| The St George's Day Quantock Belle lunchtime dining train |
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There are just a few seats left on this special train which is scheduled to be hauled by Class 33 diesel locomotive no D6575 built at the start of the 1960s and now in the care of the Williton-based Diesel and Electric Preservation Group. The menu will be soup of the day, steak and onion pie with new potatoes and vegetables followed by dessert and coffee. This will cost £26 for travel and meal and for an extra £4 a cream tea on the way home if pre-ordered. Pre-booking of the seats is necessary and bookings can be made Tuesdays to Saturdays in office hours via 01823 433856. Dress code is smart informal or formal; no jeans, shorts or sportswear. A number of non-dining seats can also be booked. The journey is from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return.
31March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc 
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| Mixed results for the Spring Steam Gala |
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It seems the struggling economy and the extreme weather hit the Spring Steam Gala on the West Somerset Railway. The Somerset County Gazette report " After a very busy first weekend (March 16-17), when numbers were up 30% on last year, the cold weather deterred people the following week (March 21-24). But more than 3,500 passengers from across the region and further afield travelled on the heritage railway throughout the gala." Full story
30 March 2013
Details from Somerset County Gazette
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| No 5542 to leave the WSR soon |
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Ex-GW 2-6-2T no 5542 will be leaving the WSR soon, on completion of duties on the West Somerset Railway over the recent Spring Steam Gala event. After the Gala, Locomotive 5542 Ltd made the ever-popular Prairie tank available to the WSR for a few days to provide motive power for the loading of other locomotives and stock at Bishops Lydeard. It has been agreed mutually between the WSR plc and Locomotive 5542 Ltd that the loco will not remain on the WSR for the full duration of the planned six week hire in Spring 2013. Instead, she will be taken to Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway for some minor attention and will be working trains on the seven mile Devon branch line for a short time. The next move will be to Toddington, to take up work on the existing hire agreement. This year's planned six week presence on the West Somerset Railway was one of four such visits programmed between 2013 and 2016, so the WSR's many fans and supporters of no 5542 will not have to wait too long for her return to what many consider her "home territory".
27 March 2013
Details from Locomotive 5542 Ltd 
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| Station Farm planning permission is granted |
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The West Somerset Railway Plc has announced that its planning permission application for the change of use for the southern part of the Station Farm site, next to Bishops Lydeard Station, from tourist use to operating railway use has been approved. This decision means that the Railway will be able to go ahead building up the ground level and installing trackwork to help support the operation of the railway as one of Somerset's leading visitor attractions.
26 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Diesel running on the WSR in 2013 |
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The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) have announced the 2013 running dates and allocations for diesel locomotives on the West Somerset Railway. The full details can be found on the DEPG website with the list covering diesel locomotive haulage during four special events, around sixteen days on normal service trains, Quantock Belle dining train haulage and diesel driver experience courses.
25 March 2013
Details from Diesel and Electric Preservation Group 
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| Mixed Traction Weekend temporary farewell for long serving Crompton |
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This year's Mixed Traction Weekend will mark the last appearance, for a while, on the WSR of the hardworking Class 33 Crompton no D6566 before its withdrawal for overhaul. The locomotive has given no less than eighteen years service on the Minehead line, on passenger, driver experience and works trains. The three days of the Mixed Traction Weekend 17 June to 19 June will be the last chance to travel behind this Crompton for a while. However Crompton fans will be able to enjoy the distinctive sound of the Sulzer 8LAD28 engine echo in the Quantock Hills courtesy of classmate no D6575 which came into service last year. And we understand a mainline diesel unit will provide a shuttle service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard on the Saturday and Sunday of the event.
24 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Update on progress with overhaul of Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219 |
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The overhaul of Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219 by apprenctice Ryan Pope at West Somerset Restoration's base at Williton is progressing well. The loco now has new buffers in place and two cylinder covers made and fitted whilst cab refitting is underway. New oil pots for the cross head and slide bar lubrication were made by Steve Roach WSRA volunteer to Ryan's design. The internal valve gear has been refitted.
