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Hymek no D7017 is started up
For the first time in the three years, Hymek no D7017 was fired up and was successfully run for a time outside in the yard at Williton. Prior to the big event and during the preheat stage of the engine many final checks were completed and with various Diesel & Electric Preservation Group members at strategic positions within the engine room in the Hymek. The pressing of the button was delayed by about fifteen minutes, and at quarter past three on Saturday 28 February 2009, Neil McCannon had the privilege of performing the task and after a couple of coughs the engine roared into life in front of the massed ranks of the entire DEPG workforce who had turned out plus a few onlookers who were in the know...
28 February 2009
Details from local correspondent
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Improvements at the Gauge Museum
Over the winter the Curator and team have been busy revamping some of the displays in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard. New displays have been mounted illustrating the history of the line. A series of historical leaflets has been produced which will be on sale for 20p each in the Museum. The meeting room area has been redecorated and RAMS (Restoration and Maintenance Squad) have erected a new screen with a large notice board which now carries reproductions of railway posters. There is more work to do, notably filling the new display cases, but this should all be done in time for the Spring Steam Gala. This will be an interesting weekend as it is planned to have Queen Victoria in attendance (aka Julia Clewes) to host our visitors.
28 February 2009
Details from WSRA
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Another WSR pictorial book by Don Bishop
WSR volunteer and photographer Don Bishop has another pictorial book due out in May 2009. "Spirit of the West Somerset Railway" will be published by Halsgrove Press. The new book will be a pocket sized album in their popular "Spirit" series and will feature around 60 of Don's images of the West Somerset taken over the last six years. It will cost just £4.99 and will of course be available from the shops at Bishops Lydeard Station and Minehead Station as well as many other local book shops.
28 February 2009
Details from local correspondent
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Running in board replaced at Minehead
A new running-in board for Minehead. The RAMS team (Restoration and Maintenance Squad, based at Bishops Lydeard) have constructed a new running board for Minehead Station. The board was delivered and erected today in a joint effort by the RAMS men and the Friends of Minehead Station team. RAMS are congratulated on producing a superb replacement for the old board which was completely rotten. FOMS member Allan Hinde wondered if we could put his name on one side (see Latest Pictures). The fine work will surely be much photographed by the masses at the Spring Steam Gala.
25 February 2009
Details from FOMS and RAMS
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Steam Trust Film Night is cancelled
Due to circumstances beyond the control of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust the film show that was to be held at Crowcombe on 28 March has been cancelled. Refunds will be made as soon as possible to ticket holders. The Steam Trust apologise for the cancellation and hope to be able to arrange film events in the future. The film night was to be held on the second Saturday of the Spring Steam Gala.
25 February 2009
Details from WSSRT
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Eddystone for the Spring Steam Gala
A classic West Country locomotive has been booked for the Spring Steam Gala. Southern Railway West Country Class 4-6-2 no 34028 Eddystone has been secured as the final guest locomotive for the forthcoming Gala which runs over six days, 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 March. This completes a very impressive line up for the six day event - nos 46100, 60019, 6024, 34046, 34028, 45231, 4936, 6695, 88, 5553, 9351 and 3850. Full details...
24 February 2009
Details from SEPT
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Bernard Mills to entertain the Taunton Group
Just a reminder that the next meeting of the Taunton Group is due to take place on Monday 2 March. Starting at 7.45pm at the usual venue, the GWRSA snug bar, near the north east corner of Taunton Station, the speaker will be Bernard Mills, with a talk "3 Stations for Bodmin". Many will know Bernard, who is an entertaining West Country speaker, and who quite often visits the WSR. The planned visit to the Perry Grove Railway in the Forest of Dean on the May Bank Holiday Monday 4 May has been cancelled. However, a visit to the Exeter Panel Signal Box has been secured. Final arrangements have still to be made and because of limited space at the Box, numbers may also be limited. Interested parties should contact Peter Darke as soon as possible.
