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Remember, remember, there are trains in November
The West Somerset Railway are running passenger trains in November. Following requests from local businesses and tourism groups the Railway will be running weekend trains on 6-7 and 13-14 November 2010. November is normally one of the months without trains on the Minehead Branch, so the 2010 experience will help judge the exercise worthwhile and affordable. Trains will leave Bishops Lydeard at 10.25am (diesel railcar), 12.30pm (steam), 2.25pm (diesel railcar) and 4.15pm (steam). From Minehead the departures are at 10.15am (steam) 12.20pm (diesel railcar), 2.15pm (steam) and 4.05pm (diesel railcar). The November trains will help keep the rails shiny as will the stone trains running to and from Minehead at the beginning and end of the month.
31 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Stones rolling again in Somerset
More stone trains for the West Somerset Railway. Although final confirmation is awaited, the first of seventeen freight trains will run through to Minehead on 2 November 2010. A total around 7000 tonnes of stone is expected to be brought in by rail to be used for sea defence works between Minehead and Dunster. Trains will run until 11 November then pause before commencing again on 27 November. As mentioned above we await confirmation from the Railway. As demonstrated over the last few years with stone trains for the sea defence works at Minehead, at Doniford and the road rebuilding work near Vellow, this will be the fourth contract for bringing heavy stone trains onto the Minehead Branch - a railway doing exactly what a railway does best.
26 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Seat availability on Christmas trains
A steady flow of bookings for the seasonal trains is reported by the Railway. The Dunster by Candlelight trains are beginning to fill up: both the dining and non-dining sections of the 5.30pm from Bishops Lydeard for Saturday 4 December have sold out, and the dining section of the 5.30pm on Friday 3 December is also fully booked. Seats on the remaining trains are selling steadily so decisions and bookings will have to be made soon. The Santa Express bookings are following the usual pattern with Sunday 19 December and Christmas Eve going strongly: the 12.20pm and 2.35pm on Sunday 19 December have sold out, as has the 2.35pm on Christmas Eve. As reported a few days ago, the three Carol Trains from Bishops Lydeard in December have no further tickets available. A few seats are available on the Carol Trains from Minehead but going very quickly.
26 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Halloween Ghost Express is cancelled
The Railway has reluctantly announced the Halloween Ghost Express will not run this year. News from the folks at Stogumber Station, where the Halloween Event is staged report lack of bookings for the train coupled with adverse weather forecasts for Saturday 30 October 2010 have led to the cancellation of the Halloween Ghost Express to Transylvania Central. The Railway apologise for any disappointment and inconvenience.
25 October 2010
Details from Stogumber Station
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Chance to acquire collectable railway themed ornaments
A legacy donation of railway themed domestic ornaments may be of interest to collectors. The West Somerset Railway has received a small legacy that is, in part, items of railway paraphenailia. Amongst are thirteen individual Danbury Mint stonecast scenes designed by Jane Hart around a railway theme. Each item has an authenticity certificate but no box. The items have been cleaned and there is no visible damage. The set includes the special issue on 'Steaming into History' with City of Truro on Truro Viaduct. The WSR's Special Projects Officer Ken Davidge adds "I hope someone will make a donation for the scenes - the market suggests a low three figure sum would be about right. The money will go into the Mineral Line Bridge fund." This winter, the Bridge, dating from the 1870s is due for repairs costing in excess of £200,000. Interested parties can contact Ken via the Minehead Office on 01643 704996.
22 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Model railway items going, going...
