|
|
|
| • Braunton to appear at Steam Rally...
|
|
|
|
|
|
| 
|
|
The West Somerset Railway is pleased to announce an extra special guest will be attending the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally. The Steam Fayre on 2-3 August is held at the new WSR Association site at Norton Fitzwarren. near Taunton. The 1940s Southern Railway express steam locomotive Braunton will be coming to the Rally all day on Sunday 3 August. After a five year restoration programme Braunton has progressed sufficiently in its proving trials to allow a last minute appearance at the Rally, subject to availability of course. WSRA Chairman Robin White comments "The Rally is a tremendous Somerset summer event not to be missed. We are open from 10 to 5 on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd. The collection of traction engines, vintage vehicles and other exhibits is a great family day out and a testament to Britain's engineering skills. On the West Somerset Railway we are carrying on that tradition at our heritage engineering centre at Williton station where the transformation of locomotive Braunton from rusty hulk to 1940s engineering marvel has progressed apace. Members of the restoration team, including engineer Gareth Winter, will be on hand at the Rally to answer questions about the locomotive and the work performed on it."
31 July 2008
Details from WSRA
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Test runs for Braunton...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No 34046 has been steamed and had several test runs between Williton and Crowcombe Heathfield. To the delight of the restoration team at Williton and a growing army of linesiders, SR West Country class 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton has now completed more miles than during last year's test runs when a serious axle flaw was discovered which halted progress towards a launch at the Autumn Steam Gala. Braunton is now headlined for the 2008 Autumn Steam Gala and will be an eagerly awaited debut in preservation.
30 July 2008
Details from local correspondents
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Tribble Bridge takes a strike...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Tribble Bridge - safe clearance 4.2m - was struck by a container lorry reportedly measuring 4.4m high as it attempted to pass under on Tuesday 29 July. Whilst safety checks were carried out, trains were delayed until the all-clear was given. Another example of why any train service can be delayed by events beyond the railway fence. There are several specialised road signs along the A358 warning of potential limited clearances at Watersmeet, Tribble, Combe Florey and Sampford Brett bridges
30 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondent
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Wheel/rail grinding inquiry announced...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In a letter to staff and volunteers, the WSR Plc Board have announced the setting up of an Inquiry to look into the effects of the rail grinding work carried out some months ago. David Morgan, former Chairman of the WSR Plc, now Deputy Chairman, and also Chairman of the Heritage Railways Association, will chair the Inquiry. He will invite suitably experienced and independent persons to look both into the technical issues arising from the rail grinding itself, and to investigate how the company managed the issues both in terms of getting remedial work undertaken, and the internal and external PR and communications issues. Staff and volunteers are invited to contribute constructive comment. Full contact details are available in the full letter. The Board of the WSR Plc will consider the completed Inquiry report in due course.
28 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Rolling stones at Bishops Lydeard
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
In searing heat, at least four event-goers watched a steam roller rolling stones at Bishops Lydeard Station on Saturday 26 July. The roadmaking steam roller no OT 4812, called Bernadette was employed to flatten new material previously put in place by hand by staff from the West Somerset Railway's southern terminus, including Phil Cox, John Woodcock and Station Master Ken Davidge. Looking on at various stages of the operation were Keith Sandford and June Hole from the Admin Office, and taking a break from station duties, Matt Brewer and Rodney Jones. On the WSR it is not just heritage on the rails but on the roads too...
27 July 2008
Details from Bishops Lydeard Station
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Music on the Platform at Minehead
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
On Saturday 26 July, visitors were treated to not one but two musical sessions under the Minehead Station canopy. During the day, the Chalgrove Brass Band from Oxfordshire spend a hot afternoon in the shade, running through their playlist to the delight of passengers and visitors. And then in the evening, a different style of music drifted out from under the canopy during a special event for lovers of Country and Western. Both sessions clearly demonstrating how the Railway Station remains a focal point for the local community - although we doubt line dancing was witnessed back in 1874 when the station first opened.
27 July 2008
Details from local correspondents
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Buffet Car turned out and turned round at Minehead
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yet another superbly finished passenger carriage has been turned out by the Carriage Works at Minehead. Ex-British Railways Mk1 Buffet Car no 4814 looked a picture as it was positioned and turned on the new turntable - believed to be the first passenger vehicle to use the new installation. A good example of how useful the turntable will be for turning rolling stock as well as locomotives, and another step along the way towards full commissioning of the turntable.
