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No 60163 to make another whirlwind visit in late summer
A busy two weeks on the Minehead Branch for the newest standard gauge steam locomotive has just ended. LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado will leave the West Somerset Railway on the morning of Saturday 2 July heading for Bristol. But already the locomotive is booked to make another visit to West Somerset in the school summer holidays and will be operating trains over the twenty miles of line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. Tornado will be in service from 27 August to 7 September and, on the latter date, will also haul the evening Fish & Chip Special. And the loco is also expected to haul trains during the Late Summer Weekend event. The exact running times for Tornado will be confirmed shortly.
30 June 2011
Details from the WSR Plc
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News from the WSRA Home Counties Group
A DMU power car has left the WSR for pastures new. As recently featured in the Latest Pictures page Class 115 Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) no 51852 was towed to Bishops Lydeard by Class 33 no D6566. No 51852 was a member of the WSR Association Home Counties Group's fleet and has been sold to a new home on the Dean Forest Railway. The vehicle has been out of use for some time. Diminishing DMU mileage and the turntable results in only one spare power car being required and thus the DMBS was put on the market. Hopefully the funds will aid restoration of the Group's "Warflat" to demonstration freight train status. Meanwhile, the Home Counties Group continue to promote the Railway and on Wednesday 6 July Keith Smith will speak to the Vale of White Horse Group of the Wilts & Berks Canal Trust at Hanney RBL 66 Club, Robey Villa, Orchard, East Hanney, Oxon OX12 0HW, just north of Wantage, starting at 8pm. Keith is sure WSRA members will be welcomed.
29 June 2011
Details from the WSRA Home Counties Group
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Streamlining the groups for the benefit of the Railway
Work is well in hand to change the way the various groups on the Railway are managed. The WSR Association Chairman Steve Roberts and Humphrey Davies, Chairman of WSR Plc have issued the following statement to staff, "The Company and Association Boards are currently working together to streamline the operations of both organisations for the benefit of the Railway as a whole. As part of this process and in the interest of strengthening the WSR Safety Management System, so eliminating any confusion with respect to health and safety, some volunteer groups now managed by the Association are becoming a Company responsibility. Volunteer Recruitment, Trackers, and Cutting Back have already been recently transferred. Signal & Telegraph, Permanent Way, and RAMS will be transferred shortly with a target date of 1 July. Existing Association budgets for these groups will continue to be supported by the Association until the end of the year when the Company will then take over this small financial responsibility encompassing it with the Companies 2012 budget."
26 June 2011
Details from the WSRA and WSR Plc
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Two classic Minehead Branch being reprinted
Great news for railway historians and supporters of the West Somerset Railway. Two classic books about the Minehead Branch are being reprinted. Lightmoor Press is reprinting Ian Coleby's "TheMinehead Branch 1848-1971" which has been unavailable for some time. Regarded as the definitive history of the line, the book has been lightly revised and includes two further maps and 15 new photographs. The 392 page hardback masterpiece is due on the bookstall in early August at £24.99. The second book is "The Minehead Breanch and the West Somerset Railway" by Colin G Maggs which is being reprinted as a much enlarged version by Oakwood Press with nearly 100 extra photographs. With 176 pages the 2011 version, due out in June 2011, costs £12.95. Both books can be pre-ordered from the Toy and Train Shop at Bishops Lydeard Station - just call 01843 432125.
26 June 2011
Details from the WSRA
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Enjoy a day out with Thomas at Minehead
Nearly time for the annual visit to the West Somerset Railway of a well-loved favourite. On Saturday 2 July and Sunday 3 July when the WSR stages its "Day Out With Thomas" event. The famous small blue steam engine, star of childrens books, radio, television and film, will be in action at Minehead Station whilst his larger friends, the bigger steam locomotives, bring passengers from Bishops Lydeard and other stations along the line. All passengers get the chance to ride behind Thomas on short journeys in and out of Minehead Station throughout the day. Other entertainment during the day out includes free vintage bus journeys around Minehead, starting from outside the Station, and shunting demonstrations by smaller engines including Captain Baxter at Minehead. On the platform there will be shows during the day by Professor Popcorn and a Punch and Judy Show, plus quieter places where the children can colour drawings, listen to stories or watch DVDs featuring their favourite characters. And of course, Sir Topham Hatt, better know as the Fat Controller, will be there presiding over the day. Further details...
