| Legacy provides 500 railway books for the Friends of Minehead Station |
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The Friends of Minehead Station have had an incredibly kind donation of some 500 railway books plus magazines as part of a legacy from a gentleman in Exeter and these will be sold over the forthcoming months via the 'Readers Halt' bookstall on the platform at Minehead Station. The bookstall should be open on all the operating days during March including, of course, the four days of the Spring Steam Gala so paying a call might unearth something you have been seeking for.
28 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk 
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| Forthcoming events for the WSRA Taunton Group |
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The West Somerset Railway Association wish to remind us of forthcoming events for the Taunton Group.
2 March 2015 - A David Oldham DVD presentation West Somerset and Mainline Steam. A show not to be missed.
20 April 2015 - A Peter Triggs slide presentation In Town Tonight from London to the South Coast and back. Always lots of interest places and situations from the travels of Peter.
18 May 2015 - A presentation and talk by Mike Curtin on Tornado and the P2 Project, a loco in the making.
7 September 2015 - Mike Stollery gives a presentation on the Death and Resurrection of the Swanage Railway including future plans to run into Wareham.
It is also hoped to have the Glos & Warks rep back for an update on events there, the push north requires five bridges repaired, one station rebuild and changes at the south end. Also, if we can anchor the man down, there's the possibility of talks on Tyseley and their Specials plus the Ffestiniog Railway.
Plus the next photo competition in January 2016 so get snapping all photos should be taken in 2015, format preferably on DVD, memory stick, slides or photographs maximum ten pictures per category.
The Taunton Group meets on the first Monday of the month at the GWSA Club Station Approach, Taunton, Somerset TAI 2EV at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start unless stated otherwise; we do not meet on Bank Holiday Mondays but will meet two weeks later. See notices.
Ian Aldridge WSRA Vice Chairman 01823 430194 or email ianaldridge62@talktalk.net
26 February 2015
Details provided by West Somerset Railway Association
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| John Dixon |
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Martyn Snell, Chairman of the Friends of Minehead Station writes "It is with great sadness that I have heard today of the death of John Dixon in Musgrove Park Hospital at 6.30 this morning. Many staff on the WSR will have met with John wearing his many hats over a number of years be it as a TTI or as a valiant 'cutter-back' on many stretches of our railway. More recently, together with his wife Janet and Colin Harris, much work has been undertaken on the grounds at both Minehead and Dunster Stations. His support to FOMS over the years has been invaluable. Those of us who were privileged to know John know that he had many interests away from the railway which he undertook with amazing enthusiasm."
Like a great many, we at wsr.org.uk will miss John for his insight, his enthusiasm and his friendship, not forgetting the many photographs he kindly sent to the website under his preferred nom de plume Lumber Jack. Farewell John. The folks on the Railway will miss you. As will the local otters...
24 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Spring Steam Gala Sunday - special fare offer for children |
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The West Somerset Railway is aiming to attract a younger audience to the Sunday (29 March) of the Spring Steam Gala with a special fare offering for children aged between 5 and 15. On that date only any child in the appropriate age range accompanied by a fare paying adult will be able to travel for a flat rate of £2.00 for any return or single journey or the really keen will be able to enjoy a day rover ticket at the same price. The £2.00 child tickets can be purchased at booking offices or from travelling ticket inspectors on the trains on Sunday 29 March.
"With the last daily working steam on British Railways having ended nearly 50 years ago", said WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare, "the age demographic of visitors to steam galas is visibly rising and we are mindful of the need to attract a new generation to sample the magic of steam trains at work. Our 'Days Out with Thomas' and 'Meet and Greet Days' with popular characters such as 'Peppa Pig' do an excellent job of promoting a day out on the West Somerset but the Spring Steam Gala has a good potential to appeal to older children as well as the small ones. There are chances to see behind the scenes in the workshops at Williton and Minehead on the 29th as well as riding on the trains so it will give a wider view of what life on a steam railway is about."
