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A test run for Crompton no D6575
Recently overhauled BR Class 33 no D6575 enjoyed a solo test run at Williton on 30 March 2012. Purchased as a source of spares by the owner of sister Class 33 "Crompton" no D6566 in 2006, no D6575 has now been fully overhauled and is due to enter service in preservation for the first time in early April subject to satisfactory running-in. No D6575 is also scheduled to appear at the Mixed Traction Weekend on 15-17 June 2012 
30 March 2012
Details from local correspondent
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West Somerset Steam Express programme changes
Owing to the new restrictions, recently announced by Network Rail, preventing railtours using London termini during the Olympics, the Railway Touring Company program of Paddington-Minehead West Somerset Steam Express trains has been altered. The program is now for three trains (instead of five) running on 21 July (behind Tangmere), 18 August (behind Bittern) and 22 September 2012 (behind Braunton) Leaving London Paddington at 8.30am for Bishops Lydeard where one of the WSR's own steam locomotives will take over for the twenty mile run to Minehead. At 4.55pm the excursion leaves Minehead again hauled by a WSR steamer to Bishops Lydeard. The main line steam engine, now turned (on the Norton Triangle), watered and coaled, then takes over for the run back to London. More information
30 March 2012
Details from UKSteam and local correspondent
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A new home in Somerset for Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219
Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219 is heading for Williton on the West Somerset Railway. During an eventful day on Wednesday 28 March 2012 West Somerset Restoration apprentice Ryan Pope became the new owner of Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219. The diminutive locomotive was built in 1910 and was the yard shunter at the Barclay Works. Arrangements are being made to transport the Barclay back to Williton where it will be overhauled as an apprentice project. The photo (left) shows Ryan Pope and Martin Ashworth shaking hands on the deal.
30 March 2012
Details from West Somerset Restoration
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50th anniversary theme for Mixed Traction Weekend
The West Somerset Railway will present a weekend of diesel traction with a selection of visiting and home fleet diesel locomotives running a intensive timetable on 15-17 June 2012. The Friday will see a diesel-only timetable and the Saturday and Sunday will be a mixed timetable of diesel and steam hauled services. The timetable will be confirmed shortly. During 2012 five of the heritage diesel locomotives based at the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's Williton depot will reach their 50th Anniversary since their introduction into service by British Railways as part of the countrywide changeover from steam to diesel traction. Of the five, four have already seen service on the West Somerset Railway, the newcomer being Class 33 no D6575 which is due to enter service in preservation for the first time in early April, and whilst Hymek no D7018 is being overhauled, the other three - nos D6566, D7018 and D1010 - are operational. Other diesels expected to operate at the Mixed Traction Weekend are nos D9526, D1661 and D832. As yet no visiting locomotives have been secured but the Railway hope to later announce at least one mainline locomotive. Full details
30 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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No 70000 makes history at the Norton Triangle
Thanks to special arrangements drawn up by Network Rail, DBS and the WSR led to the first ever turning of a steam lcoomotive at the Norton Triangle. The WSR was eager to take advantage of mainline-certified BR 4-6-2 no 70000 Britannia guesting at the Spring Steam Gala which, with very detailed operating instructions, allowed this locomotive to enter the short section of Network Rail track to the east of Barnstaple Junction and then reverse onto the WSR's southern chord (the Barnstaple). Thereafter, the loco traversed the Triangle via Orchard and Allerford Junctions. The process was repeated on the following two days. This operation allowed the Brit to head its Gala trains in both directions, being turned on the turntable at the seaside end of the line. And so the WSR also became the first standard gauge heritage line to have a working locomotive turning facility at each end. No other steam locos can be turned on the Triangle at present until the transfer of a short section of track from Network Rail to the WSR or until the nearly completed East Chord is completed. For a map of the locations mentioned above please click here.
