The West Somerset Railway on the Web

The West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala promises to live up to, and even exceed, the high quality successful Autumn Galas over recent years. A four day feast of steam! Full TIMETABLE is now available. At least eight engines will be in steam and working trains at the Gala – with Nos 6412 and 5542 being "auto fitted" to enable them to work with ex-GWR auto trailer no 178. Resident locomotives expected to appear:  · GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 no 7820 "Dinmore Manor"  · GWR 4575 Class 2-6-2T no 5542  · GWR 64xx Class 0-6-0PT no 6412 And visiting locomotives from this list:  · GWR 5205 Class 2-8-0T no 5224  · GWR 56xx Class 0-6-2T no 5637  · GWR Small Prairie 2-6-2T no 5553  · GWR 4-6-0 no 4936 "Kinlet Hall"  · GWR 0-6-0PT no 1369  · BR Class 4MT 2-6-4T no 80136 Peckett 0-4-0ST no 1788 "Kilmersdon" will also be in steam giving shunting demonstrations at Washford station. All engines listed above are subject to availability. A comprehensive TIMETABLE will be in operation on all three days of the Gala – plus the "Preview Day" on Thursday 2 October. 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. Events and highlights of the Autumn Steam Gala 2003 include...  · The complete West Country branch line  · The return of the Great Western auto train  · Up to 10 engines in steam  · Intensive timetable  · Local branch passenger trains  · Steam services to Norton Fitzwarren  · Double-heading on certain trains  · Shunting demonstrations at Washford  · Sheds and workshops open for inspection at Minehead  · Bar and buffet car facilities on most trains  · Day and Weekend Rover tickets available  · Museums 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 All events listed are subject to availability One of the principal highlights of the Gala is the return of the Great Western Auto Train – featuring newly-restored trailer No 178 (built by the GWR in 1930), hauled by either GWR locos 0-6-0PT no 6412 or 2-6-2T no 5542. Details of the auto trains can be found in the timetables. Demand on the 9.10am ex-Minehead and the 5.00pm ex-Bishops Lydeard on the Saturday and Sunday is likely to be particularly high, and travel on these trains must be pre-booked and a Boarding Pass obtained. This is free, but a Rover or other ticket must be purchased at the same time – please use Booking Form. 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. The shed and workshop at Minehead will be open between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday only for a modest 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, which will be open throughout the Gala (separate admission charge). Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1788 "Kilmersdon" can be seen in action shunting the Trust’s excellent fleet of historic wagons. There will also be a shunting demonstration in Dunster yard over the course of the event. Whilst at Bishops Lydeard, come and see the many exhibits and displays of railway interest 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 photographers...there will be a night shoot at Dunster station on the Saturday evening from 8.00pm featuring one of the two 55xx 2-6-2T engines and a rake of wagons, with both the station and listed goods shed as a backdrop. Cost £6.50, payable on the night. Local authors Richard Derry will be signing copies of his books at Williton, whilst Alan Hammond will be at Minehead signing copies of his books on the Somerset & Dorset Railway. The Taunton Model Railway Group – situated on Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard – will exhibit their treasures throughout the weekend. The excellent Blue Anchor Railway Museum will also be open. Free car parking will be available at Bishops Lydeard, but please arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure of the train on which you initially wish to travel. On all four 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 NOT valid 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. Staying over? A List of accommodation is available here. Rover tickets will be cheaper if booked in advance from West Somerset Railway, The Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG - telephone 01643 704996 - or click here.