WSR :: West Somerset Railway :: Full steam ahead


All-steam services resume on 19 July 2008


• The WSR Plc have issued the following press release:

It'll be "full steam ahead" again this coming weekend when the award-winning West Somerset Railway (WSR) resumes its full Summer timetable with steam trains running on ALL services over the popular 20-mile line.

Unexpected wheel wear problems sadly sidelined much of the WSR steam loco fleet during June causing diesels to be used instead, but the railway's staff and volunteers have pulled out all of the stops in order to get the steam trains running again, and the intensive all steam timetable will swing into action this coming Saturday morning (19 July).

Working around the clock, gangs of workers have made changes to the track by grinding rails and fitting new rail lubricators to eradicate the loco wheel wear problems, and engineers have also re-profiled the worn loco's wheels and turned engines on the new Minehead turntable to even up the tyre wear on each side of the locos.

With the track now expected to be almost as good as new, it'll be a welcome relief for everyone involved with the country's longest heritage line to have steam trains running on all steam timetabled services again.

And the line's 500 staff and volunteer workers are also now getting ready for the expected Summer rush of passengers over the idyllic former Great Western Railway route from Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton, to Minehead.

Last year, the West Somerset Railway (WSR) carried a record 213,000 passengers and, despite having to swap many steam trains for diesels during June, the WSR is expecting to carry a similar number of passengers again this year.

WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare said:"We had to seriously reduce the number of steam trains over the last few weeks after bad wear problems were discovered on the steel tyres of our steam locomotives. But the unexpected problem has thankfully now been rectified thanks to a Herculean effort by our staff, volunteers and contractors.

"All trains shown as being steam hauled on our timetables will run as planned from Saturday 19 July. Our peak summer timetable starts next week on Tuesday 22 July when we will have three steam engines in action every day until 4 September when we will then drop back to running a more modest two steam locos each day.

"There are so many people whom the West Somerset Railway has to thank for their help over the last few weeks.

Mr Conibeare continued: "Firstly, there are our dedicated track workers who have worked tirelessly in the early mornings and on into the evening with grinding machines to restore the track to top-class condition, whilst also taking steps to increase lubrication on the tighter curves along our route to reduce wear.

"Then, there is the Williton-based Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (D&EPG) whose 1960's era Class 25 and Class 33 diesel locomotives stepped into the breach to haul our trains.

"The D&EPG's engines and crews have worked very reliably in allowing us to maintain our services, working alongside Great Western Small Prairie No. 5553 which managed to keep the steam flag flying.

"And, most important of all, are the many passengers who have continued to travel with us and been so understanding and supportive of the WSR during our recent difficulties.

"We will be routinely monitoring the condition of our track, locomotives and rolling stock to ensure all remains well, and we are determined that steam trains will be seen, heard and enjoyed at work through the Somerset Hills, and along the Exmoor Coast, during this summer and for many years to come."

West Somerset Railway Plc 16 July 2008