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No 6960 gets a few test runs under the belt
A few more test runs over the weekend for the Hall. GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall is getting ever closer to a return to traffic. The loco has been undergoing several successful test runs recently in the vicinity of Williton Station [pictures]. Next, the Hall will be back over the pit for re-weighing; then after a couple of minor repairs it will be painted by Ralf Timmins probably at Minehead.
30 October 2011
Details from local correspondent
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Books, books, books
Several local authors have been busy having their works published in 2011. On Saturday last Mike Oakley was at Bishops Lydeard Station in the morning and at Minehead Station in the afternoon signing copies of his "Somerset Stations - Then and Now" (see Dovecote Press. Looking ahead, there is another book signing on Saturday 12 November (at Bishop Lydeard) with John Parsons the author of the recently published "Saving the West Somerset Railway...The Branch Line that Refused to Die". WSR volunteer Richard Derry has already had two books published in 2011 and two more - "The Book of the Merchant Navy Pacifics" (revised edition now 280 pages) and "'Pannier Papers no 3" covering 57XX, 67XX and 77XX classes - due out later this year. All four books are in joint authorship with Ian Sixsmith. Signed copies may be ordered via the Shop at Minehead.
30 October 2011
Details from WSRA and Richard Derry
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GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 - an update
Loco 5542 Ltd have kindly provided a progress report on the ten year boiler overhaul. They say "The boiler has been removed from the frames and all tubes and flues removed, along with all boiler fittings and associated studs. At first look the unclad boiler shows no obvious unforeseen problems, and the work that will be required is generally no worse than we had planned for. Overhaul of the boiler fittings is now also underway with several already completed. New superheater element ends have been delivered to replace those fitted ten years ago. 95% of the boiler cladding is fit for further service. The lubrication regime we instigated mid way through the last ten years has also paid dividends with valves and regulator now receiving just the right amount of lubrication and are therefore in excellent condition. The valve and piston liners will receive some routine attention during the next few weeks. We will take the opportunity of replacing a few loose rivets in some of the frame stretchers whilst the boiler is absent along with replacing some bolts that were used due to restricted access issues when the frame repair was completed five years ago." For the full report and pictures please visit www.5542.co.uk.
27 October 2011
Details from www.5542.co.uk.
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Opening hours for Bishops Lydeard Shop
Kate Beard, Retail Supervisor at the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard writes "The Station Shop will be open on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday between 10am and 3pm when the trains are not running. Also we have another book signing on Saturday 12 November (at Bishop Lydeard in the morning and at Minehead in the afternoon) with John Parsons the author of the recently published "Saving the West Somerset Railway...The Branch Line that Refused to Die".
26 October 2011
Details from WSRA
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Christmas on the Quantock Belle
Not too late to book for the Christmas Quantock Belle dining specials. Although the Dunster by Candlelight Quantock Belle is fully booked, there are still tickets for the Christmas Sunday Lunches on 4, 11 and 18 December 2011 and the Roast Beef Lunch on Friday 30 December 2011. Advance booking is essential for all trains. Please call 01823 433856 and ask for Quantock Belle reservations. More information on the website of the West Somerset Railway Association.
25 October 2011
Details from WSRA
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The WSRA Taunton Group meetings
Details of the last two Taunton Group meetings of 2012. On Monday 7 November, Ian Aldridge will present "Steam in the 1950s & 1960s" (held over from the September meeting). A month later on 5 December it will be Quiz Night. Both meetings will be at the usual venue - the Great Western Sports & Athletic Club, Station Approach, Taunton - and start at 7.30pm for 7.45pm. To contact Ian Aldridge ring 01823 430194 or email. Ian Aldridge is a Director/Trustee of the West Somerset Railway Association.
25 October 2011
Details from WSRA
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The Log Train cometh again
Once again the Log Train will run on the Minehead Branch. This Autumn's Log Train will run on Saturday 12 November leaving Bishops Lydeard at 9.30am, collecting logs in the section to Norton and then unloading at Norton in the early afternoon. Although the volume of logs to be collected is less than previous years, a few extra hands to join the regular Cutting Back gang members will make light work and all are welcome. Assemble at Bishops Lydeard from 9am for a safety briefing - don't forget to bring hi vis, wet weather gear and food & drink. Queries/questions to Peter Gleed.
