Great Western Routes and Branches at the Spring Steam Gala
The West Somerset Railway's 2018 Spring Steam Gala will take as its theme 'Great Western Routes and Branches', marking the 70th anniversary of the GWR being nationalised and becoming part of British Railways. It is also now over half a century since the sight and sound of Great Western steam engines working on the lines of South West England faded from daily life. More information.
'Taunton to Barnstaple' - book launch and presentation at Brushford
The Taunton to Barnstaple Railway was in many ways the 'twin' of the Minehead Branch. Described as a 'journey in pictures courtesy of the late Peter Gray', Freddie Huxtable's book will be launched along with a presentation by Freddie and Amyas Crump at Brushford Parish Hall on 24 March 2018. Doors open at 6.30pm. Download the poster.
WSR Supporters Day - as blogged by the WSR Plc Chairman
WSR Plc Chairman, Ian Coleby, reports on the day's events in his Steaming Along blog:
We had a good attendance at the supporters day today. A small crowd gathered to look round the development sites at Bishops Lydeard Station. This was conducted by Frank Courtney who explained the lie of the land at Station Farm and provided a tour of Blackmore House. We also looked around the new developments in the Gauge Museum. After lunch, we gathered in Bishops Lydeard Village Hall for the main event. I provided my first chairman's address - nervously but soon settled down (!) and Paul Conibeare gave a preview of the railway's events in 2018. I was really pleased that both Paul Whitehouse and Chris Austin were able to be present and to give presentations on the work of the Association and Trust.
25 February 2018 Details gleaned from the Steaming Along blog
GWR Pannier no 9466 completes the Spring Gala line-up
Dennis Howells' 94xx pannier tank no 9466 has been booked to complete the line up for the four day Spring Steam Gala starting 22 March. It will join nos 6960 Raveningham Hall, 6990 Witherslack Hall, 7822 Foxcote Manor, 7714, 1450, 6046 and 53808 working trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead during the event. Discounted Rover Tickets (including the £2 young persons ticket for Sunday 25 March) can be obtained via 01643 704996 or from www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk
Prior to the opening of the Stogumber to Norton Fitzwarren section in June 1979, Leighwood Level Crossing was converted by the WSR Company to an open crossing protected by lights. Partly due to age and an ORR instruction to upgrade these lights to LED, the Railway's Signal & Telegraph Gang carried out the light installation on Monday 19 February. Many months had been spent preparing for this work. The remainder of the week was used to complete the wiring and testing.
West Somerset 'Railway Supporters Day' coming soon
A further reminder that this takes place on Saturday 24 February 2018. Meet at 11am in Bishops Lydeard Station car park for guided tour of the station. Then at 2pm at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall for an update on current activities, a chance to contribute to the new draft corporate plan and a Q&A session. Plus tea, coffee and biscuits! Open to all supporters of the railway. Download the poster
WSR into second round of Hinkley Point C Grants programme
The HPC Community Cohesion Grants Programme addresses intangible and residual community impacts deriving from the construction of Hinkley Point C. The successful West Somerset Railway application, led by the West Somerset Railway Association, focusses on volunteering and the benefits of personal well-being, community cohesion and economic stability that a
volunteering spirit can bring to the community.
WSR Plc Chairman Ian Coleby said:
The West Somerset Railway is an important part of the economy of West Somerset and we welcome this opportunity to extend our family of volunteers and engage with a wider community base.
WSRA Chairman Paul Whitehouse said:
As the support charity for the West Somerset Railway we are
thrilled to be leading on this project which will benefit individuals, the West Somerset Community, and the
railway.
WSR Plc Corporate Plan 2018-2023 Consultation Phase
The consultation phase of the West Somerset Railway Plc's Corporate Plan 2018-2023 will commence formally at the Supporters Day event at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 24 February 2018. However the Plc are keen to circulate a copy of the Consultation Draft Version in advance and have made the document available for download. The consultation period will last until 7 April. More details about the consultation will follow but meantime any comments can be sent to Frank Courtney frank.courtney@wsrail.net
Trust appeals for help in acquiring Dunster Station sign
The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust, the heritage and educational trust associated with the West Somerset Railway is seeking donations to assist in acquiring an original sign from Dunster Station which dates from when the station opened in 1874. It was sold by British Railways to a private collector in 1971 when the line closed but is now being offered at a Railwayana Auction on 3 March 2018 with a sale estimate of £300 to £500. Trust Chairman Chris Austin said:
This is an important original item which the Trust would like to acquire to help with our task of telling the story of the West Somerset Railway.
