter was situated on the down platform

15/08/2004 The drain which takes away rain water from the up platform has been cleared of debris and then reconstructed.

11/09/2004 Rebuilding the missing section of the "up platform" that collapsed during the heavy winter of 1963 continues slowly. The shortage of suitable matching bricks may be resolved if Blandford Town Council allow T.N.D.R.T. to retrieve some from the "soon to be demolished" flood arches of bridge no. 198 at Blandford.

11/09/2004 The main station building starts to look more "cared for" as various parts receive a long overdue coat of paint. The "saw teeth" on the north end of the canopy and the doors onto the platform look fine in newly applied BR Southern colours.

25/09/2004 A better view of the work in progress on the retaining wall of the up platform

25/09/2004 work going on at the North end of the station. Cast iron guttering, donated by Shillingstone public house "Old Ox Inn" is prepared for fitting to the parcels shed, and reconstruction of the collapsed platform edge is underway.

02/10/2004 The cast iron guttering now fitted is in the process of being painted black

02/10/2004 A replacement poster board, to replace one of the many once found at the station, has been fabricated and fitted to the rear of the main station building using the original brackets.

02/10/2004 More progress on the reconstruction of the up platform.

10/10/2004 Volunteers are seen reconstructing the brick frame of the doorway whilst sheltering from the weather.

10/10/2004 During w/c 04/10/2004 scaffolding has been erected around the station building in preparation for the necessary repair work to be carried out on the roof.

10/10/2004 Work continues on the up platform retaining wall.

11/10/2004 With the light fading fast (6:15 pm) most of the West facing side of the main station roof has been stripped of slates.

14/10/2004 With the East facing side of the roof stripped of tiles and battens, and all the rotten timbers replaced, felt is now being applied.

16/10/2004 With the roof off the opportunity was taken to remove the damaged ceiling in readiness for internal restoration.

16/10/2004 Fast progress is being made on the East side of the station building as the slates are re-applied.

16/10/2004 The West side of the roof is felted and battened ready for slating.

17/10/2004 Whilst work was progressing on the roof, other restoration continued with the reinstatement of a rear door in the main building.

17/10/2004 The Easterly side is almost finished.

23/10/2004 An early morning shot of the rear of the station with slating well under way.

24/10/2004 Another early morning shot showing the great progress made the day before.

30/10/2004 With all the tiles now applied, just the repairs to the middle chimney, cementing of the ridge tiles and the renewal of the lead work remain.

14/02/2005 Improvement to the Cattle Dock

28/02/2005 Repairs made to the middle chimney as part of the essential maintenance to the roof.

28/02/2005 A close up view of the newly acquired 'exhibition' trailer, yet to be repainted and re-furbished.

09/01/2005 After the high winds of 7th Jan, and whilst outside clearing up some debris, volunteers located the footings of the greenhouse in the undergrowth near the up platform Running-in-board posts.

28/02/2005 The exhibition trailer, now used as a mess room re-sited at the boundary perimeter.

28/02/2005 The site has been levelled and cleared with the 'tools' shed now re-located, and the space by it ready to receive the trailer

23/01/2005 The booking office chimney that once had a tree growing out of it has now been rebuilt. The tree was so embedded that some of the brickwork had to be removed to extract the tree

23/01/2005 A different view of the cattle dock under reconstruction.

23/01/2005 Work repointing and replacing stonework in the cattle dock is underway. Much damage was caused when the outbuildings were demolished, but most of the original stone was found in spoil in the infilled cattle dock.

06/03/2005 These are 2 photographs taken of the station 39 years to the day after closure. The first picture is a classic shot of the station, and the second shows the rear of the station which was not photographed very often in the station's heyday, but in this shot the sun is rising over the station 39 years after it set and the line was closed.

30/01/2005 Vice Chairman Keith Bottomley repoints the booking office chimney.

On 27/03/2005 Shillingstone Station played host to around 25 classic cars as Melbury Abbas Preservation Society Annual Road Run called in for a visit to see how things are progressing. A fine collection of old vehicles from a wide ranging period of motoring history were present.

27/03/2005Work continues in the cattle dock area. The newly created flowerbed has been planted out by volunteers and has been very favourably received by members of Shillingstone Parish Council.

03/04/2005. Vice chairman Keith Bottomley adds the finishing touches to a stretch of ridge tiles on the main station building. The favourable weather enabled good progress to be made, and the centre chimney was also repointed.

