The West Somerset Railway on the Web

 This was the WSR News - January to June 2002

More news from from July 2002

Weekend and Midweek Breaks The Railway has joined with the Yarn Market Hotel at Dunster to offer weekend and midweek breaks combining a visit to one of Britain's very best heritage railways with elegant and comfortable accommodation in the picturesque and historic village of Dunster. The "Coastal Weekender" includes an evening meal on the West Somerset Railway "Coastal Belle" service. The "Gourmet Experience" has been designed to give an experience on the West Somerset Railway plus an opportunity to sample the delights of West Country cuisine. "'Wander, Steam and Ramble" caters for those who will enjoy walking in beautiful moorland and coastal surroundings. More information from The Yarn Market Hotel, High Street, Dunster, Somerset TA24 6SF or telephone 01643 821425 or fax: 01643 821475 or EMAIL. 14 February 2002 Details from WSR plc
Steam at Minehead Harbour Waverley Excursions Limited, in association with the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society, has recently published details of its programme of sailings on the Bristol Channel for the 2002 season. These will feature both Balmoral and the paddle steamer Waverley, with the harbour at Minehead being used on several occasions, and many linking in with WSR trains. The season starts on Friday 24 May, with a cruise from Minehead around Porlock Bay behind Waverley in the late afternoon. For full details of the Bristol Channel cruises ring 0845 130 4647. More details about Waverley at the Unofficial Web Site and the Official Waverley Excursions Web Site. 8 May 2002 Details from WSRA web site	© Stuart Cameron
West Somerset to service Glastonbury trains... In connection with the Glastonbury Music Festival, WESSEX TRAINS will shuttle between between Taunton and Castle Cary, during the last week of June. This year, the special services will be formed of a rake of stock from Riviera Trains, top-n-tailed by EWS Class 47 diesel locomotives. More details can be found at the TAUNTONTRAINS web site. It seems the stock – and at least one of the locomotives – is expected to be stabled at Bishops Lydeard overnight each day. But no, it isn't part of a cunning plan to extend the West Somerset over the moors to Glaston... More... Class 47s nos 47749 'Atlantic College' and 47789 'Lindisfarne' will top and tail seven InterCity coaches on the Taunton-Castle Cary-Westbury shuttles. The stock and one loco will be stabled at Bishops Lydeard overnight. On Thursday 27 June, train times on the WSR are expected to be 6.40am Bishops Lydeard to Westbury, 7.50pm Westbury to Bishops Lydeard (arrive 8.46pm) , followed by a light engine movement at 10pm for Bristol Barton Hill. The next day, the train will leave Bishops Lydeard for Westbury at 6.40am. Nice to see the WSR being used for such "real" trains... And more... see the NEWSPIX pages for pictures of the first train passing onto the West Somerset at dusk on 26 June 21, 26, 27 June 2002 Details from WSRA, and local correspondents	© Steve Huddy
Class 52 D1010 "Western Campaigner" Class 52 diesel-hydraulic no D1010 "Western Campaigner" has been confined to the sick bay at Williton Diesel Depot with heat exchanger problems. This will put the "Western" out of commission for a while and it wil not therefore be operating as planned on the West Somerset Railway on 13 and 14 July. Hymek Class 35 D7017 will substitute. Diesel and Electric Group Secretary John Cronin expects that D1010 will be ready to return to action by 14 and 15 September. That weekend is that of the Campaign For Real Ale Somerset Branch's Beer Festival at Minehead Station where one of the beers on offer will be a special produced by Moor Brewery of Ashcott to mark the 40th Anniversary of the introduction of the Westerns. The advertising material for the beer will feature D1010. 16 June 2002 Details from WSR Plc	© Roger Bailey
Diesel shunter promoted to top link A local correspondent reports, "The loco, allocated for the 'Quantock Belle' dining train on Sunday 9 June, BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 'Odney Manor', was unable to create enough vacuum to release the brakes prior to departure at Bishops Lydeard. After some deliberation, it was decided to attach the Bishops Lydeard pilot loco, class 08 diesel shunter D3462, in front of the Manor to create the brake, as illustrated (right). The formation then proceeded to Williton - at a maximum speed of 15mph - where the class 08 was removed. This is thought to be the loco's first revenue earning passenger working on the Railway. It was replaced at Williton by BR class 33 'Crompton' no D6566. Whilst the pilots were swopped, the fault on no 7828 was fixed, but as insurance, the '33' remained as pilot for the remainder of the run to Minehead. The 'Manor' was again inspected, deemed fit and worked the return 'QB' without further incident. The '33' worked back to Bishops Lydeard on a later up train, double heading with BR class 4MT no 80136." 10 June 2002 Details from local correspondents	© Ian Robins
GWR 2-8-0T no 5224 to re-visit the line... GWR 2-8-0T no 5224, which appeared in the Spring Steam Gala in March, is being lined up for a return visit. According to WSR Plc, the loco will spend most of the main summer season on the line, subject to a satisfactory agreement with the owners. The "Heavy Goods" is due on 19 July and will stay until the end of October 2002. 18 May 2002 Details from WSR Plc
