Titfield Thunderbolt, The

An express train heads towards the camera. John Jordan identifies a former Southern Railway Bulleid locomotive crossing Midford Viaduct after passing through Midford station on Midford Road in Midford, Somerset and Jonathan Horswell's Railway Movie Database expands by explaining that the engine is ‘West Country’ Class 4-6-2 No.34043 Combe Martin.

And this is a shot from John of the viaduct which is now a footpath and cycleway. (RL)

Whistles sound as the local passenger train to Titfield passes beneath the viaduct. To the top left, Midford station stands on the Bath extension of the Somerset and Dorset Railway while the foreground line is the Camerton branch of the Bristol and North Somerset Railway.

The shot pans with the train heading for Titfield. The Camerton branch had been built in 1882 and was extended in 1910 through Monkton Combe to Limpley Stoke where it joined the line from Bath to Bradford-on-Avon.

In the village of Titfield, People begin to appear from their homes after hearing the engine's whistle. Church Hill in Freshford, Somerset.

Laura Ford found that parking mars the scene nowadays.

The train passes a group of Children sitting on the embankment. After much poring over maps, Phil Bacon is certain that this is Dunkerton, between where the railway crossed A367 and Dunkerton Lane.

Intending Passengers make their way towards the station. Facing south-east on The Hill in Freshford, Somerset.

Now, the hill in Freshford.

An updated view by Laura Ford, who kept to the pavement of the now busier road.

Hissing and clanking, the train comes to a stand at the line's terminus, Titfield station. Monkton Combe station on Mill Lane in Monkton Combe, Somerset.

Walter Blakeworth (Naunton Wayne) cycles past his fellow Commuters. Mill Lane in Monkton Combe with Station Cottages on the right. Details from Tony Reeves' on Film Locations

The location now.

The camera follows Mallingford's town clerk as he rides through the gates of the station yard. Kevin Mitchell tells us that this is Mill Lane in Monkton Combe . . .

. . . and the gateposts remain in this picture from Ian.

In his ancient Morris Cowley, the Squire takes a short cut through a farm on his way to deliver produce for the morning departure to Mallingford.

Enlisting the help of platelayer Dan Taylor (Hugh Griffith), Squire Gordon Chesterford (John Gregson) struggles to get his trailer to the station. Spotting the signal post to the centre, Phil Bacon identifies this area of land as being about 100 meters north-east of Monkton Combe station, between the Midford Brook and the railway.

Dan and the Squire manouver the trailer across the track and onto the platform to load the train which departs four minutes late.

As the Station Porter pastes up a closure notice for the branch line, Alec Pearce arrives at his yard with a brand new bus. Facing west on Bradford Road in Winsley, Wiltshire identified by Chris Bracey and confirmed by Kevin Mitchell.

Taking this shot, Kevin captures the now much developed Winsley where the wall on the right remains in place. (RL)

Pearce drives the Bedford OB into the yard and parks up. Lindisfarne Close now occupies the site.

Vernon Crump (Jack MacGowran) comes out of the office to see the new vehicle that his partner has acquired. The garage in Winsley, Wiltshire where the buildings have disappeared to be replaced by housing.

In London, Ruddock (Michael Trubshawe) rides to work. Facing Bruton Lane from Berkeley Square W1, the same that JT recalls 'A Nightingale Sang In' and, according to his 3/6p A-Z of London, is where the real Ministry of Transport actually was.

Now, captured by George Marshall.

On his Brockhouse Corgi, the Civil Servant heads for the Ministry of Transport where an application to run the Titfield to Mallingford railway has been received. Berkeley Square with Berkeley Square House as the backdrop. The quare features in numerous productions including 'Two Gentlemen Sharing', 'Three Stops to Murder’, 'Cool It Carol', ‘The Walking Stick’, ’11 Harrowhouse’ and ‘A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square’ as well as 'The Maggie' in which this scene is doctored.

Once again taken by George Marshall.

Todd helps Ruddock into the building where Mr. Clegg explains that British Railways are prepared to sell the line and that an official enquiry must be held. The pavement outside Berkeley Square House on Berkeley Square W1.

A last shot of the square from George Marshall.

