 Latest News
Page updated
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Books and hands needed at Bishops Lydeard Station
The team at Bishops Lydeard Station urgently need more books and more help. Magda Davies explains "The Station is running out of second-hand books to sell. Please, if you have any such books, in reasonable condition, bring them along to the Station. All books will be gratefully received and money raised from sales goes towards the maintenance and restoration of the Station. Meantime, there is an urgent need for more volunteers at Bishops Lydeard Station, to help with a range of duties. This is interesting and rewarding work. If you are interested in helping out, please contact Ian Aldridge at the Station on 01823 433856. "
29 May 2010
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
From the Cotswolds to Minehead by HST in September
News of the Cotswold-Quantock Express in September. The Cotswold Line Promotion Group announce "In association with First Great Western and the West Somerset Railway, the CLPG is planning an excursion train from
Worcester Shrub Hill, Pershore, Evesham, Moreton-in-Marsh, Kingham, Shipton, Charlbury, Hanborough and Oxford to Taunton, then Bishops Lydeard, Watchet, Dunster and Minehead, on the West Somerset Railway,on Saturday 18th September 2010." We understand that although bookings only opened at the weekend, half the seats have already been sold.
More information.
27 May 2010
Details from CLPG
|
|
 |
|
The Weedie is out and about again
Once again, the West Somerset Railway is engaged in maintaining a weed-free and safe track. Using a custom-built wagon, the weedkilling train has been busy along the entire length of the Minehead Branch - nearly twenty three miles - along with several sidings and passing loops. Also in the current programme are the Norton Triangle tracks - currently just under three quarters of a mile. Hand spraying is employed on the remaining tracks. Class 03 no D2133 is providing the motive power for the week long task which is carried out between and after train services.
27 May 2010
Details from local correspondent and WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
More details about the Mixed Traction event
One or two highlights of the Mixed Traction event to whet the appetite for the fans of Maybach Music. On Friday 11 June, the day starts with a bang at the Minehead end with an up working for a Warship and Western double header with D821 and D1010 heading the 9am departure. And for those who remember when the D800s hunted in pairs on the Cornish Riviera the 1pm from Bishops Lydeard will be a must as the Class 42s will be double-heading. Next day, Saturday 12 June, the midday from Bishops Lydeard is a super-power pairing of both Westerns and for the grand finale the 6pm from Bishops Lydeard is another Warship pairing. The last day of the Mixed Traction event, Sunday 13 June sees the Class 52 pairing from Bishops Lydeard at 10am and D821/D832 will set off together from that end of the line at 1pm. D1010 and D1062 are together on the 2pm from Minehead or if you prefer to wait until 3pm you can head south away from the coast behind D821 and D7017. And of course there is plenty of single headed action to enjoy as well. The Souvenir Booklet with all the details can be obtained by sending a cheque for £3 payable to West Somerset Railway to The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG or it can be ordered over the phone for £5 by ringing 01643 704996. Discounts on Rover tickets for one, two or three days are available up until close of play on Monday 7 June. More details.
26 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
A week of mechanical attention for the track
A hired-in tamper has spent a week working on the Minehead Branch. Railway Support Services Tamper no 73315 was delivered by road and unloaded at Bishops Lydeard on 17 May 2010 travelling to Minehead that afternoon no doubt turning many a passengers eye at passing stations en route. The tamper then worked at several locations along the line, including Minehead, being stabled overnight during the week at Dunster and Williton and Bishops Lydeard. On the Friday, the machine worked to Norton and the new Triangle trackwork was treated to mechanical attention for the first time.
22 May 2010
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
From Birmingham, Ipswich and Ashford to Minehead
News of three excursions to Minehead this summer. The Minehead Branch will host three more incoming railtours - all diesel hauled - which are now being advertised by Amethyst Experience. The Somerset Explorer specials to Minehead and back will run on Saturday 17 July from Birmingham International calling at Coventry, Rugby, Northampton, Milton Keynes and Watford; then on Saturday 7 August from Ipswich calling at Colchester, Chelmsford, Shenfield, Romford and Stratford; and two weeks later on Saturday 21 August from Ashford calling at Headcorn, Paddock Wood, Tonbridge, Sevenoaks, Orpington, Bromley South and Kensington Olympia. Full details.
19 May 2010
Details from local correspondent and Amethyst Experience
|
|
 |
|
ROF diesel shunters in use during Mixed Traffic event
A rare chance to see two ex-ROF shunters in action. The Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 diesel shunters which formerly worked at the Royal Ordnance Factory at Puriton near Bridgwater will be in action in the yard at Dunster Station during the Mixed Traffic Weekend. The two locomotives which are allocated to the Permanent Way Department of the West Somerset Railway see occasional use on engineering trains but are very rarely seen in action by the public. However on Saturday 12 June the ROF locos will be giving shunting demonstrations at Dunster. Anyone who travelled between Taunton and Bristol in the hydraulic era may recall the odd sighting of one of the ROFs at the junction at Huntspill where the Ministry of Defence line had its junction with the main line.