30 March 2012
Details from local correspondent
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Two firsts during the visit of the rail train
The long-awaited rails for the nearly completed (inner) East Chord at the Norton Triangle were delivered by train on 22 March 2012. At Barnstaple Junction, Freightliner Class 66 no 66522 headed the long-weld rail train (LWRT) along the southern chord - known as the Barnstaple after the trackbed's former destination - which became the first train to enter the Triangle from that direction. Whilst the LWRT was busy carefully dropping twelve 91 metre lengths of rail, the Class 66 uncoupled and continued around the Triangle along the Barnstaple to Orchard Junction, then via the West Chord to Allerford Junction (north of Norton Bridge) and back along the WSR main line to Barnstaple Junction. It then joined sister loco no 66585 (which had uncoupled from the rear of the LWRT earlier) before setting back onto the LWRT which left the WSR shortly afterwards. No 66522's solo trip was the first complete traverse of the Triangle thus this Class 66 became the first locomotive to be turned at Norton. For a map of the locations mentioned above please click here.
30 March 2012
Details from local correspondent
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Association Chairman steps down
Association Chairman Stephen Roberts announced his decision to step down from his position with immediate effect at the West Somerset Railway Association Board meeting of Monday 26 March 2012. In a press release, the Association say "Steve took over the chairmanship in May 2011 following the resignation of David Holmes, having previously been the Signal & Telegraph representative on the Association Board. The Association would like to thank Steve for his hard work over the last ten months as Chairman, and wish him well in his continued involvement with the Railway as head of the Signal & Telegraph Department. A new Chairman will be elected from the existing members of the Board within the next week. In the meantime, Association business will continue to be competently and effectively managed by the Trustees."
For more about the WSRA please visit www.wsra.org.uk
29 March 2012
Details from WSRA
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Celebrate 150 years of the West Somerset Railway
The original West Somerset Railway was opened from Watchet Junction (near Norton Fitzwarren) to the busy seaport of Watchet in 1862. And now the current West Somerset Railway is celebrating 150 years since the first passenger train ran on 31 March 1862 with a series of special eventsand special trains. Watchet Station will have a Victorian theme with staff and passengers dress in period clothing; a brass band will welcome the first train to arrive at 9.41am, followed by appropriate speeches; BBC Somerset Radio's Emma Britton will be broadcasting live - if you are out of the area listen online Later in the day at Stogumber Station the Vicar of Minehead will, at 1pm, dedicate the memorial stone at the Station and later a tree and flowerbed to the memory of James Willis, a young man who was a Tracker on the West Somerset Railway. Cream teas will be available from the Station. Take a step back in time at delightful Crowcombe Heathfield Station and be greeted by staff wearing Victorian dress and giving out humbugs! For full details click here
28 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Success for first West Somerset Railway Literary Festival
Colin Howard, Retail Manager at the Minehead Station Buffer Stop Book and Gift Shop expressed delight at the success of the first West Somerset Railway Literary Festival. Publishers attending were Ian Allan Publishing, Silver Link Publishing, Past & Present Publishing, Oxford Publishing Company, Kingfisher, Haynes Publishing, The History Press, Oakwood Press and David & Charles. The public had the opportunity to meet the publishers and a number of leading railway authors. Signing sessions proved popular, taking place during the three day event held on 23-25 March 2012, and also providng readers with the opportunity to discuss the finer points with the authors. Colin is already planning to make it an annual feature.
