The West Somerset Railway on the Web

 1960s Weekend - 5,6 October 2002

Take a trip back in time... Relive the era of the early 1960s on a West Country branch line, when steam engines were being replaced by brand new diesel locomotives, but country buses still ran from stations to villages. Engines Train services will be worked by both steam and heritage diesel locomotives, in authentic liveries, to reflect the British Railways era of the early to mid 1960’s. It is anticipated that the locomotives in use over the weekend – all typical of the former BR Western Region – will be selected from the following pool: Steam: Nos 7820 Dinmore Manor, 5224, 80136 & a 55xx. Diesel: Nos D1010 Western Campaigner, D7017, 3-Car diesel multiple unit, D2133, D3462 N.B. The engines in use may differ slightly on both days! Events & Highlights Lots of West Country railway atmosphere At least 6 locomotives in use, all of which were associated with British Railways Western Region in days gone by All train services hauled by locomotives typical of the steam-to-diesel transition period in the 1960’s, all in authentic liveries An intensive timetable Double heading on some trains Diesel multiple unit shuttle service between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren Shunting demonstrations Period cars and other vintage road vehicles on display at selected stations Museums open at Bishops Lydeard, Washford and Blue Anchor Bar and buffet car facilities on all trains Day & weekend rover tickets available Giftshops, refreshments, free parking Bus service between Taunton & the WSR Lots of photographic opportunities [N.B. All events listed are subject to availability] Timetable A comprehensive timetable will be in operation on each day of the Weekend. A complete working timetable – which will include full details of all train workings (including goods trains) and the locomotive and coaching set diagrams – will be available 7 days in advance from Minehead Station priced £2.00 and a SAE. Bishops Lydeard-Norton Fitzwarren. A 3-Car diesel multiple unit will operate a regular shuttle service between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren on both days. Please note that ALL privilege ticket, free pass & voucher facilities will NOT apply at the 1960’s Weekend. Ordinary fares apply to all passengers. Discounts are available on Rover Tickets purchased in advance. Catering Buffet and bar facilities will be available on all train services during the weekend, serving a range of hot and cold food, tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Other attractions The Railway’s trio of excellent museums – at Bishops Lydeard, Washford and Blue Anchor stations – will be open throughout the weekend, and are well worth a visit. The Taunton Model Railway Group’s base – situated on Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard – will be open throughout the weekend. Connecting bus service Taunton-Bishops Lydeard, service 28 (Saturday) & 928 (Sunday). On both days, there is a frequent Southern National bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station. 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 timetable details available direct from First Southern National – 01823 272033. Train times Trains leave Bishops Lydeard for Minehead at 9.40am, 10.25am, 11.20am, 12.25pm, 1.05pm, 2.10pm, 3.00pm, 4.05pm, 5.35pm Trains leave Minehead for Bishops Lydeard 10.15am, 11.10am, 12.15pm, 1.05pm, 2.00pm, 2,50pm, 3.55pm, 4.45pm, 5.30pm Or you may wish to see the Detailed Timetables for the 1960sWeekend.

• BR Manor class © David Randles  • Western Campaigner © David Randles  • Pretty in Black  • 1960s DMU