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Braunton to replace Tornado in July...
No 34046 replaces No 60163 in July. The first planned visit of the new express steam locomotive A1 Class 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado to the West Somerset Railway in 2010 has had to be cancelled after the engine has developed a fire box problem. The visit was scheduled for Monday 12 July to Friday 16 July and the WSR was expecting to welcome back bumper crowds once again after the success of its 2009 travels between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. The West Somerset was notified of the non-availability of Tornado by its owners, the A1 Locomotive Trust, on Monday 28 June. However by the following afternoon a suitable substitute had been found. Courtesy of its owner, rebuilt Bulleid "West Country" Pacific 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton will be in action ahead of its summer working programme and planned main line testing in the autumn. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "We are disappointed of course that Tornado has been unable to appear at the start of summer but hope to see it on the line for its planned September visit. However Braunton represents another strand in the story of the final development of express steam and we hope that many visitors will enjoy a journey behind it and a day out on the West Somerset Railway. We would like to place on record our appreciation to the owner of 34046 for making it available to us."
30 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Tornado visit is cancelled...
The West Somerset Railway have released a statement about the cancelled visit of No 60163. The WSR Plc say "The owners of A1 Pacific locomotive 60163 Tornado have just made the West Somerset Railway aware that the locomotive will not be able to perform its publicised duties on the Railway during the week 12th to 16th July due to a fault on the engine which requires immediate attention. The West Somerset Railway is attempting to source a replacement engine for the publicised duties. The trains will run but the motive power is unlikely to be known until just before the days concerned. All passengers who have booked journeys during this period will be contacted by the Railway who will, it is hoped, support the railway by still travelling and enjoying a day on one of the premier heritage railways." See the website of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust  for technical details of the locomotive.
29 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Preparing for the Thomas Weekend...
Preparations for the Thomas weekend on 3-4 July are almost complete. This year, for the first time, some on-train activity for young visitors will provided, supported by members of the West Somerset Railway Trackers Group. All Thomas ticket holder groups will receive a full colour eight page Guide to Events and young passengers will have drawings and quizzes to complete on the train before they receive their Thomas Certificates. Once again Percy will be shunting the Troublesome Trucks at Washford where visitors are invited to stop off at Washford on their return trip. The two guest engines - Thomas from the Mid-Hants Railway, and Bellerophon from the Foxfield Railway - arrive at Minehead at the end of the week. Roly the Road Roller will arrive at the same time! Thomas will be working within Minehead station limits throughout the event. However Bellerophon will be hauling a short train to Blue Anchor on both Saturday and Sunday evening. Travel on the train is limited to those staff and volunteers who are participating over the two days as a "thank you" for their efforts. The first three trains from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead are now fully booked, but some seats are still available on other trains. Visitors are also very welcome to visit the Minehead station events for a charge of £5.00 adults, £3.00 children aged two and over; free for children under two. The Fat Controller will be at Minehead all day, where most of the activities will be taking place.
Full details
27 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Railway in 2009. The Chairman reports...
In his address to the Annual General Meeting, the Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Plc reports on a better year for the Railway. Mark Smith said "The story is very different [from 2008]...the information contained in our Financial Statements...makes for more comfortable and encouraging reading." The Chairman then reported on a wide range of activities, including the visit of Tornado; the planned repairs to Mineral Line Bridge; the largely unseen traffic from the national rail network; and the various projects underway along the line. Mark concluded with "This combination of shareholder capital, the voluntary work carried out by about a thousand volunteers, and the income generated from trading contribute to make our Railway successful. Each is important and interdependent. Whilst we continue to work together, each contributing according to circumstance and ability, our Railway will be secure for the future. Thank you all for your contribution in what ever form it takes."
Please see the Full report
26 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Booking Office opens for the first time in 44 years
Another West Somerset Railway Booking Office has re-opened. At an opening ceremony at 10am on 25 June 2010, the Booking Office at Crowcombe Heathfield Station was officially opened by the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon by recently-retired joint Station Masters Walter Harris and Mike Hodge, in front of some 30 railway staff and visitors. Walter Harris bought the first ticket from Booking Clerk David Bartin. The first members of the general public to purchase tickets were Mr and Mrs Green from Hereford. The event was the culmination of some six months work, beginning in a snowy January, when paint was stripped, walls repaired and a general clearance of the room. For the full story and pictures please visit the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station website ...