Some model railway equipment donated to the WSR Association will be coming up for public auction on 28 Oct 2010. The auction will be held at the Saleroom of Lawrences Auctioneers at Crewkerne. Anyone interested should check out the catalogue, lots 977-983 on the Lawrences Auctioneers web site www.lawrences.co.uk
22 October 2010
Details from WSRA
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SR 4-6-2 no 34046 - an update
The Braunton Management Company have issued an update on progress with the West Country Pacific. The update reports "As a consequence of the non-appearance of Tornado as intended, No 34046 went into WSR service somewhat earlier than planned on 10 July. It ran 63 days relatively trouble free until the Autumn Gala weekend 2-3 October when it came out of service at Minehead for a boiler washout, turning and delivery (towed) to Williton North Yard to return to the Swindon Shed. Now the plan is for Braunton to stay at Williton until its intended main line tests can take place around the turn of the year. By that time the OTMR, TPWS and air braking systems have to be completed along with the new tender and support coach, with the three vehicles and the design changes made approved and accepted by our Vehicle Acceptance Body prior to certification for main line use." Full report
21 October 2010
Details from Braunton Management Company
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A brand new DVD - the WSR Autumn Steam Gala 2010
A new DVD covering the last of the WSR GWR175 Galas is now available. The brand new WSR Autumn Steam Gala 2010 DVD was released on 21 October 2010. Entitled "Great Western 175 - The Finale" it features King Edward I, Nunney Castle, Pitchford Hall and many more locomotives. Running time is 75 minutes. The DVD, produced by Oldham Video Productions, costs £15.00 plus £1.00 p&p. To order please ring 01643 700387 or go to the WSR Plc's Online Shop  .
21 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Pictures wanted for the 2012 WSR calendar
Olympic year might seem some way away but plans are already underway for the 2012 WSR calendar. West Somerset Railway Plc's Retail Manager Colin Howard is seeking good quality high resolution images of the West Somerset Railway for possible inclusion in the 2012 calendar. The subject can be any aspect of WSR life. Full acknowledgements will appear on the page with the successful pictures. Sharp, high resolution images with good colour balance should be sent to Colin by email.
21 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Two Black Fives in one day on the Minehead Branch
The Minehead Branch goes partly Midland for a day. Perhaps for the first time, if all goes to plan, the Minehead Branch, steeped in Great Western Railway heritage, will witness the running of two examples of a classic Midland locomotive design when Black Fives nos 44767 and 44932 grace the rails on Saturday 23 October 2010. No 44767 is enjoying a few weekends extra work after providing the contrast at the GWR dominated Autumn Steam Gala earlier this month, whilst LMS 4-6-0 no 44932 will bring an Minehead-bound excursion from Eastleigh. Not to be outdone, the GWR will provide a pilot - GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I - for the excursion on the Branch. Nos 6024 and 44932 will work chimney-first on the outward and return legs. The Swindon-designed Large Prairie no 4160 will be working another service train.
21 October 2010
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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Old style suitcases and travel trunks for sale
Renovated trunks and cases are now ready for sale at Bishops Lydeard Station. Following an appeal, well-wishers have donated a large number of old style suitcases and travel trunks to help raise funds to complete the superbly restored 1897-built Great Western Railway Sleeping Car no 9038. Many have been cleaned, renovated and priced-up by volunteer Malc Stacey [email] who now reports the trunks and cases will available for viewing and hopefully purchase at Bishops Lydeard Station. The Sleeping Car is a shining example of the restoration skills of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust, one of the key organisations supporting the West Somerset Railway. More about the Sleeping Car and the Trust can be found at www.wssrt.co.uk .
20 October 2010
Details from WSSRT
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Steam Engineman Course dates in 2011 now available
The 2011 Steam Engineman Course dates have been published. The West Somerset Railway offers a range of one day and two day courses to realise ambitions and make long held dreams become reality. Experience the feeling of working steam locomotives by joining the team on the footplate, shovel coal into the firebox, blow the whistle, open the regulator and feel the power. Treat someone special (maybe yourself) to the thrill of a lifetime learning what it feels like to be a real fireman and engine driver. A really special present or excellent Corporate Hospitality. More details on the Steam Engineman page. Please note although the 2011 dates have been released, we await the course details and prices.
19 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The King on the Minehead Branch in October
No 6024 has some useful work lined up for the next fortnight. On Saturday 23 October, running tender first King Edward I double heads the 10.15am from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard; and then pilots both ways LMS Black Five 4-6-0 no 44932 on the incoming charter from Eastleigh to Minehead. From 29 October to 31 October, King Edward I is booked to haul service trains from Bishops Lydeard, plus the evening Murder Mystery Special. After that no further work on the WSR is planned before the loco heads for Bristol Barton Hill in November (date to be confirmed) ready to haul a Bristol-Shrewsbury-Bristol main line charter on 27 November. According to the Special Events Planning Team, the loco is expected back on the WSR for the Winter Steam Festival on 29-30 December 2010.
