Rich Hiscox from the WSR's Locomotive Department reports on recent events:

Been a somewhat busy week or so for us all in the locomotive department. Various challenges have cropped up in one form or another. 7822 was failed unfortunately on Tuesday evening with a broken bogie spring bolt which isn't the easiest of things to change - involves dropping several other bits off to get at, but ever determined to get it back into traffic a 6am start this morning to fix the fault saw it haul the last service back to Bishops Lydeard today. 6960 continues in service hauling the MD1 diagram. 7F 53808 was stopped on Monday evening for boiler washout/examination and new parts being fitted to its tired Silvertown axlebox lubricator to ensure its reliability for the future. Work on S160 6046 is ongoing to ensure its reliability on the pump side of things with a aim to re-enter WSR service next week. As ever the overhaul side of things is progressing well with 7828 looking ever closer to hauling trains again later this season.

31 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Paul Conibeare, WSR's General Manager, writes:

The West Somerset Railway regrets to announce the resignation of the Head of Mechanical Engineering, Dave Horton. Dave joined the railway in November 2016 and has achieved many positive things. We wish Dave well in the future."

30 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Kate Beard, Retail Manager at the Bishops Lydeard Station Shop, writes:

On Saturday 9th June, we are pleased to be welcoming long standing WSR volunteer Chris Austin who will be signing copies of the recently re-printed book 'Holding the Line' which he co-authored with Richard Faulkner. The book is an account of the attempts made by governments to destroy the railway network during the latter half of the last century. Chris will be joining us from 10am to 3pm.

Our shop has some of the best stocks of diecast models, model railway items, railway books and DVDs in the locality and will be open on the Friday and Saturday of the Gala from 9.00am to 6.00pm, and from 9.00am to 5.30pm on the Sunday, with the cafe closing at 5.00pm on each day. Our book department will be offering a good selection of secondhand and out of print Modern Traction titles on the Friday and Saturday, with a smaller selection available on the Sunday

27 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

Paul Conibeare, WSR's General Manager, writes:

Following the re-fitting of the locomotive's air pump, and subsequent failure of the air system on shed, we have withdrawn the engine to allow an investigation to take place and implement any recommendations.

This will look at how events have affected the locomotive over the last two months, with the aim of returning to traffic as quickly as possible on the WSR.

We are sorry to lose this popular locomotive from traffic, at such a critical time of the season, but we are working very closely with the owner to ensure a safe return to traffic as soon as possible.

26 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Gala Planning Team Chairman, Don Bishop, writes:

The WSR Gala Planning Team are pleased to be able to confirm that plans are now in place for a mini beer festival to take place in conjunction with our diesel gala on 8, 9, 10 June at Washford Station. Our friends at the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust have kindly agreed to providing facilities and a suitable site for the bar area and drinkers area over in their yard at Washford. All trains will stop at Washford throughout the weekend in order to allow our visitors to sample some of the real ales available in between trips behind their favourite diesel loco types. Passengers will be able to cross the line safely under the watchful eye of a crossing controller.

It is planned to have approx 12 real ales available (subject to final confirmation) from various breweries across Somerset and Devon. Customers will be able to turn up at Washford and buy tokens for pints of ale at £3.00 per pint. The SDRT will have some food available.

Please note that there is very limited parking at Washford so customers are encouraged to travel to the festival by train. There will be evening trains running on both Friday and Saturday to enable Gala visitors to attend. The bar will be open between noon and 10pm on Friday and Saturday and noon to 3pm on Sunday.

Diesel Gala - book tickets online Working Timetable with loco rosters

26 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

As part of its big 'Vintage Diesels to the Seaside' Diesel Gala on 8, 9, 10 June, the Railway welcomes one of the 22 famous 'Deltic' diesels, with its twin Napier engines and distinctive rumble and roar, in the form of no 55019 Royal Highland Fusilier courtesy of its preservation owners the Deltic Preservation Society. It is planned for the locomotive to run some trips along the line with the famous 'thistle' headboard that graced the Flying Scotsman train on the East Coast Mainline in the 1960s.

Gala Planning Team Chairman, Don Bishop, adds:

With our gala line up including the 'Deltic', a class 50 'Hoover', a 'Western' diesel hydraulic and a 'Peak' we have quite a line up of well known diesel types together with a supporting cast of Hymek, class 33s and class 20s - got to be worth a visit. Tickets are on sale via the official website (see button below for link) with discounts available for advance bookings and a special fare for and extra trip on our preview day on Thursday 7 June.

Book tickets online Working Timetable with loco rosters

25 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Somerset County Council's Draft Passenger Transport Strategy includes mention of the West Somerset Railway. Under section 6.2.5, the Council state...

The Council is supportive of community proposals to introduce non-heritage rail services running between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard; and potentially to Minehead.

