 Latest News
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Strong interest in the Railway at big shows
The West Somerset Railway attended two trade shows in February to promote its 35th Anniversary year. The first show was the annual Boat and Caravan Show held at Birmingham NEC on 22 to 27 February. The show covers five exhibition halls, and the numbers of visitors was large, with a solid mass of visitors moving slowly round at the peak time between noon and 3.30pm. The WSR was also promoted at The Outdoor Leisure Show on 25 to 27 February. The Outdoor Leisure Show is for those who enjoy the great outdoors - rambling, fell walking, climbing, mountaineering, camping or exploring places of natural interest. There was strong interest in the Railway at both shows which will hopefully convert into firm bookings for 2011.
28 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Diesel fitter vacancy at West Somerset Railway
A full time vacancy exists for a person to maintain plant and railcars. Preferably applicants will have experience and skills in diesel engine maintenance and repair; vehicle low voltage electrics; hydraulic systems and transmissions; mechanical assemblies; and welding, MIG and MMA. The work will be based at Minehead. The hours will be forty per week and some weekend work may be required. Salary will depend upon experience. Closing date for applications is 10 March 2011. To apply, please write enclosing CV and details of relevant experience to Andrew Forster, West Somerset Railway plc, The Railway Station, Minehead Somerset TA24 5BG or by email
28 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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No 2807 is to guest at the Spring Steam Gala
GWR 2-8-0 no 2807 is a late addition to the Spring Steam Gala line-up. This is a very welcome appearance on the Minehead Branch for the oldest surviving GWR locomotive in private ownership. Indeed, given how unsentimental the GW was about its history only the National Collection's Dean Goods and City of Truro are older. No 2807 emerged from Swindon Works in 1905 and had a working life of fifty eight years serving the GWR and British Railways from a variety of locosheds across Great Western territory. The 28xx and the later development the 2884 Classes were the heavy freight workhorses and an outstanding design by G J Churchward. After 18 years in the scrapyard at Barry, no 2807 was purchased by the Cotswold Steam Group in 1981 and returned to working life on the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway in 2010. Details of the Spring Steam Gala are here.
28 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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A HOBC trip working in pictures taken from the cab
Regular freight on the Minehead Branch continues at Norton Fitzwarren. Almost a daily occurrence, the High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) works across from nearby Fairwater Yard to the Norton Triangle to drop its load of spent ballast collected during the previous night somewhere out on the main line. On 26 February 2011 WSR Conductor Driver Len Renwick, a regular pilotman for these workings, took his camera along to record the short trip. The pictures, along with earlier examples, can be seen on the HOBC gallery page and give an interesting view of these rarely photographed workings on the West Somerset Railway. The visits of the HOBC trains and the spent ballast are important elements of the Norton Triangle Project
27 February 2011
Details from local correspondent
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Project 2012: new lamp tops for Crowcombe Heathfield
The Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station have announced an ambitious project to mark WSR150. With help from the West Somerset Railway Association, West Somerset Railway Plc, Steelway Services and a generous donor the project is off to a flying start. On 31 March 2012 Crowcombe Heathfield Station will be 150 years old, having opened to trains in 1862, with a single platform and with Brunel's broad gauge. To mark this event, the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station have decided to replace the swan neck lamp tops, which were originally from Tiverton Junction, with Victorian lantern tops, and for the project to be completed by the anniversary date. Thanks to the above around £4000 is available, which is about half the budget cost. Steelway Services have cast a new 8' GWR lamp post, and very generously donated and delivered this for the station. At present it is Brunel House awaiting cleaning down and painting. Still some way to go to make this project a reality so donations very welcome. Please click here for the donation form.
