 Latest News
Page updated
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
The 2012 Timetable and Events Guide now available
The West Somerset Railway 2012 Timetable and Events Guide has just arrived from the printers. To get a copy of the publication please drop an email to info@west-somerset-railway.co.uk. The 2012 train times for regular services are now available on this website here...
30 November 2011
Details from WSR Plc
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Christmas on the Quantock Belle - it's not too late...
Come and enjoy the Quantock Belle First Class Dining Train decked out in its Christmas finery. Although the Dunster by Candlelight service on 2 December is fully booked, there are still seats available on the other Christmas lunch trains on 4, 11 and 18 December. There is also a traditional Sunday roast beef lunch on 30 December. This can be a wonderful antidote to the turkey leftovers, so keep it in mind if you are up for a day out! Please ring 01823 433856 for reservations. Full details here.
30 November 2011
Details from WSRA
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Only twenty one seats left on Bristol and Cardiff special
Advance bookings for the special train from West Somerset to Bristol and Cardiff suggest this is a popular service. On 10 December 2011 the special pre-Christmas First Great Western train will run from Minehead on the West Somerset Railway direct to the popular shopping cities of Bristol and Cardiff. The train is made up of a Class 150/2 diesel railcar unit leaving Minehead at 8.40am and then it will call at all WSR stations except Doniford Halt. After departing from Bishops Lydeard at 9.47am, the train then proceeds to Bristol (arrive 11.12am) and Cardiff (arrive 12.19pm). Passengers will get around 3 hours 40 minutes in Cardiff and almost six hours in Bristol - plenty of time for that Christmas shopping or sightseeing - before catching the direct train back to West Somerset. The train gets back to Minehead at around 7.25pm. Fares, times and full details on the West Somerset Railway website.
29 November 2011
Details from WSR Plc
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Ninety take part in the 2011 Wizzer Walk
The West Somerset Railway Walk, also known as the Wizzer Walk was blessed with brilliant sunshine and moderate temperatures throughout most of the day. Ninety walkers took part in the ten mile sponsored walk starting from Williton Station and finishing at Bishops Lydeard Station. Participants enjoyed excellent hospitality at the stations on the route and were able to enjoy the stunning scenery of the West Somerset Railway in the late autumn sunshine. Organisers Mike Webber and Ian Coleby were delighted with the numbers of walkers participating; Mike and Ian wish to thank the walkers, the sponsors and the volunteers who helped make the Wizzer Walk an outstanding success. Full story on the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website.
29 November 2011
Details from WSSRT
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
The Winter Steam Festival 2011
The WSR have announced the loco line-up and timetable for the last special event of 2011. The Winter Steam Festival takes place on 28 and 29 December 2011. Six steam locomotives are expected to appear over the two days - BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7828 Norton Manor, GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall, GWR 2-8-0 no 3850, GWR 2-6-2T no 5553, SDJR 2-8-0 no 88 and WSR 2-6-0 no 9351. A special attraction is the "Driver for a Fiver" which is available at Minehead Station, between 10am and 4pm. Within the confines of Minehead station, climb into the cab of one of the WSR's diesel locomotives and, under supervision, drive the engine from one end of the platform to the other and back. Booking is not necessary - just turn up and find the Driver for a Fiver stand on the platform. A great chance to do something a little different after Christmas. Full details of the event.
28 November 2011
Details from WSR Plc
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Going green at Crowcombe Heathfield
Not Southern green as Great Western Railway fans will be pleased to learn. In true railway tradition, volunteer George Evans is preparing the first bed of the station allotment. Set high on the bank beyond the up platform, three beds are planned to grow vegetable crops of old varieties. It is believed the area was used long ago for as the station allotment. The Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station hope the first crop of new potatoes will be for sale in May next year to help boost station funds.
28 November 2011
Details from FoCHS
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Busy at Minehead during the so-called quiet weeks
Work has started at Minehead Station preparing the ground for a new workshop. The area near the turntable has been cleared including the remaining roots of the erstwhile leylandii hedge. A new spear-topped fence will be constructed. Outside contractors are now constructing shuttering for the concrete base. The work is funded by the Friends of Minehead Station. Over near the seafront another FoMS project continues with the new GWR-style yard gate due to be installed on 30 November. More about FoMS here.
