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News from 2003 - July to December
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 "Odney" for sale...
BR "Manor" no 7828 "Odney Manor" has been advertised for sale in a monthly railway magazine. The West Somerset Railway Company is known to be interested in purchasing a Manor class locomotive following the successful running of four Manors in the last ten years or so. Nos 7802, 7820, 7821 and 7828 have each proven very suitable for the heaviest summer service trains. The Company is also understood to have entered into negotiations with the owner of no 7828 "Odney Manor" which is currently advertised for sale.
31 December 2003
Details from local correspondent
Odney Manor © Stephen Edge
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Another Auto for the Spring...
Locomotive 5542 Ltd have announced another day out with the Auto Trailer no 178 in the spring of 2004. Back by popular demand, Sunday 14 March 2004 is the date of the next "5542" organised Auto train special. Again it will traverse all twenty three miles of the WSR with the usual added value extras. A great opportunity to get out and see the West Somerset as it awakes from its winter slumber. The primroses should also be in full bloom by then. Further details and bookings available at www.loco5542.co.uk.
31 December 2003
Details from local correspondent
The Auto Trailer © Steve Huddy
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Theft from The Gauge Museum...
The Association has reported the theft of two artefacts from The Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard during the afternoon of Sunday 28 December, during the Railway’s otherwise highly successful Winter Steam Festival. At 4pm a man, together with his partner and child, entered the building and carefully removed two exhibits from their display mountings. The exhibits are two single line electric key tokens, one marked “Swimbridge-South Molton” and the other “South Molton-Bishop’s Nympton”. The incident was recorded on the station’s CCTV cameras and the police have been informed. The WSRA is naturally keen to recover the items.
If anyone can throw any light whatsoever on the incident, is offered either or both of the tokens, or sees them advertised for sale, please contact the WSRA Administrator urgently – telephone 01823 433856. As a result of the theft, security measures in the museum are currently being reviewed.
31 December 2003
Details from WSRA
The Gauge Museum © Stephen Edge
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Winter Steam Festival is a great success...
Reports from travellers, photographers and volunteers all seem to agree that the Winter Steam Festival - a new venture for the Railway - was a great success attracting huge numbers of passengers who enjoyed the experience of steam trains on a cold and crisp winter's day.
Trains were very busy. The first down train of the day, the 10.25 from Bishops Lydeard, was nigh full before departure. The Auto Trailer, paired with Prairie no 5542, was again a very popular choice for passengers and was, by all accounts, packed on all trips - and I am not sure the likening to the Circle Line at rush hour is a good thing or not!
A repeat Festival is already lined up for 2004...
29 December 2003
Details from local correspondents
A Winter Success © Don Bishop
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The 3000000th passenger...
On Saturday 27 December 2003, a Mr Carr from Glastonbury in Somerset became the present Railway's 3000000th passenger.
Mr Carr was travelling with his family and some friends from Zimbabwe on the 12.25 from Bishops Lydeard to Blue Anchor and return.
He had a champagne reception hosted by the Bishops Lydeard stationmaster Ian Aldridge and was presented with a framed 3000000 certificate and a family free travel pass for the whole of 2004.
A interview took place with HTV news
27 December 2003
Details from local correspondent
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The Journal steams on...
The latest Journal - supplied every three months to members of the West Somerset Railway Association - has arrived on the doormat.
Once again the Editor, David Williams, has produced a superb publication, well worthy of Britain's most popular heritage railway. Packed with news, views, topical and historical articles and lots of photographs - eight colour and 28 black and white. Each of the ten stations has a report and there are eight pages giving updates of the line's motive power. On a strategic level, there is a detailed account of the plans for the many goods vehicles now on the line.
For more details of the WSRA, please visit the WSRA Web Site.
24 December 2003
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Join the fun...
Join in the fun and help keep Britain's longest heritage railway at the top of the league. Membership of the West Somerset Railway Association will bring you plenty of benefits such as a quarterly fully illustrated magazine and free travel on the Railway. The WSRA is right at the centre of the Railway's activities, on a day-to-day basis and in the strategic long term too! Two ex-GWR locomotives are owned by the Association which also has considerable financial interests in other engines. Volunteering is also a major activity on the line, with the WSRA playing a major role especially in recruitment and training. Your membership will always directly help the Railway and even if, like me, you live hundreds of miles away from Somerset,, there's always lots of ways of supporting Britain's most popular heritage railway. For more details, please visit the WSRA Web Site.