26 July 2008
Details from local correspondent
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • No 7821 purchased by the Association
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No 7821 for the West Somerset. The West Somerset Railway Assocation is delighted to announce that it has purchased GWR-designed 4-6-0 Manor class locomotive no 7821 Ditcheat Manor for use on the line.
Ditcheat Manor visited the West Somerset Railway in 1998 and the type is very suitable for the line, designed specifically for heavy traffic on more lightly engineered lines. Nos 7820 Dinmore Manor and 7828 Odney Manor are already based on the line. Ditcheat Manor is 'out of ticket' at the moment but a rapid restoration is being examined which it is hoped will see the loco back in traffic by late 2008 or early 2009. This would help the railway through the period during which other locomotives may be out of traffic for re-tyreing and wheel-turning. The steam shortage the WSR has experienced through May, June and July 2008 have served to demonstrate just how important it is for the WSR to remain a steam heritage railway and Ditcheat Manor will assist with that in future years. Full details on the WSRA website...
20 July 2008
Details from WSRA
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Guess the weight...of the Station Master
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The West Somerset Railway Association ran a competition at the WSRA stand at Bishops Lydeard Village Fete on 19 July. Visitors were invited to "Guess the weight of the Station Master", not-so-slim Ken Davidge. WSRA Manager Susan Kaufman, attired as the Slim Controller, joined in the fun. The day's ventures raised useful funds for Association works and many WSR timetables and Steam Fayre leaflets were distributed. Oh - the correct answer? Ask Ken.
19 July 2008
Details from WSRA and local correspondent
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Heritage transport to Dunster Country Fair...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Catch a heritage train and a heritage bus to the Dunster Country Fair. Once again the West Somerset Railway will be trying to reduce road traffic on the busy A39 road as the annual Dunster Country Fair takes place on Wednesday 30 July. The Railway will be operating a free bus service, using a vintage vehicle from the Quantock Heritage Fleet, between Dunster Station and Dunster Steep. The bus will meet the trains at Dunster throughout the day and take them to the Steep from which it is a short walk to the Show Ground or into Dunster Village itself. Visitors who would like to visit the Castle can obtain a discount on admission by showing their WSR train tickets at the entrance. With fuel prices high the WSR is hopeful that holders of local residents' discount travel cards will use the trains and the buses to add a touch of transport nostalgia to the journey to the Country Fair. A similar service will also operate for Dunster Show on 15 August.
19 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Autumn Steam Gala news...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
News about engines planned to appear at the Autumn Steam Gala. Jeremy Hosking's "West Country" 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton is planned to be the headline attraction during the 2008 Autumn Steam Gala which runs from 2 October to 5 October. The Bulleid presence will further enhanced by a return visit of "Spam Can" no 34007 Wadebridge, which missed a planned visit for the Spring Gala after sustaining fire damage during the winter. In addition to the pair of "Light Pacifics" can be added a further nine steam engines in action. A type new to the line will be LNER N7 0-6-2T no 69621, or if this is unavailable S160 2-8-0 no 5197. GWR 0-6-2T no 6695 which has also been having mechanical attention in the shops at Williton will be at work and the WSR is looking forward to the welcome return of Dennis Howell’s "Hawksworth Pannier" no 9466. Completing the line-up are resident locos, nos 88, 3850, 4160, 5553, 9351 and 1788 (the latter will be shunting at Washford).
Press Release...
18 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Station Indicator commissioned at Crowcombe...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Another piece of the historic ways of railway working has recently been installed at Crowcombe Heathfield. The Station Indicator gives an audible alert is given when up or down trains are about two minutes running time from the station. This enables the station staff to arrive in good time for platform duties. A needle indicator is also provided which gives advance indication of the direction of the next train when the signal box is switched out. When the box is open the staff can see from the position of the signals which way the next train is, but when the box is switched out the signals in both directions are 'off' so it is difficult for staff to know beyond doubt which direction the next train will be. The indicator, like those at Dunster and Stogumber, is worked from the token instrument in the one of the signal boxes at the end of the single line section. These indicators were common at intermediate stations and manned level crossings on single lines all over the former GWR system, and the Minehead Branch was no exception and were unique to that company.