25 November 2011
Details from FoMS
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
All change at Washford in 2020
The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust will be leaving their Washford site in 2020. The station and yard at Washford are leased to the Trust by the West Somerset Railway who have written to the Trust confirming that when the lease of Washford Station expires in May 2020 it will not be renewed. The Chairman of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust comments "The next eight years are a time for a fresh look at the future of the trust and the opportunities it will bring. In the meantime, the trust will be maintaining all present operations at Washford, including the museum, retail shop, carriage and wagon restoration."
25 November 2011
Details from SDRT
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Not too late to do the Wizzer Walk
Just the ticket for those looking for something rather different to do this Sunday morning. The organisers of the Wizzer Walk have announced that the Taunton Model Railway Group will be operating one of their layouts at their base at Bishops Lydeard Station for walkers and visitors during the afternoon of the walk. The Wizzer Walk starts from Williton Station and takes in the ten mile route to Bishops Lydeard going through beautiful Somerset countryside with stunning views, giving members of the public an increasingly rare chance to walk this busy heritage line. The aim is via sponsorship to raise money for the Heritage Carriages Project and the St. Margaret’s Hospice in Taunton. Full details on the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website.
24 November 2011
Details from WSSRT
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
The Norton Triangle to be commissioned in early 2012
Hopes are high that the Triangle at Norton Fitzwarren will in operation in early 2012. Paul Conibeare, WSR General Manager, reports "The triangle looks set to be commissioned in January 2012 on receipt of a licence exemption from the Office of the Rail Regulation." With a working triangle commissioned, even the largest visiting steam locomotive can be turned, which in turn widens the scope for incoming steam excursions. Already railtours are pencilled in for 2012 on 21 June, 14 July and 18 August. Other Norton news: around 125 metres of rail arrived on 23 November to complete and lengthen the Allerford Spur to the long-demolished Allerford Bridge; meantime completion of the East Chord (the inner triangle) awaits flat bottom rail from Network Rail and a train is due any day. As can be seen on the Latest Pictures page, the High Output Ballast Cleaner continues to visit the Norton Triangle almost every weekday delivering more supplies of spent ballast.
24 November 2011
Details from WSR Plc and local correspondents
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
The WSR steam loco fleet for 2012 is announced
Seven steam locos will make up the regular locomotive fleet for the 2012 season. 2012 is expected to be a very difficult year for all businesses. Heritage railways will not be immune from financial pressure. Despite this, the WSR is pleased to be able to present a line-up of 7 locomotives to run its services during the season. WSR owned locomotives nos 7828 and 9351 will be supported by nos 4160, 3850, 88 and 34046. Upon completion of work currently being undertaken on no 34046, it is expected that the locomotive will undertake a number of main line duties during the season away from the WSR. Thus recently overhauled GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall will be based on the WSR for one year enabling it to be properly run in following its overhaul and also provide cover for no 34046 when the latter is away on main line duties. The WSR had received offers of several other locomotives for the 2012 season including GWR 2-6-2T no 5542, a Black Five and a Southern 4-6-0. Unfortunately, it would not have been economic to commit to the hire of an 8th locomotive for the season and so the WSR has reluctantly declined all additional offers.
22 November 2011
Details from WSR Plc
Share this story
|
|
|
|
|
By train from Minehead to Bristol and Cardiff
A chance of a round trip by train from Minehead to Cardiff or Bristol. On Saturday 10 December 2011 a First Great Western train will run from the West Somerset Railway to the popular shopping cities of Bristol and Cardiff. The train is made up of a Class 150/2 diesel railcar unit and will call at all WSR stations, except Doniford Halt. Download the Christmas Shopping Train poster (PDF) - pin it to a local notice board to help the West Somerset Railway's work with the national rail network. Feel free to email the PDF to friends who can arrange to display the poster in towns and villages within easy reach of the West Somerset Railway. Full information from the West Somerset Railway.