23 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Footplate trips during the Spring Steam Gala |
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Footplate trips will once again be available on the West Somerset Railway during the four days of the Spring Steam Gala on 26 to 29 March. The trips will be single journeys and will cost £100 each, payable in advance via 01643 704996. Details are as follows:
• Thursday 26 March
12.40pm Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 2.55pm Minehead Bishops Lydeard (both aboard GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall)
• Friday 27 March
10.45am Bishops Lydeard to Minehead (GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall) and 10.45am Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (aboard GWR 2-8-0 no 3850)
• Saturday 28 March
9.45am Bishops Lydeard to Minehead (aboard GWR 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor) and 10.45am Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (aboard GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall)
• Sunday 29 March
1.58am Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and 2.45pm Bishops Lydeard to Minehead (both aboard GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall)
Travellers on the footplate should not have consumed alcohol in the previous ten hours before travelling and should be wearing clothes suitable to an environment which is in part open to the elements and has hot surfaces in front of the travellers and the crew. They will have an interesting view of the Gala unfolding around them and will also gain an insight into the work of a West Somerset Railway footplate crew as the train makes its way through the Quantock Hills and along the Bristol Channel Coast.
23 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Good start to 2015 season for the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard Station |
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The opening week of the 2015 season was a huge success for the Station Shop at Bishops Lydeard Station on the West Somerset Railway. In for a quieter period until the four day 2015 Spring Steam Gala starting on 26 March. Until then, trains are running every weekend and the Station Shop will be open 9.30am to 5.30pm on those days. In addition, the Station Shop will be open for business every Tuesday 9.30am to 1.30pm.
And remember you can still get in contact on email wsrashop@btconnect.com
22 February 2015
Details gleaned from the Station Shop's facebook page
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| Travel in style in the Inspection Saloon during the Spring Steam Gala |
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During the Spring Steam Gala it will be possible to travel in the WSRA's Hawksworth designed Taunton Area Inspection Saloon on Saturday 28 March and Sunday 29 March for payment of a £5.00 supplementary fare in addition to a rover ticket travel for a one way journey between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead or vice versa. By the nature of the vehicle it gives some of the best all-round views of the countryside through the Quantock Hills and along the Bristol Channel Coast and also of what is going on in the Gala. The Inspection Saloon will be part of the following trains:
Saturday 28 March - 9.45am from Bishops Lydeard, 11.45am from Minehead, 1.45pm from Bishops Lydeard, 3.45pm from Minehead
Sunday 29 March - 10.45am from Bishops Lydeard, 12.45pm from Minehead, 2.45pm from Bishops Lydeard, 4.45pm from Minehead
There is a limit of 20 seats in the Inspection Saloon and seats can be booked in advance from each one way trip via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by ringing 01643 704996.
And in other Spring Steam Gala news, another book signing has been arranged for the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead station on Friday 27 March when railway author and journalist Peter Nicholson will be pleased to sell and sign his book "Tracking Down Steam". The book features images of British Railways steam in action and on shed, in works, industry and preservation, and awaiting scrap has a foreword by Pete Waterman.
20 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Tickets for the 2015 Santa Trains have gone on sale... |
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It may be some time before Christmas 2015, however, the WSR's Commercial Department has now put on sale Santa Train tickets for this year for those wanting to book early - and there have already been some enquiries! Seats can be booked via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk (click on the What's On icon to go through to the list of events and bookings section) or by ringing 01643 704996 in office hours seven days a week.
20 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Bacon butties on the Quantock Belle during Spring Steam Gala |
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Now confirmed - a 'bacon butty' limited dining service using Jupiter and Orion from the Quantock Belle dinindg train will operate on the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of the Spring Steam Gala, for two round trips on each of those days attached to Set D on the 10.45am diagram starting from Bishops Lydeard. Of course on-train buffets will also be available on all four coaching sets during the Gala along with the Turntable Cafe at Minehead Station, the Whistle Stop Cafe at Bishops Lydeard Station, and light refreshments available for many of the intermediate stations. #WSRSSG
19 February 2015
Details provided by WSR Plc and WSRA
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| Tickets for the Day Out with Thomas weekends are now available |
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The tickets for the "Day Out with Thomas" weekends in July (4-5 and 11-12) are now on sale for the morning trains from Bishops Lydeard on each of the four days. They can be purchased online via the agency www.dayoutwiththomas.co.uk (subject to booking and postal charges) or by telephone directly from the Railway's Minehead office on 01643 704996. The Railway takes all credit/debit cards except AMEX.