Anyone wishing to support the acquisition is asked to contact Trust member Robin Moira White, who is co-ordinating the effort. She can be contacted via email: robin215white@btinternet.com or by telephone 01984 656 423. Please do not send your donation yet but pledge the sum you can offer and you will be called upon after the auction. Please also tell Robin if you are a UK taxpayer, as then 25% gift aid can be claimed from the government on your donation.
Wartime vehicle loading trials at Minehead Station
Trials took place on 16 February 2018 at Minehead Station loading some military vehicles onto ex-War Department flat wagons, ahead of the appearance on the WSR's 'military train' at the Spring Steam Gala at the end of March, and later the 1940s Weekend on 15 and 16 September 2018. These events will celebrate life in West Somerset during the 1940s and will not only cover the military aspects of that historic time. See the WSR Forties Weekend 2018 facebook page for lots more information (please note we understand the WSR is a member of the team in the externally-organised events).
18 February 2018 Details kindly provided by the West Somerset Railway Plc representative of the 1940s Weekend team
Works starts on the boiler of GWR 0-6-2T no 6695
Good progress with the boiler of GWR 0-6-2T no 6695 at the Flour Mill workshops in the Forest of Dean. Work is well underway in cutting out the wasted/grooved steel plate from the outer firebox wrapper. Steel stays have been removed along with all the rivets securing the foundation ring. The next job is to turn the boiler upside down, remove the foundation ring for assessment and repair, and cut away the lower section of the steel throatplate. More on facebook about the 6695 Loco Group.
18 February 2018 Details kindly provided by the 6695 Loco Group
West Somerset 'Railway Supporters Day' coming soon
A reminder that this takes place on Saturday 24 February 2018. Meet at 11am in Bishops Lydeard Station car park for guided tour of the station. Then at 2pm at Bishops Lydeard Village Hall for an update on current activities, a chance to contribute to the new draft corporate plan and a Q&A session. Plus tea, coffee and biscuits! Open to all supporters of the railway. Download the poster
Some thirty years since it first opened, Doniford is, from 10 March 2018, no longer a request stop and all regular service trains will stop. Until that date, Doniford is closed for all trains due to refurbishment works.
Station Master's house at Crowcombe Heathfield for sale
The Station Master's house at Crowcombe Heathfield is on the market. The asking price is £399,000. Built in the early 1860s when the West Somerset Railway itself was constructed, the extended property stands adjacent to Crowcombe Bridge. Extremely good views of passing trains guaranteed. For more details, search the internet for 'Puff Cottage Crowcombe Heathfield'.
16 February 2018 Details kindly provided by local correspondent
Volunteers wanted for the Tidy Train on 3 and 4 March
Rhiannon Powis writes:
We are still looking for volunteers able to help on the 3rd and/or 4th March with the tidy train. If you have a valid PTS, suitable footwear and hiviz, please contact me on ieadmin@wsrail.net or 01643 700400 and leave a message. Thank you! Rhiannon.
The WSR Plc is pleased to announce that Bill Knell has been co-opted as a director of the company. Bill's working background was in the UK Insurance Industry in a number of fields, including HR, Planning, line management and business development. He was elected as a Trustee of the WSRA at the 2016 AGM and was Chair of their Fund Raising & Membership Committee until his resignation for personal reasons in September 2017.
At the meeting on 19 January, the board co-opted Paul Conibeare and Richard Maw as directors. Both had previously been associate directors of the company. Paul is very well known as our General Manager, a post he has held since 2006. Paul continues to be a volunteer on the railway, including steam driving turns when time permits. He has been involved with the railway for almost 40 years in a number of roles in mechanical engineering.
Richard was appointed as the Head of Finance in 2017 and now takes over as Finance Director. Richard is a Chartered Accountant and joined us from various director and other roles in a wide cross section of businesses in both the commercial and not for profit sectors and across a number of businesses in the pharmaceutical, insurance, manufacturing and construction industries.
Good progress with overhaul of the two WD open wagons
On the WSR Wagon Restoration group's facebook page Ken Davidge reports:
Work on the two opens is steadily approaching completion. Mike started stenciling no 46242 including the pheon (broad arrow). The rotten top plank of one side door of no 46253 has been removed and the newly made plank for no 45242 fitted and painted. Dave and I set to work outside and top coated no 46253. Both opens are on track to finish within two weeks and will be off to Minehead very soon.