25 February 2011
Details from FoCHS
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Progress on renovation of the Wadebridge lamp posts
The two ex-GWR lamp posts obtained for Dunster Station from the Bridge on Wool public house in Wadebridge took a trip to Chard on 23 February. Along with Ian Aldridge, Robin White and the WSRA van the posts went to Cerdic Foundries of Chard where Mariusz Truszczynski shot blasted the posts clean of the layers of paint acquired over the years. While that was happening Ian and Robin visited the imposing 1930s Cerdic Cinema (now a Wetherspoons) for the traditional lamp post moving cup of tea in an unusual location. After the posts had been given a protective coat of red oxide paint they were delivered to Dunster Station ready for installation on the platform shortly. Station Master Alan Bond would be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to help with the costs of providing lantern heads for the posts.
25 February 2011
Details from local correspondents
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Transport Minister visits the WSR
Transport Minister Norman Baker MP yesterday paid a short visit to the West Somerset Railway. Mr Baker was meeting with Somerset County Council in Taunton and took an hour out to see the WSR at Bishops Lydeard Station. Norman Baker is MP for Lewes and Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Transport. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare briefed the Minister during his stay which included a visit to the Gauge Museum to view GWR Sleeping Car no 9038 and learn more about its remarkable restoration from guide and long serving WSR volunteer Allan Stanistreet.
23 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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The Bristol Group of the WSR Association
Good attendances enjoy interesting presentations at Bristol. The Bristol Group of the West Somerset Railway Association had a very good meeting on Tuesday 22 February when 37 members and friends enjoyed a presentation by Brian Arman of the broad gauge and the conversion to standard gauge. The Group's next meeting will be on Tuesday 29 March when Mike Beale will be presenting 150 Years of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway. Members and non-members welcome at the BAWA Club in Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol. BS34 7RG commencing 7.30pm. Admission by season ticket or £2 on the door which includes raffle.
23 February 2011
Details from WSRA Bristol Group
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Auto Train working during the Spring Steam Gala
Plans for the workings of No 6430 and the Auto Trailer during the Gala have been announced. On the weekends of the Spring Steam Gala the Auto Train will work between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren. It is still to be confirmed if the working will go as far as the 165¼ milepost or to Orchard Junction. The extended working to Orchard Junction will depend some outstanding issues with pathing around important HOBC workings. Confirmation along with timings will be given when known.
If it is not possible to run to Orchard Junction it is hoped that the Auto Trains will stop to set down and pick up at Norton Fitzwarren Platform although it is not anticipated that passengers will be able to leave the Platform. On Wednesday 23 March, in addition to the published Red Timetable, the Auto will leave Bishops Lydeard at 11am and run to Minehead. In the afternoon it will make two round trips to Watchet, leaving Minehead at 1.10pm and 3.10pm. On Thursday 24 March and Friday 25 March the Auto will shuttle between Minehead and Dunster, leaving Minehead on the arrival of down trains from Bishops Lydeard. On Friday 25 March it will leave Minehead at 6pm as an extra passenger working for Bishops Lydeard.
22 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Busy start to the 2011 season for the WSR
The West Somerset Railway officially re-opened today for the 2011 season. David McCubbin, the WSR's Marketing Manager, reports "The weather was kind with blue sky and sunshine in the afternoon. Bishops Lydeard car park filled up early with a busy first service out of Bishops Lydeard. The appearance of GWR 4-6-0 no 7812 Erlestoke Manor certainly drew in a lot of visitors as it began its visit to the WSR in the run up to the 35th Anniversary Spring Steam Gala in March. The West Somerset Railway again proved what a contribution it makes to tourism in Taunton Deane and West Somerset and the economic impact it has on businesses in the towns and villages the WSR serves. By bringing visitors into the area, the WSR certainly has a far and wide benefit to local residents and businesses."
19 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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From St Ives to Stogumber in April
A while ago St Ives allowed one of its historic GWR railway station lamps to be removed. It is now fully restored and installed at Stogumber Station on the popular West Somerset Railway. To mark the unveiling of this historic piece of St Ives railway history, a coach has been reserved to travel from St Ives to Somerset. A railway carriage has been reserved - exclusively for St Ives folk at no charge - to travel from Bishops Lydeard to Stogumber. A buffet reception has been laid on to welcome the St Ives party. After the unveiling - and brief speeches by the Mayor of St Ives and the Stogumber Station Master - the party is invited to join the train to Minehead and to enjoy a full round trip on the railway by steam. The trip is on Sunday 10 April. Full details.