More details on GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 restoration Large steps towards the return to steam of 5542 have been made in the past few days. All the large bore copper pipework that has to be made in situ has been produced by a specialist pipe bender and is now being connected to that previously produced as standard pieces. This is now very serious progress, the cab almost resembles a working loco. The remaining work should now be completed within a few weeks. 17 May 2002 Details with thanks from 5542 Ltd
Duck duties for WSRA's Pannier The Association’s ex-GWR 0-6-0PT no 6412 has – following agreement with the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway, where it is on hire for 2002 – been ‘recalled’ to the WSR to star as “Duck” in the “Days Out With Thomas” weekend on 29, 30 June as a replacement for 0-6-0PT no 5786, which the South Devon Railway are unable to release following the temporary withdrawal for repair of GWR 0-4-2T no 1420. The Pannier will return to Toddington immediately after the “Thomas” weekend. 20 June 2002 Details from WSRA	© Jon Tooke
"Alfred" arrives... The diminuitive ex-Port of Par locomotive, 0-4-0ST "Alfred" - now based at the Bodmin and Wenford Railway in Cornwall - has arrived at Minehead. The tiny steam engine has a starring role in the forthcoming "Days Out with Thomas" Weekend on 29, 30 June, masquerading as "Bill" - or is it "Ben"? 18 June 2002 Details from local correspondent	© Alan Grieve
Specials for Thomas event selling well... Several of the special trains from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead for the "Days Out with Thomas" weekend on 29 and 30 June 2002, are already sold out. Others have limited availability. As at 14 June, seat availability was: Train Saturday 29 June Sunday 30 June "Duck's Train" 60 full "Henry's Train" full full "Sodor Express" 73 full "Daisy the Diesel" 127 124 "The 12.40" 273 266 The Railway advises those who wish to travel - and do not yet have tickets - "not to wait and to ring 01643 704996 as soon as possible to make a booking to avoid disappointment." 16 June 2002 Details from WSR Plc	© Alan Grieve
GWR 0-6-0PT no 5786 to play"Duck" Visit called off - see story above. Subject to final confirmation, the ex-Great Western Railway pannier tank, no 5786, normally based at the South Devon Railway, will visit the line at the end of June in the guise of "Duck" during the "Days Out with Thomas" weekend of 29 and 30 June. The locomotive will haul trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead and back and will, no doubt, prove to be a Really Useful Engine. Other visitors for the "Thomas" weekend include "Thomas" himself (from the Severn Valley Railway), and "Ben", a diminuitive 0-4-0ST from the Bodwin and Wenford Railway in Cornwall. 6 June 2002 Details from WSRA	© Mark Dewell
Hymek D7017 to head the Fish and Chip Special... This weekend, 8 and 9 June, the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group owned diesel-hydraulic "Hymek" D7017, which once powered express trains from London to the West, will be used on the trains marked in the timetable as "diesel" - usually covered by one of the Railway's diesel multiple units. D7017 gets an extra duty on Saturday, when it heads the "Fish and Chip Special" from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back. "Hydraulic" fans are in for a treat! 6 June 2002 Details from WSR Plc and local correspondent	© Roger Bailey
The Golden Mile The Railway is once again supporting St Margaret’s Somerset Hospice with their fund raising which this year has the theme of “The Golden Mile”. Noticing that a £1 coin is one inch in diameter the Hospice are aiming to raise £63,360 (equivalent in value to a mile of the coins) in June and on 20 June collectors from the Hospice will be riding the trains and selling yellow ribbons. The steam trains on that date will sport suitable headboards and in the lead-up to the day posters will be displayed at the stations along the line 1 June 2002 Details and text from WSR Plc	© Chris Phillips
Date fixed for Annual General Meeting of WSR Plc The Report and Financial Statements for the year ending 31 December 2001 have been issued to shareholders. Further details about the details of the Report will be available as soon as we receive official statements. Meantime, shareholders have been notified that the Annual General Meeting will take place on 22 June 2002 at 2.30 in the afternoon at the Regal Theatre, Minehead, and will be followed by an Extraordinary General Meeting. The usual "Shareholders Excursion" will run to Minehead, leaving Bishops Lydeard at 12.05, and will include First Class seating and Dining Cars. 25 May 2002 Details from WSR Plc
