Yeovil Railway Centre, located at Yeovil Junction in Somerset, England, was established in 1993 to preserve and celebrate the region’s rich railway heritage. Its creation was prompted by British Rail’s decision to remove the historic turntable from Yeovil Junction station, a move that galvanized local enthusiasts to safeguard the site’s railway legacy.
The Centre occupies part of the former Clifton Maybank spur, a short branch line originally used for transferring goods between broad gauge and standard gauge wagons. This spur now hosts demonstration steam train rides, offering visitors a hands-on experience of traditional rail travel. One of the site’s most historically significant structures is the GWR transfer shed, built in the 1860s. It remains the last of its kind on its original site and has been repurposed as a visitor centre.
A key feature of the Centre is its restored Southern Railway turntable, built in 1947 by Cowans and Sheldon of Glasgow. This 70-foot turntable is operational and used to turn locomotives during mainline steam excursions, often en route to Exeter or Weymouth. Accompanying the turntable is a 15,000-imperial-gallon water tower, also restored for servicing steam engines.
In 1999, the Centre expanded with the construction of an engine shed, thanks in large part to the efforts of dedicated volunteers like John Cornelius. A former signalman and bricklayer, Cornelius played a pivotal role in building the shed and other infrastructure, leaving a lasting legacy through both his craftsmanship and extensive photographic documentation of the site’s development.
The Centre hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including Train Days, Santa Specials, and Train & Tractor Days. These events often feature steam rides in a brake van along the Clifton Maybank spur, turntable demonstrations, miniature railways, model layouts, and art exhibits. The Centre also supports mainline steam tours, providing facilities for turning and servicing locomotives.
Yeovil Railway Centre’s collection includes several locomotives. Among its steam engines is the Peckett 0-4-0ST “Pectin,” built in 1921 and returned to service in 2022. Another notable engine is the Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST “Lord Fisher,” built in 1915, though its boiler expired in 2022. The Centre also houses diesel locomotives such as the Ruston & Hornsby shunter and Fowler 0-4-0 DM units named “Cockney Rebel” and “Sam”.
Beyond its physical assets, the Centre is a hub for railway enthusiasts and historians. It maintains strong ties with preservation groups and has contributed to broader efforts to document and celebrate Britain’s railway history. The Centre’s commitment to education and engagement ensures that the legacy of Somerset’s railways continues to inspire future generations.
Yeovil Railway Centre stands as a testament to community-driven preservation, blending historical authenticity with interactive experiences. Its continued success reflects the passion and dedication of volunteers, railway professionals, and visitors alike.
This history was generated using AI and incorporates information from publicly available sources including Wikipedia, Cornwall Railway Society, and Strolling Guides.