19 February 2011
Details from St Ives Cornwall Blog
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Enjoy early spring through the carriage window
The West Somerset Railway 2011 season gets underway on Saturday 19 February. One surprise is the rostering of a visiting locomotive - GWR 4-6-0 no 7812 Erlestoke Manor - which will work one of the two steam trains. No 7812, which currently faces Taunton, will start work by hauling the 10.25am from Bishops Lydeard - see the Early Spring Timetable. Erlestoke Manor will continue with the same diagram starting each morning with the first train from Bishops Lydeard, until the Spring Steam Gala. GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 will work the Minehead diagram.
18 February 2011
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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No 7812 will work service trains until Gala
One of the guest locomotives for the Spring Steam Gala has arrived. GWR 4-6-0 no 7812 Erlestoke Manor arrived, by road, at Bishops Lydeard on 14 February. No 7812 currently faces Taunton. The "Manor" will work the Early Spring service trains starting each morning with the first train from Bishops Lydeard, until the Spring Steam Gala when the loco takes a starring role during the popular special event.
16 February 2011
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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Online Ticketing comes to the West Somerset Railway
The West Somerset Railway will shortly be launching a brand new web site which will feature an integrated on line booking system. Online Ticketing, a division of Wilson Digital Media produced the vTicket booking system for heritage railways and the WSR has chosen to adopt this well proven system. The system will allow WSR customers to book tickets in advance for special events, services as well as standard day Rover tickets for the 2011 season. In addition the system provides the WSR with a new web site and email newsletter system. In tourism terms having an online booking capability is essential and is expected by customers. This means the WSR can now compete on a more even footing for visitors and bookings. Customers who book online will receive a printed ticket in a West Somerset Railway branded ticket wallet. The system is due to go live by the end of February 2011 and will become one of the key promotional/commercial tools for generating publicity and income for the West Somerset Railway.
16 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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WSRA goes to town
News of the first of several events in 2011 aimed at promoting membership. Susan Kaufman and Peter Triggs are working together to attend several events this year with a view to promoting membership of the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) and the West Somerset Railway (WSR) in general. The WSRA explain further: "The first of these events will be at Taunton Public Library between Monday and Friday of next week, 22 to 26 February, when Susan, Peter and others will be present to bring awareness of all things WSRA/WSR to still more of those in the locality. As a reader on this website, you may also wish to get involved. If you have any questions about WSRA membership or volunteering on the railway, or if you would like to help with promotional events, please contact Susan Kaufman on 01823 431311 or Keith Sandford on 01823 433856."
16 February 2011
Details from WSRA
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Dick Wood is guest speaker at Taunton Group meeting
The next WSRA Taunton Group will be on 7 March at the GWSA Club, Station Approach, Taunton at 7.30pm for 7.45pm. The speaker will be Dick Wood, Manager of the South Devon Railway who will be talking about his work at the Buckfastleigh-based heritage railway. Dick will be accompanied by his able assistant Sarah who will present slides in conjunction with the talk and will show some of the WSR. This will be an interesting talk as the SDR has moved on an awful lot in the last ten years of its history.