Opposing the acquisition of the line, Pearce and Crump tour the village streets with a shocking display on the back of one of their trucks. Facing Avonhill on Church Hill in Freshford, Somerset.

Children shout and cheer as they follow the lorry through Titfield. Gowanhowe, a former school on Church Hill, Freshford.

Watched by Blakeworth who pauses to think, Pearce turns to pass the church. Kevin Mitchell locates this as outside Gowanhowe on Church Hill, since altered and renamed The Old Parsonage . . . .

. . . and sent this shot taken on a quieter day. To the right, the same gates appear in capture 35. (RL)

From the churchyard, Gordon and the Reverend Samuel Weech (George Relph) see the procession pass. St. Peter's churchyard on Church Hill.

When Sam remarks that the display is libellous, Gordon explains "but we ARE amateurs". In the right background stands St. Peter's church in Freshford.

Laura Ford found that time has moved on.

That evening, Pearce & Crump's bus and a special train head towards Mallingtord carrying Passengers to the enquiry. Brassknocker Bridge near Limpley Stoke, which can also be seen in the 1931 version of 'The Ghost Train' in a very short, dark shot.

Kevin Mitchell's view shows how the spot has rather lost its charm. (RL)

With Gordon learning Guard's duties and Sam being taught how to drive the engine, the train races the bus. Midford in Somerset located by John Gendale and confirmed by Richard Ralph who adds that the train is on the Camerton branch line and this is actually the last time the route was used after closure in 1951. Martin Cox explains that Midford Viaduct in the background carries the main line of the Somerset and Dorset Railway running from Bath to Bournemouth West via Evercreech Junction.

John Jordan risked life and limb for ReelStreets to get a shot to match the screen capture. (RL)

Full of the line's Supporters including financial backer Walter Valentine, the Inquiry Special steams onward. Looking west along the railway from the lane between Combe Hay and Rowley Farm

Pearce & Crump's Bedford climbs towards an underbridge with Blakeworth as one of the Passengers. Facing west on the unnamed road between Combe Hay and Midford near Bridge Farm.

At the inquiry, Ruddock hears statements from all concerned before granting a temporary order for a probationary period of one month.

The Residents of Titfield start to clean up the station ready to start running trains. Monkton Combe station. which had closed to passengers in 1925.

Carrying an oil can along the platform, a cheery Reverend Weech wishes everyone "Good morning" as he heads to lubricate the levers in the small signalbox. The line through Monkton Combe closed in February 1951.

A barn is moved from a farm to provide shelter for the line's engine.

That evening, after Dan and his Platelayer's have finished work, Alec Pearce (Ewan Roberts) and Vernon Crump look at the station before turning their heads towards the locomotive. Mill Lane, Monkton Combe.

Seeing that the coast is clear, the pair walk towards the platform. Facing Monkton Combe station from Mill Lane.

The Reverend Weech wakes to his alarm clock as the church bell begins to chime. St. Peter's church on Church Hill, Freshford.

Walter Valentine (Stanley Holloway) leaves the house to make his way to the station. Gowanhowe on Church Hill in Freshford.

John Gendale found the gate.

Sam helps Emily (Edie Martin) down the embankment to where the engine is standing before the two light the fire to get steam up. The background buildings belong to Monkton Coombe School.

Monkton Coombe School, taken from Mill Lane by John Gendale.

Carrying his newspaper and anticipating an unlicensed drink, Mr. Valentine strolls to the station for the first departure. Facing north-west on Church Hill, Freshford with the Old Brewery in the right distance and the Rectory beyond. The brewery had closed in 1895 and the derelict buildings were saved in 1964 when they were converted to offices.

John Gendale revisited the same spot.

With Mr. Valentine leaning on the bar at one end of the single carriage, Emily and Seth (Herbert C. Walton) wave the train away. Monkton Combe station in Somerset.

The journey to Mallingford gets under way. Phil Bacon explains that the train is heading towards Limpley Stoke and about to cross the iron span bridge, just visible on the extreme left beyond the brick arches, that carried the line over the B3110. The shot was likely taken from or around the platform of the Somerset & Dorset Midford station.