Minehead Station Gardens Minehead Station gardens, at around three acres, are outstandingly the largest on the railway and suffer from being in the town centre (litter and vandalism) and on the sea front (salt in the air). The gardens can be divided into three distinct aspects. First there are the formal flower beds on the platforms, alongside the refreshment coach and bordering the car park outside the storage sheds and portakabin offices. All these beds are dug into paved areas with hard-core below the surfacing, as all have been created where none existed before. Planting has to take into account the limited funds and manpower available for maintenance and the poor soil, litter, trampling and soiling by dogs. Secondly there are the seasonal hanging baskets and tubs which have won awards from the Minehead in Bloom judges and general acclamation the general public. The baskets need constant attention during the season as they dry out very quickly and take frequent battering in the sea breezes. Finally there is the strip of land which stretches from the main station building alongside the sidings and running line as far as Seaward Way level crossing. Although this latter part of the garden is only glimpsed from a train a public footpath runs the full length so it receives close scrutiny by the many local residents who use the path regularly and by hordes of holidaymakers. This area is managed specifically to encourage wild flowers and over 130 species have been recorded. This policy also benefits wild birds and animals. We have blackbirds, mallard, robins and sparrows nesting and all the common town garden birds regularly visiting. We have seen black redstarts, goldfinches and greenfinches, a kestrel regularly hawks overhead and many seabirds fly over. Badger, fox, otter (yes! otter) and rabbit all visit and large numbers of mice, shrews and voles live there. Butterflies, grasshoppers and other insects abound. Sticklebacks live in the ditch and there are three colonies of slow worms. It was the "wild" area which was chosen to feature in Minehead's international Nations in Bloom competition in 2002. Minehead won second place in the Small Town category, and the three volunteers who are the regular gardening team are proud of the part they played in this achievement. 25 May 2002 Details from local correspondent - with thanks
Wildlife Special Report Despite gloomy weather the Minehead "Wildlife Safari" on Monday evening was a huge success. Using the 'new' green DMU fitted with a PA system, David Bailey gave a lively and informative commentary from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and back, fortified by copious quantities of liquid refreshment from the buffet. Roe deer, two foxes, a hare and innumerable rabbits, buzzard, heron, canada geese, swans, green woodpecker, jay and many more mundane birds, 36 species of flowering plant including early purple and twayblade orchids; some uncommon ferns and liverworts, many trees including some flowering cherry and walnut; and a 'Danger, Adder' sign erected by the WSRA Special Projects Group at Stogumber were observed on the journey. Seventy plus passengers, including several local residents who had never travelled on the line before! All thoroughly enjoyed the experience and thus created a very happy atmosphere that permeated the whole train. Taking three and a half hours to complete the round trip everyone had ample opportunity to see all that was pointed out in the commentary and appreciate the views of this startlingly beautiful part of the country in all it's late Spring glory. Great amusement was caused when an unscheduled stop was explained as "The Driver is mending his spectacles". Altogether a great success. Everyone is asking when the next one will run. More details. 24 May 2002 Details from local correspondent - with thanks
Cutting Back Report As presaged in an earlier report the Gang met at Stogumber over the weekend of 18 and 19 May and rebuilt the path from the Station House down to the station car park, including the steps. The amount of civil engineering was greater than anticipated as the original steps were far too steep for practical use. Thus, instead of merely replacing them, a whole new deep cutting had to be dug into the bank to achieve an acceptable "gradient". The additional spoil produced was useful in providing a wider hard shoulder for the new path cut into the hillside. Old sleepers were cut to provide facings to each riser on the steps and the steps and path were surfaced with loco ash - some four tonnes of the stuff, donated by the loco departmentsat MD and BL. A lot of herbage had to be cut back to open up the route and some of the larger wood was recycled in manufacturing handrails and posts for the steps. Sundry other smaller jobs were also completed. During the course of the weekend the Gang uncovered, and hastily recovered, one adder, one toad and three slow worms. The Cutting Back Gang always work carefully to enhance the enhance the attractions of railway property for wildlife but after the encounter with the adder will work even more carefully! (for nature buffs it was a female adder and was probably pregnant, otherwise it would have been out enjoying the sunshine.) 24 May 2002 Details from local correspondent - with thanks
Altrincham-Minehead Charter - an eventful day The charter from Altrincham to Minehead on 18 May had an eventful time. The train started out fine, and left Shrewsbury on time at 9.03am behind Class 47 no 47725, but stopped at milepost 173 north of Bridgwater, with a small fire in the traction motor of the "47" possibly caused by an oil leak. The fire was quickly put out, but the locomotive was unable to continue. The rescue engine, Class 47 no 47733 "Eastern Star", was summoned from Exeter, and it hauled the failed loco and the thirteen coaches to Taunton, where no 47725 has left in a siding. "Eastern Star" then took the train onto Minehead where it arrived around 105 minutes late. No 47733 was in fact making a return visit to Minehead, as it had, some years ago, become the first of the class to reach the seaside town during trials of Post Office driving trailer vehicles. On the return, problems with no 47733 itself created an unscheduled visit to the loco compound for coolant top-up. At Bristol, the "47" was replaced by no 67008 for the remainder of the return trip. One passenger who did the trip from Shrewsbury and back, adds "...having left Bristol some 90 minutes late, no 67008 made a spirited run to Shrewsbury and recovered about 15 minutes of the schedule. We arrived back in Altrincham at about 00.40, some 75 minutes late. Passengers appeared to take the whole thing philosophically. I suspect that most of them were simply out for the day - the lack of heads out of windows would indicate that they weren't railway enthusiasts!" 21 May 2002 Details from various local correspondents - with thanks
