This wonderful old image shows the old Portland railway line.

This view of the old line evokes the golden age of steam as a locomotive travels along.

This picture was taken from Chesil Beach.

Dorset Echo:

This golden age of steam saw trains make their way between Weymouth and the island.

The naval dockyard, seen in the background, was at the heart of island life. That too has disappeared now.

Two days after war broke out in August 1914, all railways came under government control.

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The Portland branch soon became a vital part of the war effort, transporting coal for ships in the harbour. Casualties who landed on Portland were taken to hospitals around the country on special ambulance trains.

The government took control of railways again in 1939. More than 700 evacuees were brought to Portland by train but were quickly moved elsewhere when it was realised that the naval facilities meant the island would be a major target for air attacks.

The Weymouth to Portland branch faced challenges from developing bus services – which were favoured for being able to go through residential areas – and the two world wars.

It was the combination of these factors which ultimately led to the railway’s demise.

Here you can see the present day view from the same spot.

Dorset Echo:

The old picture comes once again from the postcard collection of the much missed history enthusiast Andy Hutchings.