19 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Under the canopy at Minehead Station during the Spring Steam Gala |
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As always the Spring Steam Gala #WSRSSG at Minehead Station will have a number of trade and information stands under the canopy. As at 17 February 2015 the list of those attending, as supplied by Retail Manager Colin Howard, read as follows:
Thursday 26 March: 6880 Betton Grange and Don Bishop with his railway and landscape photographs and cards to sell
Friday 27 March: Betton Grange and Don Bishop, plus 6024 King Edward I and St Margaret's Hospice
Saturday 28 March: As above plus Carole Robbins artwork and Great Western 4709
Sunday 29 March: As at Saturday but minus Carole Robbins.
Of the locomotive groups listed no 6024 is currently undergoing overhaul in the workshops at Minehead and visitors to the Gala on Saturday and Sunday will have an opportunity to see work in progress on the 'King' plus that on 'Mogul' no 9351 and SDJR 7F no 88/53808.
17 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The WSR Special Events on Facebook and Twitter |
 
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The WSR Special Events team have a new page on Facebook - click here - or just go to Facebook and search for 'WSR Special Events'. This page has already created a lot of interest with a lot of 'likes' and quite a few 'shares' (extremely valuable in terms of spreading the WSR message); and WSR Special Events can also be found on Twitter at click here - or just search for @WSRSpecialEvent - already with new followers and several 're-tweets' (again, extremely valuable in terms of spreading the WSR message). Thanks to the Likers & Sharers and Followers & Retweeters - it really helps get the news and information about the WSR's special events to a lot of people! We are using hashtags like #WSRSSG (for the Spring Steam Gala) and #WSRMTW (for the Mixed Traction Weekend) so use these to find the latest Special Event news...
17 February 2015
Details provided by WSR Special Events Planning Team
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| The 2015 Spring Steam Gala will welcome Britannia as special guest |
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The first of the family of British Railway Standard steam locomotives, Class 7P 4-6-2 70000 Britannia has been added to the line-up of guest engines for the West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala between 26 and 29 March 2015. The theme of the Gala is "Steam in South Wales" and Britannia will help to celebrate the part played by her class mates that were allocated to Canton locoshed in Cardiff and could be found working such express trains as the Red Dragon and the Capitals United. No 70000 will join GWR locomotives nos 4270, 5542, 6695 and Ivatt 2MT 46521 in the line-up of visitors alongside WSR residents nos 4936 Kinlet Hall, 6960 Raveningham Hall, 7828 Odney Manor, 3850 and 4160. West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare commented "It will be good to see Britannia at the WSR again and providing a reminder that not all of the classes of steam engine that worked in South Wales were designed at Swindon. We believe we have an attractive line-up of locomotives lined-up for the four days including the two West Somerset debutants 4270 and 46521 and look forward to welcoming old friends and new faces to the line for the four days. We still have discounted rover tickets for the Gala on sale via 01643 704996 or www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk."
16 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Twenty five years of Minehead Signal Box |
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Sunday 1 March 2015 will mark the 25th Anniversary of the commissioning of the signal box at Minehead station on the West Somerset Railway, the present structure replacing one that was taken out of use during the run-down of the Minehead branch line by British Rail during the 1960s. The box had been previously located at Dunster station (and is believed to have to been moved to there from South Wales) and was moved between the stations by rail. The installation work to reinstate the signalling at Minehead Station and including that necessary to cope with the Seaward Way Level Crossing was carried out by a combination of WSR volunteer staff and Henry Williams of Darlington. Somerset County Council funded the level crossing work which was carried out by the workforce from Henry Williams whilst the installation work of the box and the station signalling was done by the WSR team. Inevitably of course both teams worked together to bring the project to a successful conclusion. Sadly a number of the WSR team have passed away - Chris van den Arend looked after the operational side and keeping the trains moving whilst John Madeley was the WSR's signalling engineer at the time; Vic Doswell did much of the electrical work and another invaluable contribution was made by Paul Hooper. Happily others involved such as Brian Hooper and Steve Harris are still active and it is intended to hold a reunion for the volunteers on 1 March 2015, travelling down on the 12.45pm steam train from Bishops Lydeard and returning on the 3.35pm from Minehead.
