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• Celebrating the Somerset & Dorset...
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The event will celebrate the much-loved Somerset & Dorset Railway which closed in March 1966. The Spring Steam Gala 2006 is split over two weekends - Friday to Sunday 17-19 March and Thursday to Sunday 23-26 March, with the 17 March being a "Preview Day".
Up to ten engines – of classes typical of the Somerset & Dorset in times gone by – are expected to be in steam and working trains at the Gala, the majority of which are being brought in for the event. One of the highlights will be the preservation reunion of both surviving 7F 2-8-0s. Not all engines will be working on any single day. Engines are of course subject to availability
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| | · | SDJR 2-8-0 no 88 (BR no 53808)
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| | · | SDJR 2-8-0 no 53809 (SDJR no 89)
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| | · | LMS 4F 0-6-0 no 44422
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| | · | BR Standard 4 2-6-0 no 76079
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| | · | BR Standard 5 4-6-0 no 73129
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| | · | LMS Black 5 4-6-0 no 45407
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| | · | SR Bulleid 4-6-2 no 34067
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| | · | BR 9F 2-10-0 no 92203
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| | · | BR 4MT 2-6-4T no 80136*
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All the above believed correct as at 3 January 2006, listed in good faith and subject to availability. Engines marked * have yet to be confirmed as appearing. Peckett 0-4-0ST no 1788 Kilmersdon or Hawthorn, Leslie 0-6-0ST no 3437 Isabel will also be in steam giving shunting demonstrations at Washford.
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| | · | Up to ten engines typical of the "Somerset & Dorset" in action
| | · | Many guest engines including nos 44422, 53809, 34067, 76079, 45407, 92203 (subject to availability)
| | · | Intensive timetable featuring Local, Express & Goods
| | · | Classic S&D double-headed trains
| | · | Mainline steam tours
| | · | Sheds and workshops at Williton and Minehead open for inspection
| | · | Bar/Buffet car facilities on most trains
| | · | Stations will be renamed after S&D stations!
| | · | Day & Weekend Rover tickets available - cheaper if booked in advance
| | · | Museums, Model Railways, Gift Shops
| | · | Frequent free bus service linking Taunton and Bishops Lydeard rail stations (car parking will be very limited)
| | · | Special Souvenir programme available
| | · | Taunton Model Railway Group's base at Bishops Lydeard will be open
| | · | Lots of photographic opportunities
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All the above highlights, and the information below, are believed correct as at 3 January 2005, detailed in good faith and subject to availability.
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• All-day meal service...
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The famous Quantock Belle Gala All Day meal service is planned to operate as follows:
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| | · 18 March |
10am and 3pm ex Bishops Lydeard
12.15pm and 4.50pm ex Minehead
| | · 19 March |
10am and 2pm ex Bishops Lydeard
12.15pm and 4pm ex Minehead
| | · 24 March |
10am and 2pm ex Bishops Lydeard
12.15pm and 4pm ex Minehead
| | · 25 March |
10am and 2pm ex Bishops Lydeard
12.15pm and 4.50pm ex Minehead
| | · 26 March |
10am and 2pm ex Bishops Lydeard
12.15pm and 4pm ex Minehead
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• Museums and Model Railway...
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Museums open at Bishops Lydeard, Washford and Blue Anchor. Taunton Model Railway Group's base at Bishops Lydeard open and showing their excellent model of Bath Green Park S&D Station.
Parking at Bishops Lydeard will be severely strained during the Gala. A special free bus service will operate from Taunton Railway Station (near the Ticket Office) - where plenty of car parking is available - calling at the new Park and Ride at Silk Mill (easily found from the A38 or A358) and then direct to Bishops Lydeard Station on all days except Friday 17 March. This half-hourly service will start at 9.00am on each day. The last departure from Bishops Lydeard will be at 7.00pm. There will be plenty of seats available. Please note there will be very limited parking available at WSR Stations over the weekend.
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• Photographic charters...
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In conjunction with the Somerset & Dorset Gala event there will be a number of photographic charters operated with an S&D theme. Pre booking is required and full details can be obtained from Steam Recreations on 01278 784825 or by email steam.recreations@btconnect.com.
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• Lineside photography...
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A reminder that access to the lineside and other areas away from the public areas is restricted to those with a valid Lineside Photography Permit. More information...
There are also a number of mainline steam excursions being run in conjunction with the event and full details can be obtained from Past Time Rail on 0871 871 4119 or at www.past-timerail.co.uk.
Please note that NO privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities are valid at the Spring Steam Gala. Ordinary fares apply to all passengers. Discounts are available on Rover Tickets purchased in advance - use the Booking Form. Rover Tickets allow you the complete freedom of the line and purchasing them is the best way of enjoying the Gala. One, Two, Three, Four and Six Day Rover Tickets will be available. Holders of Two, Three, Four and Six Day Rovers can travel free of charge on Friday 17 March preview day.
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• Shunting demonstrations...
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There will be shunting demonstrations over the Gala at Washford on Saturday 18, Sunday 19, Friday 24, Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 between 10.30am - 4.30pm. These can be observed in safety from the platform.
Alan Hammond will be signing copies of his latest Somerset & Dorset book. Alan will be at Minehead on all six main gala days.
A special souvenir programme - which will include complete working timetables including the goods trains and the engine rosters for all six days - will be available from the stations over the weekend itself, priced £2.50.
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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• Latest News...
| 15 Mar 2006 - No 92203 will represent the 9F class at the Gala...
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• Information Pack...
| Full details of the Gala including the main line excursions, booking forms, lineside photography permits and local accommodation details can be obtained by ringing 01643 704996 between 9am and 4pm daily and asking for a Gala Information Pack. This also includes a 2006 WSR timetable and a "Railways Round Exmoor" leaflet.
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• All-day meal service...
| The famous Quantock Belle Gala All Day meal service is planned to operate on 18, 19, 24, 25 & 26 March.
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• Advance Bookings...
| Details on how to book discounted rover tickets in advance please click here
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Spring Steam Gala 17-19, 23-26 March 2006