23 December 2003
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WSR about to welcome the 3000000th passenger
The West Somerset Railway is expecting to reach a major milestone next week when it carries its three millionth passenger. On Saturday 27 December, the Railway expects to welcome the lucky person who will make history. Managing Director Mark Smith plans to be at the Booking Office at Bishops Lydeard station ready to welcome the three millionth passenger. With a record year already in the bag, the Railway needs to top 185000 passengers this year to reach the 3000000 mark since reopening in 1976. The Railway is very confident that the counter will tick over on 27 December - which will be the first day of the post-Christmas operations and the following day is the Winter Steam Festival with three steam engines in action.
19 December 2003
Details from Somerset County Gazette
© Stephen Edge
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Internet Gateway for Visit Exmoor
Recognising the power of the Internet, a group of local organisations have produced Visit Exmoor - a web site giving lots of online information about Exmoor National Park and the surrounding areas. The web site can be found at www.visit-exmoor.info. This is the official tourism portal site for the Exmoor & Quantocks region, and was developed through liaison between the Greater Exmoor Tourism Consortium, West Somerset District Council and the Exmoor National Park Authority. You can order your free copy of the Exmoor Coast & Country Holiday & Short Breaks Guide 2004 via www.visit-exmoor.info.
14 December 2003
Details from local correspondents
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Big Four theme for Spring Gala
The Cambrian theme originally scheduled for the Spring Steam Gala in 2004 has been postponed to a later date. The planned theme is now a "Big Four" event, the aim at this stage being to hire-in at least one engine from the LMS, LNER and SR to complement the existing GWR-dominated home fleet.
LNER J15 no 65462 has already been secured, subject to contract. The GWR auto train - with nos 5542 and 6412 taking turns- will again feature at the Spring Steam Gala on 25-28 March 2004.
Please note the above is the current plan and may be subject to change.
10 December 2003
Details from WSR Plc
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Eastern Goods for Somerset...
A report in a monthly railway magazine states J15 0-6-0 no 65462 will enjoy a brief visit to Somerset in March 2004. The dates mentioned would suggest an appearance at the Spring Steam Gala.
The West Somerset Railway comments "The invitation has been offered and accepted informally, and there seems to be lots of enthusiasm in all directions".
We also understand the visit is subject to completion of the finer details of the agreement.
5 December 2003
Details from local correspondent and WSR plc
No 65452 © Dave Bowles
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More Beatles pictures turn up...
Tim King, a very long-serving volunteer, has turned up three more pictures of the Fab Four, taken by Barbara White at Crowcombe, whilst researching the notable events on and off the Railway during 1964. One of the pictures is shown on the right, and all three can be viewed at larger sizes on the Beatles page.
Tim would be pleased to hear from anyone who might be able to provide any Minehead Branch related stories, press cuttings or pictures from 1964 - a year that saw a "Duchess" and a "Terrier" making for Butlins, goods trains withdrawn and of course a visit by four young men from Liverpool...
29 November 2003
Details from Tim King
Paul, George and Ringo © Barbara White
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Class 59 for Diesel Gala...
A Hertfordshire Railtours charter to Minehead for the 2004 Diesel Gala will feature haulage by an EWS Class 59/2 locomotive. The train runs on 8 May starting from London Paddington at 7.35am, picking-up at Slough and Reading, running via the Berks & Hants line and on to Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. The charter fare includes travel throughout to Minehead. Tour participants will also have the opportunity to purchase WSR train tickets at half price to enjoy the Diesel Gala, which will feature guest and home-based diesels in action.
22 November 2003
Details from WSRA web site
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Deltic to Minehead...
A unique opportunity to experience Deltic haulage to Minehead on 17 April 2004. This Steamy Affairs charter starts at Watford, picking up at Hemel Hempstead, Milton Keynes, Northampton, Long Buckby, Coventry and Birmingham International, and then running non-stop on to the West Somerset Railway. The train will be hauled throughout by one of the popular English Electric Type 5 "Deltic" diesel locomotives. Please note the excursion planned for 30 December 2003 would appear to have been cancelled.
20 November 2003
Details from WSRA web site
Steamy Affairs coming to Minehead
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One coach special proves very popular...