28 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc and Silver Link Publishing
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Celebrating 150 years of railways at Stogumber Station
The limited edition mugs celebrating 150 years of Stogumber Station are selling out fast. Sunday 31 March 2012 will see us celebrating exactly 150 years since the line opened in 1862, running from Watchet Junction near Norton Fitzwarren to Watchet, which in those far off days was the original terminus. At Stogumber Station the Friends of the station will be welcome the Vicar of Stogumber who will be officiating in a brief ceremony to dedicate the Memorial Garden. Don't miss out on the limited edition mug celebrating 150 years of Stogumber Station. To make sure of getting one then please call in at the station before stocks run out. More about the Friends of Stogumber Station
26 March 2012
Details from FoSS
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A vacancy for a diesel fitter
A full time vacancy exists for a person to maintain plant and railcars. Preference will be given to applicants who have the following experience and skills - diesel engine servicing; vehicle low voltage electrics; hydraulic systems and transmissions; mechanical assemblies; a railway driving qualification. The hours will be 40 per week, some weekend and out of hours work may be required. Salary will depend upon experience. Closing date for applications is 2 April 2012. 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 email cme@wsrail.net
26 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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ArtTrain - activities at WSR stations announced
Artists and performers from West Somerset, the Quantocks, the Brendon Hills and the Ten Parishes will be taking over the entire network and showing how their art can travel on a journey along the West Somerset Railway. Love Somerset? Love art? Love railways? There are activities at nine of the ten WSR stations ranging from a pottery workshop at Crowcombe Heathfield to live music at Watchet to art workshops at Minehead. These delights take place on Saturday 19 May 2012. Full details
26 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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No 70000 to be turned on the Triangle at the Gala
Following arrangements made with Network Rail and DBS it has been possible to arrange for the turning of no 70000 on the triangle at Norton Fitzwarren. This means that there will be an alteration to the direction BR 4-6-2 no 70000 Britannia faces for the remainder of the gala. On Friday it will be running chimney first on both of its services; on Saturday it will be running chimney first on all of its services except for the 6pm from Minehead; On Sunday it will be running chimney first on all of its services. No 70000 will be running to Norton Fitzwarren to turn at 3pm each day. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare said, "We are delighted to provide turning facilities at Norton Fitzwarren for the 1st time in what has been a major project for the West Somerset Railway Association over the last five years. Also today we have received delivery of the remaining rail in order to complete the east chord which our Permanent Way gangs will be working on even as the gala progresses." Photographers - please note there is no access to the Triangle for photographic purposes.
22 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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All day breakfast at the Spring Steam Gala
This should be an irresistible attraction at the Spring Steam Gala. The Turntable Cafe at Minehead Station are offering a all day breakfast during the remaining four days of the Spring Steam Gala. What better way to stoke up before, during or after a day on the trains with a visit to the Turntable Cafe. Situated right next to the turntable with a good view of the locomotive being turned. The Turntable Cafe has a wide range of food and drink to satisfy the appetite. Full Spring Steam Gala details are on the official WSR website
20 March 2012
Details from WSR Catering Services
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Spring Steam Gala off to a flying start
A flying start for the first weekend of West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala. Hannah Green reports on the Somerset County Gazette website that "More than 1,600 visitors flocked to see not only the impressive steam trains running hourly along the 20 miles of line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, but also a variety of other attractions. One that went down particularly well was Driver for a Fiver giving visitors the opportunity to drive a steam engine for just £5 at Minehead Station, which quickly sold out. WSR general manager Paul Conibeare was very pleased with how the first weekend went and was looking forward to the four remaining days of the Gala coming up (22 to 25 March)." Full Spring Steam Gala details are on the official WSR website
20 March 2012
Details from Somerset County Gazette
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News of developments at Norton Triangle
The Norton Triangle Project moves closer to completion as critical stages are passed. According to the information sheet handed out to passengers on the Bishops Lydeard-Norton Auto Train at the weekend, the Office of the Rail Regulator last week issued a certificate of approval for use of the Norton Triangle, initially for locomotives, freight trains and empty coaching stock trains only at this stage. So there are good prospects for turning steam locos at both ends of the line during future special events. There is still a short gap in the East Chord, but more than sufficient rail to fill this gap is due to be delivered by a Network Rail train this week. Also there is a suggestion that about five track lengths towards Taunton are to be transferred to the control of the WSR.
