Complete Novice !
 

Hello Everyone,

I have joined this group as I am looking for some information about trains and routes in the Poole, Dorset area during the period 1916 - 1920. For example what was the route from London to Poole in those days ? Was Poole the terminus ? and were the trains steam driven ? I am probably giving away the fact here that I know next to nothing about this subject but I hope you will all be kind and overlook this! Any information you can provide would be gratefully received - thanks guys and kind regards,

Michelle

Hello Mrs G and welcome to the forum.There are lots of people here who will assist you, of that I am sure. I can't help being many miles away up here inth north west.
Stuart

Hello Mrs. G and welcome to the forum, enjoy and all the best.

Hello mrs G and a warm welcome from me too. I have found a little information on Wikipedia. Try typing in Southampton and Dorchester Railway. It is not a lot but a start. Interesting the the First World War was going on during the years you mentioned. May have a connection too. Anyway hope you find what you are looking for and enjoy the forum. We have a lot of good folk on here!
All the best
Phil

Welcome to the Forum Michelle.

Poole is on the line between Weymouth and Bournemouth. Between 1916 and 1920 it would have been part of the London and South Western Railway, later part of the Southern Railway. In those days it would have had steam. Nowadays it is electrified.

Best wishes,

John H-T.

Hi Michelle
Interesting question of a station I know nothing about so will be learning too
but

Why do you want to know it seems an unusual research question for a lady as far I am concerned there are not enough ladies taking an interest in our hobby

Here is a bit about the area.

http://www.freewebs.com/wessexlines/theprototype.htm

Thanks Guys - this is interesting. The reason I am being so specific in my enquiry is that my Dad lived in Poole as a young child ( maybe 7 or 8 years old ) and he had a friend who was decapitated in a rail accident ! Trying, if I can, to research what train/line it would have been ( Dad said it ran along the back of Poole park ) . His father ( my grandfather) was working I think in salterns yard which is mentioned in the link that pre65 sent !
Here's another question that will expose me as the "complete novice " that I am ! How did he steam trains stop / brake ? And how long would this have taken ? I'm thinking that two little boys playing on the line would not have stood a chance ( or the poor driver for that matter ?! )
Thanks for your help so far guys x

Hello Mrs G. I do not know the area but having consulted Google maps and the reference to Poole Park, I think the accident occurred on the main line between Bournemouth and Poole. If you have the time its always worthwhile to consult the local newspaper at a public library - probably on microfim - although you will have to trawl through 4 or 5 years.
Best wishes, Edward

Hi Edward - can you share with me what you typed into google to find out this information ? I have been attempting to find ANY mention of this accident online and never been successful !!