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A Castle comes to Minehead for turning
Minehead turntable had a grand visitor on Saturday last. GWR 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle made its way down to Minehead doubleheading with SDJR 7F 2-8-0 no 88 on the 10.25am from Bishops Lydeard. No 5029 was then smartly turned to face Taunton and coupled up, again with the 7F, before leaving on the 12.20pm to Bishops Lydeard. Passengers commented on the very good sound coming from the front as the train climbed to Washford and again when climbing to Crowcombe Heathfield. Nunney Castle will be appearing at the Late Summer Weekend on 4-5 September and at the Autumn Steam Gala on 30 September to 3 October.
30 August 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Good and not so good Autumn Gala news
A King and a Castle top the list of locomotives booked for the Autumn Gala. Joining GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I and GWR 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle will be two other guests, GWR 2-6-2T no 4566 and a Midland interloper LMS Black Five no 44767 George Stephenson, and four locally based GWR locomotives, nos 5553, 3850, 4160 and 9351. The Special Events Planning Team hope one more guest GWR 4-6-0 engine will attend. GWR Pannier no 5764 was confirmed as attending earlier this month but no longer appears on the Gala list. Meantime, the expected return to traffic from heavy overhaul of BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor and GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall will be delayed and neither engine will haul trains at the Autumn Steam Gala.
25 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The next meeting of the WSRA Taunton Group
One of the West Somerset Railway's longest serving volunteers will address the next Taunton Group meeting. John Wood is giving a slide presentation on Monday 6 September at the GWSA Club, Station Approach, Taunton at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start. The theme for the evening is "The Early Days of the WSR". John will be assisted by another long-serving WSR personality, Nick Jones. Looking further ahead, at the Taunton Group meeting on 4 October, Don Bishop will be Master of Ceremonies when VSOP will return for their annual visit for an update of the past years Main Line Steam Specials, same time same venue. All are welcome, whilst admission is free, a donation towards expenses would be appreciated The bar will be open to non-members of the GWSA.
25 August 2010
Details from WSRA
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Cutting back at the Mineral Line Bridge
Cutting back begins again in September. Following the usual suspension of work during the summer months, done to remove the risk of disturbing the wildlife, the first task of the autumn is to clear the abutments and surrounds of the Mineral Line Bridge at Watchet ready for the contractors to move in over the winter and work on the Bridge. The aim is to clear as in "swept clean"! The cutting back work will take place on 11 and 12 September. New faces are always welcome to help with the cutting back tasks...
25 August 2010
Details from WSRA
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No Hall or Manor at the Autumn Gala
Hopes of a return to traffic at the Autumn Steam Gala for a classic GWR locomotive have been dashed. Although GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall (currently in the final stages of overhaul at West Somerset Restoration's works at Williton) should be in steam outside the shed, it is reported the locomotive will not haul trains during the four day Autumn Steam Gala (30 September to 3 October). Another GWR-designed locomotive BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor, being restored at Minehead, will also not be ready in time. More details about the Gala here...
24 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc WSRA
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Nos D6566 and D7523 to replace Hymek
Essential maintenance prevents Hymek no D7017 appearing at the next special event on the West Somerset Railway. The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group announced on 22 August that Crompton no D6566 will take over the Hymek's duties on 4 September - the first day of the Late Summer Weekend event; and with Class 25 no D7523 coming on as substitute the following day, 5 September.
23 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc and DEPG
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Watch the Tour of Britain 2010 from WSR Stations
The West Somerset Railway offers great opportunities to view Stage Four of the 2010 Tour of Britain Cycle Race. On 14 September 2010, Stage Four starts right outside the Railway Station at Minehead at 10.15am. The car park will be closed overnight and will not reopen until noon. The Race then heads for the Brendon Hills before returning, via Washford, to the coast at Blue Anchor at around 11.15am, then Watchet before heading back to the hills via Ralegh's Cross. Stage Four ends at Shaldon near Teignmouth. The route of Stage Four is shown well on an Ordnance Survey Map. Lots more information on the Tour of Britain website. Times for West Somerset Railway trains on 14 September 2010 are here.
19 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc, Tour of Britain website and Ordnance Survey
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Use the Railway to watch rafts and bikes
Several forthcoming local events will be staged close to the Minehead end of the Railway. On 4 September 2010, the RNLI Raft Race starts from Blue Anchor Beach, at 2.30pm finishing at Minehead Harbour about one hour later. Trains likely to be very busy all day particularly between noon and 4pm at the Minehead end of the line, especially as this is the first day of the WSR two-day Late Summer Weekend with Tornado. The next day, the Prostate Cancer Charity TourRide with well over 1,000 cyclists starts from the car park at Minehead Railway Station from 7am at intervals until about 10am. The participants are following the same route as the Tour of Britain Stage Four which takes place a week or so later. The car park will be closed overnight and will not be opened for general use until about noon on the Sunday.