18 July 2008
Details from local correspondent
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • A track inspection train visits the Branch
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The National Rail track recording train visited the Minehead Branch on 16 July. The Track Inspection Coach was used to record the track geometry only (gauge, alignment, twist) throughout the length of the branch - this coach is one of the oldest in the NR fleet having seen a previous life as the Western Region general managers saloon. The indented sides allow the staff on board to monitor the journey. The train included National Rail DBS (Driving Brake Staff) coach no 9703 which avoids the need for top and tail locomotives.This vehicle has recently been converted and was previously a DBSO (Driving Brake Standard Open) and saw time until recently on Liverpool St-Norwich services. It is believed to be the first visit of a DBS away from NR metals. The train was powered by Class 31 no 31233. All data was recorded successfully before the first service trains of the day. The data helps better understanding of the condition of the line.
16 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondents
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • All-steam services in time for summer
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
It will be all-steam again from this coming weekend on the West Somerset Railway. Unexpected wheel wear problems sadly sidelined much of the WSR steam loco fleet during June causing diesels to be used instead, but the railway’s staff and volunteers have pulled out all of the stops in order to get the steam trains running again, and the intensive all steam timetable will swing into action this coming Saturday morning (19 July). General Manager Paul Conibeare has praised the track workers, train and platform staff, and the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group for supplying two heritage diesels at short notice, along with the many passengers who have continued to travel with us and been so understanding and supportive. Full Story...
16 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • A Bench of Bishops visit the West Somerset Railway
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Diocese of Bath and Wells is playing host to a small group of bishops prior to the upcoming Lambeth conference. On Monday 14 July they visited and travelled on the West Somerset Railway prior to spending time at Butlins on Minehead sea front and at Dunster Castle. Paul Conibeare, the Railway’s General Manager said "It was rather appropriate for the bishops and some family members to start their journey at Bishops Lydeard. They certainly seemed to enjoy their time with us and seeing parts of West Somerset, so different to many of their home dioceses." With the Bishop of Bath and Wells, Peter Price were the Bishops Albert Charma (Northern Zambia), David Njova (Lusaka, Zambia), Derek Kamukwamba (Central Zambia) and Robert Mumbi (Luapula, Zambia), Rob Nolan (Brisbane Australia), Peter Maurice (Taunton) William Muchombo (Eastern Zambia) and Nerva Cot Auguilera (Western Cuba)
15 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Country and Western on the Great Western...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The second live music night of the summer season at Minehead Station on the West Somerset Railway will take place on the evening of Saturday 26 July. The style of music featured this time out will be offered by the Yorkie Band and there will also be pig roast on the platform, or a vegetarian option if this is preferred. The music will begin at 7.30pm. and will continue until 9.30pm. A special train will be running from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and will leave Bishops Lydeard at 6.30pm, arriving back there at around 10.30pm The cost of the inclusive package of the train ride, the music and the roast is £22.00 and tickets must be purchased in advance from the West Somerset Railway at Minehead. This can be done by credit or debit card via the phone line to 01643 704996. Alternatively visitors may pay an admission charge at the gate to Minehead Station. This charge will be £5.00 for those who do not wish to eat at the pig roast or £8.50 including the food. WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "We have had a number of requests over recent years for a Country and Western night on the Railway and we hope for good weather and a good turn-out on the first weekend of the school holidays."
15 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Full steam service on the WSR...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The full steam service is about to be restored on the West Somerset Railway following remedial work on the rails. In a note to all staff, General Manager Paul Conibeare writes "I am delighted to report that as from Saturday 19 July 2008 the full timetabled service will be re-introduced.
This has clearly been a difficult time for all our front line staff who have handled all our customers on why we have been running a reduced steam service and I thank all of you for your support and understanding during the last few weeks. The strong message needs to go out that we are steaming ahead to a busy school holiday period and we will all need to encourage as many people as possible to travel through our glorious countryside, and also to visit our Buffets and shops during their visit."
15 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Calibration Technician wanted...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
A Calibration Technician is wanted. As part of the drive for West Somerset Restoration at Williton to expand its activities beyond the Railway there is a need to find a suitable volunteer to assist the team with the introduction of quality systems, in particular a calibration system for existing (and future) measuring equipment. If you have experience of precision measurement and would like to contribute to the future of the Railway please send your details to Gareth Winter at admin@wsrestoration.co.uk or telephone 01984 633547. For further details of West Somerset Restoration (part of the West Somerset Railway Association) see www.wsrestoration.co.uk.