21 November 2011
Details from WSR Plc
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
The Wizzer Walk 2011
Organiser of the Wizzer Walk and sometime poet Mike Webber sends us a timely reminder. Mike, a fitness trainer, writes "Christmas is coming and are you getting fat? Walk the 'Wizzer Walk' burn calories and start to get that stomach flat". Less than a fortnight to go before the West Somerset Railway Sponsored Walk takes place in aid of the Heritage Carriages Project and the St. Margaret's Hospice. The walk gives the general public a rare opportunity to walk the beautiful and rural ten mile stretch of line between Williton and Bishops Lydeard and the chance to have a breather if needed at beautiful Stogumber Station and Crowcombe Heathfield Station. For those yet to register, then simply turn up at and book on the day with a registration fee of £7 per person; for those unable to take part, why not sponsor a walker and cheer them on at the stations en route. Go on, step out on the right track to raise some money for two worthwhile causes! Full information from the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust.
18 November 2011
Details from WSSRT
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
No WSR work for no 5542 in 2012
Locomotive 5542 Ltd report their Prairie is now not required for work on the West Somerset Railway in 2012. A news update on www.5542.co.uk explains: "It is with great regret that the [5542] board have to report that...we have now been notified that our locomotive will not now be required." This news will come as a great disappointment to those folks looking forward to seeing this locally important locomotive back at work on the Minehead Branch. See www.5542.co.uk for full report...
17 November 2011
Details from Locomotive 5542 Ltd
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Watchet footbridge returns...
Watchet once again has a footbridge. The footbridge had been being closed in 2009 on safety grounds falling into disrepair and was removed earlier this year for complete refurbishment. On Monday 14 November 2011 the footbridge was returned, as a kit of parts, on a fleet of lorries. A large crane located in the station car park lifted each section into place and by the end of the day the main structure was in place. We understand the West Somerset Council, who own the footbridge, will thank major donors for helping to fund the refurbishment at a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11am on 26 November 2011 complete with brass band. The West Somerset Railway will be sending along a steam engine for the ceremony.
17 November 2011
Details from local correspondents and Somerset County Gazette
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
No 6960 - a successful test run
No 6960 has completed a successful loaded test run. Following the test run of GWR 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall on Monday 14 November 2011 the West Somerset Railway report that Peter Greenwood and Andrew Forster have signed a hire agreement for the locomotive. The agreement allows the engine to operate on the WSR from 27 December 2011 to 31 December 2012 for a minimum of 40 days.
15 November 2011
Details from WSR Plc
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
A night photoshoot at Crowcombe Heathfield
Crowcombe Heathfield Station was the venue for an evening of photography. On 12 November 2011, around 25 photographers from all over the country spent the evening photographing Class 52 no D1010 Western Campaigner and the heritage goods train. By using carefully positioned arc lights, each setting ensured a very atmospheric and well composed shot for the participants. Station staff provided sustenance by way of tea, coffee, cakes and bread pudding, which produced very welcome income for station funds. No D1010 was renumbered D1035 and renamed Western Yeoman for the event. The shoot was partly arranged by David Williams, the WSRA Journal Editor. Find out more about Crowcombe Heathfield Station at www.fochs.org.uk
13 November 2011
Details from Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Don Bishop steps down
Long standing volunteer Don Bishop steps down from the WSRA. Steve Roberts, Chairman of the West Somerset Railway Association said "After ten years on the Board of the Association, Don Bishop has decided that it is time for him to stand down as a Trustee and as a Director of Promotions. The Trustees thank him for all the work that he has put in for the Association in the past and wish him well for the future." [WSRA website]
13 November 2011
Details from WSRA
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Class 33 no D6575 is back in the action again...
The second home-based Crompton is close to returning to traffic. Class 33 diesel-electric loco no D6575 (later numbered 33057) performed a loaded test run on Saturday 5 November 2011 when it hauled unpowered Class 47 no D1661 North Star from Bishops Lydeard to Williton on the West Somerset Railway. The event represents a major milestone in the five year long restoration of the Crompton. The work has been managed by the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group with much work carried out by DEPG volunteers at the Williton Diesel Depot. Following further test running and other outstanding minor tasks it is anticipated that the loco will enter service on the WSR in early 2012. More information...
12 November 2011
Details from DEPG
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
From Minehead to Bristol and Cardiff
The West Somerset Railway and First Great Western are joining forces to run a special train from Minehead to Bristol Temple Meads and Cardiff Central and back again for pre-Christmas shopping on Saturday 10 December. The train which will consist of a First Great Western Class 150 diesel railcar will depart from Minehead at 8.40am and will call all stations (except Doniford Halt) to Bishops Lydeard from where it will depart at 9.45am arriving at Bristol Temple Meads at 11.12am. Arrival in Cardiff Central is at 12.16pm. The return will leave Cardiff at 4 o'clock, from Bristol Temple Meads at 4.43pm and is due at Bishops Lydeard at 6.20pm and Minehead at 7.35pm. There is a limit of 100 seats on the trip and tickets must be booked in advance by ringing 01643 704996 or online at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.