16 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Marking 40th anniversary of the first preservation era train movements |
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Although the first passenger trains of the West Somerset Railway in the preservation era ran on Good Friday 1976 (when Lord Montague of Beaulieu flagged away a departure for the round trip between Minehead and Blue Anchor) the first train movements on the WSR took place in the autumn of 1975. With the 2016 March Gala dates already allocated to a major event to mark the 50th Anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset the WSR's Special Events Planning Team has decided that the 2015 Autumn Steam Gala to be held between 1 and 4 October will mark the anniversary of those early stock movements and the returning to active life of the Minehead line. It is intended that the guest engines to be brought in for the Autumn Gala will be drawn from the long list of locos which have traversed the twenty miles between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead in the last four decades. These may be former residents which were once based at Minehead loco or others that have appeared as guests on one or more occasions. With the list ranging from the Bagnall tanks Victor and Vulcan to Tornado the potential selection is wide but what actually appears will of course depend on what is available to hire and currently serviceable. No doubt reminiscence and speculation will be the order of the day amongst WSR staff and the enthusiast world as matters unfold. Discounted Rover Tickets for both the 2015 Autumn and 2016 Spring Galas are now on sale via www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or 01643 704996.
11 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The Minehead Transport Literature Festival in March is postponed |
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Although preparation for the West Somerset Railway's Spring Steam Gala between 26 - 29 March are well-advanced one part of the programme is being postponed until later in the year. This is the Transport Literature Fair and Model Railway Exhibition due to be held in a marquee outside Minehead Railway Station which has been running for some three years now. Organiser, WSR Retail Manager Colin Howard explained: "There is no one particular cause for the postponement but a number of factors have come together to make it impossible to stage the Literature Festival in March. We are sorry about this as the Spring Gala is shaping up to be another very busy four days for the Railway once again but the Minehead shop will of course be open along with the Friends of Minehead Station's 'Readers Halt' stall so there will be opportunities for the purchase of transport literature over the four days. In addition we will be pleased to welcome Julian Holland back to the Minehead Shop for book signings on March 28th and 29th and we will have special offers on a wide range of books over all four days of the event".
11 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The WSR Association's Home Counties Group |
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The WSRA's Home Counties Group has been in existence since 1976, formed just after the re-opening of the railway. Keith Smith explains "Our primary aim is to support and publish the West Somerset mainly around the London area by attending shows where possible - although our old regular venues have ceased to exist over the last few years - and by giving talks to other railway societies. Because of our activities, we have been able to purchase and own three Mark 1 TSOs, which are part of the service fleet, they are 4435, 5024 and 4956. Our on-line duties are based at Blue Anchor, where we own one of the resident ex-GWR 'Toplight' camp coaches, include the PW 'Sunday' gang, station duties, and other operational requirements. Although we no longer hold members meetings in the Home Counties area, the weekly meetings of the Reading Transport Group (every Wednesday September to May) attract a good attendance of WSRA members and supporters where the latest news and discussion is passed on. For further details, please contact myself on keith81d@outlook.com or 07990 594534. A warm welcome is extended to anybody who wish to join us on our activities."