25 June 2010
Details from FoCHS
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Footbridge to benefit from auctioned railwayana item
A item of railway history is going up for sale to raise money to rebuild the footbridge at Williton Station. The Somerset County Gazette reports "An original Victorian railway ticket cabinet will be sold at Lawrence's Auctioneers. Lawrence's Auctioneer Simon Jones said: 'This is a lovely piece of Railway memorabilia for a collector and will also help funds for a railway project. It is part of a large section of railway items which will be sold in the autumn.' The cabinet was bought from Chapelton Station, near Barnstaple in 1984, 20 years after it closed. Apart from a re-paint, the cabinet it is in its original state. The cabinet goes on sale at the Crewkerne auctioneers on October 28." Thanks to Somerset County Gazette for the information.
24 June 2010
Details from Somerset County Gazette
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Vacancy in the Locomotive Department
A vacancy exists for a person to assist with the servicing of steam locomotives. Preferably applicants will have previous experience of working with steam locomotives. The work is based at Minehead. The hours will be 32 per week and some weekend work may be required. The salary will be national minimum wage and the closing date for applications is 30 June 2010. To apply please write enclosing a CV to Mr Andrew Forster, Chief Mechanical Engineer. West Somerset Railway plc, the Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset TA24 5BG or by email to cme@wsrail.net.
23 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Bring out your old suitcases and trunks
Can you help toward the final restoration of the Sleeping Car at The Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard Station on the Minehead Branch. Volunteer Malc Stacey is looking for donations of old style suitcases and travel trunks to clean and renovate to help raise funds to complete the superbly restored 1897-built Great Western Railway Sleeping Car no 9038. If you have suitable trunks or suitcases, please deliver to Malc Stacey at the West Somerset Railway's Bishops Lydeard Station. The Sleeping Car is a shining example of the restoration skills of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust, one of the key organisations supporting the West Somerset Railway. More about the Sleeping Car and the Trust can be found at www.wssrt.co.uk . Ian Coleby, Trust Director and Archivist said, "Malc has worked tirelessly to support the Trust and the restoration of the sleeping car. The Trust is very grateful for his work and hope all can help in this simple but effective idea to raise funds for the final restoration." Update: Malc is also keen to receive donations of old apple, wine or spirits boxes. Contact Malc by email.
Update: 23 June 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Teamwork satisfies passengers on a busy day
Good teamwork was required to meet the needs of two lots of charter customers on Saturday 19 June 2010. This was a busy day with the WSR accepting two charters - one from Hastings and one from Paddington on a day when the Railway was already running a service of two steam sets and one DMU. The train from Paddington was long and heavy, hauled individually and together, by King Edward I and Western Champion. The train from Hastings was the unmistakeable "Hastings" unit from St Leonards Depot. Less than ideal timings from Network Rail allowed the Hastings passengers only 61 minutes in Minehead with no chance of a ride on a WSR train. However, initiative prevailed and with close liaison with the train operators and Network Rail controllers the Hastings train arrived twenty minutes early at Bishop Lydeard where some 80 passengers transferred to a WSR steam service for the inward trip and getting a further half hour in Minehead. In fact, many were on the platform at Minehead when their "Hastings" unit ran in a little later. One participant commented that it was the first railtour he had been able to photograph the arrival of his own train at its destination. Hastings train manager Andy Armitage praised the "Brilliant teamwork" on the part of the WSR, which was "much appreciated by our customers". Smart work by WSR staff and some careful regulation of afternoon services allowed both charters to be returned to the national network on time.
20 June 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Lots of Western action in July
Great news for fans of Western diesel-hydraulic locomotives. The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group have provided details of diesel locomotive allocations for July. Hymek no D7017 will be appearing as Bear on the Days Out with Thomas weekend on 3-4 July; and back to its normal guise on Saturday 24 July working the diesel diagram on the Green Timetable. Meantime, Western no D1010 Western Campaigner will work the same Green Timetable diagram on 10, 11, 17 and 31 July, with Crompton no D6566 handling that diagram on 18 July.