15 July 2008
Details from WSRA
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • The WSRA Annual General Meeting...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Annual General Meeting of the West Somerset Railway Association was held at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall on 12 July 2008. Incoming Chairman Robin White was duly elected and the text of the Chairman's Address is available here (opens in a new window). During the meeting, former Treasurer Mike Grimoldby is presented with a tankard by Chairman Robin White as a token of thanks for his work for the Railway over many years and a tankard too for Humphrey Davies in appreciation of his 10 years as Chairman from his successor Robin White. And for her sterling efforts on the finances in the absence of a
14 July 2008
Details from WSRA
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Book sale at Minehead Station Shop...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead is holding a Clearance Sale of Books including Railway and other Transport titles plus items of general local interest. Reductions are mainly between 25% and 50% of the cover price, although a few will be sold at higher percentages as well. Shop manager Colin Howard and his team have been working through the stocks in recent weeks to identify titles that have been on the shelves for some time and are looking to clear space so that new titles can be added. So if you have been thinking of purchasing a particular title for some time but the pennies have been a little short a prompt visit to the Buffer Stop "while stocks last" may be in order...
14 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Norton was a busy place today...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The WSRA Norton Fitzwarren site was a busy place on 13 July. The day saw the combined forces of the WSRA Permanent Way and Special Projects teams preparing for the Steam Fayre and laying the first section of track on the Barnstaple formation. At one time there were five different groups, preparing the crossing from the public cars park ready for the Rally, taking shuttering off the last culvert under the East Chord, erecting a banner to face the mainline and advertise the Steam Fayre, safety railing a footbridge across a ditch and of course a further group laying a further three 60 foot panels of track on the original up formation. In all approximately thirty volunteers. Meanwhile Wessex Water has almost completed the installation of a metered hydrant at Norton Bridge to supply water for the Steam Fayre and in the future for visiting locomotives - the connection being near enough to the WSR line to connect a hose from hydrant to locomotive. A stop for morning coffee was timed to coincide with the passage of Tangmere on the Torbay Express service, and there were plenty of FGW and CrossCountry services passing during the rest of the day to admire our progress. If you've not seen Norton be sure to make a date for 2-3 August for the Steam Fayre when the public will be admitted to the site....
13 July 2008
Details from WSRA
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Update on GWR Collett no 6705...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Work is continuing at Crewe on GWR Collett no 6705. Walt Denning reports the Northern Branch of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust have recently collected drawgear and buffers from the SVR at Kidderminster and delivered same to the work site at Crewe. The American-style buffers and drawgear - a legacy from its years across the water - have been removed from the BCK at Crewe. With recent progress at Buckfastleigh, Crewe and Williton, the Heritage Carriages Project is gaining momentum...
13 July 2008
Details from WSSRT
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Work starts on GWR Toplight no 3639...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Work has started on the restoration on Toplight no 3639. At Williton on Saturday 5 July 2008 David Stockwell was joined by Paul Goodge, Clare Sheppy and Chris van den Arend. The group was joined by James Faulkner and four of his team from the Swindon & Cricklade Railway who are making a fantastic job of restoring their own Toplight coach and the local group from the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust are keen to learn from their experience. The first task is to jack up the roof of the coach with acro props to get everything in line.Then to make repairs to the 9" by 3" sole plate timber, corner posts and door posts to produce a sound framework. Why not get involved in this great challenge right at its beginning! Contact David Stockwell on 01275 877 979 or via this website.
12 July 2008
Details from WSSRT
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • WSR featured in Free Press supplement...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The Railway is extensively featured in a full colour supplement published by local newspaper the West Somerset Free Press. The full colour 12 page, newspaper-sized publication is well timed just ahead of the summer holidays with the Railway's full service of eight trains each way about to start. Pictures and editorial have been sourced from www.wsr.org.uk and follows a similar pattern to a supplement issues last year with descriptions of the ten WSR stations, and a good section all about the West Somerset Railway Association. Our thanks to the Free Press for supporting the Railway by publishing this colourful and interesting supplement.