19 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc and Prostate Cancer Charity
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Proper tickets now being sold at Stogumber Station
After a fifty five year gap, proper card tickets are now being sold at Stogumber Station. Jenny Davidge, Stogumber Station Master, explains "Stogumber started selling Setright tickets at the start of the 2010 season. However on 15 August Stogumber switched off the Setright machine and now only issues "proper" Edmondson tickets. I would like to thank all the people who have been involved, Martyn Snell for giving me a contact at the London Transport Museum who have donated a fabulous ticket rack that holds just eight types of tickets (no room for a full size rack at Stogumber); John Crouchman for transporting the ticket rack; Hein Burger for the Edmondson date press including refurbishing it; Chris Dowrick for printing Stogumber's unique tickets following GWR practice where the Booking Clerk fills in the destination; Ken Davidge for fitting it all, writing the training notes and training all staff at Stogumber Station. The first two tickets were sold on 15 August at 10.30am when Mr & Mrs Papworth from Reigate in Surrey bought two Day Rovers before starting their journey on a Minehead-bound train hauled by Braunton." Ticket sales were withdrawn from Stogumber before the other intermediate stations with the last ticket being sold in 1955. It has been 55 years waiting...
18 August 2010
Details from Stogumber Station Master
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Book signing by Paul Atterbury at Minehead
The well-known antiques, art and architecture expert and railway enthusiast Paul Atterbury returns to Minehead Station. On Sunday 19 September, Paul will be signing copies of his new book "Life Along the Line" between 11am and 4pm. Published by David and Charles this new work is 256 pages long with 250 illustrations - many not previously published- and concentrates on the human side of the railway industry in the British Railways era. There is an overview of life across the network as well as showcasing local differences in a series of sections, covering the West Country (including a couple of pages on the WSR), Southern England, Wales, Central England, East Anglia, Northern England and Scotland. The book costs £25. Paul is best known from his appearances on "The Antiques Roadshow" and although his interests are generally found in the 19th and 20th Century we can be sure he will also be interested in the modern machinery of the 2008-completed steam locomotive Tornado which will be working trains on 19 September.
18 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Fish and Chips in September
Still time to book for Fish and Chips on a steam special in September. The dining seats for the evening Fish and Chip special behind LNER A1 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado on Wednesday 15 September have now sold out although non-dining seats are still available. [Update 19 August: Another 50 dining seats have been made available] Dining seats are still available for the evening Fish and Chip train on Saturday 25 September, and whilst this train will not be headed by Tornado but another of the WSR's fine steam engines will be working this evening trip to the seaside with the most traditional of British seaside foods being served en route. Tickets can be booked by ringing 01643 704996.
18 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Nearly time for Best Kept Station Awards 2010
Once again it is time for the Best Kept West Somerset Railway Station Awards. The results will be announced at Bishops Lydeard Station, on Platform Two, on Saturday 4 September at around 2.45pm (allowing for train arrivals). All ten of the main WSR stations are in contention which makes for a strong competition. It remains to be seen if the Stations successful in 2009 can maintain their winning streaks.
More about the WSR Stations...
18 August 2010
Details from WSRA
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West Somerset Railway locomotive news
A few news snippets about locomotives on the West Somerset Railway. Late in the evening of Sunday 15 August, GWR 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle arrived at Bishops Lydeard after mainline
duties on a day trip from Bristol to Weymouth and back. No 5029 will be based on the WSR for a few weeks in between other mainline work and appearances at the WSR's Late Summer Weekend and the Autumn Steam Gala. Meantime, hopes of GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I appearing at the Autumn Steam Gala "GWR 175 - The Finale" (30 September to 3 October) have been raised after the cancellation of its main line work on 2 October, followed by an invitation to attend the WSR's event. The DMU will work the Saturday diesel services during Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Festival Weekend but there is some confusion over whether the Sunday diesel services will be hauled by Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner or Class 35 Hymek no D7017. WSR 2-6-0 no 9351, currently out of action due to an axle fault, is expected back in service by mid-September. The operating days now lined up for Tornado are as follows 4, 5, 11 to 16, 18 and 19 September, subject to availability of course.
