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| • Spring Steam Gala - loco news...
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Already confirmed for the Somerset and Dorset Railway-themed Spring Steam Gala 2006 are SDJR 7F 2-8-0 nos 88 and 53809, LMS 4F 0-6-0 no 44422, BR Standard 4 2-6-0 no 76079, LMS Black 5 4-6-0 no 45407, SR Bulleid 4-6-2 no 34067. Also being sought are a BR 9F 2-10-0 and a further large class 4/5 or bigger loco, and a smaller "branch line/local" example. The BR Standard 4MT no 80136 is currently at Crewe for intermediate overhaul and could back in time for the Gala but this cannot be guaranteed at this stage. So we are looking at fielding up to ten locos typical of the Somerset and Dorset. A number of the classic S&D double headed combinations are promised during the event. All subject to availability, of course.
10 December 2005
Details from SEPT
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| • Spring Steam Gala - rolling stock news...
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The WSR Special Event Planning Team have secured the use of a full nine coach set of maroon Mk1 coaches from FM Rail - the Scottish Railway Preservation Society set - who will also be operating the associated Gala railtours with Past Time Rail. This has been obtained to provide extra seating capacity during what will be two very busy weekends as well as adding some extra authenticity to the event from the more usual WSR chocolate and cream stock. This should provide five coaching sets as required on some Gala days. The SRPS set will be used for the railtour (see below) on Sat 18 March and then return from London to the WSR on 19 March. It will be used for three photo charters on 20-22 March and the "Somerset & Dorset Railtour" on Thursday 23 March and the three days of the Gala on WSR metals Friday 24 March to Sunday 26 March. There are also plans to operate some goods and milk trains on certain days - details are still under discussion along with planning the actual timetables. Phew...
10 December 2005
Details from SEPT
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| • Spring Steam Gala - railtour news...
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On Saturday 18 March a railtour sponsored by Past Time Rail will run from London Paddington to Minehead. This will be headed by Bulleid Pacific no 34067 "Tangmere" - an S&D type pilot loco will be added between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. Thursday 23 March sees a very new attraction for the WSR. In conjunction with Past Time Rail the Railway is offering a trip from Minehead and all WSR stations (except, due to parking issues, Bishops Lydeard) and Taunton to Exeter, Yeovil Junction, Yeovil Pen Mill, Castle Cary, Westbury, Bath, Bristol, Taunton and return to Minehead. Haulage is by nos 34067 and 76079 throughout. The SRPS maroon set will again be used. Discussions continue around other possible railtours.
10 December 2005
Details from SEPT
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| • Spring Steam Gala - stations news...
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It is proposed to rename the WSR stations after long-lost Somerset and Dorset Railway examples for the duration of the Spring Steam Gala event, following the similar and popular idea back in 1996. A draft list has been agreed, but maybe subject to some changes. The list at present is Bishops Lydeard will become Templecombe; Crowcombe - Shepton Mallet; Stogumber - Binegar; Williton - Evercreech Junction; Doniford - Henstridge; Watchet - Wincanton; Washford - Masbury; Blue Anchor - Sturminster Newton; Dunster - Midford; Minehead - Bournemouth West.
10 December 2005
Details from SEPT
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| • Grant for Pagoda repair...
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A building at Watchet Station ,which has long remained out of use, will soon be restored to its former glory thanks to an "Awards for All" grant to the West Somerset Railway Association. The Pagoda - constructed of corrugated iron - at Watchet would have served as the original waiting room at the station, however over the years, the ravages of time have taken their toll. The "Awards for All" grant of £3295.00 will enable volunteers at the station to restore the building as part of the West Somerset Railway’s tribute to Isambard Kingdom Brunel. 2006 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of the Great Man and the "Pagoda Project" will become a Visitor Centre/Waiting Room charting the input of Brunel on the West Somerset Railway. Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association, Humphrey Davies commented: "This is a marvellous opportunity, with the help of the Awards for All scheme, the passengers of the railway and residents of Watchet will be able to visit the Pagoda during the anniversary year, view timelines, photographs and other memorabilia that can be traced back to the Railway."
