The West Somerset Railway on the Web

 Autumn Steam Gala - 6,7,8 September 2002

Steam Spectacular

The Autumn Steam Gala takes place on 6,7,8 September 2002 and promises to live up to the superb spectacles of recent years. Two "new" locos - both restored this year from scrapyard condition - are expected to make their Gala debuts. There are many trains, all scheduled for steam haulage, over the twenty miles between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, on all three days. CLICK HERE FOR FULL TIMETABLE for the weekend.

Engines

Up to seven engines are expected to be in steam – including at least three visiting locos. See Picture Preview of the expected locomotives.
The following engines are all expected to be in action
and working passenger trains over the Gala...

  • GWR ‘King’ 4-6-0 No 6024 "King Edward I"
  • GWR ‘Heavy Goods’ 2-8-0T No 5224
  • BR Standard 2-6-4T No 80136
  • BR(W) ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 No 7820 "Dinmore Manor"
  • BR(W) ‘Large Prairie’ 2-6-2T No 4160
  • GWR 2-6-2T No 5542**
  • GWR 2-6-2T No 5553**

** Debut Gala appearance on the WSR after its return to steam in 2002
Note:  All engines subject to availability. BR(W) ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 No 7828 "Odney Manor" will not run.

Events

  • Plenty of West Country railway atmosphere & lots of steam action
  • Up to seven steam engines in steam
  • Debut WSR Gala appearance of GWR ‘Small Prairie’ 2-6-2T No 5542
  • Return appearance of the popular GWR ‘King Class 4-6-0 No 6024 King Edward I
  • All train services steam hauled.
  • INTENSIVE TIMETABLE
  • Double-heading on some trains
  • Goods trains, together with shunting demonstrations at both Dunster and Washford.
  • Sheds & workshops open for inspection at Minehead
  • Bar & buffet car facilities on mostl trains
  • Day & Weekend Rover tickets available (cheaper if booked in advance)
  • Museums open at Bishops Lydeard, Washford and Blue Anchor
  • Gift shops, refreshments, free parking
  • Frequent bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard
  • Lots of photographic opportunities
  • All-in-all, a superb value-for-money day out for all the family.

Note: All events listed subject to availability

Timetable

A comprehensive INTENSIVE TIMETABLEwill be in operation on all three days of the Gala. A complete working timetable – which will include full details of all train workings (including goods trains) and the locomotive and coaching set diagrams – will be available seven days in advance from Minehead Station priced £2.50 and a large SAE.

Tickets

Please note that ALL privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will NOT apply at the Autumn Steam Gala. Ordinary fares apply to all passengers. Discounts are available on Rover Tickets purchased IN ADVANCE (see below).

Catering

Buffet and bar facilities will be available on most train services during the weekend, serving a range of hot and cold food - many with a local flavour - tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

What to see and do over the Gala

  • The shed and workshop at Minehead will be open between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday only - admission charge of £1 per person – a unique opportunity, as access is normally very restricted to the public on safety grounds. Come and see engines ‘resting’ on shed in between their duties, and visit the workshop and view work on several engines that will be seen in action on the WSR in the future – including Somerset & Dorset 7F 2-8-0 no 53808, GWR 2-8-0 no 3850 and GWR no 5193, which is being rebuilt as a 2-6-0 tender engine.
  • Come and see recent developments at the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust’s site and museum at Washford Station, which will be open throughout the Gala - please note there is a separate admission charge to the main site at Washford Peckett 0-4-0ST no 1788 "Kilmersdon/Mike Palmer" can be seen in action shunting the Trust’s excellent fleet of historic wagons.
  • In addition to "Kilmersdon" at Washford, there will also be a shunting demonstration in Dunster yard on the Friday between 9.30am and 11.30am
  • Whilst at Bishops Lydeard, come and see the many exhibits and displays of railway interest – including many new ones – inside the refurbished Gauge Museum on Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard. Engine no 4561 will be on display, and there will be lots to see and do to maintain your interest while you wait for your train! There will be a display of paintings by local members of the Guild of Railway Artists – many of which are available for purchase – throughout the weekend.
  • Calling all ‘serious’ photographers……there will be a "night shot" at Crowcombe Heathfield station on the Saturday evening from 8.00pm featuring BR(W) ‘Large Prairie’ 2-6-2T no 4160 - in its last season before being withdrawn for heavy overhaul- on an appropriate branch line train. Cost is £6.50, payable on the night.
  • The Taunton Model Railway Group’s base – situated on Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard – will be open throughout the weekend.
  • The excellent Blue Anchor Railway Museum will also be open.

Connecting Bus Service

On all three days, there is a frequent First Southern National bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station [Service 28A, Friday & Saturday; Service 928, Sunday] with extra services over the Gala weekend. WSR tickets are NOTvalid on these services, except return tickets to Taunton issued by Booking Offices at Minehead, Dunster, Blue Anchor, Watchet and Williton. Full timetable details available direct from First Southern National - 01823 272033.

How to book

You can book Rover Tickets at a discount in advance in the following ways:-

  • By telephone, using your Credit Card. Please ring 01643 704996, 9am-4pm Monday-Friday.
  • By completing the Booking Form - available here very soon
  • In person at Minehead Station (9am-4pm, Monday-Friday).