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Classic Mendips steam loco joins modern Mendip diesels
Ancient and modern Mendips locomotives side-by-side soon on the Minehead Branch. The classic Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway steam loco 2-8-0 no 88 was designed for working the heavy goods traffic over the steep gradients of the famous Mendips line. No 88 currently sports the very impressive Prussian Blue livery of the S&DJR although it and other member of the class were always painted plain black as befitting a lowly goods engine, despite being drafted in to haul passenger trains in the busy 1950s. During the Mixed Traction Weekend event on 10,11,12 June 2011, subject to availability, the old steamer will be joined by no less than four modern heavy freight Class 59 diesel locomotives operated by Mendip Rail which will enjoy a few days hauling passenger trains over the West Somerset Railway. There will be many who will wish to see and travel behind the two very different forms of motive power during the appropriately titled Mixed Traction Weekend.
31 May 2011
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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Failure of No 70000 means no Pompey excursion
The Pathfinder Tours excursion to Portsmouth on 30 May has been cancelled. The tour is postponed following the failure of BR 4-6-2 no 70000 Britannia; apparently both connecting rod big-end bearings ran hot whilst en route to Bishops Lydeard on 28 May. Any chance of providing alternative motive power was thwarted by SR 4-6-0 no 30777 Sir Lamiel being only able to work vacuum braked stock whilst GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I is not cleared to work south of Salisbury. Pathfinder are contacting all booked tour participants.
Latest news: this railtour has been rescheduled to Saturday 10 September with SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton at the head.
30 May 2011
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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Rule Britannia on Bank Holiday Monday
Station staff at Bishops Lydeard will have an especially early start on Bank Holiday Monday 30 May as they prepare for an influx of passengers joining a mainline railtour. The steam excursion to the home of the Royal Navy on the south coast will see over 180 passengers and train staff join the The Pompey Pacific at Bishops Lydeard for a 6.20am departure. Originally planned to be hauled by home-based SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton the suitably named BR 4-6-2 no 70000 Britannia will now head this fully booked eleven coach train out onto the mainline. After a brief stop at Taunton to set down the conductor driver and guard Britannia will head for Portsmouth by way of Bristol, Salisbury and Eastleigh. A rare excursion for a Standard 7 onto Southern metals, the train is expected to return to Bishops Lydeard around 9.45pm and once the many passengers and crew have left station staff will lock up and go home themselves. Britannia arrives on the WSR around mid-afternoon on 28 May to prepare for the The Pompey Pacific excursion. Update: Excursion cancelled due to failure of Britannia posted 29 May 2011
25 May 2011
Details from Bishops Lydeard Station
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Mixed Traction Weekend - further information
A few more snippets of news about the Mixed Traction Weekend. The WSR-based Diesel and Electric Preservation Group have provided this update "The Class 25 (D7523) is fit to run and will be working during the Mixed Traction Weekend, probably top and tailing the Norton shuttle on Friday 10 June. Class 33 no 33057 will be on static display at Williton. The shuttles between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard will see a Class 150/1 unit for the first time on the WSR. On Saturday and Sunday, passengers wishing to use the Class 150/1 on the Bristol-Taunton leg should book standard fares (off peak tickets) from booking offices.
Fares on the Taunton-Bishops Lydeard-Taunton shuttles will be available on-train and are charged at a flat fare of £5 return all ages"
[Update: flat fare on Taunton-Bishops Lydeard shuttles]
Updated: 26 May 2011
Details from Diesel and Electric Preservation Group and WSR Plc
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Beer by rail once again on the Minehead Branch
One of the present day award-winning independent breweries of Somerset will be reviving the tradition by loading some of its ales at Stogumber for journeys to pubs at Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. The beer will be from the Quantock Brewery, which has been established in Wellington since December 2007. One of the staple traffics carried by the railways of Britain down the years has been beer from breweries both large and small. On the Taunton to Minehead branch line there was a local brewery in the village of Stogumber, which traded from around 1840 until 1910. The beers obtained a national reputation for their purity. The brewery used the Minehead branch as one of its links to the pubs it served. The re-enactment will be staged at Stogumber Station on 10 June - the first day of the WSR's Mixed Traction Weekend. The beers will be loaded onto the 10.31am train to Minehead and the 12.03pm to Bishops Lydeard, being expected to be delivered to Minehead's "Hairy Dog" at around midday and to the "Bird in Hand" in Bishops Lydeard around 1pm. Quantock Brewery beer will be available in both pubs, to quench the thirst of the traveller.