9 November 2011
Details from WSR Plc
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Trolley service at Stogumber Station
For two years the platform trolley at Stogumber Station has sat quietly in the grass watching the trains. However two enterprising new volunteers at Stogumber Station, Terry and Ken, have with the help of Ken Davidge recovered the vehicle and assessed it for repair. It has its brake linkage broken; both brake adjusting screws are bent; the the 'T' handle has broken and several bits of steel need straightening. The three volunteers later visited the WSRA's Brunel House at Bishops Lydeard and with the assistance of John Baines of RAMS and a great pile of spares, it seems they found everything needed for the repair of the trolley. Also, Ken is looking for a woodworking lathe with a few tools that Ken, who was once a wood turner, could use to make a new 'T' handle for the trolley - if so, please contact Ken via the Friends of Stogumber Station website.
8 November 2011
Details from FoSS
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
The Wizzer Walk only weeks away now...
The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust is organising an event that reaches the parts other events fail to reach. On 27 November the general public will be able to take part in a sponsored walk along the railway between Williton and Bishops Lydeard and so see the line from the other side of the fence. The walk is jointly in aid of the Trust’s Heritage Carriages Project and St Margaret's Somerset Hospice. Mike Webber, who works as a fitness instructor, is coordinating the walk. Mike said "This is an ideal opportunity for the public to walk along the most picturesque section of the Railway and to raise money for two good causes. St Margarets Hospice is an extremely worthwhile cause providing care for the terminally ill whilst the Heritage Carriages Project will enable passengers to travel in Great Western splendour on the West Somerset Railway. We are keen to see as many people as possible taking part in this very worthwhile event." For more information, including downloadable entry forms and sponsor forms, please visit www.wssrt.co.uk or contact the Trust at info@wssrt.co.uk
8 November 2011
Details from WSSRT
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
News from the Heritage Carriages Project
Work continues at Williton on GWR BCK no 6705. The last few weeks have seen the team, under the expert guidance of Greg McNelly, fill and fair several thousand screwheads and the exterior is now almost ready for undercoat painting. Internal work has already started. The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust has now formally acquired GWR Toplight Corridor Third no 2578 that is currently standing at Minehead and this coach is now part of the Heritage Carriages Project. Another task is the move of GWR Toplight Brake Corridor Tri-Composite no 7538 from its current location at Chinnor to the WSR. This is an important vehicle - not only is it a toplight brake, but is also a tri-composite - that is, it has accommodation for first, second and third class passengers. Built in 1907 it is the oldest toplight owned by the Trust. Help at Williton is always welcomed - contact the Trust at info@wssrt.co.uk
6 November 2011
Details from WSSRT
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
Lantern tops now in place at Crowcombe Heathfield
Seven GWR style lantern tops have been installed on the lamp posts at Crowcombe Heathfield Station. The Friends of Crowcombe Heathfield Station have expressed their grateful thanks to everyone who has helped make this happen, including the West Somerset Railway Association and the WSR Plc. Steelway Services are to be congratulated on their attention to detail in manufacturing these lanterns. This work is phase 1 of Crowcombe Heathfield's contribution to the WSR's 150th anniversary celebrations on 31 March 2012. See the FoCHS website for the full story and pictures.
4 November 2011
Details from FoCHS
Share this story
|
|
|
 |
|
The Spring Steam Gala 2012 - an apology
The details of the early plans for the 2012 Spring Steam Gala have been removed from this website. Writing in the WSR's November Online digest, the chairman of the Special Events Planning Team, John Cronin, explained some of the hoped-for visiting and home-based locomotives and some of the other services planned for the event; and, as information from SEPT is eagerly sought, a summary appeared here. However, we have been asked by WSR Plc to remove the details previously published on this page. We apologise for any confusion and for raising expectations.
3 November 2011
Details from WSR Plc
Share this story
|
|
Email
news.wml
Feed Anchors 