24 October 2011
Details from local correspondent
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Trip to the West Somerset Mineral Railway
A great chance to discover the first railway to open in West Somerset. A guided tour of one of West Somerset's finest feats of Victorian engineering - the remains of mines, the railway, the incline and the engine houses high up on the Brendon Hills. The tour by bus meets at Minehead Railway Station at 9.30am on Wednesday 9 November. The cost is £4 for the bus and donations to the mineral line welcome. Booking is essential- call 01398 323841. Visit www.westsomersetmineralrailway.org.uk for more information.
24 October 2011
Details from www.westsomersetmineralrailway.org.uk
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From our Minehead correspondent
The latest newsletter from the Friends of Minehead Station reveals progress on several projects. FOMS report the WSR Plc have placed an order for the new gate to the loco yard. A great deal of work has gone into this project to allow FOMS to contribute financially, whilst FOMS member Hein Burger has made a considerable input to the necessary planning permission processes. Elsewhere another section of the leylandii hedge has been removed in the area earmarked for the proposed FOMS workshop, plans for which were submitted to the local authority as required under building regulations. Back at the Promenade and the seafront boundary fencing which is need of attention. The WSR remain in discussion with the County Council who have expressed a preference for the existing fencing to be repaired rather than the Railway's proposal for replacement with fencing similar to that surrounding the turntable. The new accommodation block is almost complete and the FOMS Maintenance Gang lent a hand with painting the bedrooms and corridor.
22 October 2011
Details from Friends of Minehead Station
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Are you going on the Wizzer Walk...
The Wizzer Walk takes place along the West Somerset Railway on Sunday 27 November 2011. All money raised will go to the Heritage Carriages Project and help restore vintage railway carriages for use on the Railway. Money can also be raised for St Margaret's Hospice - full details are on the 2011 Walk Sponsor Form. There is an entry fee of £7 per walker (which covers the cost of the train, refreshments, insurance and ambulance support) and can be paid on the day. For full details please see the 2011 Walk Information Sheet. Don't delay, get those walking boots ready and download the 2011 Walk Sponsor Form. right now!
22 October 2011
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust
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Filming at Stogumber Station
Three days in mid-October saw mayhem at Stogumber Station with virtually no passengers being aware of it. After the last train on the night of Sunday 16 October the Operating Superintendent took possession of the line and a film crew arrived at the Station. The station building was stripped of all signs and liberally bathed in water and shrouded in smoke as the camera captured the building in a rainstorm on a misty night. At 7.30pm next day work started with a hired train (SDJR 2-8-0 no 88 and two coaches). Lots and lots of filming, lots and lots of tea. Benches moved, signs removed and by the evening the film crew seemed very happy. Tuesday morning saw a 5.30pm start as the film people wanted dawn scenes. By 9am all the film crew were off the track and the possession was cleared. The line was open and one or two bemused passengers wound their way past cameras, lights and film crew. See the Friends of Stogumber Station website for the full story and lots of pictures.
20 October 2011
Details from Friends of Stogumber Station
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No 34046 - an update from the owners
Locomotive 34046 Ltd have issued a statement about the forward plan for SR 4-6-2 no 34046. Locomotive 34046 Ltd say "Having been withdrawn from traffic following the slipping of a tyre on the right hand driving wheel, together with the requirement to air brake the locomotive for main line use, the Directors of Locomotive 34046 Ltd have appointed Riley and Sons (E) Ltd as the contractor to carry out this work. The locomotive will leave the West Somerset Railway within the next week, and be delivered to the contractor by road transport following preparation for transport by members of the support crew. The locomotive, following final completion and certification to main line standard will return to the West Somerset Railway which will be the main operating base for all main line and preserved railway operations. Issued by Locomotive 34046 Ltd on 18 October 2011."