...and continue with a number of caveats to that statement.

We understand this Strategy is open for comment although it is not clear at this stage how comments should be made and to where.

Read the Draft Strategy

25 May 2018
Details gleaned from the website of Somerset County Council

Tom Adams has written with sad news about his Dad, long serving WSR volunteer, Nigel Adams.

Nigel Adams sadly passed away in the early hours of Tuesday 22nd May 2018 surrounded by his wife and family. A service of thanksgiving will take place at St Leonard's Church, Exeter at 2.30pm on Wednesday 6th June followed by refreshments.

The West Somerset Railway was a significant part of Nigel's life and therefore his family would like to invite all friends, staff and volunteers at the West Somerset Railway to attend. If you would like to dress in uniform it would be a very meaningful tribute to Nigel.

Any donations in lieu of flowers can be made to Hospiscare please.

24 May 2018
Details provided by the family of Nigel Adams

The timetables are now available on the official website for the 2018 Diesel Gala on 8 to 10 June.

8 June 2018 9 June 2018 10 June 2018 Book tickets online

24 May 2018
Details gleaned from the website of West Somerset Railway Plc

Posted on the Facebook page of the West Somerset Railway Plc:

There has been a change in the line-up of the West Somerset Railway Diesel Gala. Class 20 no 20142 replaces no 20205 for operational reasons. Timetables will be published online on Wednesday 23 May 2018.

Don Bishop, Chairman of the WSR's Gala Planning Team, adds:

As things progress towards our big 'Vintage Diesels to the Seaside' gala on 8th - 10th June the Gala Planning Team announce that one of the pair of class 20 locomotives attending the event has been changed for operational reasons. No 20142 will now attend along with no 20189, as BR Blue companion 20205 is air brake only. Although we were aware of this when we agreed its hire, there were ways of overcoming this with the locos running as a pair throughout the gala. However various further issues have come up which will make it much easier to have two vacuum braked examples available instead and owner Michael Owen has kindly agreed to swap the locos over. No 20142 is actually in London Transport maroon livery so will make an interesting contrast with the more traditional BR Blue 20189. This will be the first LT liveried loco to work on the WSR in preservation.

Book tickets online

21 May 2018
Details gleaned from the Facebook page of West Somerset Railway Plc

Visit the historic harbour town of Watchet for its Wednesday Market, with stalls offering a variety of local produce and craft.

Also, a Street Fair is held on selected Sundays throughout the summer.

Watchet Station is in the centre of the town and close to the harbour.

More details and online train tickets More about Watchet Station

19 May 2018
Details gleaned from the official WSR website

This is now a little over two weeks away and 60 wonderful classics booked to come on the run. Every decade from the 20s to the 80s is represented and a wonderful range of sports and saloon models, with everything from Morris Minors to Lordly Jaguars.

The route has been checked and instructions will be sent out to participants next week, but there are still around 20 spaces available if you own a pre-1980 classic and you would like to come on the run.

Full details

18 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Could you spare a few hours as a volunteer in the West Somerset Railway's busy Information Office at Minehead Station? Help is needed with answering queries about a wide range of topics including train times, fares, facilities and details of special events. If so, the Railway would love to hear from you - please email volunteers@wsrail.net

The Railway is also looking for volunteers at historic Dunster Station - if you can help, please email volunteers@wsrail.net

16 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Andrew Young, WSR's Infrastructure Engineering Manager, reports:

It's been a while since our last tidy-up train, so it wasn't a surprise to only cover one mile on the first evening! Our thanks to the volunteers who turned out and for Ops support in putting the train on. More days planned this week (Wed and Fri if anyone with WSR PTS is available to help out!).

16 May 2018
Details from the Facebook page of WSR Infrastructure Engineering

Cars will gather at Bishops Lydeard Railway Station, near Taunton, on 3 June 2018 and then follow a pre-arranged 35 mile route through stunning West Somerset scenery, wooded valleys, seaside, ancient town and villages, with the Railway never far away. The Run ends at Minehead Station.

The Run is limited to pre-1980 vehicles only.

Full details about the Classic Car Run

15 May 2018
Details gleaned from the official WSR website

Writing in his blog Steaming Along, WSR Plc Chairman Ian Coleby enthuses about the forthcoming Best Kept Station competition:

In the past the competition has been done by a 'mystery shopper' but this time there is a set day, July 15th, when the judges will visit. I have secured the services of Richard Fox of Taunton Flower Show and Peter Tinckner of Wellington Camera Club to act as judges. Both Richard and Peter are railway enthusiasts and regular visitors to the railway. I am pleased that the station staff have keenly taken to the idea and already the stations are looking fantastic.

Ian goes on to explain the heritage behind such competitions...