20 June 2010
Details from DEPG
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Schoolchildren gain from visit to Taunton Station
No 6024 helps schoolchildren to understand some of the remarkable properties of water. The brief residency at Taunton Station of classic Great Western Railway express steam locomotive 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I provided just the opportunity for Key Stage 1 children from St Andrew's CE VC Primary School, Taunton to see the engine in steam. Writing in the School's Newsletter, Headteacher Paul Sheehan reports "The children were shown how the engine works and how water is used to make the engine work. All their questions were answered by the knowledgeable team who were with the engine and I am sure that the children will have told their parents all about it."
19 June 2010
Details via 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. The aerobatic display team will be in the sky above Minehead on 11 August at 3pm, weather permitting. The visit, which has been arranged by Butlins with support from West Somerset Council, is a first for the town and promises to provide a breathtaking display for both residents and visitors alike. The seafront road will be closed for the day. Street entertainment, craft, charity and local produce stalls and children's entertainment will keep the crowds busy before and after the aerial display. Of course, the West Somerset Railway offers a perfect opportunity to travel to and from Minehead for the Red Arrows display. On 11 August, trains at 9.35am, 10.25am, 11.05am and 12.30pm leave Bishops Lydeard with plenty of time upon arrival at Minehead Station, which is right on the Promenade, to enjoy the seaside, the town and to see the display, before catching one of the last three trains of the day back to Bishop Lydeard.
Train times for 11 August
17 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Late Summer Weekend and Autumn Steam Gala
Brief details about these two special events have been announced by the Planning Team. The new Late Summer Weekend event (4-5 September) is titled "GWR 175: The Penultimate Act" has been designed more for the late summer holidaymaker rather than the enthusiast. It will feature a minimum of two steam and four diesel locomotives, curiously becoming a diesel-dominated event, likely to interest the enthusiast far more than holidaying families. However, the Autumn Steam Gala (30 September-3 October) does promise an all-steam line-up including, hopefully, the return to steam of GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall and BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor. Old friend GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 is listed as a visitor. Up to three other appropriate steam locomotives are being sought to bolster the attractions at this event, the "GWR 175: The Finale".
17 June 2010
Details from WSR Journal
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News update from Friends of Minehead Station
The Friends of Minehead Station continue the never-ending of maintaining and improving the seaside terminus. Completed recently is the modesty screen outside the toilet for the disabled. Three old-fashioned railway posters now adorn the outward-facing side of the screen. Work on the gardens continues to wear down the machinery and tools, some of which are being replaced using FOMS funds. The Heritage Department at County Hall has now instructed that the spear-top fencing at the seaward end of the Station must be repaired and not replaced, and this will clearly have an impact on costs and timescales. Visit the FOMS page for more details about the Friends...
17 June 2010
Details from the Summer 2010 Newsletter from FOMS
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A King in residence at Taunton Station
A classic Great Western steam locomotive is in residence at Taunton Station to celebrate the 175th anniversary of the founding of the Great Western Railway. Arranged by the 6024 Preservation Society , West Somerset Railway Association and West Somerset Railway King Class 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I is now in residence at Platform 1 at Taunton Station and will remain available for public viewing until 18 June.
16 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Booking Office training underway at Crowcombe
The stock of tickets for Crowcombe Heathfield Station have arrived from the Ticket Printing Works at Dunster Station. Graham Robinson has spent some considerable time setting up the ticket rack. Graham's considerable experience both on WSR and formerly with BR has ensured that it is "a proper job". Some 16 staff members of Crowcombe Heathfield Station are now being trained by Graham and very soon tickets will be sold here for the first time since 1964. The full story can be found on the website of the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station .