16 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Thousands travel to see the Red Arrows
The West Somerset Railway responded well to the overwhelming demand for train travel, carrying over 2,300 passengers, from folks eager to see the Red Arrows and Red Devils at Minehead on 11 August. Whilst it is fair to say the Railway and even the organisers of the event under-estimated the demand on the day for trains to Minehead, it was quick to make every possible resource available for the return trips. Coaches were added to the timetabled trains (29 in use, no spares) and an extra train laid on for homeward-bound daytrippers, with free drinks provided as that set did not have a Buffet car. These actions helped ease the congestion experienced at Minehead Station in the late afternoon when gates had to be closed on safety grounds due to the great number of people already on the platforms. Paul Conibeare, WSR General Manager, added "The railway had also to commission a new buffet car that day and complete repairs to the DMU, so we could run a 4 car set on the 4.55pm and despite delays due to an earlier locomotive vacuum fault, the 5.55pm left with empty seats from Minehead."
13 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Keith Smith takes the WSR to Portsmouth
Portsmouth is the venue for the next WSR show by Keith Smith. Long serving West Somerset Railway volunteer Keith says "I am doing the latest of my WSR shows to the Hampshire Group of the Mid-Hants Railway on Tuesday 17 August. The venue is BR Social Club, Selbourne Terrace (opposite Fratton railway station), Portsmouth, starting at 8pm. Hope some local members can attend as well."
12 August 2010
Details from WSRA
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Nunney Castle for Late Summer Weekend event
Another classic express steam locomotive will visit the West Somerset Railway. Hot on the heels of the announcement of the visit of LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado at the Late Summer Weekend it has just been confirmed that Great Western Railway 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle will also be hauling trains at the event. The impressive line up for the weekend of 4 and 5 September now includes three large passenger locomotives from three of the constituents of the big four Railway companies that existed before nationalisation in 1948. Full details of the Late Summer Weekend
12 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Tornado set for an extended visit in September
A brand new express steam locomotive is set for an extended visit to the Minehead Branch. Although boiler problems precluded its planned appearance at the West Somerset Railway in July there is now better news of the next scheduled visit of LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado. The owners, the A1 Locomotive Trust, have advised the Railway that repair work has progressed well and not only should Tornado be available for its pre-planned five day visit between 13 and 17 September but is also available at two special event weekends earlier in the month. Subject to the availability of the engine it will make a headlining appearance at the Late Summer Weekend on 4-5 September, adding extra interest operating alongside home-based SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton which is due to join Tornado on mainline excursion train work in 2011. To add to the attractiveness of the Late Summer Weekend normal WSR fares will apply and can even be obtained at a discount if booked by Tuesday 1 September. The following weekend Tornado will be running service trains whilst the 11th annual Campaign for Real Ale (Somerset Branch) Beer Festival takes place at Minehead station. The Beer Festival is a celebration of British traditional brewing with over 100 beers in varying styles, many from the award-winning smaller breweries of Somerset but others from further afield. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare was delighted when the phone call from the A1 Locomotive Trust was received. "We were all naturally disappointed with the bad news concerning Tornado last month", he said "but the news concerning the repairs and the likelihood of its appearing for extra days in September has given us all a lift. We hope our visitors will support will support UK tourism this year and enjoy travelling through our glorious Somerset countryside behind this beautiful locomotive."
10 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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New buffet car enters service
The Railway is proud to present its latest Buffet Car to passengers on the trains. This coach (no 4346) has been rolled out of the restoration building where staff and volunteers of the Railway have spent many hours completely refurbishing both inside and outside of the coach. All the seats have been re-upholstered, the table tops renewed and everything has had fresh coats of paint and varnish. The public side and staff side of the buffet area have been completely renewed and all-new installations will provide the buffet staff with a pleasant area to work. Whilst retaining the ambience of 1950s travel, the coach now has new, state of the art, energy saving, LED lighting. The General Manager, Paul Conibeare, says, "I am very pleased to see another catering vehicle join the fleet and I am indebted to all the staff that have worked very hard, over the last year, to complete this coach."
10 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Travel by train to see the Red Arrows
Minehead will be treated to a visit by the Red Arrows in August. Having had the all-clear following recent grounding for safety checks, the aerobatic display team will be in the sky above Minehead on 11 August at 3pm, weather permitting. The sea front will be closed for most of the day and therefore the car parks are likely to be very full and difficult to get to. The obvious way to get to see the Red Devils free fall parachute display team (1.30pm) and the Red Arrows at 3pm, both weather permitting, is to travel in to Minehead on any of the four trains in the morning from the Bishops Lydeard direction, going back on trains leaving Minehead at 4.55pm or 5.55pm.
5 August 2010
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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Shuttle train times for Steam Rally
Ride the Norton Shuttle Train to the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally. Up to ten trains each day will ply the three mile section of the West Somerset Railway between Bishops Lydeard and the new platform at Norton Fitzwarren in connection with the event being held on 7 and 8 August on the adjacent Norton Fields. Trains - formed of the Railway's Diesel Multiple Unit - will run from Bishops Lydeard from 9.45am throughout the day until late afternoon on each day. Full times are on the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally page.