The measure of a successful rail charter could be the number of coaches behind the loco - the Railway often sees 11,12,13 coaches coming in from other parts of the country. But on 7 December, a very successful charter consisting of a single coach - the ex-GWR autotrailer no 178 - and ex-GWR 2-6-2T no 5542 ran a full forty six mile round trip on the line to the delight of the lucky passengers. The tiny train stopped at several locations during the day for photographic purposes. On a cold but sunny day, the passengers enjoyed hot drinks and pasties at Williton, Crowcombe and Minehead stations. The "Tivvy Bumper Revisited" - a reference to the one-time single coach steam auto-train that ran from Tiverton Junction to the Town - was organised by Locomotive 5542 Limited. For a view of the event, please see the Tivvy Bumper Picture Page. Or read the Special Report by Jon Tooke...
7 December 2003
Details from local correspondents
The "Tivvy Bumper Revisited"
© Graham Anderson
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Braunton restoration news...
Work has started on tidying up the back head of the boiler ready for the cab fittings. Work has also started on marking out and drilling the tender frame plates, and the parts for the tender drag boxes.
Problems have arisen with the tender tank. Originally constructed under a Government training scheme, we have found that the tank is 4" too long and the internal framework for the sides is incorrect. With the floor also being under design thickness we are faced with a major reconstruction job.
All the rear cylinder and valve covers are fitted. The piston and valve assemblies are now ready to install as soon as the new piston rings are received. Work has started on the bogie centre and side control refurbishment, and for fitting two replacement horns.
6 December 2003
Details from WSR Plc's OnLine
Bogie work in progress © JA
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Sea Shanties and a Prairie...
The good people who look after the award-winning Crowcombe Heathfield Station have organised a special train to help boost station funds. Booked for the evening of 18 June 2004, the "Maritime Express" offers passengers a buffet meal whilst en route to Minehead and sea shanties on the platform at Minehead. The recently restored and hugely popular ex-GWR 2-6-2T 'small prairie' locomotive no 5542 - which plied the Minehead Branch in BR days - is expected to haul the train. For the full details, please visit the Crowcombe Heathfield Station web site.
5 December 2003
Details from Crowcombe Heathfield Station web site.
No 5542 © Stephen Edge
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News from the Friends of Minehead Station...
The Readers Halt on Minehead platform now has a smart array of matching cupboards, replacing the previous rather motley collection. The bookstall has also been extended to provide more storage space. A rather neat swap of responsibilities resulted in former Treasurer Hein Burger taking over the Chairmanship from Alan Grieve who takes over the FoMS Treasury. Lysaght Village Hall in Old Cleeve hosted the Christmas Dinner enjoyed by forty seven members and friends. Of the many heavy activities undertaken by FoMS, the concreting of a large area near the offices and the repainting of the Signal Box stand out as major successes. For a full update on the wide range of FoMS activities, please visit the FOMS page.
29 November 2003
Details from Alan Grieve
Some of the Friends... © Alan Grieve
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A Happy Event...
Jackie Quick, one of the volunteer chefs aboard the luxury dining train, the "Quantock Belle", married Kevin Weston at Taunton on 22 November. The bride, in an ivory dress and wrap, was given away by Mr David Bulley, signalman, guard and driver. Until recently, Kevin was the signal engineer for the Railway. After the ceremony, a reception was held at Crowcombe village hall, where some of the notable "Belle" characters set up, provided lunch, waited, served afternoon tea and generally looked after the guests into the evening.
29 November 2003
Details from the happy couple
The Westons © Clive Townshend
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Exclusive Christmas Cards...
The West Somerset Railway Association has produced two exclusive Christmas cards, one featuring "Dinmore Manor" on the “Quantock Belle” at Bishops Lydeard and the other no 80136 at Crowcombe Heathfield, painted by local artist Frederick Lea, GRA. Both are sold in packs of five, complete with envelopes, and can be purchased from the WSRA Shop at Bishops Lydeard – which is open daily until Christmas – or by mail order. Full details on the WSRA web site.
22 November 2003
Details from WSRA web site
Christmas Cards © WSRA
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Christmas Shopping Trains
The Railway will be running a DMU service at reduced fares between Stogumber and Minehead for Christmas shopping on 13, 20, 22, 23, 24 December. The operation reminds us of the 1978 season when Stogumber was the southern railhead of the fledgling Railway with up to three DMU trains per day starting from the then tiny platform.