19 October 2011
Details from Locomotive 34046 Ltd
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Special events on the WSR in 2012
The West Somerset Railway has announced the confirmed dates for most special events in 2012. The Railway hope this will help visitors with planning days out and holidays next year - all dates refer to 2012:
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| | Dunster Castle Express | | Every Wednesday and Saturday from 3 April to 3 November
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| | Exmoor Mystery Tour | | 11, 18 May; 22, 29 June; 6, 13, 20 July; 31 August; 7, 14, 21 September and 26 October
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| | Spring Steam Gala | | 17, 18 March and 22 to 25 March
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| | Mixed Traction Weekend | | 15 to 17 June
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| | Day Out with Thomas | | 7, 8 July
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| | Toy and Train Collectors Fair | | 29 July
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| | Late Summer Weekend | | 1, 2 September
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| | CAMRA Real Ale Festival | | 8, 9 September
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| | Autumn Steam Gala | | 4 to 7 October
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| | Santa Trains | | 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24 December
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| | Dunster By Candlelight | | 7, 8 December
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| | Carol Trains | | 10, 11, 12 December
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| | Winter Steam Festival | | 29, 30 December
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Hestercombe Express, Murder Mystery, Mineral Line Tours, Steam & Cream, Cheese & Cider, Fish & Chips Specials and new for 2012 specials to be confirmed in late 2011.
18 October 2011
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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Countryside, History and Coast car free day out
The WSR features in a new addition to Visit Somerset's fun day publications. Called "Countryside, History and Coast" it describes a great car-free day out from the county town of Taunton, ambling through the Somerset countryside on the West Somerset Railway visiting Washford, Watchet and Minehead and is described as "One of a series of fun days out in Somerset, this trip uses buses and Britain's longest Heritage railway. A West Somerset Railway rover ticket to Minehead allows visitors to get off and back on the train as many times as they like. We have included three stations but there are ten, each with their own unique identity." The Visit Somerset leaflet is available as a PDF.
18 October 2011
Details from Visit Somerset
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Saving the WSR by John Parsons - a review
The story of how trains somehow continued to run on the Minehead Branch is told in this absorbing book by John Parsons. The author - himself a long serving volunteer on the Railway - has drawn heavily on the papers of the West Somerset Railway Company, documents from the local authorities, a wide range of newspaper archives and publications by the supporting organisations. The tale is in chronological order covering the turbulent years 1970 to 1989 - covering a time of run-down; closure; re-birth; re-openings; numerous financial crises; threats of closures and severance; and then the painstaking re-building of the train service, the railway infrastructure and corporate credibility from the bottom up. A full - and frank - review of the book can be found here. Our thanks to The History Press for the opportunity to review the book.
18 October 2011
Details from www.wsr.org.uk
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Consortium bid for improved rail access to Exmoor
The WSR could benefit from a proposal to boost visitors to Exmoor. In partnership with the National Parks and South West Tourism Alliance, Devon and Somerset County Councils are submitting a £4.5 million bid to the government to help develop new ways of travelling to and around Exmoor National Park and Dartmoor National Park. The Exmoor part of the proposal discusses an "access hub" at Taunton Railway Station and "increased frequency of tourist services along the West Somerset Railway along the Exmoor coast", the latter ambition would surely require regular train services from Taunton to Minehead which in turn would need new passing loops for trains probably at the former locations of Kentsford and Leigh. We understand the WSR has been involved in the consultation workshop at Exmoor House although as yet no comment from the Railway. More details...
18 October 2011
Details from local correspondent
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Crowcombe Heathfield takes delivery of a delivery bike
A very suitable addition to the heritage ambience at Crowcombe Heathfield Station. Malc Stacey saw a delivery bike in a Bridgwater shop, and after some haggling an acceptable price was paid. Malc has replaced the chain and rear sprocket, but it still has one brake only. It does still require a paint job, and it is hoped that in between the frames will have an advertising panel, perhaps with the name of a long past Crowcombe Village butcher, baker or candlestick maker. It seems they couldn't get Granville so Catering & Retailing Manager, Sue Stanger, stood in for the photoshoot - see the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station website.