Fish and Chip Special is loco-hauled... Contrary to earlier suggestions of a DMU being used, the "Fish and Chip Special" on the evening of Saturday 11 May, was formed of six coaches headed by ex-mainline Class 33 'Crompton' no 33048, to the delight of visiting enthusiasts and photographers. An official reason is still awaited but it is likely due the lack of tables in the DMU which are plentiful in the coaching stock. Being fully booked, the limited capacity of the 3-car DMU may also be a factor. Rumour also has it that future "Chippie" specials will also be loco-hauled. The "Chippie" is seen [right] at Williton en route to Minehead on the outward journey. 14 May 2002 Details with thanks from local correspondents	© Paul Randall
Swiss-themed weekend planned for Minehead According to a posting on the WSR Topica Discussion Group, "The Exmoor Modelling Club are staging a Swiss Themed Weekend at Minehead on 1st and 2nd June. Attractions include model railway exhibitions at the Hobby Horse public house and at Minehead Station. A slide show and video presentation is scheduled. Swiss food, Swiss beer and Swiss wine will be offered at Minehead station throughout the weekend, along with planned entertainment and a barbeque on the Saturday evening. For further info contact Minehead Station. Roy Dunglison, Minehead Station Master, is the event organiser. A small contingent of Somerset CAMRA members will be operating the bar which will also serve a selection of continental bottled beers." 14 May 2002 Details from local correspondent and Topica
Army DMU debut during Anything Goes weekend Running for the first time in preservation, the Territorial Army's 257 Railway Squadron's 3-car Class 117 DMU is seen, right, at Williton, during the Anything Goes weekend of 11,12 May 2002. The vehicles arrived on the line just before Easter 2001, and have undergone extensive refurbishment. 13 May 2002 Details from local correspondent	© Roger Bailey
GWR 2-8-0 no 3850 - restoration progress report At Minehead, the chassis has had the following work carried out: New cab floor fitted Brake gear overhauled with new pins and bushes as necessary Front windows machined and awaiting polishing and glazing. Sanding gear ovehauled with new pins, bushes, pipes etc. New Lubrication pads fitted to all axleboxes. Rock shafts, extension rods and other parts of the valve gear being refurbished with new pins, bushes etc. Measurement of crankpins etc for fitting of refurbished coupling rods Meanwhile, at Tyseley, work on the boiler continues. The front tubeplate has been removed, repaired and refitted; the interior of the boiler has been descaled; the smokebox has been removed and a new one ordered; the existing smokebox door has been refurbished; various boiler fittings have been refurbished and cleaned. Also, the rear inner firebox has been removed to allow the corners of the outer steel firebox to be repaired by welding and awaits refitting. Most of the copper and steel stays have been fitted. All the crown stay nuts have been removed for inspection and replacement. The washout plug holes have been retapped and new plugs fitted. And last but not least, polishing and cleaaning of the coupling and connecting rods. 10 May 2002 Details from local correspondent
Toad Brake Van damaged by fire One of the Railway's GWR "Toad" brake vans, Mess and Sleeping van DW 56631, has been damaged by fire, reportedly started by vandals, whilst stored in sidings at Bishops Lydeard. Most of the woodwork has been destroyed, leaving just a metal skeleton. For another picture, see News Pix pages... 27 April 2002 Details from local correspondent
West Country Railway Artists Exhibition Frederick Lea writes, "A group of ten artists, known collectively as the 'West Country Railway Artists', have mounted an exhibition of their work in the Gauge Museum Gallery at Bishops Lydeard Station. Around 40 paintings are on display, some of which have a local flavour, by such well-known painters as Simon Bowditch, Peter Barnfield, John Hughes, Bernard Jones and Frederick Lea. Most, if not all, these paintings are available for purchase. The Exhibition is now open to the public and will run through the summer months until 8 September 2002. There was a publicity meeting on Friday 26 April at Bishops Lydeard and a slot was recorded for the local Taunton TV channel. This is scheduled to be broadcast in their 'Whats on' programme on Tuesday 30 April. The local press also turned out. The group is indebted to Norman Hawkes and the staff at Bishops Lydeard for their help in staging this show." 27 April 2002 Details from Frederick Lea