13 February 2011
Details from WSRA
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The West Somerset Railway out and about
Promoting the West Somerset Railway far and wide. Keith Smith from the WSR Association's Home Counties Group is the guest speaker at the Newbury Transport Group's next meeting. Keith's talks about the WSR have been enjoyed by many audiences over the years. The venue this time is Bayer UK, Bayer House, Strawberry Hill, Newbury at 7.30pm on 18 February. No doubt WSR members and supporters will be most welcome. Meantime, the Somerset Tourism Association (STA) are attending the 2011 Boat and Caravan Show 2011 at the NEC in Birmingham. The West Somerset Railway are providing some funding for the Somerset stand and 2011 timetables will be distributed to trade stand visitors. The STA need two extra pairs of hands on Saturday 26 February and Sunday 27 February. Anyone interested in representing the WSR at this event please contact David McCubbin on 01643 700383 or email david.mccubbin@wsrail.net
11 February 2011
Details from WSRA and WSR Plc
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Legacies in a Will really do help the Railway
Legacies and gifts in a Will go a long way to help fund improvements to the West Somerset Railway. Recent examples include modifications currently underway to a standard coach, no 4876, using specific legacy funding to improve the carriage of wheelchair passengers. The removal of seats in four seating bays will form a open saloon area for up to four wheelchairs. Interior refurbishment includes new panelling, floor covering, upholstery and the widening of the door to the vestibule plus small tables under each of the four windows; the 135 year-old Mineral Line Bridge at Watchet used £75,000 of legacy monies to help fund its repairs. The old bridge carries the West Somerset Railway over the trackbed of the former West Somerset Mineral Railway to the west of Watchet Station and has done so since the Railway was extended from Watchet to Minehead in 1874. It sees heavier trains today than at any time in its history; remedial work was necessary for it to continue to do the job for decades to come; and a legacy donation of £100,000 is helping to complete the heavy overhaul of BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor allowing it to be used regularly to haul passenger trains on the WSR. See the official WSR website for the full details of how to obtain advice about inclduing the WSR in a Will. Or download the leaflet...
10 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Bishops Lydeard Station needs volunteers for the Buffet
Volunteers are urgently needed for the Buffet at Bishops Lydeard Station. The West Somerset Railway Association say "If you fancy working with congenial people in a pleasant environment, why not go and see John Pearce in the Bishops Lydeard shop, or ring him on 01823 432125 to arrange an appointment. Please note that on days when trains are not running, he is normally available on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays. If you can help, your call will be most welcome." The "Wheeltappers and Shunters Buffet" and the Station Shop can be found on Platform Two at Bishops Lydeard Station
10 February 2011
Details from WSRA
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Station Farm development changes approved
Taunton Deane Council has approved proposed modifications to the planning permission at Station Farm, Bishops Lydeard. It will be recalled that permission for housing, tourist and leisure facilities, a railway musuem and carriage shed was granted some time back (see West Somerset Steam Railway Trust). However, the original developer, Gadd, went into administration. Now it seems the landowner has found a new developer to work with and has gone as far as requesting a change to the original Section 106 agreement. The original agreement was for the developer to construct "tourist facilities" and then hand them over to the WSR. The variation is for a transfer of the land to the WSR in order that the Railway itself can construct the tourist facilities which will be "more closely linked to the existing railway functions and the proposed new museum." It is reported that the WSR welcomes the proposed variation. The Council approved the amendment on 30 November 2010. Full details can be found in the Minutes on the Taunton Deane Council website along with the Officer's Report.
9 February 2011
Details from local correspondent and Taunton Deane Council
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Watchet Footbridge is coming down
Work has commenced on demolishing the footbridge at Watchet Station. Declared unsafe by its owners, West Somerset Council, the footbridge has been closed for over a year whilst the Council deliberated over repairs, removal or replacement. Recently the Council decided to replace the century-old structure with a new bridge. Removal of the old footbridge commenced on 7 February and will be completed before train services start on 19 February. Following refurbishment by specialist firm Steelway the structure is planned for erection in November during a lull in train services.
9 February 2011
Details from local correspondent
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News from the Heritage Carriages Project
News of an information-sharing trip and an imminent audit of the ex-GWR carriages. Claire Sheppy from the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust's Heritage Carriage Project reports all is set for a trip to Didcot Railway Centre on 20 February. Around twelve members of the Project will share information with folks at Didcot engaged on similar restoration work. Another piece of work looming is an audit of all Project's carriages currently on the WSR. The audit, being carried out by Mike and Jennie Dunse, and Claire Sheppy, will provide an inventory, photographs and a statement of condition, which will help with planning future restoration work. More details on the WSSRT website...
