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| • Curtains for Sunset Specials...
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No Sunset Specials in 2008. For a number of years, the summer evening Wednesdays-only steam hauled specials have run from Minehead to Blue Anchor and back. But recently this service, alone, has been seen disappointing numbers of passengers. So, there will be no Sunset Specials in 2008. Martyn Snell, the Railway's Commercial Manager, said "It's a great pity that numbers on this particular service have dropped. Who knows, it may return in a slightly different guise but not in 2008"
30 November 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • It is beginning to look like a prize length..
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Recent work on the section of lineside between Seaward Way Level Crossing and Alcombe Footpath Crossing has seen all undergrowth removed. Lengthsman Donald Askew, assisted by a team of volunteers, some wielding powered brushcutters, undertook the exercise which will greatly improve the approaches of Minehead Station. The fence, long lost under bramble bushes, has been revealed and clearly needs some attention from the fencing gang - many observers and photographers will hope the replacement fence will be of historical appearance and not of the tall modern type...
29 November 2007
Details from local correspondent
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| • Proposal to move Brunel station for West Somerset...
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The next station from High Wycombe is for Somerset. Talks are underway to consider moving the old, Brunel-designed, station at High Wycombe to the West Somerset Railway. Once a terminus station, when the branch line was built by Brunel from Maidenhead to the Chiltern town, the structure was relegated to a goods shed when the line was extended to Thame. Latterly in use as a tyre depot, the building although extended and modified over the years, still retains the original overall trainshed roof. The WSR Chairman commented, "The Company is in discussion with Chiltern Railways about the possible transfer of a historic Brunel station, including trainshed, from High Wycombe to Norton Fitzwarren, where it could be incorporated in the development of the triangle. Consents would be required from both local authorities and from English Heritage, and discussions are at an early stage, with no decisions yet taken."
More about the building...
29 November 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Santa Steam Specials news...
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It is not too late to see Santa on the West Somerset Railway. Advance bookings for the Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield Santa Specials on 1 and 2 December have now closed but it will be possible for last-minute would-be passengers to buy tickets over the counter from Bishops Lydeard Booking Office. Departures are at 10.40am, 1.05pm and 3.05pm on each day; the fare is £7 for each adult and £7 for each child. The fare includes the round trip on the steam train, seasonal refreshments for the adults and, of course, a gift from Santa for the children. Looking further ahead all this year’s Santa Expresses are a sell-out but there is space available on Santa Specials from Bishops Lydeard on the 8, 9, 15, 22, 23 and 23 December. The cost of tickets on these dates is £10 for each adult and £10 for each child. Seats are also available on the Minehead to Blue Anchor Santa Specials on 9, 16 and 24 December. Advance booking for Santas after this weekend may be made by ringing 01643 704996 with a credit/debit card.between 8.30am and 5pm seven days a week.
More details of the Santa Steam Specials...
27 November 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The Bristol to Minehead service in 2008...
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Following the successful operation in the summer of 2007, many observers are eagerly awaiting news of a repeat offering in 2008. Talks have taken place and some detailed planning undertaken. Chris Austin, Chairman of WSR Plc explains: "Planning for the Bristol service has continued for summer 2008, with paths now agreed with Network Rail, but a reorganisation following changes in ownership at Victa Westlink, means that there is some uncertainty about their ability to participate in the partnership. Discussions are continuing."
27 November 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • General Steam Navigation comes for a visit...
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No 35011 is to come to West Somerset for a very brief spell in Williton Works. Unrestored Southern Railway Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 no 35011 General Steam Navigation is expected at Williton to have contract work carried out on it. After completion of the work, General Steam Navigation will move to another location.
27 November 2007
Details from West Somerset Restoration
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| • Feasability study for Taunton shuttle...
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The Railway will carry out a feasibility study to establish the precise requirements to upgrade the DMU for limited through working to Taunton and to estimate the cost involved. The study will look at the modifications undertaken on single power cars by Arriva Trains Wales and by Chiltern Railways. Then, after discussions with HMRI and Network Rail, comes the fundraising for the capital cost of doing the work (which may be eligible for grant). The Railway would then need to decide whether to operate the train - and become a licensed train operator for the purpose - or to contract with another established operator to run it over the main line on the Railway's behalf. And of course, the financial case must prove the profitability of the shuttle service. So, there are many steps ahead. The study will be carried out over the next few months, with 2010 being the earliest possible start of the service.