19 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Free bus link between Dunster Station and Village
There will be a vintage bus link between Dunster Station and the village at the Spring Bank Holiday weekend. Departures from the station will be at 10.45am, 11.45am, 12.20pm, 1.50pm, 2.30pm, 3.30pm and 4.30pm and from the Square in Dunster Village at 11.20am, 12 noon, 1.25pm, 2.15pm, 2.50pm, 3.55pm and 4.45pm on 30 May and 31 May. We understand the bus will be the Ipswich Corporation AEC Regent V double decker DPV65D.
19 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Volunteers needed at Williton and for the Quantock Belle
An Administative volunteer needed at West Somerset Restoration. Susan Kaufman explains "If you have administrative skills and are interested in being part of the West Somerset Restoration team, we can use your help! We would like office cover for Mon-Fri to answer the telephone, and deal with ordering and delivery of supplies. Hours are flexible - please ring Ray Waldron, 01984 633547 if you are interested." And Susan adds "The Quantock Belle urgently needs volunteers for the 5 June service. What better way to spend a tranquil summer evening than by journeying to Minehead at a relaxed pace and enjoying the sunset. In addition, you will have the reward of providing the passengers with an evening out to remember. If you are interested, please contact Susan Kaufman at 01823 431311."
19 May 2010
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
Surprise guest at the Thomas Weekend
Over the Thomas Weekend 3-4 July the West Somerset Railway will be host to a surprising and rather venerable visitor. Bellerophon - one of the oldest working industrial locomotives in the world – will be working alongside Thomas in the Minehead goods yard. Hopefully she will also make one or two short trips down the line as far as Blue Anchor. Bellerophon was built in 1874, to a design of 1868, by the Haydock Colliery in Lancashire, to work in and around the colliery. She is an 0-6-0 well tank, and recently gained further fame by starring in the BBC television series "Cranford". Bellerophon is owned by the Victorian Carriages Trust and is based on the Foxfield Railway in Staffordshire. For the technically minded she is of a unique design, having the then revolutionary design of outside motion and piston valves, which only came into common use some twenty or thirty years later. She was restored in the late 1980s and since then has travelled widely including to Belgium and the Netherlands. This is her first visit to the West Somerset. More details about the loco can be found at http://www.vintagecarriagestrust.org/bell.htm
18 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
New appointments at the Association
Two new appointments have been made to the WSR Association team. Youth Welfare Officer Wendy Turner has taken over the additional role of Tracker Co-ordinator from Ian Aldridge and may be contacted via the Association office at Bishops Lydeard Station on 01823 433856 or by email at wsra@btconnect.com. John Hallett has been appointed WSR Association Press Officer and may be contacted directly at press@wsra.org.uk or via the Association office as detailed above.
18 May 2010
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
Steam, Seaside and Fish and Chips
Just a quick reminder that 5.00pm on Thursday is the last time to make your advance booking for the fish and chip lunchtime special on Saturday 22 May. The weather forecast is good, so why not take the family on a trip to the seaside by steam train, with a traditional fish and chip lunch to eat as you travel. For tickets and more information call the West Somerset Railway information office on 01643 704996.
17 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Passenger figures hanging onto tail of 2009 surge
At the end of April, the total of passenger numbers stood at 34,351 compared with 38,697 at same point of 2009. Over 7,800 people travelled during the six day Spring Steam Gala, down by nearly three thousand, but the Special Events team say the Gala made a good financial return. Thanks are due to those on the Facebook group "I travelled on the WSR in 2010" who are included in the 34,351. Feel free to go again! The daily trains continue to take folks along the Branch, and of special interest are the Mixed Traction event and the return of Tornado and Thomas in July. And those yet to travel be sure not to miss the last train...
17 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Incoming steam excursion postponed
The incoming railtour on 5 June has been postponed until the autumn. We understand from UKsteam Info, the incoming Railway Touring Company railtour from Eastleigh to Minehead on Saturday 5 June 2010 has now been postponed to Saturday 23 October, due to unavailability of the rostered locomotive SR 4-6-2 no 34067 Tangmere. Details of the railtour can be found at the website of the Railway Touring Company.
17 May 2010
Details from UKsteam Info
|
|
 |
|
Clock watchers wanted for train survey
Passengers on the Minehead Branch are being asked to help log train times during their journey. Nigel Adams, who is coordinating the survey, explains "As part of an exercise to review timekeeping ahead of the preparation of the 2011 timetable we are investigating how the current timetable works in practice and to do this we need some help please. If you are travelling as a passenger on a WSR train please compile a report of your journey using the form attached. The more reports that we have and the more people who participate the more useful the data will be. Send completed forms as soon as possible and by 30th June at the latest." For a blank copy of the report form click here [Word doc].
