West Somerset Express
The unofficial on line newsletter of the West Somerset Railway
Issue 14 – September 2003
Issue 1 - August 2002 Issue 2 - September 2002
Issue 3 - October 2002 Issue 4 - November 2002 Issue 5 - December 2002
Issue 6 - January 2003 Issue 7 February 2003 Issue 8- March 2003
Issue 9 - April 2003 Issue 10 - May 2003 Issue 11 - June 2003
Issue 12 - July 2003 Issue 13 - August 2003 Issue 14 - September 2003
West Somerset Express homepage
This page is part of the newsletter archive, photos of the year on the line can be seen on
WSR 2003 Spring Steam Gala 2003 Autumn Gala 2003 Cross Country Weekend
WSR Rally 2003 Teddy Bear's Picnic Great Trains
Dates in October
October 2-5: Autumn Steam Gala
October 6: WSRA Taunton Area Group - "Main Line Steam" - a PSOV video presentation.
October 11-12: Diesel Running Days - D1010 and D7017
October 12: Murder, Mystery, Suspense
October 25-26: Grand Trains Extravaganza
October 30: Bristol Area Group meeting - “The Man who Loves Giants” - David Sheppard
October 31: Halloween Special
Further details below.
Plus, of course, regular service trains - not Mondays or Fridays (except the Gala Friday when there is a special timetable)
Autumn Steam Gala
3-5 October 2003
One of the major events of the British heritage railway scene, visiting locos will include small prairie 5553, pannier tank 1369 and, from the East Somerset Railway, ex GWR 0-6-2T 5637. Auto-trailer No. 178 will be visiting and there will be full auto-working with both 6412 - which has returned for the event - and 5542 during the weekend.
For photographers the locos are facing:
Smokebox NORTH (into Minehead) – Nos 5553, 5637, 7820, 4936
Smokebox SOUTH (into BL) – Nos 5542, 1369, 6412, 80136, 5224
Events and highlights of the Autumn Steam Gala 2003 include...
· The complete West Country branch line
· The return of the Great Western auto train
· Up to 10 engines in steam
· Intensive timetable
· Local branch passenger trains
· Steam services to Norton Fitzwarren
· Double-heading on certain trains
· Shunting demonstrations at Washford
· Sheds and workshops open for inspection at Minehead
· Bar and buffet car facilities on most trains
· Day and Weekend Rover tickets available
· Museums at Bishops Lydeard, Washford and Blue Anchor
· Gift shops, refreshments, free parking
· Frequent bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard
· 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.
There will be an intensive timetable operated by the line's resident and visiting steam locos - at least 8 will be in steam - further details and timetables on www.wsr.org.uk.
Great Trains Extravaganza
Saturday & Sunday 25 & 26 October 2003
Grand Trains Extravaganza is a brand new special gala weekend for the West Somerset Railway in 2003. The event will feature an intensive timetable, with services over the whole 23-mile line, worked by a host of steam and heritage diesel locomotives, together with our diesel railcar. Variety is definitely the key, so come along and see just what is on offer……
ENGINES
Our aim is to have the following locomotives in action over the two days of
the event:-
STEAM
GWR ‘Hall’ 4-6-0 No 4936 Kinlet Hall*
GWR ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 No 7820 Dinmore Manor
GWR ‘4575’ Class 2-6-2T’s Nos 5542 & 5553**
BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T No 80136
DIESEL
‘Western’ No D1010 Western Campaigner
Class 14 No D9526
Class 33 No D6566
Class 117 diesel multiple unit
* Last Gala appearance on the WSR, courtesy of Mr Peter Weaver.
** No 5553 is owned by the Waterman Railways Heritage Trust.
Note: All locomotives subject to availability
EVENTS & HIGHLIGHTS
Brand new event for 2003:
Plenty of locomotive action – both steam and diesel
Five engines in steam over the weekend, four on each day
Last Gala appearance of Kinlet Hall
At least three main line diesels in use, plus a diesel multiple unit
Possible visit of a main line Class 66 diesel [subject to confirmation]
Intensive timetable
Services to Norton Fitzwarren
Bar/buffet car facilities on all trains
Day & Weekend Rover Tickets available – cheaper if booked in advance
Museums open at Bishops Lydeard, Washford & Blue Anchor
Gift shops, model railways, refreshments, free parking
Lots of photographic opportunities
Note: All events listed subject to availability
TIMETABLE
A comprehensive timetable of trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead will be in operation on both days of the Gala – for full details will be on www.wsr.org.uk.