A special offer price for the first train out of Minehead Station. The discounted 'Morning Explorer' ticket is available for the 10.15am service from Minehead. The 'Morning Explorer' ticket costs £10 return for adults or £5 for accompanied children and can only be purchased online, prior to the day of travel. Available until the end of April 2018, the 'Morning Explorer' ticket is valid on Red, Green and Blue timetable days only. Terms and conditions and restrictions apply (external link).
Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust acquire BG van no 80972
The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust recently purchased a Mk1 passenger brake van from the West Somerset Railway Association. The 1956-built BG (brake gangwayed) vehicle - no 80972 - will provide a 56ft length of exhibition space, enabling existing exhibits to be re-housed and freeing space for others. West Somerset Restoration have been carrying out remedial work and a re-paint at Williton. See SDRT blog.
The West Somerset Railway's 2018 season gets underway on 10 February with a series of steam trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. Just right for the school half term holiday, the trains run on 10, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17 and 18 February 2018. Please note trains on these dates will not stop at Doniford Halt due to continuing maintenance at the smallest WSR station. The Railway is also offering the Snowdrops and Steam excursion on these dates.
No 752355 nearing a return to the Heritage Goods train
John Wood, Chairman of Loco 5542 Ltd, reports:
The winter work on our 12 Ton van 752355 is almost complete now. We have managed to replace all six end panels and two of the side ones, which just remain to have the final coat of topcoat finished, along with repainting the numbers. Very many thanks to all who have helped in any way at all It should rejoin the Heritage Freight set ready for the new season.
For all the latest news about 5542 and Autotrailers 169 and 233 visit 5542.co.uk and auto169.co.uk
9 February 2018 Details kindly provided by Loco 5542 Ltd
Gauge Museum news from the Steam Trust
Work on the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard and the model railway will continue throughout February and into March whilst we are making some internal alterations to the museum as well as carrying out extensive remedial work on the model railway.
The Museum will be closed to visitors during the schools' half term but will re-open on 17 March with the track repairs complete on the model railway and fresh displays in the Museum reflecting the Gala theme of 'Great Western Routes and Branches'.
The Museums at Blue Anchor and Bishops Lydeard will be open throughout the Spring Steam Gala.
For the latest information please visit the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust website www.wssrt.co.uk or e-mail info@wssrt.co.uk
Opening hours for Turntable Cafe during February Half Term
The Turntable Cafe at Minehead Station will be open during the February Half Term:
Saturday 10 February 9.30am to 4pm
Sunday 11 February 10am to 4pm
Monday 12 February 10am to 2pm
Tuesday 13 February 10am to 4pm
Wednesday 14 February 10am to 4pm
Thursday 15 February 10am to 4pm
Friday 16 February 10am to 2pm
Saturday 17 February 9.30am to 4pm
Sunday 18 February 10am to 4pm
8 February 2018 Details gleaned from Turntable Cafe's facebook page
News of the West Somerset Railway's 2018 Diesel Gala
The WSR Gala Planning Team are pleased to announce some news of our 2018 Diesel Gala:
The event will run from Friday 8th to Sunday 10th June, and possibly a preview day with limited diesel hauled services on the Thursday, with an intensive timetable of vintage diesel hauled trains to fit our theme of 'Vintage Diesels to the Seaside'. The theme is planned to celebrate the 1970s and 1980s when a great variety of diesel locos were called on to haul holiday trains to the seaside all over the UK, and in particular (but not exclusively) the west country. On the Friday and Saturday all services will be diesel hauled with a limited number of steam hauled trains booked for the Sunday along with the diesels.
We are currently in discussion with several owners for visiting locos to the event and we plan to have a rail movement of up to 5 guest locomotives brought to us by GBRF who will be working with us and our colleagues at the Swanage and Severn Valley Railways to share costs for the three diesel gala events at each of these railways in spring/early summer. These 5 locomotives will join the DEPG's home fleet of diesel hydraulic and diesel electric machines with the possibility of Hymek D7018 making a reappearance after its 23 years out of traffic following a serious failure back in August 1995, the loco would join class mate D7017 to give us a pair of Hymeks for the first time in many years.
So far guest appearances have been agreed for two locomotives and these are being finalised before being fully confirmed, both will be making their debut on the WSR.
Several others are under discussion and details will be given once confirmed. As many of 12 locos could be taking part in this year's event.
We are also working on a plan to have a full Beer Festival at Williton Station for the weekend and some evening trains will be operating to allow people to attend this as well as enjoying the sights and sounds of hard working diesels on the WSR's gradients. Again we will announce further details once plans have been progressed further.
So put the dates in your diary to enjoy a good weekend of vintage diesel haulage and some good beers.