20 March 2012
Details from local correspondent via WSRA
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Restricted areas along the lineside
There are many areas on the West Somerset Railway that have restricted access. Photographers, and all those not needing to access these areas to work, or to reach a place of work are not allowed to be there. The Railway has recently issued - a list of restricted places . The above list is not exhaustive, and all those going on or near the line must observe the Personal Track Safety (PTS) rules as laid down by the West Somerset Railway at all times. Full details of the current lineside photography pass scheme can be found on the official WSR website
19 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Extra Driver for a Fiver places
Extra places have been announced for the Driver for a Fiver at Minehead Station during the last weekend of the Spring Steam Gala using WSR 2-6-0 no 9351. On Saturday 24 March ther will be approximately 20 places with a similar number of Sunday 25 March, starting at 11.15am on both days until around 3pm. The cost is £5.00 per person with a minimum age of 16. Tickets for Driver for a Fiver' are sold on the day on a first come first served basis from the Ticket Inspector on Minehead Station Platform from 10.30am onwards. Full details on the official WSR website
19 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Toplight no 7538 arrives at Williton
GWR Toplight coach no 7538 has completed its journey by road from Chinnor to Williton. The coach is the final one needed to complete the unique WSR Toplight train. Built in 1907, this is the oldest coach in the Toplight collection. Unusually, it was built as a brake tri-composite, with first, second and third class compartments and is the only Toplight brake vehicle on the Railway. It also has the distinctive American type bogies wih their plate frames and transverse leaf spring. Extensively altered as a departmental vehicle, much remains to be done before she can carry passengers again. Full details of the Heritage Carriages Project on the official West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website
14 March 2012
Details from WSSRT
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The Chapel Cleeve Manor Express
Travel by steam train to the forgotten Manor of Chapel Cleeve and discover its dramatic haunted past. Hear chilling tales of monks with dark secrets, the untimely end of tragic wartime lovers and the unsolved mystery of the missing child. However, all is not what it seems within the dark confines of the house and the tour takes an unexpected turn. Two tours on Thursday 12 April 2012. Travel from Bishops Lydeard or stations up until Washford. The tour guides will join participants from Washford Station. Each tour is restricted to 20 passengers. Full details on the official WSR website
12 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Daily loco roster for Spring Steam Gala
The WSR has released details of which locomotives are planned to run on each of the six days of the Spring Steam Gala. Nos 70000, 80072, 1450, 6960, 7828, 88, 9351 and 3850 will run on all six days; No 6024 will run on all but the first day (the loco arrives late in the evening of 17 March following its mainline duties); No 5553 will work trains on 22 March and shunt Washford Yard on the other five days. Please note No 9351 is rostered for Driver for a Fiver at Minehead on 18, 24, 25 March. Full details on the official WSR website
12 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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Washford Open Day on 17 March 2012
Appropriately for St Patrick's Day the only green-painted station on the West Somerset Railway will be hosting an Open Day. The event on 17 March 2012 - the first day of the Spring Steam Gala - is organised by the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust who have been based at Washford Station for nearly forty years. Visitors will be able to look round the newly redecorated Museum with its large collection of memorabilia of the Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway and see the workshop where restoration work on an 1886-built ex-S&DJR passenger coach is taking place. Shunting demonstrations using GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 are expected to take place on each day of the Gala Parking is nigh impossible at Washford so best to travel by train. Entry to the attractions at Washford will be free although a donation to the Trust's funds will be welcome. Full details
10 March 2012
Details from SDRT
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Latest news about the Spring Steam Gala
No 71000 is withdrawn but No 70000 steps in. With the recent withdrawal of BR 4-6-2 no 71000 Duke of Gloucester, the WSR's Chief Mechanical Engineer Andy Forster has sourced a very suitable replacement - BR 4-6-0 no 70000 Britannia for the first weekend, and also for the second weekend unless a possible other commitment is honoured. The visiting GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I is unavailable for the first Saturday due to mainline duties. With this in mind, and to help make up for the loss of the Duke, the Special Events Planning Team have asked Andy Forster the difficult task of sourcing a further mainline locomotive but there is no news as yet. For details of the Spring Steam Gala (17, 18, 22, 23, 24, 25 March 2012) click here
7 March 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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News from the Thomas team