23 February 2009
Details from WSRA
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Maybach Music at the Mixed Traffic Weekend
The Mixed Traffic Weekend in June will adopt a Hydraulics theme. For most lovers of "Hydraulics" the highspot will be the planned return to traffic of Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner and Class 35 Hymek no D7017 after long term overhauls carried out by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group at their Williton base. In support will be Class 52 no D1062 Western Courier fresh from a major overhaul undertaken by owners, the Western Locomotive Association at their Bridgnorth base on the Severn Valley Railway and Class 42 Warship no D832 Onslaught courtesy of the Bury Hydraulic Group. Completing the diesel-hydraulic line up will be two Class 14 locomotives nos D9520 (courtesy of the Iron and Steel Traction Group) and D9526. Diesel-electric locomotives will also feature, including Class 47 no D1661, Class 25 no D7523 and Class 33 no D6566. The WSR's DMU will provide a shuttle service. Completing the impressive list are two classic Western steam locomotives, BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160 and GWR 2-6-2T no 5553 - and - negotiations are advancing which, if successful, will see as a "a special guest star" the newly built Class A1 Pacific no 60163 Tornado - recently much featured in the national media - in action on the Minehead Branch.
20 February 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Past and Present - new book and new DVD
Such is the pace of change on the West Somerset Railway. The changes have resulted in the "Nostalgia Collection" is launching a second volume of its book about the WSR at the upcoming Spring Steam Gala. The new book, "West Somerset Railway, Past and Present" has been compiled and edited by David Williams, Editor of the WSR Journal. The new book features comparative "then and now" pictures from both the GWR and BR days and also from the start of the preservation era in the 1970s and 80s. Volume 1, overseen by John Stretton is also still in print. Both run to 96 pages and feature 170-180 photos of the West Somerset from Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead. Volume 1 costs £15.99 from WSR shops and Volume 2 will retail at £15.99. (ring 01643 700387 or 01823 433856 for postage and packing information). Also being launched at the Spring Gala is the first "On Track" DVD produced to accompany a "Past and Present Volume". This will also use archive and current shots and will cost £16.95 from West Somerset Railway shops. The launch of both the new book and the DVD will take place at Minehead Station over the second weekend of the Spring Steam Gala, 26 March to 29 March.
20 February 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Log train rolls again
After a period in the sidings the Log Train will be back on Saturday 28 February. Following a series of cutting back sessions along the line, there is timber to collect at several locations including Washford Bank, Bicknoller, Churchlands, Bishops Lydeard and Norton Manor. As before, a good turnout of volunteers is expected for this unusual activity. The day will start promptly at Bishops Lydeard Station at 8.30am and finish there at around 4.30pm.
17 February 2009
Details from WSRA
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A new home for Woolworths fixtures and fittings
Components and shop fittings from the Minehead branch of Woolworths have found a new home and are once again carrying stock for sale. During the period between 4 January, when the West Somerset Railway closed for its winter maintenance period and its re-opening for half-term trains on 14 February, the Railway’s Retail Manager Colin Howard and a small team of staff and volunteers completely revamped the interior layout of the Minehead Station Shop, incorporating the salvaged units. Jennifer Foster, a visitor to the Station, carried out the ribbon-cutting re-opening ceremony. "The Minehead Shop has been very successful but the interior layout had stayed the same for over a decade and we felt it was time for a change and to incorporate various ideas based on the experience of the shop staff," said WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare, "and its first weekend went well. It feels a less-cluttered environment and we look forward to seeing how it works when the Spring Steam Gala brings the first really big crowds at the end of March." Saturday 14 February also marked the re-opening of the café at Minehead Station, situated adjacent to the turntable area, which saw a steady flow of trade through the day as visitors enjoyed the chance of a cup of tea and a sandwich whilst awaiting the next train.
17 February 2009
Details from WSRA
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All set for Members Day on 8 March
The Members Day has proved so popular with every place now taken. Over 600 Members will enjoy the day at the Railway on 8 March. An extra DMU turn has been arranged - the third train set on the day. Please note that no more bookings are being accepted. More trains for the WSR Association Members Day on 8 March. Due to the enormous uptake of WSRA Members wishing to attend Members Day on 8 March - in excess of 600 - the Association along with the WSR are revising the timetable on the day by incorporating a 4 car DMU to make up three trains for the day and give greater flexibility. More at WSRA website...
17 February 2009
Details from WSRA
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Update on the Gala Norton Shuttles
The popular Norton Shuttle services will again feature at the Spring Steam Gala. Details are being finalised for the services between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren at the Spring Steam Gala. The Shuttles will run at both Gala weekends - 21 & 22 March and 28 & 29 March - although the main line charter will reduce the number of Shuttles on 28 March. More details will be posted here when available...
14 February 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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A new Chairman for the WSR Association
At the West Somerset Railway Association Committee Meeting on 13 February, David Holmes was elected Chairman of the Association. David had been Vice Chairman for some time and is also well known as the Leader of the Special Projects Team and the Cutting Back Team. David is also a Director of the WSR Plc. Check out the West Somerset Railway Association website...