25 May 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Mixed Traction Weekend - Class 59 haulage
The departures scheduled for Class 59 haulage during the Mixed Traction Weekend have been released. Although the following list falls short of actual loco allocation as shown in the Souvenir Programme, the Special Events Planning Team appreciate folks may like to plan their visit so have announced the following departures will be Class 59 hauled. On Friday 10 June from Bishops Lydeard at 8am, 11am, 7pm (light engine only) and from
Minehead at 5pm; then on Saturday 11 June from Bishops Lydeard at 10am and 2pm and from Minehead at 12pm and 4pm; and finally on Sunday 12 June from Bishops Lydeard at 12pm and from Minehead
10am and 2pm. As always subject to availability and possible change. More about the Mixed Traction Weekend.
23 May 2011
Details from SEPT
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Plc Board thank pioneer volunteer John Pearce
At the Company Board meeting on 21 May, John was invited to attend and have lunch with the Directors. WSR Plc Chairman Humphrey Davies explains "This was to recognise the contribution John has given to the West Somerset Railway for a period of 40 years during which time he has been at the forefront of much of the Railway's development. With John's retirement looming we thought it essential to recognise his involvement and we made a presentation of a carriage clock and tickets for John and his wife to travel on the Torbay Express, dining on the train. John thanked the Board for the presentation and he hopes to carry on in a voluntary capacity following his retirement. He will always be part of the railway."
22 May 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Busy for the WSR at Devon County Show
The West Somerset Railway attended the Devon County Show at Westpoint just outside Exeter. Over the course of the three days of the show a team of twelve WSR representatives manned the stand and sold the Railway to the masses! Over the three days the team explained the delights of the Railway to over 2000 people giving out over 500 Day Out With Thomas poster books and flags, five boxes of leaflets and had conversations about all aspects of the WSR to both first time and repeat visitors. The show was a great success for the WSR and will hopefully translate into firmbookings for 2011 and beyond. The WSR is next out on the road for the Bath & West Show from 1 - 4 June 2011 at Shepton Mallet.
21 May 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Mixed Traction Weekend - an update from SEPT
The Special Events Planning Team have provided further information about the Mixed Traction Weekend in June. There should be a Network Rail Train on display at Bishops Lydeard Station comprising two Class 31 locomotives and a track recording vehicle. It is hoped the Taunton-Bishops Lydeard shuttle will be a newly refurbished class 150/1 DMU. The home fleet in action will be Class 14, 25, 33, Hymek, Western and Warship locomotives. A Class 03 diesel shunter will run shuttles between Minehead and Dunster whilst the Class 25 should be in use on the Norton shuttle on Friday 10 only. For more information about this event, please see the Mixed Traction Weekend page.
20 May 2011
Details from SEPT
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Exmoor-Rail Model Railway Exhibition - more details
Details of the exhibits at the Exmoor-Rail event in Minehead have been released. Organised by Exmoor Coast Railway Modellers the event is on Saturday 6 August 2011 between 10.00am and 4.30pm at the Methodist Church Hall, The Avenue, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5AY. This is one of the newest exhibitions in the country and features many high quality layouts in most gauges, plus demonstrations, together with comprehensive trade support. This venue is practical, convenient and totally disabled friendly - and with delicious, mostly locally-sourced refreshments on offer. Among the layouts will be "Trevellyn Bridge"(4mm), "Polpendra"(2mm), "Chinehurst"(4mm), "Micr0"(7mm), "Hedges Hill Cutting"(2mm), "Whitton"(4mm F/S), "Dovington Camp"(4mm), "Harchester Stabling Point"(4mm), "Godshill"(7mm), "Canons Lane Scrapyard"(4mm) and "Olivers End"(2mm)
There will also be demonstrations in a variety of weathering and construction techniques plus excellent trade support. In addition Wessex Wagons will be launching at least two limited edition wagons in local liveries at the show. Admission is £3.00 per adult; £1.00 per child; Family (2 adults and 2 children) £7.00. For further information ring 01643 706736 or email nelhams1@tiscali.co.uk
19 May 2011
Details from Exmoor Coast Railway Modellers
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Provisional Taunton shuttle times for Mixed Traction event
Further details of the Bishops Lydeard-Taunton shuttle trains have been released. Seven trains each way will give a useful link between the WSR's Bishops Lydeard Station and Taunton Station. First Great Western (FGW) who are operating the shuttles have issued provisional timings for this service which runs over the last two days of the Mixed Traction Weekend. The FGW train actually starts just after 8am each day from Bristol, running to Taunton, then completes seven trips to and from Bishops Lydeard before heading back to Bristol at the end of the day. The provisional times are on the Mixed Traction Weekend page and whilst no amendments are expected we do advise passengers to check again before travelling.