New WSR book published The WSRA and Ian Allan have published yet another WSR book. Titled Locomotives of the West Somerset Railway: 2, the book enjoys the hand and eye of veteran WSR author, Richard Jones, who has selected over 60 colour photographs in a quest to illustrate all locomotives that have hauled a passenger train on the West Somerset between 1997 and 2001. Other notable events are included, such as through trains and stone workings. The cost is £12.99, and it will be available for purchase from the Bishops Lydeard Station Shop, before going on general release from mid-April,. Mail order is available from WSRA Sales, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Somerset TA4 3BX - post free for WSRA members who will need to quote their membership number, or for non-WSRA members, please add £2 for postage. Postscript: It seems the book is also available from the Minehead Station Shop. 29 March 2002 Details from WSRA
Wildlife Safari On Monday evening 20 May The Friends of Minehead Station are running a Wildlife Safari by DMU departing Minehead at 6.00 p.m. and returning at around 9.30 p.m. The plan is to amble towards Bishops Lydeard stopping along the way to enable passengers to see items of interest. When time dictates a return, the train will reverse and travel back to Minehead at a brisker pace, whilst still slowing or stopping to see any creatures of the night that may venture into view in the gathering dusk. (Deer, badgers and owls are possibilities). A running commentary will be given over the specially installed PA system by David Bailey, well known WSR Volunteer and naturalist, who has completed a wildlife survey of the whole line. The Mini-Buffet will be open throughout the journey, selling alcaholic beverages, tea, coffee, soft drinks and light snacks. The cost is £10 and all proceeds will go towards further refurbishment of Minehead Station's Grade II listed buildings. Tickets are available from The Friends of Minehead Station, The Railway Station, MINEHEAD, TA24 5BG. Please enclose your remittance and a stamped addressed envelope to secure a seat. 28 March 2002 Details from local correspondent
Cutting Back Weekend The Working Party will be at Stogumber this weekend (18, 19 May) and being May will refrain from too much vegetation destruction whilst the birds nesting. Instead the Group will be tidying the footpath between Station House and the Station car park, trimming back shubbery and redigging the path including the steps down to the car park. Also, the bank behind the station will be tidied. Other tasks include covering an open drain, patching the tarmac and clearing the worst of the undergrowth. If time permits, the underbridge immediately on the Minehead side of the station (Quarkhill Bridge) will be cleared of vegetation. On Sunday lunchtime, lunchtime barbeque is proposed - dependant on weather and our fire raisers - feel free to bring other family members and some suitable food. 14 May 2002 Details with thanks from local correspondent
Seven locos line-up for Anything Goes weekend An impressive line-up of seven former main-line locomotives will line up for action during the "Anything Goes" weekend on 11 and 12 May. The home-based steam locomotives will be ex-BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 "Odney Manor" and 2-6-2T no 4160, supported by visiting BR 4MT 2-6-4T no 80136; whilst the resident ex-mainline diesels on passenger train duty will be the diesel-hydraulics 'Western' no D1010 "Western Campaigner" and 'Hymek' no D7017, and diesel-electrics, nos 25173 and 33048 - the last two will be "top n tailing" five morning shuttle trips over the Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren section on both days, with the three-car DMU doing three similar trips each day in the afternoon. 8 May 2002
Washford News The little Peckett 0-4-0ST "Kilmersdon" aka "Mike Palmer" is back in steam around the Washford Sidings. The loco now, for the first time, and no doubt to the delight of photographers, faces Paddington. The Peckett was used to haul nearly-restored GWR "Small Prairie" 2-6-2T no 5542 during stock re-positioning recently. No 5542 is awaiting "skilled attention to pipework and paint finish", so it sounds like the return to traffic is not so far away now. A relic from the agricultural steam age has been rescued from a nursery at Ellicombe, near Minehead, and is now on display at Washford. The portable steam engine, once a common sight around farms and used to power a variety of implements including the infamous threshing machine (take a bow, Adge - and how we miss you), was latterly used to provide hot water for the horticultural business, until recued by the "5542 Group" and brought to Washford. 6 May 2002 Details from WSR's OnLine
"Kilmersdon" returns to Washford The Peckett 0-4-0ST no 1788 "Kilmersdon" aka "Mike Palmer" has returned to Washford following completion of the recent overhaul in Taunton. A steam test will take place shortly and, all being well, the little loco will be in steam in Washford yard on Sunday 21 April. 15 April 2002 Details from SDRT
Skilled Machinist required at Williton Works An opportunity exists for a Skilled Machinist able to work to high standards to join the WSRA's restoration team at Williton currently re-building ex-Southern Region West Country class steam locomotive ‘Braunton’. The WSRA say "An interest in locomotive engineering would be an advantage but the main need is an ability to operate a variety of machine tools to close tolerances with a minimum of supervision". Conditions of service will be subject to discussion. For further details apply to the WSRA Administrator at The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton TA4 3BX or telephone Williton, 01984 633547. 4 April 2002 Details from WSRs Online
