West Somerset Express

The unofficial on line newsletter of the West Somerset Railway

Issue 44 – March 2006

Issue 39 - October 2005  Issue 40 – November 2005  Issue 41 - December 2005

Issue 42 - January 2006  Issue 43 - February 2006

West Somerset Express homepage

This page is part of the newsletter archive, photos of the year on the line can be seen on

WSR 2006  Spring Steam Gala 2006  Autumn Steam Gala 2006  GTE 2006

 

 

The West Somerset Railway - Heritage Railway of the Year 2005

 

Dates for your diary

4 March - Somerset & Dorset 40th Anniversary Special

6 March - WSRA Taunton Group meeting

17 March - Spring Steam Gala "Preview Day"

18, 19 & 23-26 March - Spring Steam Gala

23 March - Railtour from Minehead to Exeter, Yeovil, Westbury, Bristol and back to Minehead operated by

Past Time Rail

28 March - WSRA Bristol Group meeting

 

Regular services resume this month, Train Timetables on www.wsr.org.uk has full details.  The two steam turns "red" service runs on 4, 5, 11, 12, 28-30 March, see below for details of the Spring Steam Gala, see www.wsr.org.uk for running days and timetables.

 

New General Manager for the West Somerset Railway

 

The West Somerset Railway has appointed a new General Manager. He is Paul Conibeare (42) who lives at Bishops Lydeard, near Taunton. Paul is currently the company’s Traction Inspector and is responsible for running the very popular Steam Experience courses. Previously, he was Managing Director of the Bure Valley Railway, a successful narrow gauge line in Norfolk.

He moves up to replace Mark Smith who retires after 16 years as Managing Director of the railway from March 10th, and Paul will take up his duties from Monday March 13th, just before the Railway’s Spring Steam Gala.


See Stop Press for the full text of the announcement.

 

Spring Steam Gala 2006

 

The timetables for this great Gala are now available, the two weekends are of "equal status" so no need to feel you are missing out if you can only come for one of them - though there's so much on offer that you may well want to come for the whole event!  On the first day, Friday 17 March, there will be an S&D 7F double header.  The timetables and full details are on West Somerset Railway :: Spring Steam Gala 2006 , brief details below:

 

Locos confirmed for the Somerset and Dorset Railway-themed Spring Steam Gala 2006 are SDJR 7F 2-8-0 nos 88 and 53809, LMS 4F 0-6-0 no 44422, BR Standard 5 4-6-0 73129, BR Standard 4 2-6-0 no 76079, LMS Black 5 4-6-0 no 45407, SR Bulleid 4-6-2 no 34067, BR 9F 2-10-0 no 92212. The BR Standard 4MT no 80136 should be back in time for the Gala. So we are looking at fielding nine locos typical of the Somerset and Dorset plus Kilmersdon and/or Isabel shunting at Washford. A number of the classic S&D double headed combinations are promised during the event. All subject to availability, of course.
 

The WSR Special Event Planning Team have secured the use of a full nine coach set of maroon Mk1 coaches from FM Rail - the Scottish Railway Preservation Society set - who will also be operating the associated Gala railtours with Past Time Rail. This has been obtained to provide extra seating capacity during what will be two very busy weekends as well as adding some extra authenticity to the event from the more usual WSR chocolate and cream stock.

 

It is proposed to rename the WSR stations after long-lost Somerset and Dorset Railway examples for the duration of the Spring Steam Gala event, following the similar and popular idea back in 1996. The updated list is that Bishops Lydeard will become Templecombe; Crowcombe - Midsomer Norton; Stogumber - Binegar; Williton - Evercreech Junction; Doniford - Henstridge; Watchet - Wincanton; Washford - Midford; Blue Anchor - Sturminster Newton; Dunster - Shillingstone; Minehead - Bournemouth West.

 

Streamlined “Battle of Britain” Pacific 34067 is due to arrive in Minehead on Saturday March 18th at the head of an excursion train organised by Past-Time Rail from London as the West Somerset Railway’s Spring Steam Gala gets underway. After working the train in the air-smoothed Pacific will be guesting for the rest of that weekend and between March 23rd and 26th as the WSR marks the 40th Anniversary of the closure of the Somerset and Dorset.

Another attraction for lovers of all things S&D during the Gala will be the opening of the Taunton Model Railway Group clubhouse at Bishops Lydeard station featuring a 4 mm scale model of Bath Green Park station.

 

There are some photo charters during the Gala period, see www.steamrecreations.co.uk


Details from SEPT and http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/

 

“Railways Round Exmoor”

In a new initiative to increase the attractions of Exmoor three “heritage” railways are joining forces in a joint marketing and ticketing venture for 2006..

The three railways concerned are the twenty mile long West Somerset which runs from Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and Minehead, the water powered Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway which links the twin towns, and the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway which has begun to rebuild the narrow gauge line which closed in 1935 and is presently running trains from Woody Bay station towards Parracombe.