23 March 2013
Details via Facebook
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| Car falls onto West Somerset Railway at Norton Bridge |
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A car has left the road at Norton Bridge and come to rest on the West Somerset Railway. The car ploughed through a fence beside Norton Bridge on the Milverton side of the main road at Norton Fitzwarren and plummeted 20 feet down onto the track below. The car was written off but the driver was able to get out unscathed, although she was taken to hospital for a check up. No trains were involved although the car ended up at the spot where locomotives usually wait before gaining the single line to Bishops Lydeard. The vehicle has been removed by the WSR Association's contractor who was working nearby, the track was undamaged and trains expected to commence running again soon.
22 March 2013
Details via Facebook
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| Mixed Traction Weekend: guest diesel locomotives announced |
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Subject to confirmation we understand three diesel locomotives will guest at the Mixed Traction special event in June. Although as this news item is penned, no official announcement has been made, it seems Class 24 no 24081 from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, and a Class 20 and a Class 37 from Direct Rail Services, will grace the West Somerset Railway's rails during the Mixed Traction event on 7, 8, 9 June. Home fleet locos due to appear are nos D9526, D6575, D7017, D832, D1661 and D1010.
21 March 2013
Details via Facebook
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| Over 2100 passengers travel on first Gala weekend |
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The West Somerset Railway’s Spring Steam Gala had a very successful first weekend with over 2100 passengers travelling on the trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead over the two days 16-17 March. Many of the visitors also stayed in the surrounding area giving a welcome early season trade boost for local accommodation providers, restaurants, cafes and pubs. The Spring Steam Gala continues between Thursday 21 March and Sunday 24 March and information can be obtained by calling 01643 704996.
19 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Peckett Kilmersdon passes Part Two of its live steam inspection |
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The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust's diminutive Peckett 0-4-0ST no 1788 Kilmersdon passed Part Two of the live steam inspection on Friday 15 March 2013. Now in the fully lined-out Prussian Blue livery of the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway, the locomotive is expected to at work at Washford Yard during the Spring Steam Gala (16,17,21,22,23,24 March), hopefully paired with SDJR coach no 4 which also carries the famous blue livery. With the Trust's blue liveried SDJR 7F 2-8-0 no 88 now back on the line and expected to work trains on the WSR during the Gala, a special photograph might just be possible when the 7F passes Washford...
16 March 2013
Details from Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust 
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| Great Western Steam Rail Motor on the Minehead Branch |
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Something very different will grace the West Somerset rails during the next few days - a steam rail motor. Essentially this is a coach containing a boiler and a power unit and GWR no 93 is a unique survival. It has just made its first return visit to Somerset since the 1930s when it worked on the long-closed line between Yatton and Clevedon. No 93 has been recently restored at the Llangollen Railway and will be running during the Spring Steam Gala at the West Somerset Railway on the 16,17,18,19 and 21,22,23 24 March 2013.
14 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Eating at the Turntable Cafe during the Gala |
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The Turntable Cafe at Minehead Station will be serving hot pasties, sausage rolls, bacon baps as well as a selection of cold food sandwichs, homemade bread pudding and cakes will also be available during the Spring Steam Gala. And as can be seen (left) the Cafe is also offering an All Day Breakfast - egg, bacon, sausage, benas, tomato, toast and butter, with a mug of tea ot coffee - for just £5.
14 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Train of Events - a film evening on 22 March |
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A showing of a 1949 Ealing Studios film starring Jack Warner at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall on 22 March 2013. The film evening, with an exclusive showing of "Train of Events", with a cast including Valerie Hobson, Jack Warner, John Clements, Irina Baranova and Susan Shaw. By kind permission of Canal Plus Image (UK) Ltd & Optimum Releasing. This is a vintage 16mm film - not a DVD! The show promises "Laughter, Love, Suspense and Thrills in a Film of a Fateful Journey" and starts at 7.30pm and admission is £6. Food and drinks will be available.
13 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association 
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| Guest locos arrive for the Spring Steam Gala |
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Two of the Spring Steam Gala guest steam locomotives have arrived. Making a return visit to the West Somerset Railway is ex-Southern Railway 4-6-0 no 777 Sir Lamiel which makes an interesting comparison in engineering and visual terms with the line's Great Western engines, whilst USA S160 2-8-0 no 6046 makes its first ever visit to the Minehead Branch, following a previous and very popular visit by another S160 (no 5197 in 2008). With the visiting Steam Rail Motor already here and generating huge interest during its gauging trials [pictures] and the ever popular GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 due to arrive very soon, the eight-day Gala looks all set to go.
