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A train from Taunton to Minehead - forty years after
The West Somerset Railway will be remembering the 40th anniversary of the Minehead Branch closure. Following the Beeching Report, the rail service between Taunton and Minehead was withdrawn on 2 January 1971 and the line mothballed. Forty years later a train will once again run between the county town and the seaside resort when a First Great Western diesel multiple unit will leave Taunton Station at 10.40am, calling at Bishop Lydeard and then non-stop to Minehead arriving at 12.15pm. Seats on the train will be limited to 116 and must be purchased in advance [booking form].The return fare will be £20 for adults and £10 for children. Passengers will receive a special souvenir booklet and ticket. The special train departs Minehead at 3.05pm then calling at Bishops Lydeard before arrival at Taunton at 4.37pm. Full details...
30 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The next Taunton Group meetings
The Prancing Horse is an unlikely subject for the presentation at the next WSRA Taunton Group meeting. On 6 December, Tony Bagwell's slide presentation "Pilgrimage to the Prancing Horse" covers railways in Switzerland and Italy and a visit to the Prancing Horse factory. The first meeting of 2011 is on 10 January and features the Annual Photo Competition. More details on the WSR Association website. February will see the return of Arthur Turner with a slide presentation "Western Memories for the Nationalisation Period". Meetings are held at the GWRSA Club, Station Approach, Taunton. For further details please contact Ian Aldridge on 01823 430194 or email ianaldridge62@talktalk.net.
28 November 2010
Details from WSRA
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Job vacancies at the West Somerset Railway
Two permanent job vacancies on the West Somerset Railway. A Supervisor is required for the Turntable Café at Minehead Station. The role involves day to day responsibility for all café operations. Closing date for applications is 24 December 2010 - full details  . Also, the Railway requires a Permanent Way Track Chargeman to work within the WSR Plc Civil Engineer's department. Closing date for applications is 13 December 2010 - full details . Both are permanent and paid jobs.
26 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Steaming into the Christmas season...
Just a week to go before the Christmas season trains start running on the West Somerset Railway. There are a small number of seats available for the 4.30 Dunster by Candlelight train from Bishops Lydeard on Friday 3 December with all other Dunster by Candlelight trains sold out. On Saturday 4 December there are seats available on all three Santa Expresses. Even without meeting the man in the red suit this is a good chance to enjoy a nice warm 18 mile round trip on a steam train. Seats may be available on the day but it is always best to pre-book by ringing 01643 704996. On Sunday 5 December there are a few seats available on the 2.35pm Santa Express and on all four Santa Specials. For full information on times and prices call 01643 704996 between 9am and 4.30pm. daily (including Saturday and Sunday)
25 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The stone trains have resumed
After a few days break the stone trains have started arriving again at Minehead. A scheduled track re-laying exercise at Watchet's Mineral Line Bridge (see pictures) the early morning freight trains bringing rock armour from the Mendips have restarted. As reported earlier, each train brings several hundred tonnes of material which is unloaded at Marsh Common, just east of Alcombe Footpath Crossing and taken from there to the worksite near Warren Point and used for sea defence works. Stone trains will continue to run on weekdays, as required, for the next few weeks.
25 November 2010
Details from local correpondents and WSR Plc
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Hymek no D7017 to haul the heritage goods train
It was on 2 January 1971 that British Railways finally closed the Minehead Branch. Listed by Dr Beeching for closure the line managed to cling on for a few more years before the dreaded axe fell. Since then the Branch has been reopened and is now in the top league of heritage railways.Its worth to the local environment and community has also been proved by the carriage of thousands of tons of large rock for various sea defence works. Now the Railway is celebrating the fortieth anniversary since closure by BR and on 2 January 2011 by way of an example of how things used to be done, Hymek no D7017 will work the line's heritage goods train during the day.
21 November 2010
Details from Diesel and Electric Preservation Group
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Diesel running in 2011
Diesels will haul one or more West Somerset Railway trains on certain days in 2011. Loco allocations will be confirmed nearer the time - please check this website or www.depg.org for updates. As mentioned above, on 2 January 2011, no D7017 will work a heritage goods train as part of the 40th anniversary of the Branch closure. Looking further ahead, one diesel loco will be in use on the following dates: 15, 16, 22, 23, 29, 30 July and 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 26, 27 August. Special Events featuring diesel locos are the Mixed Traffic Weekend on 10-12 June and the Late Summer Weekend on 3-4 September. We understand diesels will be out and about during the CAMRA Real Ale Festival on 10 and 11 September.