Read the blog

12 May 2018
Details gleaned from Steaming Along

With the popular Taunton Vintage Bus Day taking a break in 2018, there is news of a 'Minehead Bus Running Day' taking place on 13 May 2018. Quantock Heritage are pleased to announce that vehicles from their heritage fleet will be running a frequent service on the spectacular route between Minehead and Lynmouth. Buses will also run between Minehead, Porlock and Porlock Weir. Travel on the buses is free with programmes available at £3 each.

It is possible to combine a day out on the West Somerset Railway with a trip to either Lynmouth or Porlock Weir on Sunday 13 May 2018. Catch the 10.15am train from Bishops Lydeard to be sure of catching the noon bus to Lynmouth or the 12.15pm bus to Porlock Weir. The last train from Minehead in 4.15pm so be sure to catch the 2.05pm bus from Lynmouth; there are a few more options for departure from Porlock Weir but the last connecting service would seem to be 3.35pm. There are quite a few other options - please see the train and bus timetables in the links below. Use our travel suggestions at your own risk!

Train times Bus times

12 May 2018
Details kindly provided by Quantock Heritage

The West Somerset Railway Journal Editorial Team write:

Production of the next journal has just begun and the Editor would like some more pictures to illustrate it. Preferably pictures taken in the last few months. Whilst pictures of steam trains in the countryside are very welcome, we also like pictures showing events, our people working on the railway and pictures showing the lesser known action. These make for a much more varied and interesting magazine. If you can help, please email highest resolution you can to journal@wsra.org.uk Please include some caption information and the date it was taken. We can't guarantee to use everything as space is not unlimited!

11 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Association

The West Somerset Railway Plc regrets to announce that Frank Courtney has tendered his resignation as a Director with immediate effect.

Frank has been a volunteer on the Railway for many years, working as a guard amongst other activities. Frank was instrumental in the reforms of the WSRA and last year spearheaded the successful visit of Flying Scotsman.

We wish Frank well and anticipate seeing his continued involvement on the Railway.

9 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Following the Quantock Intruder tour from London to the West Somerset Railway on 26 May 2018 hauled by SR Merchant Navy Class 4-6-2 no 35028 Clan Line, the engine will be on display on WSR metals at Bishops Lydeard Station on Sunday 27 May 2018, before the loco makes its way to Bristol a few days later for mainline railtour duties during the following month. The Clan Line folks add:

This is a perfect opportunity and a unique chance, away from the mainline, to get up close to our loco as well as getting the chance to meet our dedicated team of volunteers, so why not come along, say hello and have a chat on this unique event on Sunday May 27th!

Quantock Intruder - full details and booking More about the Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society

8 May 2018
Details kindly provided by Merchant Navy Locomotive Preservation Society

The WSR Plc have issued the April 2018 edition of their regular updates on Plc Board meetings. This edition includes news of a New Director; forthcoming Director retirements; Long Service Awards; the Heritage Committee; and the Williton Site Strategy. There are also updates on Locomotives and Infrastructure.

May we congratulate Rodney Greenway on his appointment as Plc Director. Rodney is a long serving WSR supporter and also a valued contributor to this website.

Read the full report

8 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

Ken Mardell writes:

After 16 years looking after the first aid boxes and arranging first aid courses on the West Somerset Railway I have decided to retire. Anything to do with first aid will you please contact Rhiannan Powis training@wsrail.net

Our thanks to Ken for his work on this vital work over the years.

8 May 2018
Details kindly provided by local correspondent

The WSR's Infrastructure Manager, Andrew Young, explains:

The Permanent Way volunteers were out in force on the morning of 6 May 2018, oiling fishplates before the rail warmed up. There are more than 4000 sets of plates which need to be loosened, injected with oil and tightened again - generally every other year. This gang meet every Sunday; if you would like to get involved with our track maintenance please get in touch. There are opportunities to join gangs on different days too...

Discover more about being a WSR volunteer

7 May 2018
Details gleaned from the Facebook page of WSR Infrastructure Engineering

DEPG has issued the following statement:

May 5th saw the launch of our season with the first passenger train to be hauled by one of our classic heritage locomotives with Hymek D7017 booked for the task. After completing one Down trip to Minehead, it soon became clear that all was not well with our venerable hydraulic and the crew did well to get the train to Williton at which point the Hymek was removed. With the WSR Thunderbird loco D6575 at Minehead, the decision was made to press our second Crompton D6566 into service to recover the diagram, which was completed without further locomotive issues although an entirely unconnected incident at Bishops Lydeard later in the day disrupted all WSR services. The Hymek was successfully repaired and is once again ready for use, and has been worked light engine to Bishops Lydeard ready for its planned visit to the Swanage Railway Diesel Gala on 10th to 13th May. Regrettably, the repair has necessitated Hymek D7018 lending its voltage regulator to keep her older sister in traffic. This unfortunately means that, because of other delays and interruptions that have plagued the Williton team this year, we have reluctantly had to make the hard decision to postpone the relaunch of D7018 at our own Gala in June until a suitable opportunity later in the year. We sincerely apologise to our many supporters who will have been looking forward with us to see D7018 reappear at the June WSR gala and we hope that we will not have to keep you waiting much longer.