A complete working timetable – which will include full details of all train workings (and the locomotive and coaching set diagrams – will be available 7 days in advance from Minehead Station priced £2.50 and a large SAE.
BISHOPS LYDEARD-NORTON FITZWARREN
In addition to the trains shown in the main timetables, there will also be shuttle services from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren on both days, as follows:-
SATURDAY
A Great Western auto train – featuring ex-GWR 2-6-2T No 5542 and trailer No
178 – will run, with departures from Bishops Lydeard at:-
9.50 10.45 11.40 12.20 1.20
SUNDAY
A shuttle service will operate between 11.00 and 3.30 featuring the Class
117 diesel multiple unit.
The round trip takes 20-25 minutes. Please note that it is NOT possible to
board and alight at Norton Fitzwarren.
TICKETS
Please note that ALL privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will
NOT apply at the Grand Trains Extravaganza event. Ordinary fares apply to
all passengers. Discounts are available on Rover Tickets purchased IN
ADVANCE (see below).
The best way to enjoy the event to full is to purchase a Rover Ticket –
which gives you complete freedom to travel on the line for the validity of
the ticket.
CATERING
Buffet and bar facilities will be available on most train services during
the weekend, 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.
WHAT TO SEE & DO OVER THE GALA
WASHFORD: 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).
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 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!
BLUE ANCHOR RAILWAY MUSEUM: This excellent little museum will be open on
both days.
TAUNTON MODEL RAILWAY GROUP: The TMRG’s base on platform 1 at Bishops
Lydeard – which includes the excellent new model of Bath Green Park
station – will also be open on both days (separate admission charge).
CONNECTING BUS SERVICE [Taunton-Bishops Lydeard]
On both days, there is a frequent First Bus service between Taunton and
Bishops Lydeard Station [Service 28A, Saturday; Service 928, Sunday]. 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 Bus – 01823
272033.
CAR PARKING
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.
HOW TO BOOK
You can book Rover Tickets at a discount in advance in the following ways:-
· By telephone, using your Credit Card. Please ring 01643 704996, 9am-4pm
Monday-Friday.
· By completing the Booking Form – on www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk.
· In person at Minehead Station (9am-4pm, Monday-Friday).
Dunster by Candlelight
On Friday 5th and Saturday 6th December, the medieval village of Dunster largely abandons the electric light and opens its doors to those who wish to see this picturesque spot illuminated more softly. The West Somerset Railway runs special trains to this magical event, with the choice of walking to the village from Dunster Station (approximately 15 minutes) or travelling from Minehead Station by special reserved bus link.
On Friday and Saturday Steam trains will leave Bishops Lydeard WSR Station (near Taunton) at 4.45 and 5.40pm. In addition a Diesel Railcar train will also depart at 4.15pm on both days.
Return Fares (including bus link) from: Bishops Lydeard: Adult £12.00 Child £6.00
Buffet Car facilities are available on all trains serving teas, coffees, light refreshments and bar facilities are also available.
These trains are VERY POPULAR, so it is ESSENTIAL to BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment. Application for advance bookings must be received by Monday 1st December 2003. For further details and to book go to Dunster By Candlelight
Details from WSR plc
There are also through trains, operated by Pathfinder Rail Tours, from Worcester, Ashchurch for Tewkesbury, Cheltenham, Yate and Bristol Parkway on Friday 5 December and from Cardiff, Newport, Bristol Temple Meads and Weston super Mare on Saturday 6 December.
Visiting Locos
The visitors at present are:
4936 Kinlet Hall has recently arrived and will be with us until the Autumn Steam Gala.
5224 ex GW 2-8-0T which will be with us for the year
80136 BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T which arrived back on the line in June for a long stay.
The visitors for the Autumn Steam Gala are:
1369 ex GW 0-6-0PT from the South Devon Railway
5553 ex GW 4575 Class 2-6-2T from Waterman Railways
5637 ex GW 0-6-2T from the East Somerset Railway
4936 is scheduled to leave the line working a special train as far as Gloucester on 1 November, see www.past-timerail.co.uk/exmoor%20express.htm.
Resident Locos
The lines resident steam locos currently operational are:
5542 ex GW 2-6-2T small prairie
6412 ex GW 0-6-0PT - currently away at the GWR but will be back for the Autumn Steam Gala
7820 Dinmore Manor ex GW 4-6-0.
The creation of a small-boilered "Mogul", a locomotive designed by the Great Western Railway but never built, continues to make excellent progress and the likelihood of an entry into traffic later this year remains good. Good progress is also being made with ex GWR 2-8-0 3850 and the S&D 2-8-0, both of which are in the works at Minehead. Work is also progressing well on 34046 Braunton at the WSRA's works at Williton.