Through the window of the locomotive, Sam spots Vernon Crump running towards him from a truck obstructing the line ahead. Dunkerton Colliery, Dunkerton near Carlingcott in Somerset.

As Sam accelerates the engine towards the truck to clear the line, Alec Pearce runs to get help from Hawkins and his steam-roller. Dunkerton Colliery, Dunkerton where night scenes for the 1937 Edgar Wallace thriller 'Kate Plus Ten' were also filmed.

Following a duel between the locomotive and Hawkins' steam-roller, the train from Titfield arrives at Mallingford. The Fish Dock at Bristol Temple Meads.

The next day, the train stops to take on water as usual but Sam finds that the tank is empty having been shot full of holes. Midford Brook below Kennels Farm at the end of Waterhouse Lane to the south-west of Monkton Combe.

Looking over the river running alongside the railway, Sam spots Beal's Farm. Kennels Farm on the Wiltshire side of Midford Brook which forms the border with Somerset. As her Grandmother lived at nearby Tucking Mill Cottages, Louise Stagg recalls filming taking place, especially when the crew asked her eight year old sister to keep some goats under control for one of the scenes. "Unfortunately, one or two escaped and she ran down the embankment to try to retrieve them. The moment was captured on film and we used to look out for it when the film was shown. However, at some point, it was cut from the final release."

Passengers run to the farm to find containers to fill the engine's water tanks from the river.

The camera follows as Passengers clamber over stone walls.

At the farm jugs, pots, pans, kettles, dishes and a baby's bath tub are gathered together. Kennels Farm, since renamed Brett Farm, at the end of Waterhouse Lane to the south-west of Monkton Combe.

Charlie Smith snapped the best comparison currently possible.

As the days pass, more People use the train and the line makes a profit, bringing fears of nationalisation! Mill Lane in Monkton Coombe.

Mill Lane now.

That night before the Ministry of Transport inspection, Harry Hawkins (Sidney James) brigs his Aveling & Porter steam-roller to the station. Monkton Combe station.

When the locomotive and carriage are wrecked after being set in motion by Hawkins and his steam-roller, Dan and Mr. Valentine go in search of a replacement engine. The railway to the east of Monkton Combe station.

Dan takes Mr. Valentine to Mallingford's motive power depot where an engine has been left on the turntable. Southall MPD adjacent to the Great Western Main Line to the east of Southall station in Middlesex.

From the footplate, Dan spots the locomotive Crew turn when they hear Mr. Valentine operating the turntable. The turntable at Southall shed where locomotive number 1462 was allocated at the time of filming.

Driving away with the turntable's rails misaligned, the engine leaves the track and crashes through a wall before taking to the roadway. Facing number 17 High Street in Woodstock, Oxfordshire as found by from Tony Reeves in his book on film locations.

No tank engines in the street when Mark Alford arrived, just the ever present cars.

Looking towards Market Place from Market Street in Woodstock, Oxfordshire with the Town Hall prominent to the left and the tower of St. Mary Magdalene's church in the right distance.

Now by Peter.

Mark Alford provides this view of a town which is completely overrun with parked vehicles.

The locomotive rumbles through the town as windows on either side of the street begin to open. Woodstock in Oxfordshire where Stephen Dean points out that the background is formed by buildings on Park Street and the Star Inn on Market Place with Brown's Lane to the left. (RL)

A return visit for the shot I overlooked when here for 'Frieda' and 'Cemetery Junction'. (SD)

Looking out from their homes, curious Residents can't believe their eyes. This is the Passage running between High Street and the junction of Market Street with Market Place in Woodstock.

Peter Greenham found the unnamed alley at the rear of the Town Hall.

Mark Alford found a change of use for the passageway.

A Policeman (Hubert Hill) climbs onto his bike and sets off after the railway engine. Facing west on High Street, Woodstock with the Town Hall to the right.

Easily recognisable in this shot from Mark Alford.

The pursuit continues and arrests are made when the locomotive collides with a tree. Park Street in Woodstock, Oxfordshire.

Mark Alford found more cars invading the view.

