24 December 2005
Details from Dinmore Manor Locomotive Limited
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| • Lily is passenger number 200,000...
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A milestone in passengers carried on the line this year was passed when the 12.20 Santa Express departed from Bishops Lydeard to Williton on 22 December 2005. Four year old Lily O Neill became the 200,000th passenger this year. Lily's mum Helen and the rest of the family became the subject of a media photo call which was attended by Western Daily Press, Bristol Evening Post, Somerset County Gazette, Taunton Times, West Somerset Free Press and Somerset Sound Radio...
23 December 2005
Details from WSRA
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| • WSR welcomes the 200,000th passenger..
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The West Somerset Railway has had another record-breaking year in 2005 and when the Haynes-Corrick family board the 12.20 pm "Santa Express" at Bishops Lydeard station on 22 December their party will include the 200,000th passenger to travel on the line this year. It is the first time that the West Somerset has carried this number of passengers in a year, the previous record standing at 192,000 in 2004. WSR Managing Director Mark Smith is naturally delighted with the figures. "We have worked very hard in the last year to increase business, both from casual visitors and organized coach parties and social groups. Our special events for enthusiasts have also continued to grow in popularity and in 2006 our Spring Gala will be taking place over two weekends in March to cope with demand. But the growth in passenger figures also places increasing demands on our passengers and staff and will also demand increased investment in all departments of the Railway. By carrying over 200,000 passengers this year we have axiomatically raised our targets for the future to higher levels."
22 December 2005
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Running in the Old Lady...
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Mark Smith, Managing Director of WSR Plc has issued a statement about SDJR 2-8-0 no 88. "Locomotive No 88 has now worked a number of running in turns, crew familiarisation and Winter Season trains on the WSR. As might be expected after such an extensive and complex overhaul of a relatively elderly locomotive, these have revealed a number of teething troubles and these are receiving attention by the Companies engineers. Steaming has been indifferent. Careful inspection of the smokebox to check for leaks, and the search for an effective substitute for the now illegal asbestos based smokebox door sealing strip should ensure a better vacuum and drafting for the fire. Crews have been experimenting with differing damper positions and this experimentation will need to continue in different load and weather conditions. An absence of detail of some aspects of the valve design from available drawings may have led to some inaccuracy in their finishing. Valves were removed and minor re profiling carried out last week. This has brought an immediate improvement, with the locomotive proving more lively in traffic today, and capable of being racked up so that steam is used more economically and efficiently. Some concern has been expressed about the capacity of the injectors now fitted. Further adjustment work by the engineers is needed to ensure best functional performance of the equipment followed with experimentation by the men on the road to ensure optimum performance. There are a number of relatively minor irritations that will need attention following completion of the winter season services on January 2nd 2006. Mark Smith MD., WSRplc"
18 December 2005
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Sorting out the DMU vehicles...
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At present the Class 117 DMU - the Green one - runs with TCL no 59506 as the centre car. The reason why the original centre car, no 59505 was not used was due to the company requirement for the centre car to have a buffet. Therefore, no 59506, which company-owned, was converted and no 59505 was repainted into chocolate and cream and joined the loco hauled stock. However, prior to the Green DMU move away from the line, no 59505 will be reunited with the original power cars. Looking to next year, hopefully by Easter, a Class 115/117 combination will be available consisting of nos 51880/59506/51859. The two power cars require a fair amount of work. No 51859 which has been running recently with the Class 117, needs some body work and a repaint, whilst no 51880 is currently undergoing a body overhaul. Work will be taking place on the vehicles regularly with plenty of jobs both skilled and unskilled. Any help will be much appreciated.
17 December 2005
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Farewell trip for the Army DMU...
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Get in line you orrible little man for the Farewell Trip of the Army DMU. The "green" DMU will leave the line in early January, being commandered by the owners, 275 Squardron of the Territorial Army, for use elsewhere. There is to be one more chance to experience WSR travel on this 3-car DMU. On 2 January 2006, a Farewell Special will leave Minehead at 11.10am and travel to Norton Fitzwarren. Then departing Norton Fitzwarren at 12.50pm for Minehead and then a run back to Norton Fitzwarren leaving Minehead at 2.50pm. There seems to be no return from Norton Fitzwarren on this last trip. Fares, for this Special only,are £3 for a single journey and £6 for a return or rover, with no concessions. Applications for tickets in advance to WSR Operating Dept, The Railway Station, Minehead TA24 5BG and also available on the day. Many thanks to the Operating Department for listening and taking action...
15 December 2005
Details from WSR Plc
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| • WSR pictures on the BBC Somerset website...
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The BBC in Somerset, along with photographer David Holman, have built an online photo gallery, and some e-cards, on the BBC Somerset website. David recently won the British winter photography competition run by the BBC Radio 4 Today programme. The gallery includes, of course, some excellent pictures of the Railway. Here are the links, if you'd like to take a look E-cards and
Gallery. You might send someone an e-card...
14 December 2005
Details from BBC Somerset
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| • Promoting the Railway...
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The winter months see WSR staff out and about at Trade Fairs and Exhibitions and any other opportunity to bring the delights of the WSR to the attention of potential passengers - particular the coach party bookings which help bring passengers in the early and late season when casual visitors are a bit sparse. On 10 December, John Simms and Lumber Jill are seen (left) chatting to the Manageress of the Tourist Information Centre in Street in a joint promotion which included a book signing by local railway author Allan Hammond.
11 December 2005
Details from local correspondent
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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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