Large prairie 4160 is now away at Buckfastleigh on the South Devon Railway for overhaul, its return to the WSR is expected to be in about 18 months. 7828 Odney Manor is at Minehead waiting a decision on when and where she'll be overhauled and 4561 is on display in the Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard while she awaits her turn in Williton Works.
Diesel Locos
The line's resident operational mainline diesel locos are:
Class 52 D1010 Western Campaigner
Class 35 Hymek D7017
Class 25 D7523 / 25 173
Class 33 D6566 / 33 048
Class 14 D9526 - fresh from overhaul
The other resident Hymek, D7018, is undergoing a major overhaul at Williton.
D9526 made a grand return to traffic with its own special train, photos of it are on Teddy Bear's Picnic
This Month's Photos
Were all taken during the CAMRA Beer festival, the first is a bit different, it shows EWS diesel 66226 arriving onto the WSR at Norton Fitzwarren with a through train from Paddington. Photo Mike Rowland
Another working that day was 5542's 75th. Anniversary special, 5542 is seen arriving at Minehead with this train.
Next the fireman of 5205 class 2-8-0T 5224 collects the token leaving Minehead
66226 and its train spent the day in the sidings at Minehead, the Class 117 DMU is seen leaving past them.
These photos and many more can be seen on WSR 2003.
Note: you need to be connected to the Internet to view these photos.
WSR Screensaver
There is a screensaver of views of the Spring Steam Gala available for free download from www.wsr.org.uk. Others are available on CD-ROM from the WSRA shop at Bishops Lydeard station.
West Somerset Railway Association
Area Group Meetings:
Taunton Group:
In 2003, 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 October: "Main Line Steam" - a PSOV video presentation.
3 November: "The Right Kind of Snow" - Terry Nichols
For the full programme for 2003 see West Somerset Railway Association, for further details e-mail
Bristol Group:
The Bristol group meets on the last Tuesday of the month between September and April at the BAWA, Southmead Road, Filton, Bristol starting at 7.30pm for 7.45pm:-
30 September: Alan Drewett will give a talk "Railways around Gloucester"
30 October: “The Man who Loves Giants” - David Sheppard
This is a TICKET ONLY event – please email us for details. [Please note this is a THURSDAY evening, and not a Tuesday as normal]
25 November: “Trevithick and the Pen-y-Darren Locomotive”
2004 marks the 200th Anniversary of the building of what is arguably the first steam railway locomotive in the world. Trevithick was the man and Pen-y-Darren in South Wales the place where it all began. Merthyr Council is planning a series of celebrations to mark this momentous occasion. The talk will chronicle Trevithick’s success and give a flavour of the festivities to come.
For the full programme for 2003 see West Somerset Railway Association, for further details email.
This Year's Events
The programme of special events for 2003, in addition to the regular favourites – including the Spring and Autumn Steam Galas, Thomas, the Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally and the Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Festival – three new events are planned for this year:-
“The CrossCountry Network: Past, Present & Future” on 10-11 May which was a great success.
“The Grand Trains Extravaganza” weekend on 25-26 October – deliberately timed to coincide with the school half term week – will be another joint steam and heritage diesel event, with lots of trains, using the Railway’s ‘in-house’ engine/rolling stock resources.
The third new event planned for 2003 is a “Winter Steam Festival” on Sunday 28 December – plenty of steam action, with nice warm, steam-heated trains! Fuller details of the 2003 programme of special events will be announced in future issues of West Somerset Express and on West Somerset Railway Association and The Official West Somerset Railway Web Site.
Events for 2004
The programme for next year is now available on Stop Press, now you can plan ahead to get to all of the West Somerset's great events.
Volunteers
The Railway survives on the goodwill of hundreds of volunteers who give up their time to help out in all manner of tasks, some operational, some not.
There is a New Volunteers Day at Bishops Lydeard on 12 October at 11.00.
There are many different jobs for volunteers on the line, 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 or e-mail the West Somerset Railway Association.
The other groups on the line which would welcome support include:
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.
West Somerset Railway, heritage steam and diesel trains - pages of photos of the WSR.
Diesel & Electric Preservation Group Ltd (DEPG) - the main diesel group on the line
wizzer.me.uk is a new site about the West Somerset Railway by a fellow volunteer, Jon Tooke. He often finds odd places to take photos from and even odder things to take them of so check it as it grows!
The next issue is due 27 October 2003.
© 2003 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.