7 February 2011
Details from WSSRT
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An autumnal sponsored walk is planned
News of an autumnal sponsored walk from Williton to Bishops Lydeard. Organised by the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust (WSSRT) the aim is to raise money for the Heritage Carriages Project "Olympic set" - a rake of three Great Western Railway coaches to be restored and running in 2012 around the time that the Olympic Games are being held. The walk is set for Sunday 27 November 2011 and again the plan is to join forces with another charity so that the walk will appeal to a wider group of people. The 2008 walk from Willition to Minehead was a great success with over £5,000 raised from sponsorship money by over 120 walkers. Organisers Mike Webber and Ian Coleby, both volunteers on the railway, say that this promises to be a great day out raising money for a worthy cause. The organisers are looking for at least fifty to sixty walkers to take part. Entry forms and further details will be released in April. More details on the WSSRT website...
5 February 2011
Details from WSSRT
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Dates released for the 2011 Quantock Belle season
Bookings will open soon for the Quantock Belle dining train service in 2011. The West Somerset Railway Association have released details of the dates and prices for the popular Sunday Luncheon and Saturday Dinner trains. Diners enjoy good food and great company as the train winds its leisurely way through the beautiful Quantock Hills past the ancient port of Watchet and along the coastline at Blue Anchor Bay - a delightful and memorable experience. The Quantock Belle is extremely popular and advance booking is therefore essential. Full details are available on the WSRA website. Bookings for Sunday Luncheon and Saturday Dinner trains open at 9am on 8 February 2011 - to book a table please ring 01823 433856.
5 February 2011
Details from WSRA
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Drive a heritage diesel train on the WSR
Diesel driving dreams can now come true on the Minehead Branch. The West Somerset Railway in partnership with the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group offer a one day course to realise ambitions to drive a heritage diesel locomotive. The course offers a full day practical introduction to the magic of driving a heritage diesel locomotive over the full length of the West Somerset Railway starting and finishing at the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group's Williton Diesel Depot. The dates in 2011 are 16 April, 21 May, 24 September, 8 October, 15 October, 22 October, 29 October, 5 November and 12 November. Places are limited to four persons per course. The one day course costs £295 per person (deposit £100). The cost includes lunch and VAT. For further information visit the official WSR website or contact 01643 704996.
4 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Seasonal staff required for the Turntable Cafe
The WSR is seeking a seasonal worker to help in the Turntable Cafe on Minehead Station. The Catering Manager, Jacquie Green, outlines the job "The work involves a range of activities including sandwich making, serving customers, operating a till and general café duties. Some experience of working in a food environment would be an advantage. The successful should be friendly and outgoing with excellent customer service skills. Working hours must be flexible to accommodate the railway’s timetable and special events programme and will include at least one weekend day. Hours will become a minimum of 20 per week from mid April rising to 40 hours during busy periods. A job share could be available for the right applicants. The successful applicant will report to the café supervisor and once trained will also fill-in for the Supervisor on her day off." Applications in writing with a current CV to The Hospitality and Catering Manager, West Somerset Railway plc, The Railway Station Minehead TA24 5BG or by email to catering@wsrail.net, The closing date for applications is 26 February 2011, interviews will be on 2-3 March 2011. The required start date is 19 March 2011 and the end date will be 30 October 2011.
3 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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World Book Night on the West Somerset Railway
West Somerset Railway and the World Book Night. This event represents the most ambitious and far-reaching celebration of adult books and reading ever attempted in the UK and Ireland. On Saturday, 5 March 2011, two days after World Book Day  , with the full support of the Publishers Association, the Booksellers Association, the Independent Publishers Guild, the Reading Agency with libraries, World Book Day, the BBC and RTE, one million books will be given away by an army of passionate readers to members of the public across the UK and Ireland. The book give-away will comprise 40,000 copies of each of the 25 carefully selected titles, to be given away by 20,000 givers, who will each distribute 48 copies of their chosen title on World Book Night. The Railway has been selected as a giver and will be giving away 48 copies of "Dissolution" by C J Sansom to the first 48 passengers to board the 4.05pm steam train service from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 5 March 2011. The remaining books will be distributed by World Book Night itself in places that might otherwise be difficult to reach, such as prisons and hospitals. The twenty-five titles were selected by a wide-ranging editorial committee, chaired by James Naughtie.