27 November 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • Consultation on the Five Year Business...
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A detailed and wide-ranging Consultation Document on the next Five Year Business Plan was launched at the recent Open Forum meeting. WSR members, employees and volunteers, including affiliate groups, now have the opportunity to comment and help shape the final version due to be published in April 2008. Amongst the many proposals for 2008 are a second road, with pit, at the loco compound at Bishops Lydeard, with a two-road engine shed to follow; "No signalman" key token working between Bishops Lydeard and Allerford Junction replacing one train working; and continuing work on the triangle at Norton Fitzwarren. In 2009, there is a proposal to add two more carriage sidings at Bishops Lydeard and a re-instatement of the loop at the southern end of Williton Station. Looking further ahead, the Railway is proposing track and signal alterations at Bishops Lydeard to allow a Taunton shuttle service to operate in and out of the Bay; and possibly re-instatement of the crossing loops at Kentsford and near Leigh Bridge. Full text from the consulation document will be available on the WSR websites in due course.
26 November 2007
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondent
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| • A Quiz for the WSR Taunton Group...
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A reminder that the next meeting of the West Somerset Railway Assocation Taunton Group is due to take place on Monday 3 December. This will feature the traditional Christmas Quiz, at the usual time and venue (GWRSA Snug Bar, North east corner of Taunton Station, at 7.45pm). As last year, this should be an informal occasion and the Quiz will again be presented by Martin Southwood, open to replies from the floor - audience participation - which might lead to interesting debate perhaps?
25 November 2007
Details from WSRA
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| • WSR Association Annual Draw winners...
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The results of the 2007 Norton Fitzwarren Development Fund Draw run by the WSR Association are now available. The draw was held at Bishops Lydeard Station on 3 November 2007 at 1.00pm. A very welcome sum of £28,000 towards the Norton Fitzwarren project was raised - a remarkable effort. The WSRA would like to thank members and the public who purchased tickets and made the raffle such a success - and a special mention for the team of Raffle Ticket Sellers who made a significant contribution to the overall success of the Raffle and without their services this result could not have been achieved. The first prize of £1000 goes to a gentleman from Cannington, Somerset; a lady from Ballymena, Northern Ireland wins the second prize of £500; the third prize (£200) goes to a lady from Eastbourne, East Sussex; and a gentleman from Weston-super-Mare receives the fourth prize of £100. No less than twenty lucky people share the fifth prize and will receive £50 each.
24 November 2007
Details from WSRA
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| • An update on GWR 2-6-2T no 5542...
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Work on the intermediate overhaul of GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 continues to make steady progress. Owners Locomotive 5542 Ltd write: "All driving wheelsets are now in receipt of new tyres and the pony truck wheels are due for reprofiling within the next few days. Work is now underway on frame strengthening in the area above the front driving axleboxes, a notorious weak spot with Small Prairies. We hope to rid ourselves of this problem area 'once and for all' by using a repair method that was successful on other members of the class during BR days. The pistons and valves are out for checking and ring replacement as necessary, and the rear piston covers are receiving attention to cure their leak. Axleboxes will soon be the next to receive attention with remetalling taking place before reassembly with all new oil pads. The driving wheels will be remounted using a completely new set of springs. The new steam brake crossmember will also be fitted shortly and much of the inside motion will be refurbished and repinned before final re assembly, planned for completion by late February. SThe annual boiler inspection will also take place early in 2008 and, hopefully, time will also allow us to complete fitting Auto gear at the front end to add some variation to auto working next year. Return to the WSR is planned for the beginning of March, then, following a six week visit during which the loco will carry a 'temporary' British Railways' livery for the period of the Spring Gala, it will return to the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway for the remainder of 2008, with visits to one or two other railway's Galas under consideration."
22 November 2007
Details from Locomotive 5542 Ltd
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| • Chairman appointed to Railway Heritage Committee...