2 November 2003
Details from WSR Plc.
DMU at Leigh Woods
© Stephen Edge
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Cancellations and Changes...
The Pathfinder Railtours excursion from Worcester to the Dunster by Candlelight event on Friday 5 December has been cancelled due to "...pathing south of Gloucester and engineering works on the return..." according to the Pathfinders web site. Another disappointing autumnal cancellation. Such a shame that many people prepared to pay good money for a trip to Dunster may now have negative thoughts about West Somerset and the Railway.
On a happier note, the excursion from Cardiff on the day after, 6 December, is still going ahead, albeit with a change of motive power with ex-BR diesel-electric class 45 no 45112 "Royal Army Ordnance Corps" now booked to head the train, reckoned to be the first visit of this particular loco to the WSR.
18 November 2003
Details from local correspondents and Pathfinder Railtours
Dunster
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Auto train special to run full length...
No 5542 is rather hogging the news at the moment! 5542 Ltd have just announced a 46 mile special trip - a full return trip over the twenty three miles of the WSR - for the loco with the auto trailer no 178 in tow or up front depending on direction of travel. This event will take place on 7 December 2003 and will include some non-stop running and some "run pasts" for the camera. The special will share the line with the Crowcombe Santa Specials and a lunchtime Quantock Belle dining train. More details on the web site of 5542 Ltd.
26 October 2003
Details from 5542 Ltd.
Auto Train Special...
© Stephen Edge
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Dunster by Candlelight...
Pathfinder Tours have kindly provided details of the special trains they will be running in connection with the Dunster by Candlelight event in December.
The trains will be facilitated by Merlin Rail (not EWS) and will both be hauled by Crewe-based LNWR-owned Class 46 diesel locomotive no 46035 "Ixion" throughout.
The first train runs on 5 December leaving Worcester at 2.20pm picking up at Ashchurch, Cheltenham, Cam and Dursley, Yate and Bristol Parkway, then, except for operational stops at Taunton and Bishops Lydeard) non-stop to Dunster and Minehead. The timings allow for around three hours in Dunster before departing Minehead at 9.15pm
The second train runs on 6 December leaving Cardiff at 1.35pm, then picking up at Newport, Severn Tunnel Junction, Filton Abbey Wood, Bristol Temple Meads, Nailsea and Backwell, Yatton and Weston super Mare. Arrival at Dunster is at 5.05pm and Minehead at 5.15pm. The return train departs from Minehead at 8.15pm.
More details available soon...
4 August 2003
Details from Pathfinder Railtours
Dunster by Candlelight
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Taunton Link hits the headlines again...
Presumably quoting Somerset County Council policy and development consultant Brian Hensley, the Somerset County Gazette reports, "Rail operators could run train services between Taunton and Minehead once the bridge over the Silk Mills level crossing is built. Signal work permitting main line trains to connect to the West Somerset Railway will be carried out as the level crossing is decommissioned. The work will allow trains to be signalled through the Norton Fitzwarren junction to Bishops Lydeard and West Somerset. Train companies will be interested in ferrying thousands of holidaymakers to Butlins every year."
Check out the Gazette pages. This link is updated weekly.
17 October 2003
Details from Somerset County Gazette
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Tidy sum raised by annual draw...
The Association’s very popular Annual Draw – which was concluded on Sunday 2 November at 4pm at Bishops Lydeard – raised around £15,000 for locomotive restoration. Colin Thomas, the champion ticket seller of previous Draws, but who had to take a back seat this year due to problems with his eyesight, drew the winning tickets. Full details of the winning tickets are available on the WSRA web site The WSRA Board would light to express its heartfelt thanks to all those who bought and sold tickets.
20 November 2003
Details from WSRA web site
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Washford Inn...
The Washford Inn - right next to Washford Station - officially reopens on 19 November having undergone complete refurbishment which includes, amongst other things the new Pub Sign featuring what else but GWR loco no 5542! It is understood that the main bar has a railway theme and the new landlord is very railway friendly. Even the great Pete Waterman has recently sampled the fare at the "Washford" although his thoughts on the new sign go unrecorded!
18 November 2003
Details from local correspondent
Washford
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News of the Hymek Twins...