Don Bishop, Chairman, Gala Planning Team
6 February 2018 Details kindly provided by the Gala Planning Team
WSR Association joins the Somerset West Lottery...
Here is a great way to help raise funds for the Railway. The West Somerset Railway Association have announced:
We've joined the Somerset West Lottery. What a great way to support local causes. If you buy lottery tickets before 10th February you could also win a trip on the Dunster Castle Express. Don't forget to search for 'Railway Association' as your good cause when you join up.
A Facebook page for the Friends of Minehead Station
The Friends of Minehead Station (FoMS) now have a page on Facebook at facebook.com/fomswsr. The FoMS formed in 1995 with the aim of looking after the fabric of historic Minehead Station and now looks after the 'public' areas of the station environs, and keeps the place looking smart and colourful. The FoMS is an entirely volunteer organisation who work with the West Somerset Railway plc for the purpose of preserving and restoring the station and buildings in and around Minehead Station area.
The WSR Wagon Restoration Group's newsletter 'Plaustra' published
Newsletter Editor Ken Davidge explains:
'Plaustra' will be published electronically every other month and be circulated widely throughout the Railway. The restoration of wagons started, in earnest, last July and was spearheaded by Pete Chilcott, one of the WSR drivers. His drive and enthusiasm has now spread and there are several more willing souls. Pete remains the lead but there are two teams. Team A is Pete's team based at Minehead and Team B is led by Mike Wightman, a senior driver, and is currently based at Washford with grateful thanks to the SDRT for letting the team share their workshop.
Replacement exhauster vanes - a success story from the D&EPG
In an illustrated article Terry Deacon from the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group explains the background, sourcing and testing of replacement exhauster vanes for the Group's diesel locomotives. The article appears on the TENMAT website.
Terry adds:
We will shortly have an excess stock of these vanes, as we had to order 52 minimum, which exceeds the number required by us and other groups that we identified as in need, so they will be for sale to other railways who still use Reavell exhausters. TENMAT is a major international supplier of materials to both railways and other industries.
The latest draft minutes from the Partnership Development Group
The Secretary of the Partnership Development Group has kindly provided the draft minutes of the meeting of the Group held on 29 January 2018 . The draft minutes are available as a downloadable PDF document.
2 February 2018 Details kindly provided by Partnership Development Group Secretariat
WSR Chairman's latest blog post considers 'what is heritage'
A thought-provoking post has just appeared on the WSR Chairman's personal blog Steaming Along in which Ian Coleby discusses the heritage merits of two footpath crossing signs which stand close together at Stogumber Station. Both signs advise users to take care on the crossing. One sign looks 'old' and the other looks 'modern'. But not all is what it seems at first glance. It seems the definition of what is 'heritage' and what is not, is not always clear.
2 February 2018 Details gleaned from the Chairman's Blog
Enjoy the BBC Antiques Roadshow 'Beatles at Minehead' clip
The visit of The Beatles to the Minehead Branch in 1964 remains a fond and popular memory for local folk. This was demonstrated during the 2017 visit of BBC's Antiques Roadshow to Minehead Station which featured a fine collection of pictures taken by one of the many who gathered to get a glimpse of the Fab Four. The BBC have a video clip available. And do visit our Beatles page.
2 February 2018 Details kindly provided by local correspondent
An update from the Steam and Vintage Rally team
The Rally team are hard at work planning the 2018 event, which will be held on 4 and 5 August at Norton Fitzwarren. Improvements planned for 2018 include a new layout to make it easier to see the many exhibits, a new larger steam section, a larger children's entertainment area, better catering facilities, and a better chance to see the heritage railway carriages and visit the Quantock Belle. Visit the news page on the Rally website for more news including updates for potential exhibitors and traders.
SR WD Brake Van Working Party from 2 to 4 February
From mid afternoon on Friday through till Sunday evening working on the Brake Van. All help welcomed. Main tasks for this weekend to include finish cleaning and painting of the two axle boxes on the seafront side, needle gunning of both sand boxes, removal of vac cylinders, needle gunning of the area beneath the vac cylinders, and paint all of the above into red oxide primer.
Fresh local breads accompany a tasting of selected Somerset cheeses washed down by a pint of Somerset Cider or fresh apple juice drink - enjoy on the Lunchtime Special on the 12.15pm train from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on 15 June, 29 June, 13 July, 7 September and 21 September and help support local Somerset food producers. The lunch is a tasting of local Somerset cheeses, with garnish and freshly made local breads, washed down by a pint of Somerset Cider or fresh apple juice drink. Full details.