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The Secretary of State for Transport, Tom Harris, has appointed Chris Austin to the Railway Heritage Committee. The Committee is sponsored by the Department for Transport to identify those railway records and railway artefacts of future value to the nation, of general interest of the public and for research and scholarship, to ensure that they ultimately reside in good condition in appropriate locations. Speaking on his appointment Chris Austin said: “The railway has had a profound and beneficial effect on society over almost two centuries, and continues to do so in helping to meet today’s transport needs in a sustainable way. So, I am delighted to be appointed to serve on the Railway Heritage Committee, where I can use my railway experience to support the proper conservation of this rich heritage.” Chris is also Chairman of the West Somerset Railway, Britain’s longest preserved railway and winner of the Ian Allan award as Independent Railway of the Year in December 2006. Full details...
20 November 2007
Details from WSR plc
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| • Turntable progress...
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Turning the tide for the turntable. The ex-Pwllheli turntable is currently being trial-assembled at the Wolverhampton works of Steelway Fensecure and then the parts are due to be dismantled, shot blasted and painted ready for final assembly in December. For a picture, please click here. Meantime, at Minehead, the work continues on excavating the pit for the turntable continues - see the progress on the Latest Pictures pages.
19 November 2007
Details from WSR plc
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| • Gala events in 2008...
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THE West Somerset Railway is delighted to confirm details of its programme of principal gala events for 2008. "We have a very impressive programme of gala events planned for next year," comments Richard Jones, Chairman of the WSR Special Events Planning Team, "which – together with our other popular events such as the WSRA Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally and the CAMRA Real Ale Festival at Minehead – will we hope will prove very popular, with plenty on offer to suit all tastes and interests. We very much look forward to welcoming people to the West Somerset Railway in 2008.". Looking even further ahead, the 2009 Spring Steam Gala is, subject to final confirmation, expected to return to its traditional slot at the end of March and will be held on 21-22 and 26-29 March 2009. For full details of the 2008 programme, click here...
18 November 2007
Details from WSR plc
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| • Steam radio perhaps...
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Swop a job in radio for that of a steam engine driver. Recently it was Job Swap day on BBC Somerset Sound, where several of the crew from Broadcasting House got the chance to do that one job they've always wanted to do. Big Breakfast presenter Adam Thomas got to drive a steam train on the West Somerset Railway. It would seem Adam enjoyed every minute, commenting "All in all the whole experience took around 15 minutes and I shall never forget it." Read the full account of Adam's fifteen minutes as a steam engine driver at BBC Somerset Sound...
18 November 2007
Details from local correspondent
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| • More historic carriages news...
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Good progress is being made on two very different historic carriages on the West Somerset Railway. At their Washford base, the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust are working on ex-S&DJR First Class Six Wheeled Coach no 4. After retirement from active service, the body of this coach served time at a sports ground at Templecombe before being rescued by the Trust. Work has progressed slowly and recently one corner of the coach has been finished in the famous Prussian Blue livery of the S&DJR, showing off the fine workmanship and giving a glimpse of the future. Meanwhile, the restoration of GWR Auto Trailer no 169 progresses well. Much replacement timber is required for this coach and is proving a significant challenge for the master carpenters from the Locomotive 5542 Ltd group. Recent work has seen the fitting of the ash cant rail to the driving cab and saloon partition and the roof hoop tenons fettled. For more information please visit the Auto Trailer no 169 website. And don't forget the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust's Historic Carriages Project now underway - it is a very ambitious project which needs help in many areas including funds and restoration skills...
14 November 2007
Details from SDRT and 5542 Ltd
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| • Diesel running in 2008...
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Diesel enthusiasts will again have something of interest in 2008. Next year, the West Somerset Railway will feature diesel haulage at the Mixed Traffic event on 13-15 June with a similar theme expected to this year - and possible guest locos too. And when the Railway operates its Gold Timetable on Saturdays in July, August and September , once again, diesel locomotives will head the same diagram as this year, starting each day with the 11.25am from Bishops Lydeard. Later, over the weekend of 25-26 October 2008, the Somerset in Autumn event will see a good sprinkling of diesel haulage on both days...