15 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Booking Office almost ready for business
Another Minehead Branch Booking Office is almost ready for business. The Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station have completely refurbished the Booking Office at the award-winning station and now await a delivery of tickets before opening for business. Since Crowcombe Heathfield Station reopened in 1979, the booking office served as a small museum of railway artefacts, but the Friends have long wished the room to be returned to its original purpose. Now, after much fund rasing and hard work, the ticket rack from St Ives stands ready next to a classic Edmondson date-stamping machine. More details at www.fochs.org.uk.
14 May 2010
Details from www.fochs.org.uk
|
|
 |
|
No 44767 confirmed for Autumn Steam Gala
No 44767 is the first guest engine to be confirmed for the Autumn Steam Gala. The visit of the unique Stephenson valve gear fitted LMS "Black Five" 4-6-0 no 44767 George Stephenson will be the first time this particular locomotive has graced the Minehead Branch metals. Although it may seem a little odd to have a Crewe product at a West Somerset event during the GWR175 Celebrations there are plenty of links in the story. The first reliable steam engine that the Great Western Railway possessed - North Star - was built by the Stephenson Locomotive Works and the Black Fives were a development by William Stanier of the ideas about mixed-traffic locomotive design which he had learned at Swindon before taking over the reins of locomotive design for the LMS.
10 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
Update on the 2010 special events
An update on the 2010 special events. Home-based no D1010 Western Campaigner has slight problem with an engine fault and some wiring issues, however it is hoped to have the locomotive in traffic for the Mixed Traction Weekend. The Late Summer Weekend event (4-5 September) will see no visiting locomotives. Home-based WR diesel hydaulics and GWR steam engines will be used to suit the GWR 175 theme, although it is hoped to have a popular Southern Railway interloper "West Country" no 34046 at the Late Summer event. Planning for the Autumn Steam Gala in October is underway and LMS Stanier-designed "Black Five" no 44767 George Stephenson is booked for the event to showcase the talents of a GWR trained engineer - William Stanier. Meantime, with the final accounting complete, the Team report the Spring Steam Gala made a good financial contribution to the Railways funds.
10 May 2010
Details from Special Events Planning Team
|
|
 |
|
Trains for the Thomas event start to sell out
The popularity of the little blue tank engine continues. The pace of advance bookings for the visit of Thomas and his friends to the West Somerset Railway on 3-4 July 2010 is beginning to pick up and already tickets have sold out for Henry's Train (the 10.25am from Bishops Lydeard) on both days. For full details of this event, please see the Days Out with Thomas page.
10 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
 |
|
A three coach heritage rake in service in 2012?
A three coach rake of heritage carriages could be running on the Minehead Branch by 2012. With Stage One (acquisition of candidate carriages) completed, Stage Two of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust's Heritage Carriages Project is currently planned to be a rake of three vehicles. The likely contenders would be GWR BCK no 6705 (currently under restoration at Crewe and due to be completed in 2010) and two further carriages - probably TK no 5856 and another TK yet to be identified. These could be restored fairly quickly and, assuming the cash can be raised, could be completed by 2012. Thus the Railway could have the Olympic Set running - named after another event taking place the same year. It is estimated each TK would cost approx £125K to restore to running order meaning only £250K needs to be raised to have a three coach branch line set completed. Contact details and full information about the Heritage Carriages Project can be found on the Trust website.
10 May 2010
Details from WSSRT
|
|
|
|
 |
|
Steam bending for Autocoach no 169 at Williton
The versatility of steam was evident recently in a small Williton workshop. Steam bending of four new laminated roof hoops for Auto Trailer no 169 was undertaken by members of the Autocoach 169 Project. The four strips will now need to be bonded together to make one hoop. Eventually the team face making ten hoop assemblies for the whole coach. The work was undertaken at the 169 Wood Workshop at Roughmoor Business Park, Williton on 8 May 2010. Contact details and full information about the Project can be found on the Autocoach 169 website.