13 March 2013
Details from local correspondents
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| Latest news from the Friends of Minehead Station |
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Two major projects are highlighted in the latest newsletter from the Friends of Minehead Station. Concrete pathways have been constructed around the new buildings near the turntable which make for a tidier and cleaner area - an area which is much in the public gaze; elsewhere the Friends have reconstructed the former and long bricked up ParcelsOffice doorway, which was until recently hidden behind a poster hoarding. It seems prolonged negotiations with the County Council were concluded when the old door fell apart when being inspected bu a Council representative. Approval to replace then came swiftly. A new door now stands in place awaiting painting. Meanwhile, a huge amount of work continues wth maintenance and gardening, whilst the hard-pressed folks who run the Reader's Halt bookstall, the biggest fundraiser for the Friends, are preparing for the new season and have expressed the need for additional volunteers to help run the Halt. We are continually impressed by the work of the Friends of Minehead Station, long may they continue.
13 March 2013
Details from the Friends of Minehead Station
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| Lots to see at Williton during the Gala |
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A good place to stop during the Spring Steam Gala and find out about several projects would be Williton Station. With their locomotive busy on the line during the Gala, the Locomotive 5542 Ltd folks will be keen to talk about the loco and also show progress on their GWR Auto Coach no 169 undergoing restoration in the Swindon Shed at Williton. Another interesting restoration project at the Swindon Shed is the work being done by West Somerset Restoration apprentice Liam Pope on Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219; Liam says the loco will be on display. Swindon Shed is open on both Gala weekends. Heritage diesel traction can be viewed at the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group diesel depot and visitor centre next to Williton Station. New arrival Hawksworth Inspection Saloon no W80976W and the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust's GWR BCK no 6705 will also be available for viewing. More details here.
12 March 2013
Details from local correspondents, WSRA, WSSRT and WSR Plc
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| Book signings at the Buffer Stop Shop |
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The Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead has arranged several book signing sessions during the Spring Steam Gala. Lined up are Chris Vine, author of "Peter's Railway" on 16 and 17 March; Chris Austin co-author of "Holding the Line" on 17 March; then on 23 March, Alan Hammond with his &qot'60's Boys" series. On the same day and the next day, Julian Holland's illustrated book "The Beeching Report 50 Years On" is launched. Meantime, during the Railway Literary Festival, adjacent to Minehead Station, Ken Issitt ("Firing the Flying Scotsman") and John Parsons ("Saving the WSR") will be signing on 23 March (between 1pm and 2pm) and 24 March (noon and 1pm) respectively. More information here.
12 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Plc
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| Gala shopping |
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The Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard has a number of its own highlights this gala with the following promotions. Manager Kate Beard writes "We have special offers on model railway items - 10% discount on coaches and wagons, with selected locomotives up to 30% off our normal retail price; various book titles now reduced up to half price; for those interested in diecasts, 10% off 1:12th motorbike models plus a special edition West Somerset Railway-painted steam traction engine only £9.50. Plus a full diary of book signings."
12 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| Welcome tender loving care for the DMU |
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Readers of this website might have noticed recent pictures of the DMU looking a lot smarter ahead of the new season. As time and money has permitted, the new look is thanks in the main to the efforts of Bob Rimell on the "oily bits" and two volunteer Drivers, Pete Gleed and Fenton Fouracre, on the inside. The driving cabs were renovated last winter and since then over 80 window frames have been repaired and repainted, heaters overhauled, toilet area improved, ceilings repaired, along with replacement seating side panels, squabs and arms, doors have been mended, windows eased, ending with a planned deep clean before service resumes. Background but essential work, rarely recorded, which will be appreciated by our operating staff and our visitors.
8 March 2013
Details from local correspondent
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| Heritage Carriage Project news |
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Preparation of the interior of GWR BCK no 6705 is advanced with painting about to start. The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust say the vehicle will be on display at Williton at both weekends of the forthcoming Spring Steam Gala. Meanwhile the Trust's Chairman, Chris Austin, reports "Work continues on preparing a Heritage Lottery Fund application for further restoration and a carriage display and storage facility at Bishops Lydeard, working through the project board with the Association and the Company. We are also working with Somerset Museums Service. A good start has been made."