12 July 2008
Details from WSFP
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Minehead Toy and Train Sale...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Some more information about this event is to hand from organiser Chris Dyer. Once again there will be some 50 tables featuring dealers wares set up at Minehead Station on 3 August, including many top dealers specialising in Dinky Toys, Corgi, Matchbox, EFE, Lledo, Britains, Hornby Trains, Bachman, Lima and much,much more. Admission to the Sale is £1.25 for adults and 75p for Children and senior citizens. However passengers holding West Somerset Railway tickets can obtain free admission and the first train from Bishops Lydeard is due into Minehead at 10.58am. For more information contact Chris on 01643 702757 or 07966 694579.
9 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • No Bittern to WSR - further update
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
With regret, Steam Dreams has decided to divert their tour on the 16 July to a new location. The West Somerset Railway had offered a steam locomotive to haul the train on the WSR while the LNER A4 4-6-2 no 60019 Bittern returned to Westbury to turn, but the path available from Network Rail did not match the path on the West Somerset, even with some adjustment to WSR's own services, and would have meant a very short time in Minehead for the visitors from London. Paul Conibeare, WSR General Manager, commented "Clearly we are disappointed not to be able to bring an A4 onto the WSR, but we will be working hard with Steam Dreams and Network Rail for future tours next year, as Minehead will be an alternative steam destination, with our turntable at Minehead being part of the new chapter in the history of the WSR."
8 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • No Bittern to Minehead - update
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
No 60019 will not make it to Minehead as expected. When the Cathedrals Express from London headed by LNER Pacific no 60019 Bittern turns off the main line at Norton Fitzwarren, the A4 will only be running as far as Bishops Lydeard. The WSR have explained the reason for the A4 being removed at Bishops Lydeard is that the new turntable at Minehead cannot be guaranteed to be ready in time. The recent testing of the turntable with home-based locos nos 4160 and 3850 have highlighted the need for more work on the approach road, also the outlet road needs to be completed and connected to the buffer stop. Once the paperwork is completed and HMRI approval gained, the turntable will be commissioned and available for commercial use. The WSR have offered Class 47 no D1661 to haul the special from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back. (see further update above)
7 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • New home for Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
After many years at Bishops Lydeard, the Fayre is moving to a new location. The event - on 2 and 3 August 2008 - will be held at the WSRA fields at Norton Fitzwarren. Access to the site will be from the B3227 at the edge of the village. "With the change of location for the Fayre we will be running an interesting programme of vintage bus links to reach it", said Humphrey Davies of the organising team. "As in past years we will be running free services from Taunton Railway Station and Castle Green in the town centre but in addition we will also be operating links from Bishops Lydeard station to the site for visitors from West Somerset who are coming by train. The buses will be drawn from the Quantock Heritage fleet and the service makes for a bus rally in its own right. The new site is some 33 acres in area and that will give us plenty of space to lay on our usual show featuring everything from the big steam traction engines through to vintage bicycles. There will be many vintage and historic cars and motor cycles, fire engines, lorries, buses, military vehicles and agricultural machines, all lovingly restored and on display plus regular parades and displays by the vehicles. To that can be added the usual selection of children’s entertainments, refreshments, trade stands and all the fun of the Fayre generally." The Fayre is open on both days between 10.00am and 5pm and admission charges are £6 for adults, £5 for seniors, £3 for children aged 5 to 15 and £15 for a family of 2 adults and up to 4 childrens. Combined rail journey and fayre admission tickets will be available from some West Somerset Railway stations.
6 July 2008
Details from WSRA
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • All go for the Friends of Minehead Station...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Lots and lots going on at Minehead Station. The repositioned and freshly-painted Readers Halt is open for business, with the adjacent storeroom proving its worth for manager, Frances Bristow and team. Frances has announced her retirement after ten years of hard work - Wendy and Jeff Cousins will be taking over later this year. On the maintenance side,of paint is now going on the Accounts Office, FOMS Workshop and the Operations Portacabin. Good work too is being done at the country end, especially to the gardens, and further along, the gardening team are helping the lengthsman look after the lineside between Seaward Way and Alcombe Footpath crossings. As ever, lots of other activities, including social events, fill the calendar of the Friends of Minehead Station...