24 June 2011
Details from the WSR Plc
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Revised diesel running rosters for July and August
Following the problems with Western no D1010 the list of operating dates for heritage traction passenger trains for the next few months has been revised. During July and August the 11.45am and 3.05pm from Bishops Lydeard and the 1.15pm and 5.35pm from Minehead are planned to be worked by the following locomotives: Class 35 Hymek no D7017 (15 July; 5, 7, 19, 26 August); Class 25 no D7523 (16, 29 July); Class 47 no D1661 North Star (22 July; 12, 20 August); Class 42 Warship no D832 Onslaught (23 July; 6, 27 August); Class 33 Crompton no D6566 (30 July; 13 August). In addition Hymek no D7017 will operate the diesel diagram in the Thomas weekend, disguised as no D7101.
Updated 26 June 2001 Posted 24 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc and DEPG
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A touch of the east for the Autumn Steam Gala
The Special Events Planning Team have announced current plans for two 2011 events. Current plans include the appearance of LNER 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado and SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton at the Late Summer Weekend, along with one of the home-based steamers and, hopefully, diesel locomotives nos D1661, D7523 and either D6575 or D6566 (possibly both), plus a DMU on the Norton Shuttle. For the Autumn Steam Gala, GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 will be having the last outings before its ten year overhaul, and GNR N2 0-6-2T no 1744 will be visiting from the Great Central Railway. GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall and BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Norton Manor should be in action following heavy overhauls. Nos 34046, 88, 4160, 3850 and 9351 are also expected to run. In order to support the local charity Go Commando an Autocoach will be run at various times with travel being supported by passenger donations.
24 June 2011
Details from the Special Events Planning Team
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An update report from Locomotive 34046 Ltd
Humphrey Davies from Locomotive 34046 Ltd has kindly provided an update on progress. "The current problems preventing the running of the locomotive [SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton] have been centered around snagging requirements as one might expect following major changes, and problems associated with the new tender. The locomotive will be completed shortly with air brake fitting, and once the OTMR & TPWS installations have been completed by contractors. Testing of these systems can progress when the tender is complete and coupled. The tender has had some major work requirements. The tender springs as supplied did not meet the specification and had to be returned to the supplier for correction at the suppliers expense. These are expected to be returned before the end of June. The brake cylinders supplied and installed were not fit for use and we have had to source replacements from India. By kind permission of the owner of Taw Valley we have been able to use two new spare cylinders from that loco which will be replaced when the cylinders on order from India arrive in approx six weeks time. With some items being re worked by West Somerset Restoration plus the efforts of the volunteers and staff at Minehead we anticipate the locomotive should be ready for the [WSR's] gold timetable. Air brake testing will still need to be carried out. Main line operations depend on a series of further commissioning tests being successful and we will keep you advised of progress."
24 June 2011
Details from Locomotive 34046 Ltd
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Baxter to spend a few days by the seaside
Another locomotive has been added to the list for the Thomas weekend. It will be Captain Baxter from the Bluebell Railway. This small 0-4-0T engine features in Rev W Awdry's book "Stepney the Bluebell Engine". During the Thomas Weekend the 1877-built Captain Baxter will spend his time at Minehead shunting the yard. Built by Fletcher Jennings & Co at Whitehaven, the loco spent its entire working life at a Dorking quarry until rescued for preservation by the Bluebell Railway. One other item of news about this event - it now seems unlikely that Fergus will be able to attend because some planned maintenance has taken longer than expected.
