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• Steam through the Winter Countryside...
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The West Somerset Railway’s Spring and Autumn Steam Galas are firmly established – featuring a feast of steam, including several guest engines, working an intensive timetable, with many other attractions – and are regarded as a must to visit each year. The Winter Steam Festival continues this principle, and promises a feast of steam. After the presents have been opened and the turkey eaten, why not come along after Christmas to savour and enjoy a busy Great Western branch line in winter? There will be plenty for both the family and serious railway enthusiast to enjoy.
At least five locomotives will be in action, selected from the following pool...
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| GWR 0-4-2T no 1450 note 1
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| LBSCR 0-6-0T no 662 Martello note 2
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| WSR 2-6-0 no 9351
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| GWR 2-8-0 no 3850
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| SDJR 2-8-0 no 88
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| GWR 2-6-2T no 5553
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| BR(W) 2-6-2T no 4160
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| LMS 0-6-0 no 44422
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| All locomotives are subject to availability.
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| 1 courtesy of Mr Mike Little
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| 2 courtesy of Bressingham Steam Museum
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• Events and highlights ...
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| A fantastic feast of winter steam
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| At least five engines in steam
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| Two guest engines – GWR 0-4-2T no 1450 & LBSCR 0-6-0T no 662 Martello
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| Interesting and varied timetable
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| Great Western auto train & Southern branch passenger train
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| Nice, warm steam-heated trains
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| Bar/buffet car facilities on most trains
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| Museums, gift shops, model railways, refreshments.
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| Free parking at Bishops Lydeard
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| Free connecting bus link between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard
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| Rover Tickets available at standard fares – book now!
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| Additional attractions and events
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| Many photographic opportunities
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| Special souvenir programme
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| A great day out for all the family
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| All the above highlights are believed correct as at 29 October 2007, listed in good faith and subject to availability.
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A comprehensive timetable of trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead will be in operation during the Festival.
Our very popular Great Western auto train – featuring the superbly restored trailer No 178 hauled by GWR 0-4-2T no 1450 – will work all the services marked "Auto" in the timetable. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample this unique method of branch line passenger travel. Please note there is limited accommodation and no buffet and no toilet facilities on the auto train.
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• Southern Local Passenger train...
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LBSCR Terrier 0-6-0T no 662 Martello, built in 1875, will be working a number of trains – marked SLP in the timetable – between Minehead and Blue Anchor. Come and travel behind this steam veteran!
Buffet and bar facilities will be available throughout the Gala on most trains, serving a range of hot and cold food (many with a local flavour), tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Please note that all privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will not apply at the Winter Steam Festival. Standard fares apply to all passengers. The best way to enjoy the event to the full is to purchase a Rover Ticket – which gives you complete freedom to travel on the line for the validity of the ticket. (see below for details of how to book)
A special free bus service linking Taunton station, the Park and Ride car park at Silk Mill and Bishops Lydeard station will run every 30 minutes. The service will start from 9.30am from Taunton Station each day, with the last bus connecting with the final train arrival at Bishops Lydeard.
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• More information about the Festival...
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| Washford
| Come and see recent developments at the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust’s site and museum, which will be open throughout the Gala.
| | Gauge Museum
| Whilst at Bishops Lydeard, come and see the many exhibits and displays of railway interest inside the refurbished Gauge Museum on Platform 1. The Great Western Railway 1897-built sleeping car no 9038 will be on display, and there will be lots to see and do to maintain your interest while you wait for your train!
| | Taunton Model Railway Group
| The TMRG’s base on platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard – which includes the excellent model of Bath Green Park station – will also be open on both days (small separate admission charge).
| | Williton
| The Diesel Heritage Centre will be open (but please note that, on this occasion, the rest of the yard area will NOT be open
| | Also...
| ...other locomotives and stock will be on display at several places along the line.
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A special souvenir programme, which will include the complete working timetable and the engine and coaching set diagrams, will be available in advance (from 19 December), and also from stations during the Gala itself, priced £2.00.
Free car parking will be available at Bishops Lydeard, but please arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure of the train on which you initially wish to travel.
You can book Rover Tickets in advance in the following ways...
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| | · | By telephone, using your Credit/Debit Card. Please ring 01643 704996, 9am-5pm.
| | · | In person at Minehead Station (9am-5pm).
| | · | On the Internet at www.ticketweb.co.uk. Please note TicketWeb will charge extra for delivery fee and service charge.
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Microsoft Windows Media Player must be installed for the above video clip to play.
• Latest News...
Small engines - Big stars - Martello and No 1450 stay on for the Festival
Added 30 October 2007
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• Rover Tickets...
| Full details on how to book Rover Tickets please click here or contact the Railway by phone on 01643 704996 or by email for further information. Or click here to go to the online ticketing service which is operated by TicketWeb. Please note TicketWeb will charge extra for delivery fee and service charge.
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Winter Steam Festival Saturday 29 December 2007
