The West Somerset Railway on the Web

The West Somerset Railway’s Winter Steam Festival is a brand new gala event. Why not come along after Christmas to savour and enjoy a busy Great Western branch line in Winter…? At least three engines will be in steam at the Winter Steam Festival, selected from the following pool...  · GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 no 7820 "Dinmore Manor"  · GWR 4575 Class 2-6-2T no 5542  · GWR Small Prairie 2-6-2T no 5553  · BR Class 4MT 2-6-4T no 80136 All engines listed above are subject to availability. A comprehensive TIMETABLE of trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead will operate. A complete working timetable – which will include full details of all train workings, and the locomotive and coaching set diagrams – will be available seven days in advance from Minehead Station priced £2.50 and a large SAE. Events and highlights of the Winter Steam Festival 2003 include...  · Brand new event for 2003  · Lots of West Country branch line atmosphere  · At least three engines in steam  · Great Western auto train – with no 5542 & trailer no 178  · Intensive timetable  · Nice, warm, steam-heated trains!  · Day Rover tickets available - cheaper if booked in advance  · Museums open at Bishops Lydeard, Washford    and Blue Anchor  · Taunton Model Railway Group’s base at Bishops Lydeard open  · Gift shops, refreshments, free parking  · Bus service between Taunton and the WSR  · Lots of photographic opportunities  · All-in-all, a superb value-for-money day out for all the family All events listed are subject to availability The Auto Train – whereby an engine and coach(es) remained semi-permanently coupled, to operate in "push-and-pull" mode – were once a regular feature of passenger services on several Great Western branch lines in the West Country in times gone by. Several train services (marked AUTO in the timetable) at the Winter Steam Festival will recreate this method of travel of a bygone era, with – appropriately – GWR "4575" Class 2-6-2T no 5542 (built in 1928) working with the beautifully restored 1930-built auto trailer no 178. Accommodation is limited, but don’t miss this opportunity to sample this unique method of branch line passenger travel. The Taunton Model Railway Group’s base at Bishops Lydeard will be open [separate, small admission charge applies], giving visitors the opportunity to see the excellent new ‘OO’ gauge model of Bath Green Park station. Whilst at Bishops Lydeard, come and see the many exhibits and displays of railway interest inside the refurbished Gauge Museum on Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard. Engine No 4561 will be on display, and there will be lots to see and do to maintain your interest while you wait for your train! The excellent Blue Anchor Railway Museum will be open - admission free, but donation appreciated. Come and see recent developments at the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust’s site and museum, which will be open throughout the Gala - separate admission charge. There is a First Southern National bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station [Service 928]. 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. Free car parking will be available at Bishops Lydeard, but please arrive at least thirty minutes before the departure of the train on which you initially wish to travel. Staying over? A list of accommodation is available here. Rover tickets will be cheaper if booked in advance from West Somerset Railway, The Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG - telephone 01643 704996