23 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Works plates for sale by sealed bid
The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust have for sale, by sealed bid, two original builders plates. The wording on the works plates is as follows "Hungarian Railway Carriage and Machine Works Limited 1906 number 9754 GY0R" and "Marshall Sons & Co Limited Engineers Gainsborough England 6HP No 13276". These two works plates have been donated to the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust to specifically be sold to raise funds for the Heritage Carriages Project. Bids will be accepted for each plate individually. The closing date to receive bids is 12 July 2011. Bids should be submitted to info@wssrt.co.uk Provided that the bid amount is acceptable (there will be a realistic reserve price) the highest bid for each plate will be accepted. The highest bidder will be requested to add the cost of postage, amount to be ascertained, but likely to be in the region of £5, or collection could be arranged from Bishops Lydeard, Williton or Blue Anchor stations. Picture of the plates on the Trust website
22 June 2011
Details from WSSRT
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Tornado in June in West Somerset
A rather famous locomotive arrived at Bishops Lydeard rather quietly on Sunday last. LNER 4-6-2 no 60136 Tornado will now work service trains on 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 June, heading departures from Bishops Lydeard at 11.10am and 4.10pm and from Minehead at 2.15pm and 5.45pm, and on 26 June when the loco is due to head departures from Bishops Lydeard at 10.25am and 2.25pm and from Minehead at 12.25pm and 4.05pm. Standard fares apply on each day Tornado is running. No 60163 will also feature in a series of driver experience days.
20 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondents
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Notice of Annual General Meetings
Time for the Annual General Meetings. The 2011 Annual General Meeting of the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) will be held at 2pm on Saturday 9 July at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall. A link to a copy of the Final Notice of the Annual General Meeting can be found on the "About the Association" page on the website of the WSRA. Before then the West Somerset Railway Plc will hold its 39th Annual General Meeting at the same venue at 11.30am on 25 June 2011.
20 June 2011
Details from WSRA and WSR Plc
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No 7828 renamed Norton Manor 40 Commando
A locomotive naming ceremony took place on 17 June 2001 at Minehead Station. Originally named Odney Manor GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 no 7828 became Norton Manor, 40 Commando to honour the work that the Marines have done and are still doing in various parts of the world. The Marines were also presented with a copy of the nameplate. The Railway is laying on a special train on 18 June taking the Royal Marines and their families from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead for a day out at Butlins.
17 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Enjoy a trip on the Wednesday Lunchtime Specials
Come and enjoy the magic of the Quantock Belle dining train at a really affordable price. There are just two Wednesday Lunchtime Specials - 22 June and 6 July - left to run this summer. The £26 fare includes first-class travel from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return, plus a fixed-menu lunch of soup, followed by chicken, ham and mushroom pie with potatoes and vegetables, and dessert and coffee. A cream tea is available on the return journey at an additional cost of just £4 per person (must be pre-booked). For reservations call 01823 433856. Our Wednesday trains are hauled by heritage diesel locomotives. Click here for the leaflet cover.
15 June 2011
Details from WSRA
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Williton loop to be extended
Plans have been announced to extend the loop at Williton. More correctly the loop will be re-instated at the south end returning to the situation before 1968 when British Railways shortened the loop and removed part of a bridge over a stream. The new works involve a new bridge over the stream, new points (positioned beyond Williton Bridge), rebuilding Williton Level Crossing to accommodate double track and re-signalling the new layout. It is planned to start work on the new bridge in November 2011 and the remaining works in January and February 2012. As ever, funding is a critical part of the project and the Railway are asking shareholders and supporters to make consider making financial contributions to help fund this important work.
13 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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More runs for the Rat on 12 June
Additional haulage behind the Class 25 no D7523 for Mixed Traction Weekend Dunster Shuttles. Due to popular demand the West Somerset Railway is pleased to announce additional haulage behind the class 25 D7523 for Mixed Traction Weekend Dunster Shuttles on Sunday 12 June 2011. The first Dunster Shuttle will depart from Minehead at 10.40am hauled by the Class 03 shunter which will be replaced by the Class 25 no D7523 for the rest of the day working the 11.40am, 12.40pm, 1.40pm, 2.40pm and 3.40pm departures from Minehead.
11 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Ale by rail on the Minehead Branch
The local Quantock Brewery loaded some of its ales onto West Somerset trains at Stogumber for onward carriage to pubs at Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. Ale by rail was once one of the staple traffic for the railways of Britain down the years. This re-enactment was staged at Stogumber Station on 10 June - the first day of the WSR's Mixed Traction Weekend. The beers were be loaded onto the 11.31am train to Minehead and the 12.03pm to Bishops Lydeard, and delivered at around 1pm to to Minehead's "Hairy Dog" and to the "Bird in Hand" in Bishops Lydeard.
