West Somerset Express
Issue 7 – February 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
Another Record Year
The West Somerset Railway has done it again carrying a record 172,457 passengers in 2002, up from the previous year's 169,275 which was itself a record.
2003 Timetable
The railway's timetable for 2003 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
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 (see below) and then the normal timetable for the season.
Spring Steam Gala
The West Somerset Railway’s Spring Steam Gala, one of the major events in the heritage railway calendar, will take place over the weekend of 28-30 March and will have a "West Country Branch Line" theme. Full timetables are now available.
Confirmation has now been received for three visiting steam engines to attend the Spring Steam Gala on 28-30 March 2003 – the ex-LSWR M7 0-4-4T No 30053 from Swanage, ex-GWR 57xx 0-6-0PT No 5764 from the Severn Valley and ex-GWR ‘Small Prairie’ No 5553 (owned by the Waterman Railways Trust and currently at Cheddleton). A successful conclusion is also anticipated for two other ‘guest’ engines for the Gala – the Ivatt 2-6-2T No 41312 from the Mid-Hants and ex-GWR ‘Large Prairie’ No 4141 (currently at Llangollen).
An intensive three day timetable is planned to give passengers plenty of chances to travel over the WSR’s banks behind "Prairies" (Large and Small), "Panniers" and other engines evoking memories of the West Country in the days of steam. On Saturday 29 March a dramatic contrast will be offered by the arrival of a Hertfordshire Railtours excursion behind a modern class 66 diesel.
With every WSR Spring Gala there will be plenty of extra activity. The Williton restoration shed will have its annual three day opening so that visitors can see progress on Bulleid "West Country" class 4-6-2 no 34046 "Braunton" and the nearly-completed 1897 GWR sleeping car, whilst the Minehead Sheds will be open on Saturday and Sunday.
There is still time to purchase rover tickets for the Spring Steam Gala at specially reduced prices on the ‘discounted in advance’ rates. This special offer ends on 31 January. Three, two and one-day rover tickets are all available, including a one-day Family Ticket. If you would like to take advantage of this offer, please have your credit/debit card details to hand and telephone the Railway direct on 01643 704996.
Details from www.wsr.org.uk and www.wsra.org.uk
Visiting Locos
So far the list of guests, in addition to those visiting for the Spring Steam Gala, includes 4936 Kinlet Hall from mid July until the Autumn Steam Gala along with 5224 ex GW 2-8-0T will be with us for the year and 80136 BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T will be returning for a long stay, probably from April.
Resident Locos
The lines resident steam locos currently operational are:
4160 ex GW 2-6-2T large prairie - will be stopped for overhaul in June.
5542 ex GW 2-6-2T small prairie
6412 ex GW 0-6-0PT will be in service for the early part of the season.
7820 Dinmore Manor ex GW 4-6-0.
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
In addition another Hymek, D7076 will be visiting for the high season including a special timetable during the "Swindon Heritage Diesel Gala" on 8 & 9 August.
Steam Up at Washford
As a prelude to the start of the new WSR operating season, both Nos 5542 and the Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1788 Kilmersdon will be in steam at Washford station – the headquarters of the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust – over the weekend of 1-2 March 2003. The two engines will perform shunting demonstrations, be available for close inspection (including a chance to look on the footplate), whilst visitors will also be able to see recent restoration on some of the Trust’s fleet of historic vehicles. The museum in the station building, together with the signalbox, will also both be open.
Details from www.wsra.org.uk
This Month's Photos
The first is a look back at last year's Spring Steam Gala, 1501 sets back with its train at Bishops Lydeard.
Next we have 5224 taking water, also at Bishops Lydeard during the Spring Steam Gala
Finally a summer's evening at Bishops Lydeard, 80136 retires to the loco, her work done for the day as 4160 is on her way to take water prior to working the Quantock Belle dining train.
Note: you need to be connected to the Internet to view these photos.
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 February: Great Western 150 - Arthur Turner
3 March: Travels on the Indian Sub Continent - Keith Strickland.
7 April: Nostalgic Days on the Dining Cars - Mike Chapman
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 January: “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 February: “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
25 March: “Jaunceys’ Jaunts” PSOV videos show British steam locomotives at their best – storming through stunning landscapes, slogging up the most notorious climbs. Commentary on the videos is minimal, the locomotives being allowed to speak for themselves. However, on this occasion the producers of the videos will be on hand to add their own personal commentary on a year’s worth of main line steam activity. Come along for a superb, breathtaking, scintillating evening of main line action – experience the exhilaration of locomotives working at full power.
An admission charge will apply for this meeting……but you will NOT be disappointed!
For the full programme for 2003 see West Somerset Railway Association, for further details email.
This Year's 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. This year the theme is ‘West Country Branch Line Steam’.
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 on Sunday 6 April 2003 but 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 – 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
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 February 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.