18 October 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Zig and zag at the next Taunton Group meeting
Zig-zagging from Scotland to Cornwall - Don Bishop explains. The forthcoming WSRA Taunton Group meeting is on Monday 1 November at the usual venue - the Snug Bar, GWRSA Club near Taunton Station - starting at 7.45 pm. Don Bishop will introduce a digital steam presentation called "A zig-zag journey from Scotland to Cornwall via East and West". One month later on 6 December will be the Annual Quiz evening and on 10 January 2011 will be the Photographic Competition. Details to follow, but unlike other years photos and pictures will be given marks on a scale of 1 to 10 and the scores added up to find the winners.
17 October 2010
Details from WSRA
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Railway themed community street art at Williton
Railways were the theme for an impressive community street art project at Williton. Organised by Williton Parish Council , the street art exhibition was held at Bellamy's Corner in the centre of Williton in early October and timed to coincide with the WSR's Autumn Steam Gala. In addition to the street art project the Parish Council also arranged the "Steam's Up" photographic competition (see below). Regular website contributor and WSR Signalman Peter Darke photographed a few of the street art works - see our October 2010 picture page. For much more on the excellent "Steam's Up" project, please visit the Williton Parish Council blog.
17 October 2010
Details from Williton Parish Council
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Apprentice joins West Somerset Restoration
A new apprentice has joined the workforce of West Somerset Restoration based at Williton. Ryan Pope, who hails from Bridgwater, has started an apprenticeship with West Somerset Restoration, under the tutelage of Somerset College of Arts and Technology. Ryan's apprenticeship is a pilot scheme, and if successful, will be expanded into a railway-wide scheme. The WSRA staff and Trustees wish Ryan a great future in heritage engineering! In the picture, left, Ken Wood instructs Ryan on the use of the vertical mill.
14 October 2010
Details from WSRA
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Carol Trains from Bishops Lydeard already full
The three Carol Trains from Bishops Lydeard in December have no further tickets available. A few seats are available on the Carol Trains from Minehead but going very quickly. Carollers are advised to book as soon as possible. Martyn Snell, WSR's Commercial Manager, is delighted, adding "Bearing in mind we are still two months from the first running this year, the popularity makes it difficult to remember that only seven or eight years ago, we ran only one Carol Train from Minehead and now we run three from each end of the line. These trains now seem to be the real start to Christmas for many people." The Carol Trains run on on 13, 14 and 15 December.
14 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Photographic success for Jacob at Williton
A young WSR volunteer scooped a top prize in a recent local photographic competition. As announced here back in June, Williton Parish Council held a photographic competition thoughout the summer, culmination in the "Steam's Up" exhibition at West Somerset House, Williton, during the first three days of October. The first prize in the Junior section went to Crowcombe Heathfield volunteer, Jacob Fuller, who also won thrid prize. Jacob (pictured, centre, with his superb winning photo) is also a Travelling Ticket Inspector on the WSR trains and a regular contributor of photographs to this website - click here for examples of Jacob's work. For much more on the excellent "Steam's Up" project, please visit the Williton Parish Council blog.
14 October 2010
Details from Williton Parish Council and FoCHs
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Long time fan of the Quantock Belle retires
Don calls it a day after bringing more than 1500 customers to enjoy good food whilst travelling along the West Somerset Railway. The WSR Association's Susan Kaufman writes "Don Jones, a WSR Association member and long-time fan of the Quantock Belle has been responsible for bringing a total of 1560 customers on board the luxury dining train since 1993! He did this through arranging 33 separate parties of his friends, acquaintances and relatives to come to Bishops Lydeard and enjoy a day out on the Quantock Belle. Don, and his wife Pat, with considerable reluctance and regret, have responded to the claims of advancing age and have now decided that it is time to retire. They sent a glowing letter of thanks with many compliments for the Quantock Belle volunteers who made it all possible, as well as sending their best wishes for the future of the WSRA, and the Quantock Belle in particular. We will miss them! "
More information about the Quantock Belle
13 October 2010
Details from WSRA
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Ticket to Read - a book of stories based on the WSR
The West Somerset Railway provides the setting for a collection of stories by a Somerset-based writers group. Joe Tiernan of Bridgwater has written "A Special Delivery" for the book "Ticket To Read" The book has 16 short stories that will make you think, laugh and give readers a glimpse of life on and around the West Somerset Railway. Joe is part of the group that came up with the idea to write a book based on a local tourist attraction. Joe said "We approached the West Somerset Railway and they thought it was a good idea. It has been a really good experience writing the story. I enjoy writing black humour stories and there are parts of this in my story." The book is on sale at Bridgwater Bookshop and recently also at W H Smiths. The writers of "Ticket To Read" are Christine Human, Diana Atkinson, Ian Barratt, Tricia Nelson, Hope Humphreys, Bob Thomas, Dave Lake, Linda Bond, Helen Somers and Joe Tiernan.
