After three decades in the scrapyard and under long-term restoration in the West Somerset Railway Association's workshops at Williton Jeremy Hosking's Rebuilt "West Country" Pacific 34046 "Braunton" is planned to be the headline attraction during the West Somerset Railway's Autumn Steam Gala between October 2nd and 5th. The Bulleid presence will further enhanced by a return visit of original condition Pacific 34007 "Wadebridge", which missed its planned visit for the Spring Gala after sustaining fire damage during the winter.
In addition to the pair of "Light Pacifics" can be added a further nine steam engines in action. A type new to the line will be N7 0-6-2T no. 69621, or if this is unavailable S160 2-8-0 number 5197. GWR 0-6-2T no. 6695 which has also been having mechanical attention in the shops at Williton will be at work and the WSR is looking forward to the welcome return of Dennis Howell's "Hawksworth Pannier" no. 9466. The line up will be completed by West Somerset Railway residents SDJR number 88 and Great Western designed numbers 3850, 4160, 5553 and 9351. It is also planned that Peckett 0-4-0ST 1788 "Kilmersdon" will be shunting the yard at the Washford base of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust.
Many of the usual WSR Gala attractions will be featured. Richard Derry will be signing copies of his Irwell Press books at Blue Anchor whilst Alan Hammond will be signing copies of his Somerset and Dorset Railway titles in the shop at Minehead. The Railway Museums at Blue Anchor, Washford and Bishops Lydeard will be open, together with the award-winning layouts of The Taunton Model Railway Group at Bishops Lydeard.
Once again the "Quantock Belle" dining car service of hot meals will be on offer on selected trains on all four days of the Gala and those who missed the Brunel Buffet at Minehead in the Spring Gala will find it fully operational at the station once again. Not to be left out the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group will have their Heritage Centre at Williton open and the shed and workshops at Minehead will open on Saturday and Sunday for visitors to view work in progress (there is a £1 admission charge for Minehead shed). Last, but certainly not lease the West Somerset Railway Association Restoration Works at Williton will offer limited access on the Saturday and Sunday.
A free linking bus will run on all four days between Taunton Station Road, the Silk Mills Park and Ride and Bishops Lydeard Station, operated by Cooks Coaches. Additional links between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard are offered by First Bus service 28.
Accommodation details can be found via the West Somerset Railway's website at www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk or by ringing 01643 704996 and asking for an information pack.
West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare commented. "After the problems with "Braunton" and "Wadebridge" in the last twelve months it will be an at
tractive sight to see and hear them at work in the Quantock Hills and either the N7 or the S160 will add a new note to the sounds of the line. We look forward to welcoming visitors old and new to the Gala."
Autumn Steam Gala 2-5 October 2008