9 December 2005
Details from WSRA
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| • East Wharf development proposals on display...
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Details of the proposed development of East Wharf in Watchet - adjacent to the Railway - have been released. Pictures show a scheme proposed by developer Urban Splash, which will go forward to a meeting of West Somerset District Council on 14 December. A three-dimensional model of its proposed development, which includes community facilities, retail and residential units, will be on display at an exhibition at the Phoenix Centre, Watchet, on 17 and 19 December The exhibition will also include information about proposals for enhancing The Esplanade, a scheme being financed from the proceeds of the East Wharf development. The Railway has strong historical links with the land in question.
8 December 2005
Details from Somerset County Gazette
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| • Award for restoration of Minehead Canopy
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On 7 December Frances Bristow representing the Friends of Minehead Station and West Somerset Railway Managing Director Mark Smith visited the National Railway Heritage Awards Ceremony held in the Merchant Taylors Hall, London, to receive the First Engineering Craft Skills Awards. This was given jointly to the West Somerset Railway and the contractors Bluestone Plc- a recognition at the highest level of the country’s railway architects and civil engineers that the project has been carried out to a very high standard. The Railway was congratulated on the decision to make a "like for like" repair. The judges also commented on the complexities of carrying out the work whilst keeping the station open for trains, and the quality of the work carried out by Bluestone. The project cost £270,000 with substantial funds raised by the Friends of Minehead Station, and the Railway’s own funds helped by an interest free loan from Somerset County Council.
8 December 2005
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Army DMU to leave the line...
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The three-car Class 117 DMU - the green one - is being recalled to active service by 275 Squardron of the Territorial Army and will leave the line early in 2006. The DMU arrived on the line in 2001 in Regional Railways livery and following refurbishment and repaint was placed into regular service with the centre car replaced with a WSR car modified to include a mini-buffet. The TA made several trips to the line for training purposes with the Unit to exercise the arrangement with WSR Plc. Meanwhile, the WSR's identical Unit will now be refurbished and made ready for service.
8 December 2005
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondents
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| • Hat trick of wins for WSRA Journal...
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The Journal has been awarded the Steam Railway Trophy in the Heritage Railway Association 2005 Publications Competition. This award is for the best magazine with a circulation of more than 500 members. The Editor, David Williams, and the Association would like to thank the HRA and its judges for honouring the Journal in this way. This is the third straight win for the Journal in the competition (2001, 2003 & 2005) which is held every two years. The Journal also won the D.Noel Draycott Award for Continued Excellence in 1997. Incidentally, 1 December 2005 marked ten years exactly since David Williams took over as Editor.
6 December 2005
Details from WSRA
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| • Pic of Bishops Lydeard wins BBC Today competition...
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A photo of recently-restored SDJR 2-8-0 no 88 at Bishops Lydeard Station in the recent snowy weather has won the British winter photography competition run by the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. The winning photograph was taken by David Holman - a regular WSR photographer. Guardian photographer, Eammon McCabe and Kevin Marsh, Today Editor picked the winner and the two runners-up. More...
3 December 2005
Details from WSRA
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| • WSRA Gift Membership...
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It is not too late to arrange a WSRA Gift Membership if you stuck for ideas for Christmas presents. Consider giving a Gift Membership of the WSRA with all its attendant benefits. What could be better than belonging to an organisation that has been voted the Best Heritage Railway in the country in 2005? Rates are as follows - Adult £15, Two adults £20, Junior (5-18) £9, Student £9, Senior Citizen £12, Two Senior Citizens £16. All enquiries to Keith Sandford at the WSRA on 01823 433856.
2 December 2005
Details from WSRA
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| • Cable laying continues...