10 June 2011
Details from local correspondent and WSR Plc
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Special train service for summer air display
The second annual Minehead Summer Festival will take place this year on Wednesday 10 August 2011. The event runs between 10.30am and 4pm. The Red Arrows will be the headline act at the Minehead Summer Festival thanks to Butlins, who have arranged a Sea King helicopter on display in Warren Road upper car park; at 12.15pm flypasts by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (Spitfire, Lancaster & Hurricane); 1pm a display by the Red Arrows; and at 2pm the Red Devils. At present timings are approximate and may be subject to slight changes. There will be street entertainment and music as well as a display by the Fire Brigade, flight simulators, marching band and Morris Men, subject to final confirmation. The West Somerset Railway will run a special timetable on this day to ensure as many people as possible can travel by train to Minehead for this special event. The timetable will be confirmed shortly.
9 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Another West Somerset visit for Tornado
No 60163 will arrive soon on the Minehead Branch to work service trains and driver experience specials. LNER A1 class 4-6-2 no 60163 Tornado is due to arrive on 19 June and will operate trains on 21, 22, 23, 28, 29 and 30 June, heading departures from Bishops Lydeard at 11.10am and 4.10pm and from Minehead at 2.15pm and 5.45pm, and on 26 June when the loco is due to head departures from Bishops Lydeard at 10.25am and 2.25pm and from Minehead at 12.25pm and 4.05pm. Standard fares apply on each day Tornado is running. And there's more! The opportunity to drive the newest mainline steam locomotive will be on 20, 24 and 27 June 2011 only. There will be four available places per day and each participant will get to travel 80 miles with the locomotive - and driving and firing it for forty of them. The cost per place is £1100 (inclusive of VAT) includes lunch on both days and a certificate to commemorate the occasion - book now by calling 01643 704996 or 01643 700398.
9 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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First trains along the Barnstaple at Norton Triangle
Several works trains have worked along the Barnstaple section at the Norton Triangle. Class 08 no D3462 hauled five loaded ballast wagons along the entire length of the most southerly chord of the Triangle between Barnstaple Junction and Orchard Junction. A short trip was made on 7 June 2011 but the next day three trains dropping ballast en route. Another important stage of the major project at Norton Fitzwarren which will soon see the completion of the outer triangle leaving only the East Chord which requires about 300 yards of track to be laid.
9 June 2011
Details from local correspondent
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Classic Minehead Branch book enlarged and reprinted
The story of one of the longest branch lines of the GWR. Originally built to Watchet to serve the harbour there and later extended to Minehead where in later times many thousands of holidaymakers would arrive to enjoy a week by the seaside. This new enlarged edition has been thoroughly revised and updated, the story brought up to date, making this edition 48 pages larger than the first edition, with almost 100 more images. Since the 1970s the line has been in the hands of preservationists and the author takes a look at what has been achieved since that time. "The Minehead Branch and the West Somerset Railway" is published by Oakwood Press. A5 format, 176 pages, 227 images, with a laminated card cover and a square-backed spine, cost £12.95. This seem to be a limited reprint - the shop at Minehead has just 200 copies available from Friday...
8 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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The 24th Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally 2011
Plans for the Rally are progressing well. The Railway's Diesel Multiple Unit will provide a shuttle service between Bishops Lydeard and the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally at Norton Fitzwarren on both days and travel will be free for those folks purchasing a Rally entrance ticket. Just before the Rally weekend on 6-7 August 2011, the Severn Coast Express will run on the Friday evening for exhibitors. The display on the Triangle lines will include the Heritage Goods train plus a diesel locomotive along with GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall which has been promised by West Somerset Restoration. The entertainment on Saturday will be a high class group. All WSR staff ID card holders are welcome to attend the evening event arriving after 6 o'clock. However please note that the organisers are very keen to hear from those wishing to volunteer for general duties at the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally - please contact us here by email.