"Flying Scotsman" visit is called off - again! The WSR Plc have announced that "...due to difficulties east of Norton Fitzwarren Junction..." the visit on 16 June of LNER 4-6-2 no 4472 "Flying Scotsman" has been cancelled - for the second time. 2 April 2002 Details from WSR plc
"Knowle" to return in September? Strong hints from Minehead suggest the LBSCR 0-6-0T no 32678 "Knowle" will attend and hopefully run during the Autumn Steam Gala 2002 on 6-8 September. The loco was, of course, stored on the line for a number of years from 1976, following removal from nearby Butlins where it was on static display. 2 April 2002 Details from WSR plc
"King Edward I" for Rally Weekend? It seems that GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 "King Edward I" may arrive on the line earlier than expected, and may appear during the Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally on 3 and 4 August. 28 March 2002 Details from local correspondent
Castle gets a good run this weekend - 27,28 April GWR ‘Castle’ Class 4-6-0 No 5051 Earl Bathurst will be in action again on the WSR this weekend. On 27 April the engine will work a 60-mile diagram on a private Footplate Experience Course. The following day, the Didcot-based ‘Castle’ is rostered to work a 100-mile diagram on service trains, as follows: 10.15am Minehead to Bishops Lydeard (double-headed) 12.25pm Bishops Lydeard to Minehead 2.25pm Minehead to Bishops Lydeard 4.05pm Bishops Lydeard to Minehead 5.25pm Minehead to Bishops Lydeard dining train. No 5051 will thus end up at Bishops Lydeard, where it will be prepared for its next main line railtour commitment to Penzance on Saturday 4 May. For those with an interest in such things, the Castle faces chimney towards the "country end" of the line - Minehead. 24 April 2002 Details and text from WSRA
Diesel News Class 14 no D9526 may not be everyone's favourite, but good news indeed from Williton with the successful installation of the Paxman engine on 20 March. The renovation is now into the fifth year. When completed, the diesel-hydraulic maid-of-all-work will provide a most useful utility locomitive for the Railway. Hymek D7017 was "fired-up" recently, and also provided a load test for Class 33 no 33048 on a trip to Blue Anchor and back. The Western no D1010 is also being rebuilt with a view to service-running this summer. And today, Crompton no 33 048 and Class 25 no D7523 were succesfully worked in multiple today for the first time, previous attempts having been unsuccesful. Test running was conducted within station limits at Williton. As a result, the two locos may now double-head working in multiple during the "Anything Goes" weekend during May, only requiring one driver to control both. In the meantime, the Crompton is scheduled to operate the timetabled DMU diagram over the weekend of 13 & 14 April. 6 April 2002 Details from WSRs Online and local correspondent
Cheshire Railtours' "Yesteryear Special" On 3 August 2002, Cheshire RailTours are running the "Yesteryear Special" from Leamington Spa, Solihull, Birmingham, Stourbridge Jcn, Kidderminster (with a special connection from Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley line) , Droitwich, Worcester, Ashchurch, Cheltenham to Bishops Lydeard for the Vintage Rally and Steam Fayre. Passengers can opt to stay on board for a trip to Minehead for a paddle in the Severn Sea. Booked traction is for a diesel-electric Class 47 locomotive and early British Railways Mark 1 coaching stock. 10 March 2002 Details from local correspondent
"Somerset Coast Express" The Mid-Cheshire Rail Users Association in conjunction with Riviera Trains have arranged the quot;Somerset Coast Express". This excursion on 18 May 2002 departs Altrincham at around 7am, picking up at Hale, Mobberley, Knutsford, Plumley, Northwich, Greenbank, Cuddington, Mouldsworth, Chester and Shrewsbury. The Class 47 diesel-headed train then travels the lovely Welsh Marches, then using the Severn Tunnel, arrives at Bristol, thence down to Taunton and Norton Fitzwarren, for the West Somerset Railway. Passengers can leave the train at Bishops Lydeard for a later steam-hauled trip to Minehead, or remain on the "Express" for the run down the branch to the seaside terminus. Much more information can be found at the News Page on Mid-Chesire Rail Users Association's WEB SITE. 8 March 2002 Details from Topica WSR Newsgroup and Mid-Cheshire Rail Users Association
Carol Trains 2002 Come and enjoy the seasonal atmosphere by joining us and singing carols at WSR stations as this special steam hauled early evening train makes its leisurely way from Minehead to Williton and back on 9 December 2002. And new for 2002, a second Carol Train will run on the same evening from Bishops Lydeard to Williton and back. The two trains will meet at Williton. Details from the Minehead Office on 01643 704996 between 9am and 4pm on weekdays. 2 March 2002 Details from WSR Journal