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In conjunction with laying signal cables in the Crowcombe area, new power cables were installed between Roebuck and Leigh Woods Level Crossings replacing the old ones which were installed in 1979. Both crossings were reconnected on 30 November having been switched off during the trenching operation. Trenching will shortly commence between Roebuck and Crowcombe Heathfield Station. The picture shows Bob Livermore and Peter Vile being offered words of encouragement by Driver Len Renwick at the critical moment of turning back on the crossing controls at Leigh Wood.
1 December 2005
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Quiz and Competition...
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The WSRA Taunton Group will present the Christmas Quiz on Monday 5 December at the usual venue - GWR Staff Association Snug Bar, at the north east corner of Taunton Station, starting at 7.45pm. On this occasion, we are not offering prizes, but the quiz will be presented in a more open format, whereby those attending can make a stab at the answers from the floor, as the slides/questions are presented. This may provide a more sociable format than a more formal competition. Also a reminder that on Monday 9 January 9th 2006, the Group willl hold the annual photographic competition.
1 December 2005
Details from WSRA
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| • No 88 returns...
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SDJR 2-8-0 no 88 has made a very welcome return to steam on the West Somerset Railway. On Saturday 26 November, the loco attended a mutual improvement class event at Washford with around forty footplatemen enjoying trips between Bilbrook and Bye Farm. No 9351 also attended as Thunderbird but was not needed. Later the two locos went up to Bishops Lydeard. Next day, and with seasonal snow still lying around, the 2-8-0 headed the first of the 2005 Santa Specials to Crowcombe Heathfield to the delight of passengers, staff and Somerset & Dorset Railway enthusiasts everywhere...
27 November 2005
Details from local correspondents and WSR Plc
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| • Allerford Junction...
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The Railway Permanent Way gang have started constructing Allerford Junction. A new lead, costing £25000 has been purchased, delivered and will be installed during the next few days near milepost 165¾, continuing as a spur parallel to the running line, under Norton Bridge and terminating at a point where, eventually, the spur will strike southwards into the new land and form the western chord of the Norton Triangle. The WSRA Board and the David Holmes, Cutting Back Leader, express their thanks for a massive turnout of 32 volunteers including members of the WSRA Permanent Way gang, for the cutting back operation the previous weekend which made the current engineering work possible.
20 November 2005
Details from WSRA and WSR Plc
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| • Shoppers Specials...
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The West Somerset Railway will be running special diesel railcar trains between Williton and Minehead on 25 November and 9 December as part of the late-night shopping evenings in Minehead. The trains will leave Williton at 5.30pm and will call at Watchet at 5.37, Washford at 5.44, Blue Anchor at 5.51, Dunster at 5.58 and arrive in Minehead at 6.05pm. The return train will leave Minehead at 9.15pm. The flat fare to travel on the train will be £2.00 for adults and senior citizens and £1.00 for children from all stations. WSR Managing Director Mark Smith commented "Running special diesel trains for late night shopping in Minehead is becoming almost as much a regular part of late autumn on the WSR as the Dunster By Candlelight trains coming in and the Santa trains brightening up the dark weekends."
20 November 2005
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Steam visitors for 2006...
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Streamlined Battle of Britain Pacific no 34067 "Tangmere" is due to arrive in Minehead on Saturday 18 March 2006 at the head of an excursion train organised by Past-Time Rail from London as the West Somerset Railway’s Spring Steam Gala 2006 gets underway. After working the train in the air-smoothed Pacific will be guesting for the rest of that weekend and between 23-26 March as the WSR marks the 40th anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset Railway. Meanwhile, LMS 4F 0-6-0 no 44422, which spent part of its British Railways career based at Templecombe and working trains on the Somerset and Dorset proper, has been confirmed as a guest engine for the 2006 Spring Steam Gala.
18 November 2005
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Railways round Exmoor...