9 May 2010
Details from Autocoach 169 team
|
|
 |
|
Carriages repositioned at Williton
The west yard at Williton now looks tidier after a weekend of effort by volunteers. Some of the ex-GWR heritage carriages have been standing in the car park of Williton Restorations since delivery last year ago prior to a move to a more suitable location. An area of land was cleared and lightly ballasted last Autumn and the coach recovered from Tintern (no 5856) was the first to be positioned on this area before wet weather prevented further moves. The recent dry spell has now allowed two of the carriages (nos 3631 and 5929) to be re-located from the car park onto sections of rail laid directly on the prepared ground. The team used a JCB to tow the carriages to the ballast edge. The front bogie was steered by the direction of the JCB and the trailing one using a winch to apply a sideways pull as required. Then, pairs of short rails were laid on their sides and the wheel flanges run into the web. As the carriages moved forward rails were lifted from behind and run around to the front in a scene reminiscent of a cartoon scene! The third coach (no 4546) will join the others in a week or so. Moving these coaches will allow the Heritage Carriages Project to assess, prepare and conserve these historic vehicles. If you would like to get involved with this project please contact Ian Coleby at West Somerset Steam Railway Trust. Contact details and full information about the Heritage Carriages Project can be found on the Trust website.
9 May 2010
Details from WSSRT
|
 |
|
The next Taunton Group meeting...
The work of photographer Don Bishop will feature at next Taunton Group meeting. Don is a long time volunteer fireman on the West Somerset Railway and has also served for many years on the WSR Association's Committee where Don is currently joint Vice-Chairman. He is also often found at the lineside with camera in hand. However, on Monday 10 May, Don will present many of his digital steam images from around the UK at the next meeting of the Taunton Group at the GWSA Club, Station Approach, Taunton at 7.30 for 7.45pm. Beyond that, the meeting on 5 June is a joint venture with the Taunton Area GW Society with a visit to Tiverton Museum and Bickley Railway. For further information on this visit contact should be made via Peter Triggs on 01823 334188. The meeting on 4 October will be a PSVO presentation at the usual place at the normal time.
Updated 7 May 2010
Details from WSRA
|
|
 |
|
Progress with GWR BCK no 6705
Restoration work continues at Crewe on the repatriated GWR carriage no 6705. Heritage Carriage Project team member Colin Worrall of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust writes "All door repairs are now completed except toplights which are being renewed. Unfortunately one door is beyond repair and a new one is being made. The door repairs have been very complex. All existing hinge screw holes have been pegged some hinge cutouts redone with new timber and recut. This has required numerous rebates and damaged timber to be renewed. The droplight cills (which are brass) have been cleaned and new screws fitted. All bottom door cills have been replaced,all hinges have been taken off and cleaned. Lots of screws needed drilling out. All steel gussetts have been made and the galvanized sheeting is being made. Next stage is to fix the gussetts, fix new floor boarding and rehang doors ready for new sheeting...and lots of screws! " Full details about the Heritage Carriage Project can be found on the WSSRT website.
5 May 2010
Details from WSSRT
|
|
 |
|
Membership of FoCHS hits a century
Just three months after the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station was formed membership is now 100 and still rising. This is great support for the Station, which is now open every day trains run. However, volunteers are still urgently required. Even just one day a month really helps - please contact the Station. Meantime, nine FoCHS members are celebrating passing their Personal Track Safety examination on 30 April, following a training session led by Geoff Cross. And have you booked for the 7.15pm departure from Crowcombe Heathfield on 4 June? Full details on the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station website.
3 May 2010
Details from FoCHS
|
|
 |
|
Making a Will can help the Railway
The Railway has taken the step to partner with Pardoes Solicitors (a local firm with offices in Taunton, Bridgwater and Yeovil) who understand all of these aspects. Pardoes also have agreed to undertake Will preparation for those who care about the Railway at a very competitive rate, and have further agreed to donate from those costs an amount which will go direct to the railway.
Full details can be found on the WSRA website.
2 May 2010
Details from WSR Plc and WSRA
|
|
 |
|
Former Station Master's House for sale
The former Station House at Stogumber is for sale by public auction. Webbers say "An opportunity to acquire a former stationmaster's house...within 50 yards of Stogumber Station on the West Somerset Railway and with superb sweeping views towards over the railway line and surrounding countryside. Built around the turn of the last century constructed of brick with part rendered elevations at first floor level under a tiled roof the property...will no doubt appeal to those with railway interests." The house is, of course, of considerable historical interest to the WSR, made greater by the lengthy ownership by the wonderful and much missed Iris and Harry Horn.
Full details can be found on webbers.co.uk.
2 May 2010
Details from local correspondent and Webbers
|
|
 |
|
Further good progress at the Norton Triangle
A busy and successful day saw all of the recently laid track fully ballasted at the Norton Triangle. With ballast now in place along the track from the western railhead just short of Allerford Bridge to the limit of tracklaying along the south chord toward Taunton, a tamper is due later in the month to tamp it all to mainline running standard. Whilst working the ballast train, the Class 08 shunter no D3462, went as far east on the old Barnstaple branch as it is currently possible for a locomotive to go and later, along the south chord, brought the first sight of parallel running to main line trains. [Pictures]
1 May 2010
Details from WSRA
|
|
Email
news.wml
Feed Anchors 