21 November 2010
Details from Diesel and Electric Preservation Group & others
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Update from the Heritage Carriages Project
Steady progress with the heritage carriages is going on behind the scenes on several fronts. A visit is planned to Didcot Railway Centre in February 2011 for a guided tour and to see the bow ended corridor coach, TK no 4553, to help make some restoration decisions. TK no 4553 will eventually come to the West Somerset Railway, in exchange for TK no 2578, currently at Minehead. It seems TK no 4546, currently in Sherrings Yard at Williton, contains sufficient internal compartmentation to make the internal restoration of TK no 4553 or BTK no 5131 (stored at Washford) rather more feasible than some of the other coaches on the WSR. Meanwhile progress by the team at Crewe on BCK no 6705 is good with the vehicle due to move to Somerset in February 2011 for the remaining work - refurbishing the bogies, replacing the corridor connections, replacing the draw gear, further work to the electrical installation, and re-upholstery - will be carried out. Full reports and detail of the Didcot trip on the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website
17 November 2010
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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Exmoor Mystery Tours in 2011
The popular mystery tours of Exmoor by classic road coach combined with steam train travel will continue in 2011. Do you remember those bygone days of holidays by steam train whilst local coach companies ran mystery tours to see lovely scenery along roads that were far from busy? Grab a small piece of yesteryear during in the summer of 2011 when the West Somerset Railway and the Blue Motors of Exmoor combine to offer a steam train ride through the Quantock Hills and along the Bristol Channel coast from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster. At the superbly restored Dunster Station the Blue Motors of Exmoor classic coach will be waiting. The coach driver - an expert in places of local interest - will ensure the best Exmoor sights are seen. Full details on the official West Somerset Railway website
17 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Work starts on Mineral Line Bridge
Repairs to the 135 year old Mineral Line Bridge at Watchet have begun. The erection of scaffolding and other preparatory work is in progress for the West Somerset Railway's main civil engineering project over the winter months. The bridge carries the WSR over the trackbed of the former West Somerset Mineral Railway to the west of Watchet Station. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare explains "The bridge has been carrying trains since the railway was extended from Watchet to Minehead in 1874 and sees heavier trains today than at any time in its history, following our general upgrading of structures in the 1980s and 1990s. However remedial work is necessary if it is to continue to do its job for the decades to come. We are conscious of the need to keep noise and dust to a minimum and volunteers from the Railway have already informed our neighbours near to the bridge of the planned works. We will not be interrupting our planned passenger train services and trains for the Dunster by Candlelight evenings, which are the next scheduled passenger trains to use the bridge will operate as planned on December 3rd and 4th." Heavy road-rail machinery was delivered to Washford Yard on 15 November ahead of the work on the bridge.
16 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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No 7821 heads for Swindon
The WSRA-owned Manor moves to Swindon for a five year stay. On 10 November 2010, the Association-owned BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7821 Ditcheat Manor was loaded onto two road transporters - one for the loco and one for the tender - and as light fell the "Manor" left Bishops Lydeard for its spiritual home at Swindon. Ditcheat Manor will be on loan for up to five years and is expected to be a very popular static display at STEAM during that time. Full story and pictures on the WSRA website...
15 November 2010
Details from WSRA
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Railway staff will remember on Sunday morning
Staff along the line are planning to observe the silence as a mark of respect and the public will be invited to join in. Sunday 14 November will be the last day for passenger trains before December’s Seasonal trains and it also coincides with Remembrance Day, when the nation comes to a halt at 11 o'clock for two minutes silence to remember the loss of life in two World Wars and more recent conflicts. The annual commemoration is all the more poignant locally this year as the Railway’s neighbour Royal Marines 40 Commando have just returned from deployment in Afghanistan. In their six month tour of duty in the country which ended in October the Marines were involved in intense fighting and during operations 14 commandos from the Somerset-based unit were killed. A memorial garden to the fallen Marines was dedicated this week at their base near Taunton. The two morning trains are due to cross at Williton Station at 11am, the start of the ceremony, and it is understood that neither train will be flagged away before 11.02am.
12 November 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Delight all round as stones brought in by rail
The Environment Agency are using the power of the railway to move heavy rock material to help repair a flood coastal defence scheme at Minehead. Until January 2011, the Environment Agency will build a 130 metre section of rock armour in front of the existing ridge which includes the coast path near to the Minehead and West Somerset Golf Course. The new structure will help keep the shingle material in place and to dissipate some of the energy of westerly waves, to reduce the risk of flooding to homes and businesses in Minehead, including Butlins holiday camp and the golf course. The West Somerset Railway will be helping to minimise disruption and reduce the number of heavy lorry movements by conveying stone trains from the mainline network to Minehead. The trains - headed by diesel locomotives throughout - will run from the Mendip quarries and the rock armour will offloaded near Minehead station and carried by road a short distance along the seafront. "We were pleased to see heavy freight trains back on the branch line and being worked by us in what over the years has become a well-tuned operation. We will always be pleased to help in the future and where possible reduce the number of lorry movements on the local road network." said West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare. And Cllr Chris Morgan, Deputy Leader and Lead Member for the Environment at West Somerset Council, said "I commend this innovative partnership working which significantly reduces the need for heavy lorries to use our narrow country roads. I am delighted to see these essential works get underway to strengthen this vulnerable stretch of coast to help ensure the future safety of the local community."
11 November 2010
Details from Environment Agency and WSR Plc
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The first of the 2010 stone trains has arrived
Stones are once again rolling in West Somerset. A freight train carrying several hundred tonnes of large rocks arrived at Minehead at first light on 9 November 2010. After running round its train of 19 laden Sea Urchin wagons, DB Schenker Class 59 no 59205 (still in former EWS livery) hauled the train back along the line to the unloading area just to the east of Marsh Common. The rocks will be taken by road from the unloading area to the sea defence worksite near the Minehead Golf Course.
