West Somerset Express
Issue 6 – January 2003
Issue 1 - August 2002 Issue 2 - September 2002
Issue 3 - October 2002 Issue 4 - November 2002 Issue 5 - December 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 2003 Spring Steam Gala 2003 Autumn Gala 2003 Cross Country Weekend
WSR Rally 2003 Teddy Bear's Picnic Great Trains
2003 Timetable
The railway has just published its timetable for 2003, it can be seen on line at WSR Timetable which also has the dates for all the special events on the line in the coming year.
Current Services
The "Blue" low season timetable is being operated from December 27 to January 1 inclusive, services resume with the half term workings between Minehead and Williton on February 22, 23 and 25 - 27. This is followed by a build up during March until the season really gets going with the Spring Steam Gala which starts with a "preview" on March 27 and continues to March 30 - the preview day involves what would have been the positioning moves being run as services - up to 5 visiting locos are expected.
Visiting Locos
So far the list of likely guests includes 4936 Kinlet Hall from mid July until the Autumn Steam Gala and Ivatt 2MT 2-6-2T 41312 for the Spring Gala. Pete Waterman's GW 2-8-0T 5224 will also be with us, further announcements are eagerly awaited.
Resident Locos
The lines resident steam locos currently operational are:
4160 ex GW 2-6-2T large prairie
5542 ex GW 2-6-2T small prairie
6412 ex GW 0-6-0PT - currently away from the line, but will soon return and will be in service at least for the early part of the season.
7820 Dinmore Manor ex GW 4-6-0.
This Month's Photos
A quick look back to last summer, starting with 7820 leaving Watchet for Minehead during the Autumn Steam Gala. Note: you need to be connected to the Internet to view these photos.
The second is of 5051 Earl Bathurst at Bishops Lydeard during the Spring Steam Gala
The third is of Pete Waterman's 5224 arriving at Bishops Lydeard with an up train.
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 January 2003: Member's slides and competition.
3 February 2003: Early Days of the WSR - 8mm film presentation.
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.
28 Jan 2003 “The MD from MD” - The Managing Director of the WSR, Mark Smith, gives us his views on
the 2002 season and a look forward to 2003 and beyond. Members will be able to ask those burning
questions about how the line is run, so come prepared for a lively evening! Mark Smith
25 Feb 2003 “A Journey in Three Legs” - The story of the Railways of the Isle of Man – not just
those which still exist today, but many more which have long since disappeared from the island of
tailless cats, toast-rack trams and one of the biggest water wheels in the world. Trevor Nall
For the full programme for 2003 see West Somerset Railway Association, for further details email.
NEXT YEARS EVENTS
The WSR has now finalised its programme of special events for 2003. The very popular Spring Steam Gala – generally regarded as one of the best events in the national heritage railway calendar – will be held on 28-30 March, with a ‘Preview Day’ on the 27th.
In addition to the regular favourites – including the Autumn Steam Gala, Thomas, the Steam Fayre & Vintage Vehicle Rally and the Somerset CAMRA Real Ale Festival – three new events are planned for next year. “The CrossCountry Network: Past, Present & Future” on 10-11 May is a special diesel and steam event being run in association with Virgin Trains. It is our aim to strive to assemble a representative selection of locomotive classes (steam to Voyager) that have been the mainstay of train services on the CrossCountry network over the last 50 years or so. Virgin Trains have agreed to re-name their Class 220 No 220 008 Somerset Voyager on the WSR that weekend.
“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.
Volunteers
There are around 400-500 active volunteers whose contribution help makes the West Somerset Railway 'tick'. Indeed, without their considerable input the West Somerset Railway would probably cease to tick!
There are many different jobs for volunteers on the line, the next New Volunteers Day will be in March 2003 but you can join us at any time of year.
If you would like to join the WSRA volunteer team, please write to: The Volunteer Co-ordinator, The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3BX – 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 Telephone
Friends of Minehead Station
Friends of Blue Anchor Railway Museum
Telephone the West Somerset Railway on 01643 704996 for contact details of these groups.
The Footplate Experience
Have you ever fancied having the opportunity to take the controls (and shovel!) of a steam locomotive?
The West Somerset Railway can give you the chance to do just that!
We offer a choice of courses for you to satisfy your dreams.
A TASTER COURSE gives you the opportunity to explore the Railway and to ride on the footplate and try the controls under the guidance of qualified instructors.
The STEAM ENGINEMAN COURSE gives you the opportunity to learn how a steam engine works and provides an introduction to the basics of railway signalling and safety including a visit to the Minehead Signalbox. Then step on the footplate (with W.S.R instructors) as the Driver and Fireman on a journey along the line of your own special train. You can take the controls and use the shovel to experience the elation of being a driver and a fireman.
Both Courses are by fully qualified W.S.R instructors.
Trainees for both courses must be in good health and over 18 years of age.
These Courses make excellent and unusual gifts for that special occasion for you or for a friend.
A GIFT VOUCHER can be supplied, to enable recipients to book dates at their own convenience.
Other courses can be arranged to suit your personal requirements.
More information can be obtained from:
The West Somerset Railway plc
The Railway Station
MINEHEAD
Somerset
TA24 5BG
Telephone: 01643 704996
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
The next issue is due 27 January 2003.
© 2002 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.