15 June 2010
Details from FoCHS
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The WSR is subject of a photographic competition
Williton Parish Council are holding a steam railway photographic competition and exhibition throughout the summer. The "Steam's Up" exhibition will take place in West Somerset House, in the centre of Williton, on the 1, 2 and 3 October - to coincide with the Autumn Steam Gala weekend. A number of different categories are included in the "Steam's Up" competition - steam engines and rolling stock, diesel, railway landscapes, railway people (WSR staff or passengers), young enthusiasts (those under 16). There's even a competition for those who shun the digital age and want to render their images in paint, pastel crayon or any other medium. Full details can be found on the website of the Williton Parish Council or on the official website of the West Somerset Railway ...
13 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Work for Hymek no D7017 at the Thomas Weekend
More news about the Days Out with Thomas weekend. With the main three train trains from Bishops Lydeard full on both days - 3 and 4 July - here is a little more information about the last train of the morning and "The 12.40". The engine heading the 11.50am diesel train from Bishops Lydeard should be Hymek no D7101 who is referred to in one of the stories as "Bear" because of the growling noise he makes. "Bear" will also be at work on the 3.10pm from Bishops Lydeard and the 1.30pm and 4.50pmfrom Minehead. The "12.40" should be headed by "Gordon" who after steaming proudly into Minehead earlier with his own train will leave there again at 11.05am to go back and bring more passengers to see Thomas and Bellerophon at Minehead.
Full details...
12 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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No 6024 celebrates GWR 175 at Taunton
King Edward I to Taunton Station to Celebrate GWR 175. As announced here a few days ago, to mark the 175th Anniversary of the formation of the Great Western Railway company the 6024 Preservation Society , West Somerset Railway Association and West Somerset Railway have arranged to take the pride of the former Great Western Railway, King Class 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I, to Taunton Station - one of the busiest stations on the former Great Western network from 15 June to 18 June. The locomotive is a regular visitor to Taunton during the summer on the Torbay Expresses from Bristol to Paignton as well as working on the West Somerset Railway hauling trains to the seaside at Minehead. While the locomotive is in Taunton Station visitors will have the unique opportunity to view the cab of the "King" and talk to former staff who worked on the Great Western Railway as well as the locomotive's current custodians. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare said "I am thrilled to be able to work with our colleagues to celebrate this national event and bring some of the nostalgia of 1930s railway travel back to Somerset's principal town and helping to educate the younger generation about their industrial heritage."
9 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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No 6705 - a progress report from Crewe
Rebuilding the repatriated GWR BCK carriage no 6705 is progressing steadily at Crewe. Walt Denning writes "No 6705 is coming along nicely with the woodwork almost complete. Colin [Worrall] thinks that the metal sheets should start going on in about two weeks time. I have started painting the solebar. The latest photos show Colin alongside one of the rehung doors, a new angle bracket (one of many) securing new woodwork, the rebuilt corridor at the 3rd class toilet end and another rebuilt door with new panels." Pictures on the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website...
8 June 2010
Details from WSSRT
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Working Timetables for Mixed Traction Weekend
The working timetables for the forthcoming Mixed Traction Weekend are now available. Working Timetables, showing which locomotive is rostered for each train, and full departure and arrival timings for each train including goods trains, for this Special Event are published as PDFs and can be downloaded from the Mixed Traction Weekend page.
8 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Webcam hits break the million mark
The popular webcam at Bishops Lydeard Station has now attracted over a million visitors. Installed in late 2006 by an enthusiastic volunteer and the West Somerset Railway Association , the webcam streams a live picture of proceedings at the busy southern terminus of the Minehead Branch to the internet. The views from the webcam are mostly enjoyed by folks who live across the globe far from the Railway including several from USA and Australia. Interestingly, the Railway operators find the webcam images very useful when keeping an eye on the progress of trains. The webcam can be viewed by clicking here.
