West Somerset Express

Issue 1 – August 2002 

Issue 3 - October 2002 Issue 2 - September 2002  Issue 1 - August 2002 West Somerset Express homepage

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

WSR Summer 2002  Spring Steam Gala 2002  6024 Arrives  WSR Rally 2002  Autumn Steam Gala  CAMRA 2002  1960's Weekend

July Arrivals 

During July two visiting locos arrived on the West Somerset Railway, the first was 5224, an ex Great Western 5205 Class 2-8-0T belonging to Waterman Railways.  5224 required some repairs before entering service on the line; these should be completed in time for the Rally Weekend – 3rd and 4th August.

 The second was 6024 King Edward I which arrived on the line on 27th July at the head of the Mid Hants Railway’s Green Train.  After going on to Minehead 6024 returned the train to Bishops Lydeard where a Class 37 diesel loco 37308 took over for the return journey.  6024 will be staying on the WSR until the Autumn Steam Gala weekend, apart from a trip on the mainline working a special from Taunton to Par and back – during which she will be turned, photographers will thus have a chance to get shots of her facing in both directions during her stay.

 

    

5224 at Minehead shortly after arrival by road and 6024 running in to Bishops Lydeard with the Green Train  Photos ©Steve Huddy 

Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally – 3 and 4 August 2002

Once again the West Somerset Railway station at Bishops Lydeard will echo to the sight, sound and smell of many mighty steam engines as they gather for what will be our 16th Rally.

A glittering array of superb machinery will be in action alongside our restored country station on Britain’s longest heritage railway, and 2002 looks like beating all records with some of the country’s finest examples of vintage transport on display.

Gleaming Showman’s engines, powerful steam tractors and road rollers, elegant vintage cars and motorcycles, superb fire engines, buses, commercial and military vehicles will all be put through their paces in the arena to thrill the crowds. New attractions this year will include horse drawn exhibits.

Bishops Lydeard Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally is well known for its unique location, friendly atmosphere and good value for money. Backing up the transport exhibits will be displays, stalls, trade stands, children’s entertainments and ample refreshment facilities.

So, book the dates NOW and bring the whole family along to enjoy a fabulous day out - with so much to see there really is something for everyone.

The event is organised by the West Somerset Railway Association, with support from the Somerset County Gazette – Details from West Somerset Railway .

Note:  6024 King Edward I is scheduled to work services on both days, it is also hoped that 5224 will be in service.

 

Autumn Steam Gala – 6,7,8 September 2002 

Up to ten engines are expected to be in steam – including at least three visiting locos.
The following engines are all expected to be in action
and working passenger trains over the Gala...

**

 Debut Gala appearance on the WSR after its return to steam in 2002

Note:

 All engines subject to availability

Click here to see the full timetable on www.wsr.org.uk 

5542 back in steam after 23 years 

GW 4575 Class 2-6-2T number 5542 was lit-up for the first time on Sunday evening 7 July at 9.25 - just beating the original 23 year planned restoration time scale by one week!  Then, the boiler passed its steam test on Wednesday 10 July at 3.30 with flying colours and running-in should commence soon. 

 

5542 outside the workshops at Washford. ©Steve Huddy

Diesel Running Days

The next scheduled Diesel Running Days are Saturday 24 August, when it is expected that D7017 will work the DMU diagram, and 14, 15 September when it is hoped that D1010 will be working. 

 

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.

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

West Somerset Express Archive 

Next issue due 27 August 2002. 

Issue 3 - October 2002 Issue 2 - September 2002  Issue 1 - August 2002 West Somerset Express homepage

© 2002 Steve Huddy.  This newsletter are independent of, and is not officially supported by, the West Somerset Railway plc or any of the affiliated organisations, unless specifically mentioned on the appropriate page. All information is believed correct but neither this web site nor the Railway can be held responsible for any errors.