13 October 2010
Details from local correspondent
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Black Five weekends in October
A member of one of the most successful classes of steam locomotives will haul weekend trains on the Minehead Branch in October. Visiting LMS Black Five 4-6-0 no 44767 George Stephenson is to run over the next three weekends. The locomotive will work from Minehead with trains departing the northern terminus at 10.15am and 2.15pm and from Bishops Lydeard at 12.30pm and 4.15pm. It is due to run on 9-10, 16-17 and 23-24 October 2010. Then carrying number 4767 the loco was completed on 31 December 1947, being one of the very last locomotives to be built before the 1948 Nationalisation that created British Railways. This particular locomotive incorporated a number of new features designed to improve the already excellent Black Fives.
7 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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Passenger figures holding up fairly well
A total of 3377 extra passengers travelled in September on the West Somerset Railway when compared with 2009. Whilst this is great news, it should be noted that the figures were boosted by two additional factors. First, a new special event, the Late Summer Weekend, was introduced, replacing the similar event formerly held at the end of October. The attraction of the Late Summer Weekend was further enhanced by two unexpected visiting steam locomotives, Tornado and Nunney Castle, leading to an additional 500 tickets being sold compared with the late October event held in 2009; secondly, Tornado fulfilled a planned week of running on the Minehead Branch and also managed a few extra runs. The challenge now for the Railway is to match October's ticket sales with 2009 despite lacking a special event. The current 2010 total stands at 182,592 compared with 191,963 at the same point of 2009.
7 October 2010
Details from WSR's Online
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More flexibility for traffic movements to Allerford Junction
Success for the Signal and Telegraph team at Allerford Junction. The telephone circuit between Bishops Lydeard Signal Box and Allerford Junction Ground Frame is operational and was first used when the new token instrument for Allerford Junction was tested recently. Its use will improve the flexibility of train movements using the Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard section because eight tokens will now be available in the Bishops Lydeard to Allerford Junction system, not just the one token which normally resides in the instrument at Bishops Lydeard. [Map]
6 October 2010
Details from WSR's Online
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Launch success for new West Somerset Railway book
A very successful launch of a new book about the West Somerset Railway. The launch at the WSR's Autumn Steam Gala proved so popular that further copies were rushed to Minehead Station to be available for Saturday morning. No less than 404 signed copies were eventually sold. "West Somerset Railway Recollections" - written by Retail Manager Colin Howard and General Manager Paul Conibeare - is published by The Nostalgia Collection the book is a 48 page softback pictorial survey of the WSR during the British Railways years and the early preservation era, also including views of the Railway as it is today. Paul comments "Colin and I were both surprised by how successful the launch was and the representatives from the publishers were definitely surprised when the original delivery of 250 was showing signs of running out in the middle of a very wet Friday afternoon. As we sold no less than 144 on the Saturday it was a great relief when the courier arrived with the extra supplies. The book is still on sale at our station shops and Colin and I are due to be signing at W H Smith's in Minehead shortly. The author's royalties will be transferred to the fund to erect a water tower by the turntable at Minehead Station."
6 October 2010
Details from WSR Plc
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The Halloween Ghost Express
The Halloween Ghost Express will ride again this year. It will leave Bishops Lydeard at 6.15pm on Saturday 30 October 2010 and take a frightening ride into the night to stop at Transylvania Central (aka Stogumber). Here, enter the haunted garden, if you dare! The ticket includes the train ride, hot soup and food. The scariest menu for miles. There will be plenty of entertainment in the garden. At 8.30pm the train will wizz participants back to Bishops Lydeard and normality. Tickets are only available from 01643 704996 and cost £7.50 for youngsters 5-14 (under 5s free) and £11.00 for adults. Book early as numbers are very limited - don't miss this one!
5 October 2010
Details from the Stogumber Station Master
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