Line speed increase That part of the track between Longlands Bridge and Norton Bridge has been upgraded. This will allow trains to run at up to 55 miles per hour on this, mostly straight, part of the Norton section. The Railway do not expect any passenger trains to exceed the normal 25mph limit, nor is there any suggestion that the Railway will increase the present limit. The idea behind the Norton upgrade is to allow other Train Operating Companies to undertake crew trainingand testing of stock on the WSR. Much work has been done by the Railway's permanent way gangs, involving improved sight lines, improving the ballast profile and ensuring secure fencing throughout that section. More details can be found in the WSR Journal. More maps. 28 February 2002 Details from WSR Journal
CAMRA Weekend Hertfordshire Railtours have announced more details of their Minehead Merrymaker excursion on 14 September. This is an excellent and cost-effective way of getting to Minehead for the CAMRA Real Ale Event... "On the day of our visit the WSR is holding a Steam and Real Ale Event, in conjunction with CAMRA, with an intensive steam train service running and numerous guest ales on sale to quench the thirst. We received so much favourable comment about this event last year that we simply had to do it again! "The Merrymaker train will run right through to Minehead, giving a break at the resort of over three hours. In addition you can travel on the WSR Steam trains at half price, so you have total flexibility at minimum cost. We will provide you with timetable details on the day to enable you to plan your afternoon as you wish. The Merrymaker will call also at Bishops Lydeard and Dunster in both directions, widening your options still further. "Classic buses will operate, free of charge, between Dunster station and the highly picturesque Dunster Village, notable for its castle, parts of which date from the 13th Century, and 18th Century working waterwheel. London Finsbury Park  depart 07.40  arrive back 21.35 Ealing Broadway  depart 08.20  arrive back 20.55 Slough (for M25)  depart 08.40  arrive back 20.35 Reading  depart 09.10  arrive back 20.10 "The standard fare right through to Minehead is only £24.50 (Junior £12.25). First Class Gold is £85.00 (£320 for a party of four) including the Great British Breakfast, morning coffee and a four course dinner. Further details at www.traintrips.co.uk or telephone Hertfordshire Rail Tours 01438 812125" 23 February 2002 Details from local correspondent
New WSR sounds at Steamsounds.org.uk David Bailey's SteamSounds web site at STEAMSOUNDS.ORG.UK has a excellent recording of "Dinmore Manor" heading a goods train near Nethercott in 2000. This joins several other WSR sounds on the web site. Have a visit and listen... 11 February 2002 Details from SteamSounds
"King Edward I" autumn return... Making another visit to the West Somerset Railway, the popular 'King' will be the star attraction at the Autumn Steam Gala on 6-8 September 2002. The loco is expected to haul a charter train from the main line onto the Railway prior to the Gala - this has yet to be confirmed. 23 January 2002 Details from WSRA web site
Details of the Crompton outing... Class 33 "Crompton" no 33048 will take the DMU diagram this weekend 13 and 14 April 2002, providing passengers with a taste of Southern diesel power on the Railway. On both days, the loco is rostered to run light engine leaving Williton Diesel Depot at around 9.30am for Bishops Lydeard, in readiness to head the 10.25am to Minehead, then the 12.15 from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. Then, the Crompton takes the 2.35pm to Minehead, leaving the seaside terminus for the run back to Bishops Lydeard at 4.00pm. After shunting the coaching stock, no 33048 will leave - light engine - 5.15pm for Williton Diesel Depot. 9 April 2002 Details from local correspondent
Pannier problems and solutions The non-appearance at the recent Spring Steam Gala of WSRA-owned GWR 0-6-0PT no 6412 was due to the discovery during routine examinations of small cracks in the firebox in the area of the foundation ring. Repairs have been effected and the loco is being re-assembled. The disappointment of the failure of the popular locomotive was more than offset by the rapid hire of BR(W) 0-6-0PT no 1501 from the Severn Valley Railway, the first appearance of this later design of the much-loved GWR pannier tank type on the Railway. 28 March 2002 Details from WSRA
More coaches arrive Three more coaches have arrived to bolster the coaching stock. Two Tourist Second Open (TSO) vehicles - nos 5025 & 5030 - have been purchased privately from Riviera Trains for use on the line. Both carry BR Western Region chocolate and cream livery and will enter service immediately. Meanwhile, the WSR plc has purchased Brake Second Open (BSO) no 9380 (pictured), which previously formed part of the now-disbanded “Berwyn Belle” dining train on the Llangollen Railway. The BSO has been moved to Minehead, and is now in the Carriage Works where it will lose its royal blue livery in favour of the locally-preferred traditional chocolate and cream. The arrival of the two TSOs - together with other recent coach arrivals - means the WSR can now muster a rake of six dual-braked Mark 1 vehicles (TSO Nos 4875, 4876, 4909, 5025, 5030 & BSK No 35451), which opens-up new commercial possibilities. 28 March 2002 Details and text from WSRA
Spring Gala success Whilst trains generally ran around twenty minutes late on Saturday and Sunday, they were comfortably full. In fact, over 4800 passengers were carries during the three day event on 22-24 March. This is less than the record for this event chalked up in 2001, but over 5% more than 2000. 28 March 2002 Details from WSRA