The Diesel & Electric Preservation Group's Hymek D7018 - which hasn't worked for a number of years following a serious failure - has been moved from No 2 to No 1 road at Williton. This will enable further component removal before it is weather-proofed before going outside to stand on the new concrete apron where the body will be lifted to allow the removal of the bogies and the fuel tanks. The engine has been further stripped down and other damage was found to the pistons - it is not known if this is a result of the failure or from frost damage. Meanwhile, the other Hymek, no D7017, has been drained for the winter and is expected to be moved in the next few days to Williton from Minehead (where space will be a premium during the extremely busy Dunster by Candlelight evenings).
9 November 2003
Details from local correspondent.
D7018 makes a move
© Jon Tooke
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News of Braunton...
The WSRA web site reports splendid progress on the restoration of Braunton: "The boiler from Bulleid ’Pacific’ No 34046 Braunton has now arrived back at the Association’s engineering base at Williton following repair by Roger Pridham at Tavistock, and has now been moved into the centre of No 1 Road inside the shed. The boiler was followed into the shed by the tender tank, on which work can now start. The new concrete floor is now clear for marking out and drilling the new tender frame plates and stretchers prior to assembly, and for fabrication of the required new ashpans. On the engine itself, all the new cylinder cover studs have been inserted, and the rear cylinder and valve covers fitted. The valve and piston assemblies are now almost ready for fitting."
4 November 2003
Details from WSRA.
Braunton boiler back
© JA
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Record smashed...
Aided by the Autumn Gala and the Grand Trains Extravaganza the Railway had a very good October. So good in fact that at the end of the month the 2003 total stood at 173,005 passengers carried so far compared with 172,457 in the whole of the record year, 2002. Well done all round.
2 November 2003
Details from WSR Plc.
Records smashed
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Cutting back in the countryside...
Cutting Back is the activity on offer on 15-16 November - the planned log train will run later this winter- with the stretch adjacent to Roebuck Gate level crossing lined up for a spruce-up. On the Saturday, the plan is to work towards Stogumber, and in the opposite direction on the Sunday.
New volunteers are very welcome indeed - bring a 'hi-vis' jacket if you have one together with your lunch, coffee/tea, good gloves and stout shoes - and you should report to the leader, David Holmes, at approx 9.30am before going on the line.
11 November 2003
Details from WSRA.
Roebuck Gate
© Stephen Edge
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GWR Historic Coach News...
News has reached us of developments at the Swindon & Cricklade Railway where fellow preservationists are busy with the ex-GWR Toplight coach restoration. Further details can be found on the Toplight Coach Group's own web site.
The WSR's own Historic Coach Group plan to restore one of the WSR Toplight Coaches at Williton, and another has recently been fitted out for volunteer accommodation at Bishops Lydeard. Other examples provide similar facilites at Blue Anchor.
18 November 2003
Details from local correspondent
Blue Anchor
© Stephen Edge
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Quiz time for Taunton Group...
The Taunton Group of the West Somerset Railway Association are holding a Railway Quiz at their next meeting on Monday 1 December at the Great Western Staff Association Club (at the north east corner of Taunton station), starting at 7.45pm. The rumous that Anne Robinson has been booked to find the "weakest link" have proved foundless.
More details from Peter Darke.
29 November 2003
Details from Peter Darke
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Exmoor Express is cancelled...
Apologies for the very late reporting of this disappointing news that the Past-Time Railtours excursion from Paddington to Minehead and back has been cancelled. Readers will recall this was to be steam hauled on the WSR with "Kinlet Hall" heading the return train from Minehead to Oxford. It should be noted that the cancellation has nothing to do with the WSR who now find themselves excursion-less this weekend. For cancellation details, visit the Past-Time Rail web site .
31 October 2003
Details from WSR Plc.
Not leaving West Somerset just yet...
© Stephen Edge
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Milepost passed this week...
The new kid on the WSR block, passed 10000 miles since restoration on Monday 20 October whilst working a "Driver Experience Course". The epoch was reached when GWR no 5542 was near Stogumber on the first of three round trips to Williton. For those interested in the records, the day was the 162nd steaming day. The first year of use ended on 3 October 2003 when 9399 miles had been recorded and 152 days in steam.
24 October 2003
Details from WSRA
Now for the next 10000 miles...