The tickets are priced at £16.00 for adults and senior citizens and £8 for children aged 5 to 15. (this gives some reductions over the tickets for the railways if purchased individually). They can be bought from the railway’s booking offices or in advance from West Somerset Railway (Commercial), The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG from whom leaflets giving fuller details can also be obtained. Credit card bookings can be made by ringing 01643 704996

Details from http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/

The other lines websites are Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and http://www.cliffrailwaylynton.co.uk

 

Volunteers

The line is always looking for new volunteers for just about any task you can think of, from gardener to guard via firemen, signalmen, ticket inspectors, buffet staff, station staff, p-way, S&T...

 

There is a "New Volunteers Day" on Sunday 9 April when prospective new recruits are invited to spend a day on the line – where they are introduced to key personnel, given a guided tour of the line and have the chance of learning more about the voluntary opportunities and what is involved. Further details on http://www.wsr-volunteers.co.uk/vol06.pdf

 

You can join us at any time of year, if you would like to know more please write to: The Volunteer Co-ordinator, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3BX, visit www.wsra.org.uk, e-mail the West Somerset Railway Association or Tel: 01823 433856.  There's more about volunteering on a new site, WSR Volunteers .

If you can't give the time but would still like to support the WSR why not join the association?  Details from www.wsra.org.uk

 

Visiting Locos

The visitors at present are:

80136 BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T which is on the line for a long stay - though at present away for maintenance.

5553 Pete Waterman's ex GW 2-6-2T small prairie

 

Resident Locos

The lines resident steam locos currently operational are:

6412 ex GW 0-6-0PT the WSRA's pannier tank

9351 WSR rebuild as a 2-6-0 mogul of 5101 class prairie tank 5193.

88 ex S&DJR 7F 2-8-0 (BR No 53808) is now in regular service.

3850 ex GW 2-8-0 has recently arrived back on the WSR after completion of restoration and will shortly be entering service.

 

5542 ex GW 2-6-2T small prairie has now left the line and is at the South Devon Railway for the next couple of years during which the driving wheel tyres will be replaced.  Hopefully she'll be back after this.

 

Large prairie 4160: The overhaul continues to progress well and is running close to budget so far. No predictions of a steaming date yet, but it can't be too far away. New livery will be BR lined green with late style crest.

 

7828 Odney Manor is in Minehead Works for her overhaul, there is an appeal for funds for this, see below for more details.  Small prairie 4561 is on display in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard while she awaits her turn in Williton Works - which it is hoped will be early 2006.  7820 Dinmore Manor, ex GW Manor Class 4-6-0, is also now awaiting overhaul as her boiler ticket has expired.

 

34046 Braunton continues to progress well with steaming anticipated in 2006.

 

30850 Lord Nelson should visit the line for a period of running in, possibly in the summer.

 

Diesel Locos

The line's resident operational mainline diesel locos are:

Class 52 D1010 Western Campaigner - currently stopped for repairs

Class 35 Hymek D7017

Class 25 D7523 / 25 173

Class 33 D6566 / 33 048

Class 14 D9526

The other resident Hymek, D7018, is undergoing a major overhaul at Williton.

D6575/33057 has arrived on the WSR, initially as a source of spares for D6566, it will be assessed to see if it can be restored in time.

There's plenty of opportunities if you'd like to be involved with the DEPG's fleet, see their new web site at DEPG

 

Auto trailer 169 Project

The group who own 5542 have launched a new project, the restoration of ex GWR auto trailer 169.  See their web site www.loco5542.co.uk for further details of of this exciting development.  169 is a year older than 178 (which has recently been back on the WSR), slightly shorter but otherwise pretty much the same.  Restoration work on 169 has now started in earnest at Williton.

 

This Month's Photos...

...provide a foretaste of the Spring Steam Gala, the theme is the Somerset & Dorset and all the locos working will be types that worked over the S&D.

 

First off is "Battle of Britain" pacific 34067 Tangmere seen here passing Oborne, nr. Sherborne, with an excursion in August 05. Tangmere will arrive on the line with a through excursion on 18 March then stay for the rest of the Gala. Photo by Rodney Greenway.

 

 

Next is 92212 is a BR Std. 9F 2-10-0, a type associated with the S&D including working the Pines Express, she will be visiting from the MHR where she is seen in this photo. Photo by Rodney Greenway.

 

 

A smaller type that was long associated with the S&D was the LMS 4F 0-6-0 such as 44422 which will be visiting from the ELR where she was seen at a recent Gala. Photo by Paul Martin.

 

 

Another visitor seen at the ELR is BR Std. 4 2-6-0 76069.  She last visited the WSR for the 2004 Spring Steam Gala.  Photo by Paul Martin.

 

 

One of the biggest stars will be resident S&D 7F 2-8-0 No. 88 (BR 53808) which is seen here at Crowcombe Heathfield on her first working after a lengthy overhaul.  Her sister 53809 will be visiting for the Gala which will include the pair of them double heading a train on 17 March.