10 February 2015
Details provided by WSRA Home Counties Group
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| Join the West Somerset Railway Association 50-50 Club... |
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The 50-50 Club is open to anyone to join and from as little as £1 per month 50-50 Club members can help both Association projects and have the chance of winning great cash prizes each month. Over £1000 is currently raised each month. Half of everything subscribed goes back in prizes to subscribers and half goes towards West Somerset Railway Association projects. More more details of how to join and an application form please call 01823 431313 or visit www.wsra.org.uk
10 February 2015
Details gleaned from the West Somerset Railway Association Journal
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| The West Somerset Railway Journal Backnumbers Service |
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The Journal backnumbers service, run by member Gavin Vaughan, continues to provide a steady income for the Association during each year. There is still a substantial 'wants' list from members who require certain issues to complete their collections, especially early issues pre-1980 and also some of the more recent Journals from issue 135 onwards. If members have copies they no longer require, please get in touch with Gavin. The contact details for Gavin can be found on page 28 of the latest Journal (no 148) or ask the WSRA administrator wsra@btconnect.com or 01823 433856.
10 February 2015
Details gleaned from the West Somerset Railway Association Journal
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| The next West Somerset Railway Plc Stakeholder meeting |
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All shareholders, staff and volunteers are warmly invited to the next West Somerset Railway Plc Stakeholder meeting. This will be held at The Hobby Horse Ballroom at Minehead from 2pm to 4pm on Saturday 21 February. This is a steam train running day and the meeting has been scheduled to allow those wishing to travel by train to and from Minehead to do so. The anticipated agenda is:
1 2014 update - Paul Conibeare
2 Chairman's update - John Irven
3 Major projects and partnership update - Steve Williams
4 Item on a day in the life of volunteers - TBA
5 Presentation by Chris Austin (Chairman of West Somerset Steam Railway Trust)
6 Coastal erosion
7 Q&A session
4 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| The 2015 Buffet Mug will be available from WSR buffets from 14 February |
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The 2015 Buffet Mug will be available from WSR buffets from 14 February. Jacquie Green, the WSR's Catering Manager explains the history of the buffet mug. "At the beginning of every year one of our first tasks is to decide on the design for the 'Buffet Year Mug'. I believe that what has now become a firm tradition, started back in the early naughties. The mugs, which bear the year number as part of their design, are only sold on the WSR buffets and are not available anywhere else. They cost £5.20 each and come complete with a free tea or coffee. Every subsequent refill of the mug is just 60p for the whole year, so the earlier you buy it the better value you get. It would be great to have a historic reference for this tradition, so if anyone believes they have a 'complete set' from inception to 2014 and would be willing to let us photograph them all please contact Jacquie at catering@wsrail.net. There's a complimentary 2015 Mug available as a thank you."
4 February 2015
Details provided by www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
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| Do you fancy having a go at driving a diesel locomotive... |
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The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group say "With these exciting courses, you get 15 miles of driving, followed by another 15 miles as the secondman on Class 33 no D6575 hauling the heritage freight train through the West Somerset countryside. The courses are excellent value for money and an excellent idea for a treat for a loved one or yourself. Administered by the West Somerset Railway plc and operated in partnership with the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group. Course dates in 2015 are 11 April, 25 April, 9 May, 27 June, 18 July, 19 September, 26 September, 10 October and 24 October, and bookings can be made online see www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk "
4 February 2015
Details provided by Diesel and Electric Preservation Group
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| Details announced of planned diesel running on the WSR in 2015 |
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The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group have announced that the West Somerset Railway have asked the Group to provide diesel traction to work passenger trains on the following dates. All allocations are subject to change. Hymek no D7018 will not be appearing in passenger service in 2015, though it is hoped to have the loco running later this year. D1010 is planned to be making an appearance at the Gala in June. The diesel depot at Williton will be open for visitors during the peak season on Saturdays and during the two diesel-dominated Galas.
| D7017 | 2 May, 20 June, 25 & 26 July, 22 & 23 August
5, 12, 13 & 26 September |
| D1661 | 16 May |
| D832 | 23 & 24 May, 27 June, 18 July, 1 & 2 August |
| D6575 | 13 June |
| D9526 | 8, 9, 15 & 16 August |
The locos will haul trains marked 'diesel' on the appropriate timetable for the dates shown above.
2 February 2015
Details provided by Diesel and Electric Preservation Group
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