West Somerset Express
The unofficial on line newsletter of the West Somerset Railway
Issue 16 – November 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 & November
October 25-26: Grand Trains Extravaganza
October 30: Bristol Area Group meeting - “The Man who Loves Giants” - David Sheppard
October 31: Halloween Special
November 3: Taunton Area group Meeting - "The Right Kind of Snow" - Terry Nichols
November 25: Bristol Area Group meeting - “Trevithick and the Pen-y-Darren Locomotive”
Further details below.
November 29 & 30: The first of the Santa Steam Specials from Bishops Lydeard.
Plus, of course, regular service trains - not Mondays or Fridays - until Sunday 2 November.
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:-
· Saturday – Nos 5542, 5553, 7820, 80136, D6566, D7523, D9526, Class 117 dmu
· Sunday – Nos 4936, 5542, 5553, 80136, D1010, Class 117 dmu
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
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 are 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, indeed some trains are already full. 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.
Santa Steam Specials
Take a steam train ride through the beautiful Somerset countryside and visit Santa in his Station Grotto
A fabulous occasion for all the family and a great start to Christmas
On all our Santa Steam Specials there are mince pies and seasonal refreshments for adults, and sweets and presents for the children
Our Santa Steam Specials are very popular and seating capacity is limited, so you are strongly advised to BOOK EARLY to avoid disappointment
All trains are steam hauled.
There are buffet and bar facilities on all trains
Trains from BISHOPS LYDEARD to Crowcombe Heathfield-
Depart at 10.15am 11.50am 1.50pm 3.25pm
All inclusive fares: ADULT £6.00 CHILD £6.00
Saturday 29 November
Sunday 30 November
All inclusive fares: ADULT £9.00 CHILD £9.00
Saturday 6 December
Sunday 7 December
Saturday 13 December
Sunday 14 December
Saturday 20 December
Sunday 21 December
Tuesday 23 December
Wednesday 24 December
Trains from MINEHEAD to Blue Anchor
All inclusive fares: ADULT £6.00 CHILD £6.00
Depart at 10.40am 12.05pm 1.55pm 3.15pm
Sunday 7 December
Sunday 14 December
Sunday 21 December
Tuesday 23 December
Wednesday 24 December
All fares are all-inclusive return fares - that is, inclusive of mince pies and seasonal refreshments for adults, and sweets and presents for the children.
You can book tickets for our Santa Steam Specials in three ways:
by telephone, using your credit card (please ring 01643 704996, 9am-4pm Monday to Friday)
by completing the BOOKING FORM. Leaflets with booking forms also available from the stations.
in person at Minehead Station (9am-4pm Monday to Friday)
Visiting Locos
The visitors at present are:
4936 Kinlet Hall has recently arrived and will be with us until the Autumn Steam Gala.
80136 BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T which arrived back on the line in June for a long stay.
5553 ex GW 4575 Class 2-6-2T from Waterman Railways
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
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. 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, her boiler has recently arrived back from Pridham's.
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 Autumn Steam Gala, The first is of the WSRA's 0-6-0PT 6412 leaving Bishops Lydeard for Williton propelling auto-trailer No. 178
Next is 0-6-2T 5637 which was visiting from the East Somerset Railway seen here with a down train at Bishops Lydeard.
Still at Bishops Lydeard, resident small prairie 5542 had taken over the auto trailer and is seen heading for Minehead at the end of the afternoon.
The recently restored auto trailer is in beautiful condition inside as well as out as this view shows.
After 5542 had departed with the auto trailer 4936 Kinlet Hall was ready to follow it to Minehead.
Moving on to the Sunday, 5542 worked the first up train with the auto trailer, they are seen here at Minehead before departure.
The next train was double headed by 80136 and 4936 Kinlet Hall, again they are seen at Minehead ready to depart.
A visitor was small pannier tank 1369 from the South Devon Railway, seen here shunting a demonstration goods train at Dunster.
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.
3 November: "The Right Kind of Snow" - Terry Nichols
1 December: Christmas Railway Quiz Night
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 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 2003/4 see West Somerset Railway Association, for further details email.
This Year's Events
Still to come:-
“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.
Plus of course Dunster by Candlelight and the Santa Specials and services between Christmas and the New Year.
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 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
The next issue is due 27 November 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.