© Peter Darke
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The Right Kind of Snow
This is the title of the presentation by Terry Nicholls to the Taunton Group fo the West Somerset Railway Association on Monday 3 November at the GWRSA by Taunton Station. The evening will start with the 2003 station awards at around 7.30pm to the stationmasters of the joint winners, Crowcombe Heathfield and Dunster. With the "Snow" commencing around fifteen minutes later, long acceptance speeches are not expected.
24 October 2003
Details from WSRA
Dunster and Crowcombe Heathfield
© Stephen Edge
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The Mongrel takes shape...
The conversion of "Large Prairie" 2-6-2T no 5193 to a "Mogul" 2-6-0 is beginning to take shape at the Minehead Loco Shed. The boiler - albeit without tubes - now sits atop the restored frames, and was recently lifted to allow the fitting of the ashpan.
Controversy surrounds the conversion with opinions split with some wishing to see the loco restored in the original form and others happy to see what might have happened if steam had not been withdrawn from British Railways...
23 October 2003
Details from local correspondent
Controversial conversion
© Peter Darke
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Class 66 naming event cancelled...
The naming of the Freightliner class 66 on 25 October on the WSR has been cancelled due to no locomotive being available. The good news is that the Grand Trains Extravaganza weekend on 25-26 October goes ahead...
20 October 2003
Details from Freightliner, Railway Magazine and WSRA
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On-train catering in 2004...
The Catering Department of the Plc have announced a long list of specials for 2004. The full list is on the DIARY 2004 page. Looking at the food on offer, there will be cream teas, fish and chips, sausage and chips, a curry evening and soup and ploughmans. Themes range from a Mothers Day Special to a Jazz Evening Special to a Steam, Cream and Carnage Special. More details will be posted here when available.
9 October 2003
Details from WSR Plc
Happy diners aboard a WSR dining train
© WSRA
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Freightliner Class 66 to be named at Minehead...
Freightliner Ltd have confirmed the appearance of one of their fleet of Class 66/5 diesels at Minehead on Saturday 25 October. The loco will be named "The Railway Magazine" in a ceremony at around 2.30pm. Leaving Southampton at 8.30pm, the Class 66 will run light engine via Salisbury and Castle Cary, arriving at Norton Fitzwarren Junction at 11am, then running light engine to Minehead arriving at 12.16pm. After the ceremony, the engine will leave the WSR seaside terminus at 3pm for Norton Fitzwarren, then retracing the same route back to Southampton, light engine throughtout from Minehead.
Note: the WSRA web site suggests "...locomotive – which, subject to final confirmation, will be No 66503...".
17 October 2003
Details from Freightliner Ltd and WSRA and The Railway Magazine.
Possible WSR visitor
©www.digitalbricks.nl
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A December Peak...
Pathfinder Tours have confirmed the appearance of the diesel-electric "Peak", class 46 1Co-Co1 no 46035 "Ixion" at the head of the through Dunster by Candlelight trains in December. The first train runs from Worcester on Saturday 5 December 2003. The next day, no 46035 heads the Candlelight train from Cardiff. Each runs through to Dunster and Minehead for the annual event which sees the picture-postcard village of Dunster lit only by candles. The large "heritage" loco was last on WSR metals in May 2003 during the very successful Cross Country Weekend.
16 October 2003
Details from www.toursatpathfinder.freeserve.co.uk.
Dunster by Candlelight
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More filming on the WSR...
Following the BBC TV film session at Williton station on 29 August , yet more film was exposed aboard the "Quantock Belle" stock on Wednesday 15 October for a Sky food programme on channel 180 "Food cooked in unusual places" with a short introduction on how the QB started. The filming took place on platform 3 with the QB stationary.The programme should go out in December 2003. The presenter and cameraman also captured footplate action on the 4.05pm service to Minehead.
16 October 2003
Details from WSRA.
Quantock Belle
© WSRA
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New items for the Gauge Museum...
Amongst new items received at Bishops Lydeard Gauge Museum include two tokens from the old Taunton to Barnstaple branch - Swimbridge to South Molton and South Molton to Bishops Nympton Molland -
plus two brasses from signal levers at Taunton West which include West sidings to Forty Steps and a manual point near Staplegrove Road Bridge.