2 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Murder Mystery Specials and Steam with Cream
The popular Murder Mystery Specials will be running again in 2011. The actors of "Murder by Appointment" will be staging yet more new murderous tales to be solved starting with an "Indian Themed Murder Mystery" on 14 May. This is followed on 25 June by a "Mid Summer Murder Mystery, then a "Halloween Murder Mystery" on 29 October. Finally on 10 December comes a "Winter Murder Mystery". Full details and booking form . Also comes news of the summer "Steam and Cream" services which offer pre-booked passengers a traditional Cream Tea served at table during the trip on the 4.05pm from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on 3 June, 17 June, 1 July, 15 July, 9 September and 23 September - Full details and booking form .
2 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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A heritage first for the Norton Triangle
Triangle Triumph for the WSR proclaims The Railway Magazine. A four page special report in the March edition of The Railway Magazine provides a fine summary of the WSR Association's Norton Triangle project from the early days to the present time. Most of the features constructed - West Chord, Barnstaple Junction and so on - are described in the commentary and an accompanying map helps the reader with the geography of the work site. Much progress has been made by working with key partners to mutual benefit. Although the Triangle is due for completion towards the end of 2011, the RM article reveals news of the tantalising prospect of passenger carrying trains along part of the existing trackwork - the West Chord and the Allerford Spur - during the forthcoming Spring Steam Gala at the end of March, although that has not yet been confirmed. See the March 2011 edition of The Railway Magazine - available in paper and online digital format. The West Somerset Railway Association's website has lots more about the Triangle project or see more here...
2 February 2011
Details from WSRA
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Mineral Line Tour by bus on 21 March
The first Mineral Line Tour by Blue Motors of Exmoor has been announced. The tour, which explores the remnants of the West Somerset Mineral Railway , runs on Monday 21 March in the few days between the two parts of the Spring Steam Gala. There are no train services on that day, apart from a Minehead to Bishops Lydeard DMU in the morning, so intending tour passengers will need to make their own way to Williton in time to board the coach by 11.15am. Martyn Babb of Blue Motors of Exmoor is an expert on the remains of the WSMR which was finally lifted during the First World War and also on the Brendon Hills and Exmoor generally so a comprehensive trip is promised before passengers arrive back at Williton before 5pm. There are 22 seats available on the trip and the cost is £15, which does not include the lunch stop. Bookings using a credit/debit card can be made by ringing the Railway on 01643 704996.
1 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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The renewal of Points 24 at Bishops Lydeard
One of the most used points on the West Somerset Railway has been renewed. Shaun Hodges, WSR's Chief Civil Engineer explains the background to the project "Points 24 at BL are the busiest and most heavily used on the WSR infrastructure as they operate the single to double connection at the Minehead end of the station. The decision to renew was made as long ago as last July when cyclical inspections found them to be almost life expired. After discussions with drivers, an important consideration was to alleviate the problem of locomotives accelerating away from platform 2, then having to brake or regulate the speed as the old fitting was negotiated, and subsequently re-accelerating up the gradient towards Crowcombe. This reduction in momentum together with leaf fall in the area prevented efficient acceleration. The need for a new fitting to deal with these performance issues and pressing maintenance resulted in the design and procurement of a fitting capable of at least 25 m/h in the turnout direction. The subsequent purchase from Eastleigh S+C was an EV 18.5 capable of a turnout speed of 40m/h. This may appear excessive but the benefits are massively improved ride quality which imparts better passenger comfort and a fitting that will be capable of dealing with increased line speeds, should that ever occur. It is hoped that our passengers will barely feel the move from platform 2 onto the single line, and that drivers will be able to maintain a constant acceleration away from Bishops Lydeard and up the gradient."
1 February 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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