7 June 2011
Details from WSRA
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No public access to Williton Footbridge - yet
Work on the footbridge at Williton Station is progressing well. But it will not be ready for the next Special Event the three day Mixed Traction Weekend which starts on 10 June. Williton Station Master Martin Hope reports "We have been informed today that despite the valiant efforts of the Williton Station Maintenance Team the footbridge will not be completed in time for public use during the Mixed Traction Weekend. The Project Manager John Parsons has stated that several parts required to enable the Independent Assessor to visit Williton to allow a decision to be made to open the bridge to the public are missing and they will not be available to be fitted before the weekend. Photographers will not therefore be allowed access onto the footbridge during the Mixed Traction event. It is now planned to officially open the footbridge in July and further details will be posted in due course on this web site."
6 June 2011
Details from Williton Station Master
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Gearing up for the Weekend of the Diesels
Diesel enthusiasts across the land are due to descend on West Somerset this weekend. The West Somerset Railway is putting on the Mixed Traction Weekend on 10, 11, 12 June 2011. No less than ten diesel locomotives will shine the rails during the event, including four Class 59 locomotives visiting courtesy of Mendip Rail. The event will be all diesel traction except for "one steam round trip on the Saturday and Sunday" [source: WSR] although please note there are actually two round trips by steam departing at 12pm and 3pm from Bishops Lydeard on those days. The general public are advised against travelling on anything but the lone steam train as, despite the technically accurate but rather misleading event title, this is clearly a diesel gala.
5 June 2011
Details from local correspondent
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Promoting the WSR at the Royal Bath and West
Spreading the word at the Royal Bath and West Show. The West Somerset Railway had its annual trade stand at the Show at Shepton Mallet in Somerset - a key promotional opportunity for the Railway.The WSR
Promotional Team spoke to more than 3,500 people over the four days. The stand was so successful that 3,500 promotional packs made up of timetables and special event leaflets were given out. And 1000 Thomas flags and colouring posters were handed out to help promote the forthcoming Thomas event. The flags also work as a great advert for the stand with people flocking from all over the site to get their flag! The show allows face to face promotion of the railway to both existing and potential new customers. A big thanks to everyone who visited the WSR stand and to the 13 strong team from the WSR/WSRA and the Yarn Market Hotel who set up, manned and packed up the stand.
5 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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No 7828 becomes Norton Manor
All change for the Manor. BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor, currently nearing the end of a major overhaul, will soon be renamed Norton Manor in honour of the officers, the men and the women of 40 Commando, who are close neighbours of the Railway and based at Norton Fitzwarren. Representatives from locally based 40 Commando will gather with senior WSR officials at Minehead Station on 17 June 2011 to witness the unveiling of the new nameplates on the locomotive. The following day, the Railway is laying on a special train for the families and members of 40 Commando for a day out in Minehead. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare said of the two days "40 Commando have been neighbours of the West Somerset Railway since 1983 and we have worked well together ever since. As is well known 40 Commando recently returned from Sangin in Afghanistan, where sadly they sustained a number of casualties and losses amongst their officers and other ranks. The Railway felt that with No 7828 due to return to service with us this year we should take the opportunity to commemorate the Battalion and its sacrifice with a locomotive nameplate that also continues the naming traditions of the Great Western Railway."
2 June 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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News from the Bristol Group of the WSRA
At their latest meeting, the WSRA Bristol Group enjoyed a presentation about the Railway Heritage Committee. Organiser Nigel Bruce-Robertson reports "The Bristol Branch enjoyed yet another change at their May meeting, when on Tuesday 31 May, Neil Butters gave us a detailed account of the workings of the Railway Heritage Committee. The next and last meeting of the 2010-11 season will be on Tuesday 28 June with a presentation entitled 'Railways in South Wales in World War' by Terry McCarthy. Later, Nigel announced he is due to relocate elsewhere in the West Country and a new volunteer is needed to run the Group's meetings - please contact Jayne Mills at wsrabristol@aol.com for details." A full account of the latest meeting can be viewed on the WSRA website.
1 June 2011
Details from WSRA Bristol Group
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