9 November 2010
Details from local correpondents
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The Friends of Stogumber Station website
The new website of the Friends of Stogumber Station is now live. The website is the work of volunteer Nigel Lyon and can be found at www.stogumberstation.co.uk. As can be expected, the website has information about the past history and current activities at this idyllic country station along with details of how to join the Friends and help the continuing restoration and ongoing restoration at Stogumber Station.
8 November 2010
Details from Friends of Stogumber Station
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The next Liaison Meeting is approaching
Another chance to get some answers from those who run the Railway. Meet representatives from the WSR Plc and the WSR Association at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall on Saturday 20 November 2010. Starting at 2pm come and have your say, ask that question you have always wanted to ask, influence decisions or simply enjoy the discussions and debates. Perhaps, like this website, you want to know why the Railway continues to insist on restrictive dimensions for occupied wheelchairs but allows unoccupied large bicycles and pushchairs to travel; or why the Gala events have such a leisurely timetable with exceptionally long waits at passing stations. For those who cannot make the meeting on 20 November maybe email us your burning question and we will pass the question to the attending representatives from the Railway.
8 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Lots of trains still to run in 2010
And now just the Winter Steam Festival to go. And of course the Railway is still offering the Santa Trains, the last of the two November weekend working, trains to Dunster by Candlelight, the Carol Trains, Quantock Belle dining trains and the Christmas to New Year train services. Lots of trains still to run on the WSR. The Winter Steam Festival promises two days of winter steam on the Minehead Branch on 29 and 30 December 2010. The Special Events Team report "We will be running four Minehead based locomotives - SDJR 7F no 88, WSR no 9351, GWR no 4160, GWR no 5553 - and we expect to have one visiting GWR steam locomotive."
7 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Level crossings, the Law Commission and the WSR
Law Commission officers visit the West Somerset Railway. On 29 October 2010, WSR Plc Chairman Mark Smith and WSR Signal Engineer John Jenkins accompanied Law Commission officers on a fact-finding visit to a heritage line as part of their review of Level Crossing legislation - many old Acts, some dating from 19th century, govern the design and operation of our level crossings, together with more modern Acts like the Level Crossing Act 1983, the Transport & Works Act 1992, and inevitably the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. Traction Inspector Mervyn Hebditch (suitably attired in suit and trilby as per GWR inspectors) was on the footplate of GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I to ensure the heritage experience was both professional and realistic. The Law Commission has been asked to look at the legislation relating to level crossings on Network Rail and on heritage lines, and how the legislation was being administered, and come up with a recommendation for the future.
7 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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News about GWR 2-8-0 no 3850
Repair works to No 3850 are progressing well at Tyseley. Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd report all things being well the loco will move to the Great Central Railway in the early part of December to be re-united with its tender which arrived there a little over a month ago. Preparation work for the livery change into BR black with an early emblem has commenced and is expected to be completed in December. No 3850 will remain on the GCR until the end of March taking part in a number of photo charters, members driving days and general passenger service before returning to the WSR for another busy season.
4 November 2010
Details from Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd
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Passenger figures for 2010 top 200,000
WSR passenger total for 2010 is on target for third best year. Writing in the WSR Plc's November Online publication, the Railway say "By the end of October we had reached 200,716 passengers carried in the year to date which is some 11,000 down on the same point of 2009. However...we are well on target to have the third best set of these results in our thirty five year history. We are in business terms a mature company and as such we are not immune to what is going on and uncertainty in the wider economy." We at www.wsr.org.uk reckon everyone involved with the Railway deserves hearty congratulations for making 2010, if not a record year, a very successful season.
2 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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No 7821 takes a trip to Swindon
A WSR-based Manor is going to Swindon. The West Somerset Railway Association have reached agreement with STEAM at Swindon following a request from the Curator for the loan of the WSRA's BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7821 Ditcheat Manor for a period of up to five years. The loco will provide a very suitable exhibit at the Swindon museum at the same time providing secure and dry storage for the locomotive whilst the WSRA raise sufficient funds for its eventual heavy overhaul and restoration to working order. No 7821 will follow a similar pattern to the WSRA's other steam locomotive GWR 2-6-2T no 4561 which spent two years at STEAM before returning to Somerset and is now in the early stages of a heavy overhaul at West Somerset Restoration's Williton Works.
2 November 2010
Details from WSRA
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Delay in start of stone train traffic
The Railway report a delay in the start of the stone train traffic. Due to difficulties with the unloading area, the start of the freight traffic conveying large stone blocks from the Mendip to West Somerset due to start on 2 November has been postponed. The first stone train is now expected to run on Tuesday 9 November. As mentioned earlier on this page the unloading area is on the Down side of the line near Drift Crossing about half a mile from Minehead from where the blocks will be hauled across Dunster Marsh for use in sea defence works.
1 November 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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