03/04/2005. Work continues reconstructing the ramp at the North end of the up platform. More cobbles are needed, but anti slip tarmac may be laid on the incline.

25/06/2005 Many hours of work were carried out inside the parcels shed preparing the walls and ceiling for final painting. During preparation areas of Midland Region maroon and Southern Region green were both found underneath the blue applied by the last users of the building.

20/07/2005 Looking North at the main station building after a JCB was used to clear vegetation from the trackbed in readiness for the handing over of the lease.

The men at work: fence making. Dennis Burgess wields a hammer as Tom Antell helps

Syd Howlett General Secretary looks through the wire

Photos

Tim is welding the railway tracks together

Tom Antell on the fishplate with Tim, and another by himself - he is a young man, most of them are retired!

Bob Smith is sawing

Cutting a hole for fishplates

Paul Burton is unloading ballast with the loader. for the railway tracks to sit on.

A quick breather before carrying on again.

The boys have a well earned tea break - yes even the guard dog!

New fence has been built along side the old cattle dock.

Volunteer Peter Dawson with some quick handwork on garden wall!!

Site of the greenhouse partly covered by spoils

Hearth from the Plate layers Hut

Pins from Plate Layers Hut

You can see just how big the pins are !

Base of the passenger Shelter

Peter Dawson walks down the now cleared path down to the station.

Repairing the fences on the far platform

View of cattle dock with newly laid track

End of the Cattle dock with flowerbed

Awards in the Parcel Shed Shop

The fence and very large station project sign!

Busy painting the fence - there's a lot to paint

Dennis busy digging for buried treasure!

Bob beside old Cattle Dock & newly painted fence

Bob busy selling and raising money for the project.

Demolition of the station grain store, on the industrial estate, which took place on Wednesday February 14th 2007. The badly fatigued concrete structure was beyond saving. Four small industrial units are to be constructed in its place.

Laying water pipe to the main station building

It appears our permanent way gang have decided to do away curved rail!

Serious excavations in progress to take the trackbed back to its original level. Our investigations have discovered this is where the signal box and porter's shed ended up after demolition.

Digging a trench behind the platform wall

prior to dismantling.

This is the type of spoil that has to be dealt with before track laying preparations

can start.

After the spoil has been removed, the damage to the lower six courses of brick are quite evident.

Not a pretty site (sight) but it is important we get it right!

The stone edging on the down platform has taken quite a bashing too.

Since closure of the S&D over 40years ago, time, nature and man have taken their toll of the 'up' platform. The southern half of the platform needs to be dismantled and rebuilt.

Surprisingly, the track drainage system still works.

Connecting the Station to the Water Main.

The inside of the main station building with working fireplace- the fire was very hot and roared up the chimney - they knew how to build 'em in those days!

The small garden which has been recreated at the side of the station.

The station platform with trolley and benches - although it will be a long wait for the train!

A slightly different angle - with Morning Star in the background, and my Mother wandering up the platform.

Denis has worked wonders and has transformed the ladies loo!

The ladies wash hand basin with new tiles and mirror.

The Parcel Shed Shop with flowerpots and totems on - looking very smart. The Diesel shunter is lurking in the background.

Although not the best of photos - Tom Antell recreated the Gents and Booking Room signs. In the background there are 2 lamp posts and a running in board & my Dad.

The Station Project Notice board.

Hummm . . . At least at present the 2 engines at Shillingstone are not up to running you down yet . . .

Inside the station main building. Since my last visit - the station has changed beyond all recognition. The boys have made a magnificent job.

Next to the fireplace is a wonderful seating area which was made by Denis.

The ceiling joists in the other rooms of the main building - there is still alot to do - but it's getting there.

This photos is of the studwork walls. There has been alot of very hard work going on in the last few months.

Another view of the ceiling joists and lantern to give light to work by.

A re-created ticket office opening.

Another look at the fireplace.

A closer look Please note that the sleepers which are cast iron and are original LWSR are for sale.

The new seating area in the ladies waiting room.

The working fireplace in the Ladies waiting room.

Again not the best of photos, but I've tried to show the ladies waiting room.

Drainage work being done on the trackbed.

The diesel shunter with Morning Star in the background.

New works starting with a frame and window on the goods shed.

The base of the Signal box fenced off as it's foundations are full of water.

The boards which point you in the direct of the Station Project from the Industrial Estate.

The Porters hut is nearing completion.