7 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Steam Railway Trust 
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| FoBAS gets underway at Blue Anchor |
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Around two dozen people attended the inaugural meeting of the Friends of Blue Anchor Station. After hearing about the experiences of the Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station, agreement was reached to form a Friends group for the seaside station on similar lines. It is reported that good progress was made with folks agreeing to take on the key roles of Chairman, Secretary, and Treasurer, along with managers for Maintenance and Gardens. We wish the new Friends of Blue Anchor Station group well.
7 March 2013
Details gleaned from WSR Plc's March Online
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| Class 09 shunter arrives as Class 08 departs |
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A Class 09 diesel shunter has arrived on the West Somerset Railway. In a surprising move, 4160 Ltd has purchased Class 09 no 09019 from HNRC at Burton on Trent for use on the WSR particularly for shunting and pilot duties at Bishops Lydeard. Meanwhile, the Class 08 shunter, no D3462, which was owned by the Epping and Ongar Railway but remained in use on the WSR, has been sold to the Mid Hants Railway and is due to leave the Minehead Branch on Friday 8 March. No D3462 had been hired to WSR Plc via its carers, the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group based at Williton.
6 March 2013
Details from local correspondent
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| Slight change to Norton shuttles during Steam Gala |
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The shuttles between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren will be delayed on the first morning of the Spring Steam Gala. This is due to the visit of a High Output Ballast Cleaner train from Network Rail which will occupy the section during the morning whilst it discharges spent ballast at the Norton Triangle site. Thus the scheduled Auto Coach shuttle will not start until 1.35pm. The HOBC visit also prevents the use of the Triangle for turning steam locomotives during the morning of 16 March. No further HOBC visits are expected during the duration of the Spring Steam Gala. Please note there is no public access to the Norton Triangle.
6 March 2013
Details gleaned from Facebook and local correspondent
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| Spring at the WSRA Station Shop |
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Spring is here and a fully restocked Station Shop awaits visitors at Bishops Lydeard. For serious collectors of models or perhaps someone just looking for a local souvenir from Somerset the Station Shop may well have just the thing. A selection of newly arrived items - DVDs, books, model railway items, collectables, magazines - can be found on the Station Shop page on the WSR Association website or on facebook. And new for this year the Station Shop has daily newspapers on sale.
4 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| Help needed for the 2013 Steam Rally |
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Volunteers needed for the WSRA's annual Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally at Norton Fitzwarren in August 2013. Wendy Turner, Rally Vice Chairman & Steam Section Marshall explains "We do have fantastic volunteers throughout the event but this year we need help with some specific roles - Safety Officer, Model Tent Marshall, Ticket Gate Manager, Ticket Sellers, Cashier. For more information about the event please click here. If you would like to help please make contact via the office at Bishops Lydeard Station info@wsra.org.uk"
2 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| WSR Association launches new membership drive |
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The West Somerset Railway Association has this week launched a drive to attract new members. Association Manager Susan Kaufman said "You don't have to be a dedicated railway enthusiast! We hope that those who care about the general well-being of the West Somerset Railway and who appreciate its important place in the area and the local community will take an increased interest in our work and will want to lend their support to our efforts." For the full statement go to the WSRA website and maybe join join online...
1 March 2013
Details from West Somerset Railway Association
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| Kilmersdon moves under own steam again... |
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The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust's Peckett 0-4-0ST no 1788 Kilmersdon, which has been under overhaul at the Trust’s Washford workshops, is now back in steam after nearly two years and against all expectations is hopefully set to appear at the forthcoming Spring Steam Gala. Resplendent in her new Prussian Blue livery, Kilmersdon was steamed at Washford, headquarters of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust, on Thursday 28 February 2013. Trust volunteer Gerry Leyman said "A few minor problems were found, not unexpectedly, and after attention, the loco will be steamed again to make sure everything is in order before final inspection by the boiler inspector."
1 March 2013
Details from Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust
and local correspondent
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