14 February 2009
Details from WSRA
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The Return of the Hall
A Hall will grace the rails at the Spring Steam Gala. We understand that GWR 4-6-0 no 4936 Kinlet Hall has be secured for the event which runs on 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 March 2009. No 4936 has made several visits to the Minehead Branch - the last time in 2005. Lots more about the event at the Spring Steam Gala page, which will be updated soon to include details of the Gala weekend trips between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren.
13 February 2009
Details from SEPT
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The Flockton Flyer DVD
A new DVD celebrates the role played by the West Somerset Railway in a favourite TV series. Enjoy a nostalgic look back at the early days of the West Somerset Railway when the line, the rolling stock and staff played key parts in the Southern TV childrens series the Flockton Flyer. The DVD will be on sale at the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead from 16 March 2009 and then, for a month only, special prices will apply for this item from the Shop - buy and collect for a special price of £14.99, or just £15.99 to buy and have the DVD posted. Ideal timing for visitors to the Spring Steam Gala who will want to see how the Railway has changed over the years.
13 February 2009
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondent
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Sundays-only Gala bus link news
Another way to get to the Sunday services at the forthcoming WSR Spring Steam Gala. The Sundays-only number 300 service is operated by Quantock Motor Services. The easy access, low floor open top double deck bus departs Taunton Castle Way at 8.45am, calling at Taunton Railway Station at 8.50am, and WSR's Bishops Lydeard Railway Station at 9.05am. The return bus calls at Bishops Lydeard Railway Station at 6.40pm, Taunton Railway Station at 6.55pm and Taunton Castle Way at 7pm. If planning to use this service, please check with Quantock Motor Services before you travel.
13 February 2009
Details from local correspondent
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Update on the West Somerset Walk...
Another way to get to the Sunday services at the forthcoming WSR Spring Steam Gala. The Sundays-only number 300 service is operated by Quantock Motor Services. The easy access, low floor open top double deck bus departs Taunton Castle Way at 8.45am, calling at Taunton Railway Station at 8.50am, and WSR's Bishops Lydeard Railway Station at 9.05am. The return bus calls at Bishops Lydeard Railway Station at 6.40pm, Taunton Railway Station at 6.55pm and Taunton Castle Way at 7pm. If planning to use this service, please check with Quantock Motor Services before you travel.
13 February 2009
Details from WSSRT
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Black Five for Spring Steam Gala...
A Black Five for the Spring Steam Gala. The Special Events Planning Team have announced the classic mixed-traffic steam locomotive ex-LMS Black Five 4-6-0 no 45231 will attend the six day Spring Steam Gala which runs over two weekends on 21, 22, 26, 27, 28, 29 March 2009 . No 45231 was a popular visitor at the West Somerset Railway in 2006 and appears in 2009 courtesy of Bert Hitchin.
12 February 2009
Details from SEPT
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Update: WSRA Members Day 8 March 2009...
The WSR Association have had to close the books for the Members Day on 8 March due to overwhelming demand. Ian Aldridge, the WSRA's Volunteer Coordinator explains "It is with regret that further booking for the WSRA Members Day have been withdrawn as from 10 February due to the overwhelming number of bookings, the limited availability of locos and rolling stock. I apologise for any inconvenience this may cause to members affected by this decision."
10 February 2009
Details from WSRA
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WSRA Members Day 8 March 2009...
More trains for the WSR Association Members Day on 8 March. Due to the enormous uptake of WSRA Members wishing to attend Members Day on 8 March - already in excess of 600 - the Association along with the WSR are revising the timetable on the day by incorporating a 4 car DMU to make up three trains for the day and give greater flexibility. For those waiting for tickets, in fact no tickets will be issued - the pink application form which Members sent in to the WSRA office will be returned to them. The pink form and membership card will be the pass to travel for Members. Full instructions for the day and the departments that can be visited will be sent out with their return letter along with an amended timetable.
8 February 2009
Details from WSRA
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Already planning for the 2010 Spring Gala...
Already very busy with the forthcoming Spring Steam Gala the Special Events Planning Team have announced the theme of the same event in 2010 Spring. The theme for the 2010 Spring Steam Gala will "British Railway Standard Locomotives". A popular choice, for sure, as many will remember the last of the regular steam trains on British Railways hauled by a "standard" range of steam locomotives. An interesting choice too for the current WSR steam locomotive fleet pre-date that period and this will lead to a greater number of visiting locomotives. With all of the WSR coaching stock also based on a standard BR design - the Mark One - maybe some coaches will be repainted into the well-known "blood and custard" livery? Meantime - more about the 2009 Spring Steam Gala click here...