19 May 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Moving the Memorial Stone at Stogumber
The planned Memorial Garden at Stogumber Station moved a step closer on 18 May 2011. Station Master Jenny Davidge had a visit from three members of the Plc Permanent Way staff and the roadrailer. The 1.5 ton Memorial Stone was quickly moved to its final position at the Minehead end of Stogumber's garden. Once the garden in this area is reworked small brass plaques will be added to the stone each plaque inscribed with the name of past members of the railway (with permission of their families). Whilst on site the PW staff removed the broken piece of the concrete apron from the cattle dock clearing the way for rebuilding the end wall of the dock and putting the steps back in. The restoration of the cattle dock and the rebuilding of the goods lock up are the next two projects at Stogumber. Further details are on the Friends of Stogumber Station website. Already six people have signed up as benefactors of the goods lock up and the rebuild fund is growing. All the drawings have been prepared and it is all ready to go. Jenny would like to pass on her sincere thanks to the three PW staff who quickly and efficiently undertook the work.
18 May 2011
Details from Stogumber Station
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All change at the top for the Association
Steve Roberts is the new Chairman for the West Somerset Railway Assocation. At the West Somerset Railway Association Trustees’ meeting on 13 May 2011, Steve Roberts was elected Chairman, and Don Bishop was elected Vice Chairman.
Steve provided the following statement: "It is a great honour to be elected Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association by my fellow Trustees. The Association has gone from strength to strength under the chairmanship of my predecessor, David Holmes, to whom I pay tribute. However, we live in very difficult economic times, so we therefore must do our best to streamline all of our activities by working with the West Somerset Railway plc for the benefit of the Railway as a whole, whilst, at the same time, ensuring that we meet all of our obligations as an educational charity. I and my Vice Chairman, Don Bishop, will do our utmost to achieve these ends."
14 May 2011
Details from WSRA
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Calling all walkers - join the Wizzer Walk
Enjoy a sponsored walk along ten miles of the West Somerset Railway. The walk take place on Sunday 27 November to raise money for the Heritage Carriages Project. Taking the picturesque route from Williton Station to Bishops Lydeard Station. A special train will run from Bishops Lydeard and MInehead to the start of the walk at Williton and then return walkers to these stations at the end of the day. Refreshments and toilet facilities will be available at all stations along the walking route. The organisers are pleased to announce that, as before, St Margaret's Hospice should benefit too. Half the money a participant raises can go to the Hospice and the other half to the Steam Trust on a combined sponsor form - or alternatively all the money raised can go to the Heritage Carriages Project. Walkers need to be reasonably fit; and children taking part need to be over 12 years and accompanied by an Adult if under 16 years of age. Participants should send a cheque for £7 per participant (made payable to WSSRT) with a stamped self addressed envelope to West Somerset Railway Walk, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, TA4 3 BX.
12 May 2011
Details from WSSRT
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Limited edition model wagons
The limited edition 4mm scale 5 plank wagons are now on sale at the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead Station. The model is 00 scale and made by Dapol. It is limited to 110 copies. Each one comes with a numbered and signed certificate, signed by the WSR General Manager, Paul Conibeare. A five plank mineral wagon with limestone effect load with 1923 vintage Foster Yeoman livery, produced on behalf of the WSR Plc with permission of Mendip Rail to mark their participation in the June Mixed Traction Weekend. The wagon costs £12.00 plus £1 p&p. Available from Minehead Shop or by telephone 01643 700387 or via the online shop.
12 May 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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No Pompey trip for No 34046
It seems SR 4-6-2 no 34046 is not available for the planned and long awaited return to mainline work on 30 May. The excursion from Bishops Lydeard to Portsmouth and back will now be hauled by BR 4-6-2 no 70000 Britannia. We understand problems with the tender have prevented Braunton from putting in the miles on the WSR and of course it has yet to venture onto the mainline for proving runs. Details of the Pompey Pacific can be found on the Pathfinder Tours website and also the excellent UK steam info.
10 May 2011
Details from local correspondent and UK steam info
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Diary dates for diesel devotees
Fans of diesel powered rail traction may wish to note some dates. The Diesel & Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) have announced the details of dates and rostered diesel locos on some daily services on Fridays and Saturdays in 2011. The details can be found on the DEPG website and on the official WSR website. Expected to be in action are Class 33 no D6566, Class 35 no D7017, Class 42 no D832 Onslaught, Class 47 no D1661 North Star and Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner - quite a line up of powerful heritage diesel locomotives.
7 May 2011
Details from WSR Plc and DEPG
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A weekend of special events at two stations
The heritage stations at Stogumber and Washford are each holding a special event over the weekend of 14 and 15 May. On Saturday 14 May the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust have an Open Day at Washford Station. The museum at the Station exhibits rolling stock related to the line, a horse drawn delivery dray and many smaller artefacts. However the largest item in their collection is SDJR 2-8-0 no 88, one of two survivors of a class built specifically for the S&D to work heavy trains over the Mendip Hills, will be on display in the station yard. On Sunday 15 May the newly constructed waiting room at Stogumber Station will be officially opened. It is a recreation of the original structure which had rotted beyond repair and it has been completed following many years of fund raising by the Friends of Stogumber Station and work by volunteers. The formal opening is at 2 o'clock. Stogumber Station sells light refreshments including cream teas and there are picnic chairs and tables in the station gardens for visitors who would like to enjoy these in the peaceful surroundings of the Quantock Hills.