88 at Crowcombe Heathfield

 

A near resident loco that will be taking part, BR Std. 4 2-6-4T 80136 which should be back from winter maintenance at Crewe in time.  She is seen here awaiting departure from Minehead.

80136 at Minehead

 

Another returning visitor will be LMS "Black Five" 4-6-0 45407 seen here during the 2004 Spring Steam Gala at Bishops Lydeard.
45407 at Bishops Lydeard

 

Now a loco that won't be running during the Gala, 3850 arrived back on the line after completion of her restoration at Tyseley and is seen here prior to running light from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.  Photo by Jon Tooke.

3850 at Bishops Lydeard

 

Lastly, the last of the stored HST vehicles left the line recently, 5 trailers which were collected from Bishops Lydeard by a pair of Cotswold Rail power cars, one of which was in "Hornby" livery.  Photo by Steve Thornley

Hornby HST at Bishops Lydeard
 

 

These photos and many more are on West Somerset Railway and West Somerset Railway on the Web..

Note: you need to be connected to the Internet to view these photos. 

 

Funding Appeal for Odney Manor
The appeal to raise funds to help bring No 7828 Odney Manor back to "active steaming life" on the West Somerset Railway remains open. Cash donations are required and for subscribers, a number of benefits are available. All donations of at least £20 will receive a commemorative Odney Manor certificate; for donations of £200 and £1,000, the certificate plus two tickets for the "Odney Manor Return to Steam Celebration Train" awaits, whilst for £1,000 donations the two tickets are First Class Dining seats plus a trip round the workshops. Top treatment for donations of £10,000 who receive four First Class Dining tickets on the Celebration Train, plus a full day Steam Engineman course driving and firing Odney Manor and arrangements to visit the loco during overhaul. For full details and conditions, look out for the leaflet or ring 01643 704996 for more details.

 

West Somerset Railway Association

Area Group Meetings:

Taunton Group:

In 2005, meetings will be held on the first MONDAY of the month (July & August excepted) at the usual venue – the Great Western Staff Association Club (at the north east corner of Taunton station) – starting at 7.45pm.

 

6 March:- "Freight and Steam: North and South" - Quentin Hawkes

3 April:- "Early Days on the West Somerset Railway" - Nick Jones

1 May:- Visit to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway at Woody Bay - Joint visit with the WSRA Bristol Group & GWS Taunton Group. Meet at 6.30pm

 

For the full programme for 2006 see West Somerset Railway Association, for further details e-mail

peter.darke@virgin.net .

 

Bristol Group:

The Bristol group meets on the last Tuesday of the month between September and May at the BAWA, Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol starting at 7.30pm for 7.45pm:-

 

28 March:- "Confessions of a Photographer with a One-Track Mind" - Peter Berry

25 April:- "Women Workers on the Railways" - Helen Wojtczak

30 May:- "Irish Railways" - Patrick McCormack

 

For the full programme for 2006 see West Somerset Railway Association, for further details email.

 

Events for 2006

18-19, 23-26 March - Spring Steam Gala, with a Somerset & Dorset theme.

29 April - 1 May - "Something a little different" to mark the 30th Anniversary of re-opening of the WSR.

8-9 July - Days Out with Thomas.

5-6 August - Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally at Bishops Lydeard

16-17 September - CAMRA Real Ale Festival at Minehead station

5-8 October - Autumn Steam Gala.

21-22 October - Grand Trains Extravaganza

1-2 December - Dunster by Candlelight

30 December - Winter Steam Festival

 

Further details on these will be in future issues of West Somerset Express.

 

Groups on the line which would welcome support include:

West Somerset Railway Association

5542 Limited
Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust

Diesel & Electric Preservation Group
Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd
4160 Limited

Friends of Minehead Station
Friends of Blue Anchor Railway Museum

West Somerset Steam Railway Trust - icoleby@tiscali.co.uk
 

Telephone the West Somerset Railway on 01643 704996 for contact details of these groups.

 

WSR Links:

West Somerset Railway - an unofficial site full of information and photos of the West Somerset

West Somerset Railway Association - the Association is the main support group on the line.

The Official West Somerset Railway Web Site - for trains times and fares etc.

WestSomersetRailway Yahoo! group for discussion and chat about the WSR

WSR Volunteers - a new site with lots of info for those thinking of volunteering

West Somerset Railway, heritage steam and diesel trains - pages of photos of the WSR.

Diesel & Electric Preservation Group Ltd (DEPG) - the diesel group on the line.

West Somerset Express Archive

wizzer.me.uk is a new site about the West Somerset Railway by a fellow volunteer, Jon Tooke.

 

The next issue is due 27 March 2006.

 

 

 

 

© 2006 Steve Huddy.  This newsletter is independent of, and is not officially supported by, the West Somerset Railway plc or any of the affiliated organisations, unless specifically mentioned in the appropriate article. All information is believed correct but neither the publisher nor the Railway can be held responsible for any errors.