8 June 2010
Details from local correspondent
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The 7.15 to Crowcombe Heathfield was a great success
Success for the 2010 midsummer fundraising and social event at Crowcombe Heathfield Station. The Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station report "On a perfect summer's evening some 70 passengers gathered at Bishops Lydeard on 4 June to catch the special service to Norton Fitzwarren where WSRA Chairman David Holmes gave an informative talk about the construction and progress of the Triangle. There followed a journey in the DMU to Crowcombe Heathfield Station where a Somerset supper of bread, local cheese, and salad followed by apple pie and cream, washed down with local cider. At 9.40pm the train returned to Bishops Lydeard. Whilst the event was a social event nevertheless, due to the generosity of those people who donated food, drink and raffle prizes a very useful contribution was made to station funds." Full report on the FoCHS website
5 June 2010
Details from FoCHS
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Mixed Traction Weekend Shuttle Services
News of the Shuttle Services during the Mixed Traction Weekend. On the Friday and Saturday there are DMU shuttle services from Minehead to Dunster. Departures from Minehead will be at 10.40am, 11.40am, 12.40pm, 1.40pm and 2.40pm. All trains return from Dunster 12 minutes later. On Sunday the DMU will be running shuttles to Norton Fitzwarren from Bishops Lydeard at 11.45am, 12.45pm, 1.45pm and 2.45pm.On Saturday 12 June, locos and coaches will shuttle between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren, leaving Bishops Lydeard at 11.45am, 12.45pm, 1.45pm and 2.45pm, with the 11.45am departure being top and tailed by Class 42s nos D821 and D832, with the later departures top and tailed by the two Class 14s. See the souvenir brochure for more details of the Shuttles. For more details about the Mixed Traffic event on 11-13 June please click here...
4 June 2010
Details from WSR
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The Six o Clock becomes a Chippie Special
A limited number of fish and chip meals will be available to passengers on the 6pm departure from Minehead on Saturday 12 June. This venture is a first for a WSR special event. Order a meal before 3pm that day by calling Minehead Office on 01643 704996 or by popping into the Information Office at Minehead Station and purchasing a voucher in person. This can be exchanged on the train for the meal. The cost of the fish and chip meal will be £6.50 and booking before 3pm on the day is essential. Please note that the fish and chip voucher is not valid for travel and a seperate travel ticket will be required. Also, don't forget to order the Mixed Traction Weekend Souvenir Programme. For more details about the Mixed Traffic event click here...
4 June 2010
Details from WSR
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The King to appear at Taunton Station
GWR175 celebrations come to Taunton Station in June. During the week commencing Monday 14 June, the West Somerset Railway and the 6024 Preservation Society are planning a joint display at Taunton station to mark the 175th Anniversary of the Great Western Railway. GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I will be in light steam along with two coaches in bay platform 1 from around midday on Monday 14 June until mid afternoon on Friday 18 June and will echo the similar display using GWR 2251 class 0-6-0 no 3205 which was assembled by the WSR at Taunton Station in 1985 to mark the 150th Anniversary. [This news item subject to confirmation by WSR Plc]
4 June 2010
Details from local correspondent
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WSR busy at the Bath and West Show
The non-stop task of promoting the Railway continues at the summer shows. The Commercial Team, led by Martyn Snell, ably assisted by other staff including Allan Dawson, Vic Matthews and David Deakin are currently doing sterling work at the Bath and West Show (2 - 5 June) busily promoting the railway and all the various upcoming events particularly the Mixed Traction Weekend and the Thomas Weekend. Do pop and visit the stand (406 in First Avenue) if you are going to the Show.
3 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Main departures rosters for Mixed Traction Weekend
The West Somerset Railway has released details of the loco roster for the next special event. Nos D1010 Western Campaigner; D1062 Western Courier; D821 Greyhound; D832 Onslaught; Hymek D7017; D9520; D9526; D1661 North Star and the DMU will all be in use during the three day Mixed Traction Weekend on 11, 12, 13 June 2010. For the list of locos rostered for the main departures please visit the Mixed Traction Weekend page...
2 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Part-time seasonal worker needed at Turntable Cafe
The West Somerset Railway has a vacancy for a part-time seasonal worker in the Turntable Cafe on Minehead Station. Jacquie Green explains "The role involves sandwich making, serving customers, clearing tables and general café duties. Previous experience in a similar environment would be useful but is not essential. Thirty hours per week over 5 days including weekends. The salary is minimum wage and an immediate start is available. The role will finish on 3rd October.To apply please send your CV and a covering letter by email to catering@wsrail.net or by post to Jacquie Green, Hospitality and Catering Manager, West Somerset Railway plc, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG."
1 June 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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