6 May 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Danzas Cargowaggon Taunton Cider livery limited Edition
A limited production of a model wagon of local interest. The full size wagons were introduced by Danzas for moving freight between the UK and the Continent. One of the transport contracts was with the Taunton Cider company of Norton Fitzwarren in Somerset. To promote the firm and its use of rail freight one Cargowaggon was repainted in the Taunton Cider livery. Sadly production of cider at Norton Fitzwarren ended in 1998. The former Minehead line that became the rail connection to the cider works has since reverted as the link to and from the West Somerset Railway and is currently probably the most intensively used link between a heritage railway and the main rail network. This model features European and Hornby coupling alternatives and is made by Rivarossi - part of the Hornby Group - and is a limited production of 500 pieces of which the WSR shop at Minehead has a small number. Please ring the shop on 01643 700387 or call in to make a purchase. The cost is £34.00 plus £1.50 p&p.
6 May 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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More news about the Thomas Weekend
Planning for the 2011 Thomas event is well in hand. Tickets are now selling well from the official website. This year Thomas comes from the Llangollen Railway and is joined by Fergus - actually Blue Circle, an Aveling & Porter railway traction engine and the only surviving one of its kind. A change to arrangements at Minehead will see the static attractions, including Daisy the Diesel, the Imagination Station and the static engine for footplate visits, will be positioned at the Main platform with the Thomas shuttle train also operating from this platform. Operational trains will use the Bay platform. The changes ensure visitors will be under cover when accessing the static attractions and also gives a better view of the shunting in the yard. Percy, Peckett 0-4-0ST no 1788 Kilmersdon, will come down to Minehead, rather than operating at Washford Yard, providing the loco is fully recovered from its current sojourn in South Devon. Heritage double decker buses will once again operate around Minehead, and the turntable will be in operation. For more information visit the Day out with Thomas page.
6 May 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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No 6705 arrives in Somerset at last...
GWR BCK no 6705 arrived at Bishops Lydeard from Crewe on 4 May 2011. New drawgear will be installed before a fit to run examination prior to movement to Williton to join the other Heritage Carriages Project vehicles. Supporters of the Project can get an update at the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust Annual General Meeting at the Gauge Museum, Bishops Lydeard at 2.15pm on 14 May 2011. On display at the AGM will be Claire Sheppy's recently completed redrawn copy of the Great Western Railway's own third class compartment drawing number 102487, originally drawn in January 1934. This is a very fully dimensioned drawing, and shows a great deal of information, including the seating construction, and the steam heating.
5 May 2011
Details from WSSRT
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The Norton Section during the Mixed Traction Weekend
News of how the Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section will be used during the Mixed Traction Weekend in June. Writing in the latest Online, the Special Events Planning Team (SEPT) have announced diesel loco shuttles in the afternoon of 10 June after the High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) train has departed Allerford Junction for Fairwater Yard. The shuttle operation will be the same as employed for the recent Spring Steam Gala. On 11 and 12 June, First Great Western Shuttle services will run between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard. Please note that no section of the new triangle will be used during this event. More shuttles will operate from Minehead during the Mixed Traction Weekend using the DMU on 10 June and diesel locos on 11 and 12 June.
4 May 2011
Details from SEPT
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The Railway entertains a Royal visitor
The visit by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester has been very successful for the Railway. On 3 May 2011, the Duke joined a special train at Bishops Lydeard, enjoying a ride on the footplate of SR 4-6-0 no 30777 Sir Lamiel to Crowcombe Heathfield where staff were introduced. At Minehead the Duke was entertained by the turning of a very shiny SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton before unveiling a plaque commemorating the 35th year of the re-opened Minehead Branch. After meeting more railway staff and children from St Michael's School, the Duke left the Railway for Minehead Community Hospital. Paul Conibeare WSR General Manager said "Many thanks to those that have helped out in any way to make the day run smoothly."
3 May 2011
Details from local correspondent and WSR Plc
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Thousands of passengers enjoying the Minehead Branch
The Railway have carried 35,000 passengers to the end of April. That is 1,000 up at the same stage last year. And the Railway report the new online booking facility in the recently revamped website at west-somerset-railway.co.uk has just had its 500th booking with many people buying online tickets for the forthcoming Thomas event.
3 May 2011
Details from local correspondent and WSR Plc
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