Meanwhile, Blakeworth's influence helps Sam and the Villagers to remove the ancient locomotive Thunderbolt from Mallingford's museum. Tony Reeves identifies the Imperial Institute on Exhibition Road in Kensington SW7, now demolished. The building can also be seen in 'Raising a Riot', 'Three Cases of Murder', 'The Rough and the Smooth' and 'Against the Wind'.

Of the four lions that used to flank the entrance, two remain at Imperial College and the other two were taken to the Commonwealth Institute in Holland Park. Kevin Mitchell provides this shot of the one looking to its right at Imperial College. (RL)

Morning dawns with the Thunderbolt, Dan's old railway carriage home and the line's brake van ready for the line's inspection. The railway to the west of Mill Lane in Monkton Combe, Somerset.

Oblivious to the previous night's events, Passengers begin to head for the station. The Hill in Freshford, Somerset.

Escorted from the police station by a Sergeant (Campbell Singer), Dan and Mr. Valentine wish a 'Good Morning' to the Policeman (Fred Davis) at the gate. Kevin Mitchell places this as Ealing Studios in W5. The building has since been demolished and replaced by the Michael Balcon Building.

Thinking that they've seen off the opposition, Pearce and Crump are distracted by a group of People making their way to the station . . . before crashing into the police van conveying Dan and Mr. Valentine. Kevin Mitchell identifies this as Brassknocker Hill near Bath . . .

. . . along with this shot as proof.

As they walk to the station, Mr. Blakeworth explains to Mr. Clegg (John Rudling) that the railway is temporarily unable to utilise its best rolling stock. Kevin Mitchell has pinned this down to Mill Lane, Monkton Combe where Monkton Combe Mill visible in the top left distance.

Kevin provides this view of this narrowing lane. (RL)

With Sam joined by the Bishop of Welchester as fireman, the train departs carrying Mr. Clegg and the Sergeant along with his prisoners. Looking towards Monkton Combe station.

Following the emergency brake test, Sam and the Bishop comment that the climb from Titfield is over before realising that the coupling between the engine and train has broken. Looking south-west towards Midford viaduct from the Camerton branch.

Sam applies the brake to bring Thunderbolt to a stand. The railway to the south of Midford with buildings on Midford Road to the left.

The Squire directs Passengers and Locals living near the line who help to push the train towards the waiting engine. Looking towards Midford Road in Midford with the bridge over Midford Brook to the centre.

Gordon climbs down the embankment towards the road where Hawkins is approaching on his steam-roller. Midford Road at the bottom of Midford Hill.

Hawkins is persuaded to part with the Aveling & Porter's driving chain to provide a better coupling. Midford Road at the bottom of Midford Hill on the border between Somerset and Wiltshire.

Setting back towards the water tower, Thunderbolt is recoupled to the train before the journey recommences. The line running alongside Midford Brook between Midford and Monkton Combe.

Taken by Kevin Mitchell with the kind permission of the land owner. (RL)

Having lost much time, the train reaches the junction with the main line. Fishers Crossing near Limpley Stoke identified by Jonathan Horswell on the Railway Movie Database.

At the end of the eventful journey, the ramshackle train draws into the platform at Mallingford. The Fish Dock to the south of Temple Meads station in Bristol, where only the houses on the skyline remain.

The same location now, Bristol Fish Dock just outside Temple Meads station. PW

The camera pans with the train as it slows to a halt. Bristol Fish Dock . . .

. . . with newer buildings as the backdrop. PW

Bishop Olly Matthews (Godfrey Tearle) looks over Sam's shoulder as he checks his watch to find that they are only nine minutes late. Bristol Fish Dock off Bath Road, Bristol.

Not a great deal to see nowadays. With acknowledgements to the staff of Network Rail and First Great Western. PW

Mr. Clegg makes an inspection of the locomotive before announcing his decision. The Fish Dock at Bristol with a building on Bath Road at the southern landing of Bath Bridge as it crosses the River Avon.

This image needs a little faith, the railway tracks have disappeared and the building to the left in the screen capture no longer stands. PW

Dan, Mr. Valentine, Pearce and Crump are led away from the train by the Sergeant. Bristol Fish Dock off Bath Road, Bristol with Temple Meads station filling the background.

Final proof of the location in this view of the station's roof seen from Bristol Fish Dock. PW