13 November 2007
Details from DEPG
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| • The Mart Road Development at Minehead...
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Work is starting on a highly anticipated Somerset County Council led project to deliver a multi-million pound boost to West Somerset. Somerset County Council have issued a press release as follows: The development, at Mart Road, Minehead, will deliver modern workspaces for businesses, a 110 space car park, and will provide the popular West Somerset Railway with a turntable on which to manoeuvre its famous trains. There will be a public viewing area so people can watch the steam trains turn, along with a café and retail opportunities. The scheme also includes the facility for different events to be held at the site, such as Farmer’s Markets and Trade Fairs. The project, funded by Somerset County Council, South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA), European Regional Development Fund and West Somerset Railway, gained overwhelming support from local residents and businesses. Full press release...
13 November 2007
Details from Somerset County Council and WSR plc
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| • Railways round Exmoor again in 2008...
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The three participating railways have agreed to continue the Railway Round Exmoor promotion in 2008. The Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is a splendid piece of Victorian engineering, a water operated cliff railway that links the "twin towns" and offers stunning views of the area and across the Bristol Channel to South Wales. The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is beginning the restoration of the narrow gauge line which closed in 1935 and has so far re-opened three quarters of a mile of the old line between Woody Bay station (which is actually at Martinhoe Cross) and Killington Lane on the edge of Parracombe. The West Somerset Railway is an award winning line that runs trains for just under twenty miles between Bishops Lydeard (four miles from Taunton) through the Quantock Hills and along the Exmoor Coast to Minehead. The Railways Round Exmoor combined ticket offers purchasers one round trip over each of the three railways. It is possible to cover all three in one day but as the lines are on opposite sides of the moor the ticket also allows purchasers to travel on different days. So for example you can make a weekend of it, taking in the Lynton lines on one day and the WSR on the next or the journeys can be spread over two or three visits to this most beautiful part of the world. The ticket is not valid for special events but as all the Railways run for over 200 days a year there is plenty of scope to enjoy the variety of Exmoor’s Railways. The cost for 2008 will be £19.00 for adults, £16.50 for seniors and £10.00 for children. They will be on sale at the ticket offices of the three railways or in advance from the Commercial Department of the West Somerset Railway on 01643 704996.
12 November 2007
Details from WSR plc
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| • Help needed in Cornwall and Home Counties...
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Help is needed from WSR members in Cornwall and the Home Counties. The Heritage Carriage Project needs help from supporters of the WSR who live in Cornwall and/or the Home Counties. Collett Brake no 5131 at Bodmin (Cornwall) and Toplight Brake no 7538 at Chinnor (Oxfordshire) need to be prepared for movement to the WSR. A little hard work and some crude carpentry is required. The Heritage Carriages Project would be assisted by a group of members in these two areas who could take on this task. If you even think you might be able to help, then please contact Robin White, Heritage Carriages Project Leader by e-mail at info@wssrt.co.uk or mobile 07710 336 807.
Update: Two WSRA members have stepped forward to help - one at at Chinnor and one at Bodmin - and they would value offers of help from other local members. Both coaches require some preparation and then the application of a tarpaulin to make ready for movement and to protect until they reach the head of the restoration queue. And now, Robin White suggests it would also be useful to have a caretaker for the project vehicles presently on the South Devon Railway. At the moment there is just one Toplight - no 3665 - but that is likely to be joined shortly by Toplight no 3631 and Collett no 4546. To that end, these two vehicles have been offered to the Project for the very reasonable price of £1000 each and Robin wonders if anyone would like to make a specific donation to finance the acquisition of these two vehicles?
Updated: 12 November 2007
Details from WSSRT
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| • Bittern and Duchess for Minehead...
