New Forest Route to Encompass the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway

[rickloader]

Track laying has reached Bath on the famous Somerset and Dorset Joint railway. NF route already covers the Southern Part of the S&D, and so it seems logical to complete the line to Bath . The 71 miles from Bournemouith to Bath is full of operational and scenic interest.
Granted, the S&D has maybe been "done to death" ; there are already Railworks and MSTS versions. But not Open Rails, and OR does offer a new slant . A full , authentic S&D timetable will follow.
Scenery is minimal at present, but it is hoped that folk might be interested in following the work and adding suggestions.
If you would like to visit you can do so in OR explore mode, and select bath as a starting point. If you have TSRE , find Bath Jct in the Naviwindow and Jump there
![CombeDownTunnel](https://user-images.githubusercontent.com/57818551/180265786-904d04a

1-5bfc-4c99-b2e3-0488940df77c.jpg)

[rickloader]

[rickloader]

Combe Down tunnel, looking North, Bath in the background. The tunnel has been made using the cut and cover method. The terrain will be raised to cover the tunnel .
Link for TSRE so you can explore or modify New Forest Route.
http://koniec.org/tsre5/
Apologies for faulty link above to Combe down Pic- please ignore

[rickloader]

With the main track in place, we add bridges and embankments. Since bridges are numbered from Bath Jct it makes sense to start here.
Bridges on the S&D were either in brick or local stone. Frequently the brick was a beautiful combination of red stretchers with blue headers. However, dirt and weathering could degrade the appearance to a dark rather depressing shade. Here is bridge no1 "Redbridge". A hybrid of brick arches with a girder section over the lwr Bristol Rd. Further bridges will be added progressively to the South. Most bridges were unique to the location , so custom models will be needed

[rickloader]

Track is now complete on the S&D. Bridges in place, although some will be given improved detail later . Now adding signals and ground textures (terrtex).
Station scenery and timetable later
Rick

[rickloader]

My daughter became ill, so I could not access the reference books needed for S&D scenery. NF route can continue at the hospital bedside from a laptop. Route development will continue on the Bournemouth mainline, and return to the S&D later