17 October 2011
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
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Christmas cards featuring No 6024 are now available
No 6024 is featured on quality Christmas cards which are now available. All proceeds will go to the 6024 Preservation Society. Thanks to Martin Giles for allowing the use of his photograph and West Somerset Railway for their help in advertising. Costs are £1.00 each, £4.00 p&p per 20 cards. Pro rata for less quantity. Please contact Jane on 01327 700014 or contact Shirley via www.fireboxchaser.co.uk.
16 October 2011
Details from fireboxchaser.co.uk
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OVP DVD of 2011 Autumn Steam Gala now available
Just two weeks after the event and a David Oldham DVD is already available. The DVD also includes footage of the BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Return to Steam Special working on 18 September. The full loco line-up caught in action includes nos 1744, 34070, 5029, 7828, 5542, 5553, 3850, 4160, 9351 and 88. The running time is 70 minutes and offers a great set of warming memories for the winter months to come. Costing £16 over the counter or can be ordered over the phone by ringing 01643 700387 with card details.
15 October 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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Another Big Dig - this time at Williton Station
A simple task to clear a flower bed at Williton Station has turned into a industrial archaeological dig. The proposal to extend the passing loop at Williton Station will require removal off site of the railway van that currently serves as a workshop. The plan is to replace the van with a structure built on the base of the former water tower built in 1883 and demolished by British Railways in the 1960s. In order to submit an application for Building Regulation Approval it was decided to clear the base of a flower bed containing a large shrub so that accurate drawings could be produced. The Station's maintenance team started to remove the shrub and soil but soon realised the flower bed had for many years hidden the cast iron pipework which fed the water tower from an adjoining well. What had started as a small maintenance task turned into an industrial archaeological site. A large quantity of bricks have been recovered for another station project - the rebuilding of the chimney above the Booking Office. Any information or photographs regarding the water tower would be gratefully received at Williton Station.
13 October 2011
Details from the Williton Station Master
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The results of the WSRA 2011 Grand Summer Draw
The West Somerset Railway Association 2011 Grand Summer Draw was held at 2pm on Wednesday 14 September 2011 at Bishops Lydeard Station. Full details can be found on the WSRA website.. The WSRA would like to thank all those who took part and the proceeds of the draw will help fund the restoration of GWR 2-6-2T no 4561 currently at Williton where work has commenced.
13 October 2011
Details from the WSRA
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Join in the Big Dig at Stogumber Station
The Big Dig starts soon at Stogumber Station on the West Somerset Railway. The Friends of Stogumber Station explain "On 22 and 23 October 2011 we are asking all staff and FoSS members to join us as we start on clearing away the area around the cattle dock in preparation for the building of the Goods Lock Up and the restoration of the Cattle Dock. We will be hiring in a digger for the weekend to break up the ground but will be needing as many willing hands as we can find. We are also hoping to start work on the memorial garden. So why not come and join us, but dont forget to bring both a spade AND a friend - and even if you are not a member of staff or FoSS member your help will be more than welcome!" More about Stogumber Station here.
11 October 2011
Details from FoSS
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Book signing at Bishops Lydeard Station
Author Mike Oakley will be at the WSR signing copies of his latest book on 29 October 2011. "Somerset Stations - Then and Now" is a must for those interested in the railway history of Somerset. Over 350 'then and now' photographs of Somerset's railway stations and halts, including goods yards, station master's houses and other railway associated buildings. The book includes a schedule of all Somerset's stations, incorporating grid reference, opening and closing dates, and the current use of the site. "Somerset Stations - Then and Now" is published by Dovecote Press and sells at £14.95. Mike will be at Bishops Lydeard Station in the morning and at Minehead Station in the afternoon.