6 February 2009
Details from SEPT
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Update on locos for the Spring Gala...
Two possibles fall through but discussions continue on three others. The expected visit of two Southern Railway locos nos 30777 and 30825 was called off not long after an advertisement for the Gala was placed in a national magazine. The current line-up of nos 6100, 60019, 6024, 34046, 6695, 88, 5553, 9351, 3850 remains in place and the Special Events Planning Team are confident of a full house. Furthermore, the Team are still in negotations for three further locomotives for the Gala. LNER 4-6-2 no 60019 Bittern will arrive by rail on 17 March. For more about the Spring Steam Gala click here...
6 February 2009
Details from SEPT
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The Spring Steam Gala mailshot exercise...
With the Spring Steam Gala just six weeks away a team of West Somerset Railway volunteers set to work to send out a mailshot to steam enthusiasts the length and breadth of the land. In three and a half hours, the volunteers processed 25000 promotional items. "...we have a database of over 5000 enthusiasts to whom we forward details of our special events", said West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare, "and to each of them we sent the Gala leaflet itself, accommodation details for the area along the line, information about the Quantock Belle dining train for the year, fliers concerning a film show to raise money for the Heritage Carriages Fund, and application forms for Lineside Photography permits. In total this means some 25,000 items go into the envelopes" Paul added "We also mail out information to other Heritage Railways, Railway Clubs and Tourist Information Centres". More about the Spring Steam Gala...
5 February 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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Two excursions announced...
Two through trains between Minehead and London have been announced recently. This is good news and perhaps the rail tour operators are encouraged by the commissioning of the turntable at Minehead, which now allows visiting steam locomotives to turn and haul the excursion on the return journey, making for a greatly enhanced, value added, day out by steam. The first is a Minehead to London trip hauled by GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I on 30 May 2009, whilst the second is a steam hauled London to Minehead excursion on 18 June 2009. Please see the special trains page for brief details and how to make a booking...
Amended 5 February 2009
Details from local correspondents
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Information for visitors with mobility scooters...
The West Somerset Railway have introduced new guidelines for visitors with mobility scooters. Whilst conventional, unpowered, wheelchairs are welcome on the trains without prior reservation, users of powered scooters are asked to check with the Railway in advance of travelling by email or by phone on 01643 704996. The Railway will, of course, do everything possible to enable everyone to travel on the Minehead Branch. A quick enquiry will enable the Railway to share useful information about accommodation on the trains and access to the platforms. Please note the guidelines apply to powered mobility scooters only.
5 February 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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A visit cheers the day...
Staff at Minehead Station were delighted at the arrival of a very special visitor recently. Casey Minter, just six weeks old and fast asleep, wowed the folks at Minehead when her mum, WSR Tours Officer Sam Minter, paid a visit. We are sure everyone connected with the West Somerset Railway would like to join us in congratulating Sam and her partner Paul. Meantime, Rog and Maggi Stobbs are helping with bookings, and Peter Clements is managing the personnel records.
5 February 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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WSR issue report into wheel/rail problems in 2008...
The West Somerset Railway has completed its investigation into the problems which it experienced in the middle of 2008 when excessive tyre wear was detected on the wheels of some of its steam locomotives. And in a Press Release issued today, West Somerset Railway Chairman Mark Smith comments on the content of the Report that has been published by David Morgan, Chairman of the Heritage Railway Association and a WSR Director, based on the findings of an investigation by an outside Civil Engineering consultant and interviews with West Somerset Railway staff conducted by David Morgan. Copies of David Morgan's Report, and the consultant's report, are being made available to working staff and volunteers upon application - details of how to apply are published in the latest WSR Online document.
Amended 3 February 2009
Details from WSR Plc
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The Quantock Belle 2009 programme is announced ...
The 2009 programme of dining trains on the West Somerset Railway has been announced by the WSR Association. Following the success of previous years, the steam-hauled Quantock Belle dining train will run on selected Sundays and Saturdays between April and November. The Belle will also run during the festive season with a special service to the Dunster by Candlelight event in early December. A discount on the standard fare is available for those who book early for the Sunday Luncheon dining train. Brief details here. Full details of times, dates and fares, along with lots of other information can now be found on the WSRA website...
2 February 2009
Details from WSRA
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