6 May 2018
Details kindly provided by the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group

The Steam and Vintage Rally team have announced advance tickets can now be purchased online for the 2018 event. Ticket prices are pegged at last year's prices - £12 for an Adult Day Ticket and £10 for a Senior Citizen Day Ticket. There is no charge for a child accompanied by a valid ticket holder. And once again, two for the price of one! Day tickets purchased online are valid on both days of the Rally.

Book tickets for the 2018 Steam and Vintage Rally

6 May 2018
Details kindly provided by The Steam and Vintage Rally

In connection with 'Somerset Day' on 11 May 2018, the West Somerset Railway is running the Somerset Day Express from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back. This train will be steam-hauled with GWR 'Hall' Class no 6960 Raveningham Hall currently rostered. The limited-stop train leaves Bishops Lydeard at 10.30am and arrives at Minehead at 11.45am. There'll be ample time to enjoy a walk or the shops before lunch at a cafe or a picnic on the beach. The return train departs Minehead at 2.15pm. The Somerset Day Express intermediate stops will be Williton, Watchet and Blue Anchor only. See link below for details of discounted tickets.

Book tickets for the Somerset Day Express All about Somerset Day 2018 Train times

4 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

The Coastal Camping Coach Company explain:

Recreate the carefree holidays of the 1950s...but this time in comfort! A Coastal Camping Coach holiday is perfect for all ages. Enjoy a seaside holiday with steam trains puffing by and relive the carefree, car free days of travelling on a branch line railway to reach your holiday destination. Welcome to the newly restored holiday Camping Coach at Blue Anchor, Somerset.

Full details and bookings

4 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

UK Railtours are running a railtour from London to Minehead on Saturday 26 May 2018:

Our long-awaited tour taking SR 'Merchant Navy' Pacific no 35028 Clan Line from London to the West Somerset Railway has now been confirmed and we are anticipating a lot of interest.

Full details and booking

4 May 2018
Details gleaned from website of UK Railtours

Don Bishop writes:

At the 2018 'Vintage Diesels to the Seaside' diesel gala between Friday 8 June and Sunday 10 June the WSR are holding a mini beer festival along with our colleagues at the Somerset & Dorset Trust at Washford. We are planning a number of real ales from the Somerset and Devon areas to be enjoyed by passengers stopping off on our gala train services at Washford. The bar area will be in one of the SDRT's workshops over in the yard along with a covered area for attendees to enjoy their pint whilst watching the trains go by. The event is expected to be popular because diesel fans are well known for also enjoying a real ale or two.

However we need help with manning the bar area and 'pulling pints' on the Friday (from lunchtime until approx 10pm), Saturday (from lunchtime until approx 10pm) and Sunday (from lunchtime to early/mid-afternoon). If you are an experienced bar person, or are willing to learn, would you like to volunteer your services to help the railway provide this facility to our passengers at the gala? Training will be given.

If you are able to help please contact either Don Bishop (email; donbishop@btconnect.com) or Mark Hill (via Minehead commercial office) to register your interest and we'll be in touch.

show more/show less

2 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

A project to review the best way forward for the Williton site - the Swindon Shed, the activity within it and the immediate environment - has been authorised by both boards. A number of proposals have been suggested by various people in recent times but no agreement has been reached. The purpose of this review is to find a financially viable solution which is of benefit to the West Somerset Railway and which has the backing of all organisations.

Read the full statement

1 May 2018
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

With the popular Taunton Vintage Bus Day taking a break in 2018, there is news of a 'Minehead Bus Running Day' taking place on 13 May 2018. Quantock Heritage are pleased to announce that vehicles from their heritage fleet will be running a frequent service on the spectacular route between Minehead and Lynmouth. Buses will also run between Minehead, Porlock and Porlock Weir. Travel on the buses is free with programmes available at £3 each.

It is possible to combine a day out on the West Somerset Railway with a trip to either Lynmouth or Porlock Weir on Sunday 13 May 2018. Catch the 10.15am train from Bishops Lydeard to be sure of catching the noon bus to Lynmouth or the 12.15pm bus to Porlock Weir. The last train from Minehead in 4.15pm so be sure to catch the 2.05pm bus from Lynmouth; there are a few more options for departure from Porlock Weir but the last connecting service would seem to be 3.35pm. There are quite a few other options - please see the train and bus timetables in the links below. Use our travel suggestions at your own risk!

Train times Bus times

1 May 2018
Details kindly provided by Quantock Heritage