The Porters hut is nearing completion -as seen from a different angle

Bob the Shop keeps an eyes out for potential customers - please note the lovely spring flowers in the tubs

The Porter huts being built - OK it's not in order - but a good photo.

The finished Porters Hut with lamp and diesel shunter in the background

A wonderful view of the flowerbed in full bloom and shunter

A view of the Porters Hut from the back, again surprise surprise with diesel shunter

Tom Antell busy strimming in the background, the photo being nicely framed by the porters hut fascia board.

Bob Smith showing me the wonders of the new Porters Hut which has become the worker mess hut - it's very cosy and tidy.

Even Merlin the greyhound has his bed in the Porters Hut - now that's what you call home from home!

Peter Dawson paints the Parcel Shed Shop externally - the work never stops.

Bizarrely these S&DJR fire buckets are in the Gents Loos - Would anyone like to talk about this ??

The Gents Loos - original urinals and proper loo, which are now all in good working order again.

The original Shillingstone Station bench which was kindly donated by . . .

Nick & Jean Fincham

Two boards with some of the Station's history and Restoration information on.

An old cast iron fireplace being fitted in the station. Please note this fireplace is or ornament only it's not useable.

The inside of the main room of the station - the boys have worked very hard to re-create the station's waiting room and they have done a fantastic job.

The ladies Loo - is now in good working order again.

The sink in the ladies waiting room.

Copies of the plans for ongoing restoration works

The ticket office built by Dennis

Inside the ticket office

The snack bar in the man station building where you can sit down next to a warm fire.

Track laying in ready for the Ruston locomotive to be moved in front of the station.

Another view of how the track laying is progressing

A busy looking track bed with loads of work on progress

a similar view - the boys are being kept very busy!

The track laid and ready to receive the locomotive

The photos (thanks to Graham Rains) show the Ruston engine being moved into place in front of the station on 18 /19 July 2009- a historic event both for the station and trust. The last diesels engines were the demolition trains in mid / late 1966.L

A drivers eyes view of the station - not seen in over 40 years

Photos below of the work being done to repair the Up platform wall which has been our major project over the last few months.

Maintenance Team Report June 09

The major project undertaken by the maintenance team has been the clearing and levelling of the Picnic area. This was made possible by the hiring of a 1.5 ton digger on three occasions the last being a 5 days effort. We have removed something in the order of 500 tons of material to reach our goal, the dumper doing sterling work in moving all this material to various dumping points. Some clearing and landscaping has also been carried out near the Greenhouse. The total cost to the Trust so far has been £70 for the provision of diesel fuel.

The reporting of noxious smells from the cess-pit caused the rapid arrangement of a total suction clean out by a local contractor at a cost of £95. The final cleaning was carried out by hand and the broken remains of the pipe work which should have been connected to the outlet pipe were found at the bottom of the pit. This was replaced by a new plastic pipe which should prevent any smells escaping in the future. The opportunity was also taken to remove the old un-sealed manhole which required three men to open it safely and replace it with a modern light weight sealed type at a cost of approximately £35. The old manhole and its surround was loaded into the scrap skip with the digger.

Some of the other tasks completed have been the provision of a water tap for the tea urn in the Waiting Room and the installation of a power point for coolers. A ramp of ballast has also been built to facilitate the moving of the wagon to allow access to the shunter. An un-switched spur from the power point in the Porters hut has been provided for the deep freeze to prevent inadvertent defrosting.

Future tasks include the landscaping of the Picnic area and its surrounds plus the provision of public access steps at the end of the station building. The path to the side gate will also be diverted to connect with the ramp up to the Picnic area to provide disabled access. When the platform wall is completed a drainage pipe will be installed at its base and the area backfilled and landscaped. The ramp to the Porters hut and the wall leading to the signal box are also due to receive attention. The proposed installation of an ice cream cooler in the Waiting Room will probably require the installation of a further power point. The Station gardeners have also asked for the installation of a water tap adjacent to the garden area.