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The improved facilities at the West Somerset Railway - the turntable in particular - have already prompted one main line steam tour operator to line up Minehead amongst its tour destinations in 2008. Tour operator Steam Dreams have just announced their 2008 programme, commenting "[We are] improving our trips to regular favourite destinations. One example is Minehead, accessed via the preserved West Somerset Railway, where the investment in new facilities will enable to offer an enhanced day out with steam haulage in both directions.". To that end, Steam Dreams have lined up a trip to Minehead on 16 July 2008, behind LNER 4-6-2 no 60019 Bittern - the first visit of a "Streak" to the Minehead Branch - followed on 20 August 2008, by a tour headed by LMS 4-6-2 no 6233 Duchess of Sutherland, again the first visit in steam of a member of the famous Stanier express locomotives. Most definitely a couple of dates for the diary...
7 November 2007
Details from local correspondent and Steam Dreams
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| • Recreating the pick-up goods...
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The West Somerset Railway recreates the once common spectacle of the pick up goods. With, appropriately, GWR Heavy Goods 2-8-0 no 3850 at the head, the day's Steam Engineman Course ran as a pick up goods. One of the stops was to drop off two wagons at Washford Yard on the run to Minehead from Bishops Lydeard. Wagons were then collected in the afternoon. Quite a surprise for folks working at Washford when the train stopped at lunch time and the crew requested entry to the yard, it certainly made for an interesting half hour. More about the Steam Engineman Courses...
7 November 2007
Details from local correspondent
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| • Calling Santa...
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Santa required for the Santa Express trains on the West Somerset Railway. Due to unforeseen circumstances, the Railway is urgently looking for Santa to undertake the Santa duties on the upcoming Santa Expresses. These run at 10.10am, 12.20pm and 2.35pm on Sunday 9, Saturday 15 and Sunday 16 Saturday 22, Sunday 23 and Monday 24 December - the last duty gives just enough time to get back to the North Pole before the Big Event. Santa has to be willing to be CRB checked and must be a member of the Railway. Volunteering will not mean having to do every day although it would be easier to do the three trains on any day volunteered for. For further details, please contact Martyn Snell on 01643 700383 or at martyn.com@wsrail.net...
7 November 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The 2008 Timetable Leaflets are now available...
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A number of palettes full of the 2008 West Somerset Railway Timetable Leaflets arrived at Minehead Station on the morning of 7 November. A copy of this desirable item can be obtained by ringing 01643 704996 or if you wish to save the WSR some money sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to WSR (2008 Timetable), The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG. There are quite a number of changes from previous years including the February half-term trains now operating between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead to give a run over the whole of the line and the first departure time from Minehead moving back to 10.30am from the time-honoured 10.15am. One major request - if you are looking for a major supply for a station, information centre etc, please make sure that the 2007 timetables aren’t thrown out to make way for them. There are quite a few operating days to go before the end of 2007, including the post-Christmas trains and we would like to try to reach the 210,000 passenger mark...
7 November 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • The 200,000 mark already passed...
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The twenty mile long West Somerset Railway is heading towards another record-breaking year as the main 2007 operating season ends and its volunteers and staff prepare for the annual programme of festive season trains in December. "At the end of October we had carried 200,000 passengers in the year to date", said West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare, "and had already welcomed more people to our trains than we did in the whole of 2006. We are also only 3000 short of our all time record total set in 2005 with the December trains still to run, reflecting another terrific effort by everyone on the WSR in attracting business to the railway and the area and then offering a good day out that persuades passengers to come back again". Mr Conibeare continued. "The months ahead will be very busy for everyone on the line. We do not run any regular passenger train services for the rest of November but we are busy with bookings for our pre-Christmas Santa Trains and work continues with the Minehead turntable preparation work, the construction of the Norton Fitzwarren turning triangle, locomotive and carriage maintenance and much else besides."
5 November 2007
Details from WSR Plc
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| • An update on the Norton Project...
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There is much going on at Norton Fitzwarren even if it is a little mundane and routine at present and not immediately visible from the site boundary. Of course the High Output Ballast Cleaner train (HOBC) calls every day and simply moving the ballast heap can take up to half the day. The earthworks and ditching alongside the West Chord have been completed and the right hand side of the line tidied up ready to hand back to the farmer. Track and sleepers are available to complete the line around and onto the Barnstaple formation - watch this space for an appeal for help to lay this when the time comes.
A full update is available here...
2 November 2007
Details from WSRA
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