Planning for the annual Thomas event on 7 and 8 July is now well underway. The Thomas Planning Group have made a few changes, for example, with performers on the Minehead platform, and upgrading the on-train activities for children. Another change is the re-introduction of Daisy (the DMU) which in former years was a popular train; it replaces the diesel locomotive hauled train which was not well patronised. The Group have put out a plea for more volunteers to help with the event - in particular, On-train Hosts; Preparation and Dismantling Support; help with the "Imagination Station" and an Assistant Coordinator at Minehead. If you can help, please contact us and we will forward your email. Looking to next year, the Group are looking at the possibility of running two Thomas events! For details of the 2012 event click here
7 March 2012
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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Restoration starts on LNWR Horse Box
Master carpenters have begun work on restoring a horse box at Bishops Lydeard. Members of the Restoration and Maintenance Squad (RAMS) have removed the various doors from the London & North Western Railway Horse Box presently standing on the former cattle dock at Bishops Lydeard Station. Only the body survives of the Horse Box - which is in the care of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust. Horse boxes were once a common sight on Britain's railways - this one was built by Ashbury for the LNWR (date and number unknown). A little more about this vehicle can be found at the website of the Vintage Carriages Trust
7 March 2012
Details from local correspondents
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The Railway Literary Festival at Minehead Station
Several well known railway authors are expected to attend the second Railway Literary Festival. The Festival will be held at Minehead Station over the last three days - Friday 23 March to Sunday 25 March 2012 - of the Spring Steam Gala Plans include a marquee at Minehead Station dedicated to railway books with displays and sales stands where visitors can meet the publishers and a number of leading railway authors. Author signing sessions will be take place during the three days at times displayed at the event on each day. Publishers expected to attend include Ian Allan, Silver Link, Past & Present, Oxford Publishing Company, Kingfisher, Haynes. Authors planning to attend include John Stretton, Philip Horton and Chris Harris.
5 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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A dress rehearsal for the WSR 150th celebrations
Some of the Crowcombe Heathfield Station staff tried out their Victorian style clothing which will be worn on 31 March 2012 - the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the station. Beryl Ayres, Jane Croad and Sue Stanger posed for photographer Malc Stacey. Meanwhile in the Booking Office, the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station have installed a Tilley oil lamp - albeit for decorative purposes only - similar to that once used by the Clerk in the days before electricity at the Station. Catch up with all the news from Crowcombe Heathfield Station here
4 March 2012
Details from FOCHS
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Bid for rail services between WSR and Taunton
A multi-million pound bid which could see trains on the iconic West Somerset Railway extend their journeys from Minehead to Taunton has been submitted. According to an article by Hannah Green in the Somerset County Gazette, Somerset County Council has joined its Devon counterpart and Exmoor and Dartmoor National Park in requesting £3.6million in cash from the Government. If the funding is granted, £125,000 will be used to implement a rail service connecting the county town to the start of the West Somerset Railway in Bishops Lydeard. Although the WSR has itself made no public announcement, WSR general manager Paul Conibeare did say to the Gazette: "We are very excited about it. We've got our fingers crossed. This is an opportunity to get better access into Exmoor and provide a sustainable link between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard using a combination of steam train and mainline services. We are not trying to compete with the bus services - this is for the tourists." The main aim is to encourage people to leave their cars behind in favour of transport which is less harmful to the environment. Dan James of Exmoor National Park Authority said "What we are hoping to do is make it easier for visitors to get from A to B without a car on Exmoor. If we do get the money, it will be great for the area" A decision is expected to be made at the end of May.
3 March 2012
Details from Somerset County Gazette
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No 71000 withdrawn from Spring Steam Gala
A star guest visitor to the Spring Steam Gala has been withdrawn. The West Somerset Railway have announced "British Railways 8P Class 4-6-2 no 71000 Duke of Gloucester has been withdrawn from the Spring Steam Gala due to damage sustained to the locomotive at a recent engagement, an alternative locomotive is being sought. We will provide updates as soon as there is more news. Meanwhile, we are pleased to announce that British Railways 4-6-2 70000 no Britannia will be attending the Spring Steam Gala on Saturday 17 March and Sunday 18 March with the possibility of attendance on subsequent gala days subject to availability."
2 March 2012
Details from WSR Plc
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