Derek Baker & Wurzle and a general view of the wall 2nd April

Wurzle (& Derek's arm) & a general view of the wall 2nd April

Concrete base for new wall being laid, Bill Munden on the mixer 8th April

Base completed 8th of April

Wurzle delivering a load of blocks using our dumper 23 April

Dave Clark digging out the base of the trackside wall near the signal box 21 May

Infrastructure Team Report July/September 09

Most of the work has been directed towards the completion of the repairs to the UP platform wall. Half the wall has been completed apart from the capping bricks and the end ramp. The subsoil drainage pipe for this area has also been installed but connection to the site storm water drain remains outstanding. The new foundations for the rest of the wall incorporating many tons of concrete have been completed and the re-building of the wall has started. Unfortunately our builder has not been able to spend as much time on the wall as he would have liked coupled with wet weather on several occasions has delayed progress somewhat. As part of this exercise the storm water drain from the Office end of the station has been diverted to go into the new drains which take any seepage away from the back of the new wall. Derek Baker and Alex Barnes have spent many hours cleaning the old capping bricks so that they can be re-used thus saving the cost of new ones (68p each).

Problems with the dumpers hydraulic steering and tipping system were rapidly diagnosed as being caused by water in the hydraulic oil. The system was stripped down, a blocked inlet filter cleared and all the contaminated oil drained out. The system was then re-filled with fresh oil, fitted with new filters and the dumper put back into service.

The “Vicars” gate in the boundary fence just beyond our official boundary has been cleared and repainted by Wurzle (Terry England) as authorised by the Trailway Rangers. This was greeted with great delight by the Vicar who made a donation to our funds in recognition of Wurzle’s work. We are still working on clearing and repairing the drains in this area.

Work has started on removing the rails etc from the cattle dock so that the bed level may be lowered to match the new track work on the rest of the site.

We have collected two lorry loads of wood and other redundant building materials from Wurzle’s work site for which we are very grateful.

We have almost completed the purchase of a large hydraulic excavator for use on various projects around the site. This will replace the machines which we have hired in the past. Owning our own machine will make our work parties more effective as the machine will be available whenever required.

The station end of the platform wall under construction

Footings for new garden retaining wall

Our "new" (35 year old) Priestman Mustang digger arriving

Delivery a bit further advanced

Mustang being unloaded

If we are very lucky the builder will come on Wednesday & Thursday to complete the construction of the wall. He's been coming for the last four weeks but we live in hope!

The bulk of the Platform wall rebuilding is now complete with much of the back filling done. It now remains to complete the compensator box in the middle of the wall, the joint between the old and new walls and the ramp at the far end. We also have to connect the drainage pipe for the far end to the main site drain. - John

Derek Baker compacting the Back fill behind the further part of the wall

Yours truly giving the Mustang a bit of TLC

Our bricklayer Derek working on the Platform wall with Bill Munden on the shovel

Filling behind the new wall with ballast for drainage. The further section has been completed

Infrastructure Team Report September/October 09

The new digger was delivered to site on the 16^th of September. The first job for it was to remove the concrete sleepers from the Cattle Dock and stack them tidily to one side. This threw up two problems, the original single lever steering control didn’t work very well and one of the bucket motions was very slow. We have converted the steering to the more conventional twin lever system. The slow bucket movement was found to be due to a broken weld within the control linkage which has been repaired. The machine will require some TLC and a repaint in due course.

The footings for the new Garden retaining wall have been dug out and concrete poured to form the wall foundation. We hope to construct the wall in the near future.

A number of holes in the platform canopy have been filled so that we can shelter from the rain without getting wet. At the same time various leaks in the guttering on the Porters Hut were sealed. Work is also in progress to provide an outside water tap in the yard behind the Gents Loo.

Work has also continued on the reconstruction of the Up platform wall including the cutting out of damaged bricks in the compensator box ready for keying into the new brickwork. The main portion of the wall has now been completed, fitted with drains and backfilled. The compensator box has been partially rebuilt up to the roof level ready to replace the roof beams which were made from old rails.

We are hoping to complete the platform wall in the next few weeks and complete the re-laying of the platform surface. This will allow the track bed to be cleared ready for lowering to its final level. We also hope to remove the Ash tree stumps and re-profile the bank to give clearance for track laying.

The small side wall in the cattle dock has been removed as it would have prevented the sleepers being re-laid in their new position. The bed level will be lowered as soon as possible so that the track can be re-laid.

The cess pit and drainage system is still giving rise to problems and we are investigating whether it would be possible to connect to the local sewer system.

Compensator Box in the middle of the Up platform wall partly reconstructed

The completed Compensator box: this closes the gap between the two new section of Up Platform wall

Derek Baker and Bill Munden cleaning up platform edge blocks read for re-laying. New blocks would cost in excess of 60p each!

Derek our bricklayer starting to close the gap between the old and new sections of the platform wall.

Latest Pictures