10 October 2011
Details from WSRA
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A summary of recent news from the Railway
The October Online Newsletter has several news items of interest. The recent Autumn Steam Gala [pictures here] saw 4830 passengers carried over the four day event an increase of 11.3% on last year's event. In September 25,170 passengers were carried giving a current total of 176,164 as against 182,592 at the same point in 2010. The Trustees of WSR Association have agreed to purchase, from WSR Plc, the water tower planned for installation adjacent to the turntable at Minehead; the project will then be funded jointly by WSR Plc and WSRA; the transfer of ownership will enable WSRA to seek external funding for the project as a heritage development under charitable objectives. The WSRA has also agreed to proceed with the overhaul of Small Prairie no 4561. For those who like to send Christmas cards featuring the WSR, there are two designs presently on sale both featuring pictures of Santa Trains in the snow.
6 October 2011
Details from WSR Plc's Online Newsletter
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Over forty photographers gather for the Shoot
The Shoot the Photographers event proved a brief and light hearted social gathering during the Autumn Steam Gala. Since this website started in 1998 over 1000 photographers have contributed topical and historical images of the Railway. There is no doubt the many visitors to the website enjoy looking at the picture galleries. On Saturday 1 October 2011 over forty photographers responded to an invitation and gathered at the Turntable at Minehead, this time to feature in a group photograph. The result can be seen here. Many thanks to Mike Dunse for taking the group photographs, Chris Osment and Martin Southwood for herding everyone into position; to Steve Sagrott for planning, herding and being Gate Monitor; to Steve Martin WSR Operating Superintendent for arranging access to the turntable; to SEPT and WSR Plc for allowing the event to take place on such a busy day; and of course all those featured in the picture. For those who could not attend perhaps we'll try again next year.
6 October 2011
Details from www.wsr.org.uk
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Images wanted by the Railway for publications
The West Somerset Railway is currently preparing its 2012 timetable leaflet and 2013 calendar. And the Railway is looking for high quality, high resolution images of the West Somerset Railway. In particular photographs of BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Norton Manor taken at the Autumn Steam Gala ideally with a background showing the coast, hills and people. Please email to info@west-somerset-railway.co.uk. The Railway is also compiling another "recollections"book and would appreciate any photos of the Railway especially indicative of the season in which they were taken; old pictures also appreciated; and for this project a list of images and/or links to a web page would be helpful in this stage.
6 October 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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The retirement of the ever present John Pearce
After some 40 years involved on the front line of daily WSR life, around 30 of those years as retail manager for the Association at Bishops Lydeard, John Pearce retired from his full time post. John - affectionately known as "Arkwright" - was involved with the formation of the West Somerset Railway Association from the very start following conversations held on the final day's trains operated by BR in January 1971. John has often recalled how he failed to secure himself the membership number 1 as he processed the other applications for membership of the new Association before his own! The Railway gave John a good send off with tickets for the Torbay Express and a railway clock donated by WSR Plc and a £300 Jessops voucher given by the WSRA and some of John's friends on the WSR. A full account can be found on the WSRA website.
5 October 2011
Details from WSRA
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No 5542 makes speedy move to Buckfastleigh
Immediately after completing its last turn at the WSR Autumn Steam Gala, GWR 2-6-2 no 5542 was moved by road to Buckfastleigh ready for its ten year boiler overhaul due to commence at 9am on 3 October. 5542 Ltd say it is intended that the work is completed in the quickest possible timescale so be sure to follow progress via the 5542 Ltd website and the boiler overhaul page that will be updated on a regular basis.
3 October 2011
Details from 5542 Ltd
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No 5029 withdrawn from Autumn Steam Gala
WSR Plc have issued a further update. "The failure of an axlebox oil filter spout has rendered 5029 unserviceable for the remainder of the Autumn Steam Gala. Although it is not a serious fault, the loose oil filter has caught in the spokes of the left loading wheel and broken off. To repair this item it will be necessary to remove the adjacent spring, some pipework and motion to lift the locomotive and access the axlebox keep into which the spout is screwed. The West Somerset Railway is working with the owners to effect a speedy repair to enable the locomotive to resume its mainline duties on 22nd October." Update: Nos 88 and 5553 are taking the place of Nunney Castle for the remainder of the Autumn Steam Gala.
1 October 2011
Details from WSR Plc
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