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A thoroughly entertaining line-up of diesel powered locomotives for the Spring Diesel Gala on 6-8 May 2005.
The headline act is likely to be the first appearance on the Minehead line of two Class 73 electro-diesel locomotives, normally at work on the main line for GB Railfreight.
Engines are expected to be working trains at the gala...
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| | · | Two GB Railfreight Class 73s
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| | · | A Freightliner Class 47 or 57 subject to confirmation
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| | · | Class 50 no 50007 "Sir Edward Elgar"
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| | · | Class 45 no 45112 "Royal Army Ordnance Corps"
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| | · | Ex-Virgin HST
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| | · | Class 37 no 37190
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| | · | Class 31 no 31271 "Stratford 1840-2001"
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| | · | Class 35 Hymek no D7017
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| | · | Class 14 no D9526
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| | · | Class 33 no D6566
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| | · | Class 25 no D7523
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| | · | Class 08 nos D3462
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| | · | Class 03 nos 03119 and D2133
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All engines are subject to confirmation and availability...
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| | • Events and Highlights...
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| | · | Wide variety of modern and heritage diesel locomotives in action
| | · | At least ten locomotives in action
| | · | First visit of a pair of GB Railfreight Class 73s to the Minehead branch
| | · | Several visiting heritage diesel locos in action including Class 50 no 50007, Class 37 no 37190 and Class 31 no 31271
| | · | Possible visit from a Freightliner loco
| | · | Intensive timetable
| | · | Services to Norton Fitzwarren featuring top-n-tail diesel shunters
| | · | Shunting demonstrations at Dunster
| | · | Diesel sheds at Williton open for inspection
| | · | Bar/buffet car facilities on most trains
| | · | Lots of additional attractions and events
| | · | Day & Weekend rover tickets available cheaper if booked in advance
| | · | Museums, model railways, gift shops, refreshments, free parking
| | · | Special souvenir programme available
| | · | Lots of photographic opportunities
| | · | A must for modern traction enthusiasts
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Note: all the above highlights, and the information below, are believed correct as at 28 March 2005, detailed in good faith and subject to availability.
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| | • Services to Norton Fitzwarren...
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Diesel-hauled services between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren will operate on all three days...
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| | Departures from Bishops Lydeard at
| | 10.30 11.30 12,30 1.40 2.40 3.40
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The round trip takes 20-25 minutes. It is not possible to board and alight at Norton Fitzwarren.
Services to/from Norton Fitzwarren will be worked by a pair of diesel shunters in top-and-tai mode on all three days.
The diesel sheds and part of the yard at Williton will be open during the Gala from a unique opportunity, as access is normally very restricted to the public on safety grounds. You will have the chance to see the engineering base of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group, where a number of locomotives can be seen under repair including the second Hymek no D7018. The excellent Diesel Heritage Centre will also be open, with several other heritage diesel locomotives on display including Sentinel 0-4-0 no DH16 and Western no D1010 "Western Campaigner". The sheds and yards will be open on all three days, 10am to 5pm.
Please note that the WSRAs engineering base at Williton will not be open to the public over the weekend.
At Bishops Lydeard, come and see the many exhibits and displays of railway interest including many new ones inside The Gauge Museum on platform 1. There will be lots to see and do to maintain your interest while you wait for your train! Blue Anchor Railway Museum will also be open, as will the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trusts museum and site at Washford.
A special souvenir programme which will include copies of the complete working timetables and the locomotive roster for all three days will be available from stations over the weekend itself, priced £2.50.
Free car parking is available at Bishops Lydeard, but please arrive at least thirty minutes before the departure of the train on wish you initially wish to travel. Very limited car parking is available at other WSR stations over the weekend.
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| | • Photographic opportunities...
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Photographers may like to access non-public areas of the lineside at other times and apply for a Spring Diesel Gala Lineside Photography Permit which should be printed, completed and returned to the address shown on the form together with the appropriate fee. Lineside Photographic Permits will be valid for use at the Spring Diesel Gala, but these must be purchased in advance - permits cannot be purchased from stations during the Gala itself. You must be in possession of a valid permit if you wish to take photographs from the lineside.
Please note that all privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will not apply at the Spring Diesel Gala. Ordinary fares apply to all passengers. Discounts are available on Rover Tickets purchased in advance.
The best way to enjoy the Gala is to purchase a Rover Ticket - which gives complete freedom to travel on the line for the validity of the ticket.
You can book Rover Tickets at a discount in advance in the following ways...
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| | · | By telephone, using your Credit Card. Please ring 01643 704996, 9am-4pm Monday-Friday
| | · | By completing the Booking Form
| | · | In person at Minehead Station 9am-4pm, Monday-Friday
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A complete working timetable which will include full details of all train workings and the locomotive diagrams will be printed in the special souvenir programme.
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| | • Advance Rover Tickets...
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Details on how to book discounted rover tickets in advance please click here
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| | • Lineside Photo Permits...
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Gala Lineside Photo Permit
Buffet and bar facilities will be available on most train services during the weekend, serving a good range of high quality hot and cold food, tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including real ale.
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| | • Shunting demonstrations...
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These will take place at Dunster between 1pm and 3.45pm on the Friday. The shunting can be observed in safety from the station platform. Watch and photograph a timeless railway scene.
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| • Taunton - Bishops Lydeard
connecting bus service
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There is a First Bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station - Services 28 & 28A, Friday-Saturday; Service 928, Sunday. WSR tickets are not valid on these services, except return tickets to Taunton issued by Booking Offices at Minehead, Dunster, Blue Anchor, Watchet and Williton. Full bus timetable details available direct from First Southern National 01823 272033.
Please note that all privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will not apply at the Spring Diesel Gala. Ordinary fares apply to all passengers. Discounts are available on Rover Tickets purchased in advance (see below).
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This page is not from the official West Somerset Railway Web Site
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