4 August 2010
Details from WSRA
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Train loadings very good in July
The West Somerset Railway had a successful seventh month averaging around 1000 passengers a day. The July results very nearly match those for the same month in 2009 - a record year. The year on year comparison at the end of July stands at 112,485 for 2010 against 125,130 at the same point of 2009. Led by a very active commercial team, supported by scores of volunteers across the country, the final figures for 2010, whilst not likely to break the record, promise to be very respectable indeed.
4 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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A new footpath at Blue Anchor Station
A new footpath will be built at Blue Anchor to improve access between the Station, the Seafront and the Beach. Work should begin during the second week in October, after the main season and the Autumn Steam Gala. The work will probably involve the use of temporary traffic lights in the vicinity of the level crossing. There will be no interruption to train services. Anyone who has made their way to or from Blue Anchor Station will understand the need for better pedestrian routes in this area and will appreciate the good news about the new footpath.
4 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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A Big Weekend for Dunster Station
Dunster Station is holding an open weekend in August. Station Master, Roy Dunglison, explains, "The planned attractions include a real and cider bar courtesy of Cotleigh Brewery and an exhibition of WSR photos by local photographer Bob Daniels. Light snacks and cream teas will also be available and there will be a raffle. Proceeds from the weekend will go towards Dunster Station Funds." The Big Weekend is on 14 and 15 August 2010 at Dunster Station.
3 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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More heritage carriages measuring at Williton
Another measurement session has taken place on the heritage carriages at Williton. Jennie Dunse and Claire Sheppy were busy on 24 July measuiring the bow ended corridor coach TK no 4546. Much of the construction details of this vehicle are currently visible making it an ideal candidate for the task. Good progress was made, ending with a set of sketches and measurements to aid Claire to prepare the basic structural drawing of the structural timbers for both sides and ends of the coaches, and all of the partition work. A full account of this particular coach and its recent history should appear in a forthcoming edition of the house magazine, the WSR Journal. Meantime, the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust report that Michael Bradley of the Swindon and Cricklade Toplight Group has helpfully provided a few drawings and the Trust thank Michael for his assistance.
3 August 2010
Details from WSSRT
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Nos 5029 and 5764 confirmed for Autumn Gala
The last of the West Somerset Railway series of GWR175 Special Events is finally taking shape. This after many false starts so far as possible the line-up of visiting steam engines is concerned. At the time of writing there are three confirmed visitors with a further two possibles that with the four home-based GWR steamers should give us a nine mainline locomotive line-up. The confirmed visitors are LMS Black 5 4-6-0 no 44767 George Stephenson, GWR Castle 4-6-0 no 5029 Nunney Castle and GWR 57xx 0-6-0PT no 5764. The Special Events Planning Team say "Still to be confirmed are GWR King 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I and GWR 4575 Small Prairie 2-6-2T no 5542." [The SEPT quote is a tad confusing as wsr.org.uk understands King Edward I is booked for main line work at that time, and, that no invitation for the Prairie to attend has been received, to date.]
3 August 2010 [updated 4 August 2010]
Details from WSR Plc
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Diesel line-up confirmed for Late Summer Weekend
Three former mainline diesel locomotives will be in action during the Late Summer Weekend event. This new event takes place on the weekend of 4-5 September - full details here - with Class 35 Hymek no D7017; Class 47 no D1661 North Star and Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner representing the diesel motive power. The steam locomotive pool has not been confirmed but we understand SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton will appear for one last time before the loco returns to Williton Works to be prepared for the long awaited debut on the main line scheduled towards the end of the year.
3 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Inclusive train and admission for the Steam Rally
Inclusive tickets for the train ride to and admission to the Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally will be available on both days of the event. The Steam Fayre event is on Saturday 7 August and and Sunday 8 August. The inclusive tickets (see here for prices) can be purchased from the booking offices at Minehead, Dunster, Blue Anchor and Watchet. However, those who plan to board at Washford, Williton, Stogumber or Crowcombe Heathfield, should obtain a ticket to Bishops Lydeard booking office asking for a "Bishops Lydeard to Norton and Rally admission ticket" at the booking office. And remember that there is a Free Vintage Bus Service running from Taunton Town Centre, Taunton Bus Station and Taunton Railway Station every twenty minutes or so. Admission tickets for the show should be purchased on the bus. For those going to the Taunton Flower Show on Saturday 7 August, there are tickets available for the train trip and coach link to Taunton which can be purchased in advance by ringing 01643 704996.
2 August 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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