Painted and completed kit shown
History of Williton Station courtesy of the West Somerset Website
The station was opened when the West Somerset Railway started operations between Norton Junction and Watchet in 1862, when a single platform was provided. The level crossing between the signal box and the road bridge has always been a feature of the station and is on the original alignment of the turnpike road. However, the Act of Parliament authorising the railway required the provision of a bridge, which was completed for the opening of the railway. The abutments on the present road bridge are original, but the span was replaced in 1952. Today the level crossing is used by a little local traffic, but for many years its public use was restricted. A goods shed was provided next to the platform, with a siding in the yard.
In 1874, the passing loop and second platform were opened on the up side to allow trains to pass in the station. At the same time, the signal box was installed by the Bristol & Exeter Railway, which operated the line for the WSR, and it is the only surviving example of B&ER signal box still in use. In 1907 and again in 1937, the passing loop was extended to allow longer trains to pass, but its length was reduced in 1967 when a culvert between the level crossing and the road bridge was replaced by one of single-track width. A major achievement in recent years has been the renewal of the culvert to double-track width and the extension of the loop to its original length. The station footbridge was removed in the 1960s by British Rail. The present footbridge was rescued from Trowbridge station, dismantled and moved to Williton. It was reconstructed in its present position and officially opened in 2011, with the roof being completed the following year.
This is a laser engraved and cut mixed media kit requiring Paint and PVA glue to finish.
