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• Steam through the Winter Countryside...
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The Winter Steam Festival has become increasingly popular in recent years and as a result we are extending it to a two day event in 2008. The dates in question are 28 and 29 December and so it offers a good alternative to the old films, repeats of classic episodes and the rest of the holiday entertainment. It is planned to have six steam engines in action, hauling and heating the trains. There will be seven trains each way on both days, most with buffet cars selling a variety of Somerset beers and ciders, hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches and snacks so it is a perfect way to see the Somerset countryside in winter.
At least six locomotives will be in action, selected from the following pool...
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| GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I
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| SR 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton
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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 0-6-2T no 6695
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| All locomotives are subject to availability.
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| | Sunday 28 December
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| | Starting direction - Facing Taunton - 34046, 6695, 88
| | Starting direction - Facing Minehead - 6024, 9351, 3850
| | 34046 – turn after arrival l/e from WN at 0950 (dep 1125).
| | 6024 –turn at 1200 after arrival of the 1st down train. (dep 1320).
| | 3850 – turn after arrival at 1300 (dep 1415).
| | 6695 – turn after arrival at 1349 (finished).
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| | Monday 29 December
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| | Starting direction - Facing Taunton - 6024, 3850, 88
| | Starting direction - Facing Minehead – 6695, 9351, 34046
| | 9351 – Turn for publicity purposes after arrival at 1155 (dep 1320).
| | 34046 – turn after arrival at 1300 (dep 1415).
| | 88 – turn 360 degrees after arrival at 1448 (dep 1600).
| | 3850 – turn after arrival at 1636 (finished).
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| | Please note the above details are given in good faith but could be subject to change due to operational need
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• Events and highlights ...
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| A fantastic feast of winter steam
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| At least six engines in steam
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| Interesting and varied timetable
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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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| A great day out for all the family
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| All the above highlights are believed correct as at 24 November 2008, listed in good faith and subject to availability.
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• The Timetable and Loco Rosters...
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A comprehensive timetable of trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead will be in operation during the Festival.
Subject, of course, to availability, the following locomotives will be in service during the two day event on 28 and 29 December - nos 88, 3850, 6024, 6695, 9351 and 34046. On 28 December, the departures from Bishops Lydeard are at 10.40am (88); 11.35am (3850); 12.40pm (6695); 1.15pm (34046); 2.25pm (9351); 3.15pm (6024); 4.10pm (3850), and from Minehead at 10.30am (6695); 11.25am (34046); 12.30pm (88); 1.20pm (6024); 2.15pm (3850); 3.10pm (34046); 4pm (9351). On 29 December, departures from Bishops Lydeard are at 10.40am (9351); 11.35am (34046); 12.40pm (6024); 1.15pm (88); 2.25pm (6695); 3.15pm (3850); 4.10pm (34046), and from Minehead at 10.30am (6024); 11.25am (6695); 12.30pm (3850); 1.20pm (9351); 2.15pm (34046); 3.10pm (6024); 4pm (88). We repeat the caveat about availability and we hope the above information will help folks plan their time at the Festival.
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)
The Railway are running a free Cooks/Stagecoach bus on both days on the usual route from Taunton Station Road and the Park and Ride at Silk Mill to Bishops Lydeard Station starting at 9.30am - and First Bus Service 28 will also be in operation (contact First on 01823 272033 for information about holiday period services).
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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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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).
| | · | By downloading and sending a completed Booking Form
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Microsoft Windows Media Player must be installed for the above video clip to play.
• 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.
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Winter Steam Festival 28-29 December 2008