4 July 2008
Details from FOMS
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • A4 will not make it to Minehead...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The hoped-for visit of a Streak to Minehead will not take place as expected. WSR's monthly staff magazine, Online, reports "Steam Dreams Cathedrals Express visit scheduled for Wednesday 16 July will be another first for the Minehead branch when A4 Pacific no 60019 Bittern turns off the main line at Norton Fitzwarren. The A4 will only be running as far as Bishops Lydeard having brought the train from London Victoria via Reading. Word is that some 300 passengers booked to come to Minehead via the WSR." Of course, this will result in the new turntable not being used to turn the A4. At this stage, this website is not aware of the reason for the curtailed haulage, or which loco will haul the special between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. Update Please see news snippet above...
4 July 2008
Details from WSR's Online
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Progress with GWR 0-6-2T no 6695...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Work on another loco nears completion at Williton. Steady progress has been maintained with the contractual work on Swanage Railway-based GWR 0-6-2T no 6695 at West Somerset Restoration's base at the Swindon Shed, Williton. With Braunton in the final stages of assembly (see below), resources are concentrated on completing the 0-6-2T so it can go into WSR service once testing is complete. It is expected to remain on the WSR until September.
4 July 2008
Details from WSR's Online and WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • A new Deputy Station Master for Bishops Lydeard...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Andrew Padfield has become the latest Deputy Station Master at Bishops Lydeard. Andrew joins Eric Bennet, Clive Goddard, Ian Hibbard, Stuart Hookins, Chris Sheppard and Malc Stacey.
With Bishops Lydeard’s busy station requiring a Deputy for each day Andrew will shortly take up the Saturday position which leaves Monday and Friday still without deputies.
Any existing or potential volunteers who would like to be considered for a Deputy Station Master job should contact Ken Davidge, Station Master by telephoning 01404 44021 or by email...
3 July 2008
Details from WSRA
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • An update on the current situation...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Remedial reprofiling work on the track is prgressing very well. Reporting in WSR's Online, the WSR Plc Chairman, Chris Austin, explains "By the last week of June a further seven and a half rail miles were completed, so that most of the line between Bishops Lydeard and Roebuck Crossing and from just south of Williton to Watchet has been covered. This completes more than half of the priority tasks. Following any final attention, conditioning and inspection, all is on course to bring back steam in force from 21 July, in time for the start of the peak summer timetable. The new lubricators are due to be delivered in time for installation before this date. The work will ensure a railway with a good rail profile and the result will have been to extend rail life and to improve ride quality for passengers."
3 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • Rally preparations are full steam ahead...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The WSRA are getting the Norton site ready for the Steam Rally. Topsoil has been added where the ground had settled or was still uneven from previous construction and then seeded. Various crossings have been made across the formation for foot traffic. The arena and show area is being currently being fenced with a multitude of gates to allow vehicles and visitors to move from one area to another. Car parking will be in fields across the WSR line from the Norton site, and the disused accommodation crossing has been refurbished and resurfaced and will be brought back into use for pedestrians to access the Rally from the car parks. This alone took six tons of ballast – the loading shovel having just an inch to spare either side when passing through the gates onto the line. Full details...
2 July 2008
Details from WSRA and WSR Online
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • No 34046 progressing well...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Encouraging signs at Williton. The last week of June has seen SR West Country class 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton back on its wheels with coupling and connecting rods, three sets of motion, and all brake gear refitted. As soon as the sanding pipes have been completed and the final lengths of electrical wiring fed through the conduits the locomotive will be lowered to the rails and the jacks removed. The opportunity is being taken to fit the West Country’s six coupled wheel axleboxes with thermo-couples wired back to a meter in the cab for their temperatures to be monitored to detect any signs of overheating once testing is resumed. This will commence once some final pipework adjustments have been made in the cab. The aim is to be in WSR service in the next few weeks...
2 July 2008
Details from WSR Online
|
|
|
|
|
|
| • The Hestercombes...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The West Somerset Railway and Hestercombe Gardens have joined forces for second year to offer visitors and local residents the chance for a combined day out. On each Wednesday until 24 September WSR passengers can purchase "Hestercombe Express" tickets from booking offices or travelling ticket inspectors on the train which will give a return train ride, a bus link from Bishops Lydeard Station and admission to the wonderfully restored Hestercombe Gardens with just under three hours to explore before starting the return journey. Sally Bennett of Hestercombe Gardens commented "What a super little package for everyone to enjoy - a gentle ride through the Somerset countryside by train and an easy transfer by bus to Hestercombe makes for a great day out." The combined tickets can be purchased at WSR booking offices and on the trains.
1 July 2008
Details from WSR Plc
|
|
|