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In a new initiative to increase the attractions of Exmoor three heritage railways are joining forces in a joint marketing and ticketing venture for 2006. The three railways concerned are the twenty mile long West Somerset, the water powered Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway which links the twin towns, and the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway which has begun to rebuild the narrow gauge line which closed in 1935 and is presently running trains from Woody Bay station towards Parracombe. The tickets are priced at £16 for adults and senior citizens and £8 for children aged 5 to 15 and can be bought from the railway’s booking offices or in advance from the West Somerset Railway, The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG.
17 November 2005
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Logs and more logs...
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Hundreds of logs were loaded and unloaded by a magnificent turnout of forty Log Train volunteers on 12 November. The logs - the results of several weeks activity by the Railway's Cutting Back Gang - were taken to Dunster for collection by a timber merchant. Not content with one hard day's work, around 32 volunteers turned up the following day for a working party at Norton Bridge, clearing away undergrowth in readiness for the installation of the lead for the new Norton spur during the winter months.
13 November 2005
Details from WSRA
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| • Large Prairie takes shape...
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GWR-designed Large Prairie 2-6-2 no 4160 is starting to look like an engine again in the South Devon Railway workshops at Buckfastleigh. The overhaul is being carried out for the owners 4160 Ltd, whose locomotive is normally based on the West Somerset Railway. The boiler returned from the LNWR Workshops at Crewe recently and is now back in the frames complete with a new hopper ashpan. The boiler cladding has been fitted, including new front shoulders for the firebox to replace the non-standard ones that were fitted at its last overhaul. This will very much improve the visual appearance of the engine. The left hand side tank has been refitted and the right hand one will follow soon, after the vacuum pump has been refitted - a job done much more easily with the tank off. The cab roof will complete the nearing completion look. Late spring/early summer would seem to be a likely target date for completion.
12 November 2005
Details from SDR
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| • News about the other eight-coupled...
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With the smokebox door now fitted, GWR 2-8-0 no 3850 is looking almost complete. There are a few parts still to be fitted, but the locomotive should steam within the week. Then there is a lot of painting to
be finished before the classic GWR heavy goods loco returns to the WSR. Visit the Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited website for a running commentary on the restoration of this powerful engine...
11 November 2005
Details from DMLL and local correspondent
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| • A tamper this way comes...
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A tamper has, again, been hired to attend to various locations along the line. The machine made its way down Minehead, when on 9 November, the main platform road was dealt with, along with the bay siding no 1. The next day, the tamper was due to visit Ker Moor and the lower part of Washford Bank. Other spots were also due for a visit as the machine worked up the line towards Bishops Lydeard. It will leave the Railway on 11 November.
9 November 2005
Details from WSR plc
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| • The WSRA Grand Draw...
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The West Somerset Railway Association Grand Draw raised in excess of £25,000 towards the Norton Triangle. The new lead is on order and a substantial part of the money raised will go on acquisition and installation. The draw was made by the WSRA Chairman, Humphrey Davies, at 4.00pm on Sunday 30 October 2005 at Bishops Lydeard Station, the first prize of £1000 going to a lady from Twickenham. A WSRA spokesman commented "We had a great team of on-train raffle sellers and they have done us proud, we also had great support from the WSRA membership and without the efforts of all involved the triangle would be that much further away.".
9 November 2005
Details from WSRA
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| • The Drinking Fountain...
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The drinking fountain on Minehead platform has sprung a leak last week and is now in the Friends of Minehead Station workshop. The fountain has the words "Macfarlanes Patent" on the left hand side and "Saracen Foundry, Glasgow" on the right. FOMS research reveals Walter Macfarlane and Company's Saracen Foundry was a famous foundry specialising in ornate cast iron work which was exported all over the world from 1849-1965. Macfarlane's products included drinking fountains, bandstands, lamp standards, pre-fabricated buildings and architectural features. Other local examples include the ornamental gates at Taunton's Vivary Park (1895) and the Queen Victoria Memorial Fountain in Vivary Park (1907). They were also one of three foundries casting the famous red K6 telephone boxes. But strangely no mention of their work for the GWR...
8 November 2005
Details from FOMS
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