 Camra Fundraising Presentation Evening

Somerset CAMRA report, "This will take place on Monday 15th April, 8.30pm, at the Star Inn, Mill Lane, Watchet. All are welcome to join friends and colleagues from the West Somerset Railway, Somerset CAMRA and Minehead RNLI for a convivial social evening.

We will be presenting large 'dummy' cheques, representing the total amounts raised, to both West Somerset Steam Railway Trust and representatives from Minehead & District Lifeboat Guild (RNLI). Hopefully this event will produce welcome publicity for us all, as well as providing advance awareness of this year’s festival planned for the weekend of 14th and 15th September. We will be inviting a press photographer on the evening.

The RNLI cheque amount will £602, this being the total of £442 from their collection boxes and £160 donated by CAMRA. £500 was the amount donated to West Somerset Steam Railway Trust, to benefit Minehead station projects.

The West Somerset Railway plc are our partners in the staging of this event."

11 March 2002 Details verbatum from Somerset CAMRA

 Overhauled Minehead Station Ladies Room officially opened by WSR Chairman

On the morning of 16 February, Dennis Taylor, the Chairman of West Somerset Railway Plc, cut the ribbon to officially declare the refurbished Ladies Room at Minehead, well and truly re-opened! By which time, as the pictures on the NEWSPIX pages show, quite a queue had formed...

16 February 2002 Details from local correspondent

 Visit by "Flying Scotsman" is on again!

The much-heralded visit of the world-famous "Flying Scotsman", LNER 4-6-2 no 4472, on 12 May 2002, is back on the agenda! It was recently announced that the trip from London to Minehead and back with the Venice-Simplon Orient Express luxury rolling stock, had been cancelled due to pathing problems on the main line. However, these obstacles seem to have been removed, with London Waterloo now likely to be the departure station from the Capital, the West Somerset will again await the arrival of one of the most well-known locomotives in the world. The visit co-incides, of course, with the Railway's "Anything Goes" weekend, and is sure to add the icing on the cake.

1 March 2002 Details from WSRs OnLine

 Regular DMU trips to Norton commence...

The first regular DMU trips on the Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section started on 10 March. Ian Robins was there with camera to photograph the event - see the NEWSPIX page. One of the photos shows the signalman handing the section staff to the driver; the other shows a driver's eye view of the end of the WSR limit, with the stop board visible, along with the old up siding on the left of the running line.

The section has been largely unused by West Somerset Railway trains since closure by BR in 1971, although much used by excursions from the main line, the celebrated stone freight trains, and during Gala events. Now, visitors get a regular opportunity to travel over the three mile southern section.

10 March 2002 Details from local correspondent

 Dunster ticket printers tally exceeds 6 million

In 1990, the 1944-built Edmondson machines, once at Crewe, started printing traditional card tickets for use on the Railway. At the turn of the year, the total had exceeded 6,250,000 tickets. The Dunster-based operation is run by the Dowrick Brothers for the Railway and have proved a major success over the years, with tickets in great demand by many other heritage railways too.  more...

10 March 2002 Details from WSR Journal