Amongst other items are a wages calculation table from the Railways staff conference and assorted regional appendix including details of both Minehead and Barnstaple branch working rules and regulations.
1 October 2003
Details from WSRA
The Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard
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No 5542 news...
Ex-GWR 'Small Prairie' 2-6-2T no 5542 was due to undergo some planned remedial work on the inside motion during November, ahead of the Santa Train season. However having seen the popularity of the Autotrains and allow maximum availability for any additional Auto workings that may be required, the work has now been postponed until January. Enquiries are getting underway regarding the viability of manufacturing a set of WSR based Auto Gear equipment. Note: no 5542 is scheduled to work the Auto between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Junction on Saturday 25 October during the Grand Trains Extravaganza event.
8 October 2003
Details from 5542 Ltd
Automatic for the People
© Stephen Edge
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A Grand Gala...
The Autumn Steam Gala for 2003 was spread over four days in early October and was an outstanding success both in passengers carried and in operating terms with barely a late train reported. Locomotives at work included GWR types nos 1369, 4936, 5542, 5553, 5637, 6412, 7820 and BR Standard no 80136. The superbly restored Auto Trailer, worked alternately by nos 6412 and 5542, was a great crowd puller, as it plied the Norton section, Lydeard-Williton return trips and the long journey down to Minehead. A twelve coach train on Sunday evening, hauled by nos 7820 and 5553, provided a spectacular visual finale, the pair making a "rousing" ascent of Crowcombe bank. One can only imagine the noise...
For lots of pictures of the Gala please CLICK HERE.
7 October 2003
Details from local correspondent
Small train, huge attraction
© Stephen Edge
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From the local rag...
A leisurely browse through the local paper, the Somerset County Gazette, reveals a handful of stories related in some way to the West Somerset Railway. The front page headline describes the impasse prevailing over the development of the East Quay at Watchet, which is or was part of the grand plan to regenerate the disused commercial harbour. WSR historians will recall the East Quay was created by the original West Somerset Railway to provide improved facilities at the ancient port. Inside the paper, it seems a great number of ramblers enjoyed a steam train trip to Crowcombe Heathfield before walking back to Bishops Lydeard. A smaller item discusses the future of the Egremont Hotel in Williton currently being converted to flats. The Egremont was, of course, where Sir Peregrine Fuller Palmer Acland called the very first meeting to promote the building of a railway from Watchet to the main line. Sir Peregrine later became the first Chairman of the first WSR.
For more from the Gazette please CLICK HERE.
7 October 2003
Details from local correspondent
Crowcombe and (inset) Egremont Hotel
© Stephen Edge
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Electronic boost for no 5542...
No, the loco is not to be fitted with an overhead pantagraph, but the owning group, 5542 Ltd, gratefully received a cheque for £254.55 from volunteer guard, Jon Tooke on Saturday 4 October during the Autumn Steam Gala . Jon raised the sum by selling a number of railwayana items via the E-Bay internet auction web site. The picture shows Jon, centre, with Ian Aldridge, the Station Master at Bishops Lydeard on the left and John Wood, Chairman of 5542 Ltd on the right, with the said locomotive forming the background...
6 October 2003
Details from 5542 Ltd and local correspondent
A big cheque from a big heart...
© Stephen Edge
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Passenger figures still running high...
At the end of September passenger figures stood at 159,402. This compares with 159,205 at the end of Octoberin the record year of 2002.
2 October 2003
Details from WSR Plc
Passengers carried in 2003 so far...
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Special Events in 2004...
The WSR has now fixed its programme of special events for 2004...
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| | 25-28 March | Spring Steam Gala on a Cambrian Railway theme
| | 7-9 May | Diesel Gala featuring visiting locomotives
| | 3-4 July | Days Out With Thomas
| | 7-8 August | Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally at Bishops Lydeard
| | 13-14 August | Diesel Gala featuring home-based locomotives
| | 11-12 September | CAMRA Real Ale Festival at Minehead Station
| | 1-3 October | Autumn Steam Gala
| | 23-24 October | Grand Trains Extravaganza - Steam & Diesel Weekend
| | 3-4 December | Dunster by Candlelight
| | 29 December | Winter Steam Festival
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A special, enhanced timetable will be in operation at most of these events.
Full details of each event will be published on this website in due course.
26 September 2003
Details from WSRA
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