[WSR News 1998]

West Somerset Railway


NEWS ARCHIVE 1998

Current News

News Index 1998

Future of S&D 7F 2-8-0 no 53808

[Tue 29-Dec-98] Agreement was reached in November between the WSR plc and the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust over the future of S&DJR 7F 2-8-0 No 53808, which will see the engine based on the Railway until at least 2020. The Company has hired No 53808 from the Trust on a "full repairing contract" from May, 1 1998 until April 30, 2020, whereupon it will be returned to the S&DRT in full working order. The WSR Plc will fund the current overhaul of the 7F, with a 'return to steam' target date of April 30, 2000. As part of this work, new cylinders will be fabricated, the Trust funding the cost of the necessary patterns. When operational, the engine may be out-hired for up to sixty days annually if required.
[Return to Index]

The Royal Scotsman

[Tue 29-Dec-98] The prestigious Royal Scotsman Train paid a brief visit to the West Somerset Railway from Wednesday 25 November to Friday 27 November. The train was on private charter to Holland & Holland, Gunmakers. The train was hauled to and from the WSR by the dedicated Class 37 loco 37428, which returned to Bristol during the two day layover, while the train stabled at Bishops Lydeard. Patrons enjoyed a shooting trip on Exmoor.

It is expected that visits by Railtours will become more frequent when the planned signalling upgrade by Railtrack at the mainline junction at Norton Fitzwarren is completed. Under present operating arrangements, there is a limit of six passenger trains a year through the connection, which is currently signalled only for shunting operations. Six trains are already provisionally booked for 1999.
[Return to Index]

Rolling stock developments

[Tue 29-Dec-98] The overhaul of two WSR BR Mark 1 BCK (corridor brake composite) coaches is being undertaken under contract by Cranmore Traincare, on the East Somerset Railway. BCK 21174 is to be repainted in BR maroon livery with the name "Phoenix" and will be used in the Quantock Belle dining set, thereby allowing the Full Brake 80742 to be retired from regular use. The second BCK no 21034 is to be outshopped in BR Southern green livery and will eventually be used as a support coach for West Country Pacific Braunton. Meanwhile BR Mk 1 SK (corridor second) no 25323 is being overhauled at the WSR's own carriage shop at Minehead. A recent new arrival at Minehead is BR Mk 1 TSO coach ADB977706 (photo). This coach was latterly in use as a mess/training coach at Bristol Bath Road diesel depot. It is fitted with BR Commonwealth bogies and currently carries the final BR Inter-City livery. It is due to be overhauled before eventually returning to passenger service on the WSR. Finally a third bogie Rectank wagon has recently been acquired by the WSRA for use on the Railway.
[Return to Index]

LMS engines stopover

[Sat 05-Nov-98] Severn Valley Railway based LMS Class 5MT 4-6-0 no 45110 and LMS 8F 2-8-0 no 48773 both paid a very brief visit to West Somerset Railway metals in early November when they were stabled at Bishops Lydeard after main line railtour duty. They arrived at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 31 October after working the "Stannary Staniers" railtour from Penzance to Taunton. The engines departed together in steam with their support coach on Monday 2 November, en route via Bristol back to Kidderminster and the Severn Valley.
[Return to Index]

Christmas Train Services

[Thu 03-Dec-98] Following the closed period in November to allow for bridge and track maintenance, the West Somerset Railway reopens for public services in early December. As in previous years, separate Santa Trains services will operate at each end of the line from Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. Santa services will run on 5,6,12,13,19,20,23 and 24 December. Early booking is strongly advised. In addition, special trains in connection with Dunster by Candlelight will operate on the evenings of Friday 4 December and Saturday 5 December from Bishops Lydeard (dep 6.15pm) to Minehead and return (arr 10.45pm) with special coach connections between Minehead and Dunster Village. On the evening of Monday 14 December a special Carol Train will operate from Minehead (dep 7.30pm) to Williton and return. Further details are available from Minehead station.
[Return to Index]

Another GWR Prairie for the WSR

[Sat 28-Nov-98] A long term resident at the now-closed Steamport Railway Centre in Southport, GWR 5101 Class 2-6-2T no 5193 has recently been purchased by WSR Plc and is shortly to be moved to Minehead. Although the WSR Plc owns several of the diesel locomotives on the WSR, no 5193 is the first steam locomotive to be acquired by the company. The engine which was originally purchased from Woodhams Scrapyard in Barry in August 1979, remains in very largely unrestored condition. It is intended to commence work on restoration after completion of S&D 2-8-0 no 53808. When it is eventually overhauled, it will join currently operational class mate 4160, to provide two of these very versatile large prairie tank engines which are well matched to WSR operations. Members of the 5101 class worked many of the services between Taunton and Minehead in BR days.

No 5193 was built in October 1934 and was for many years allocated to sheds in the West Midlands including Wolverhampton Stafford Road, and Stourbridge Jct, where it was used on local passenger services. Subsequently it was transferred to the West Country and was variously based at Plymouth Laira and St Blazey sheds. Finally it moved in 1960 to Neyland shed in West Wales and was a frequent performer on the Whitland-Pembroke Dock branch. No 5193 was withdrawn from Severn Tunnel Junction shed in June 1962. It remained at Barry for over 15 years before being purchased for preservation.
[Return to Index]

Livery change for 4160

[Sun 08-Nov-98] It is now just over five years since large prairie tank no 4160 was outshopped from Minehead shed in August 1993, following restoration from scrapyard condition. The engine has become a familiar part of the WSR scene, being a valuable and much liked locomotive. Careful and thorough maintenance through this period has ensured that the engine is in very good condition at the halfway stage of its boiler ticket. Since returning to steam the engine has been running in BR lined black mixed traffic livery. This will shortly change when the engine is repainted into the livery it carried when originally outshopped from Swindon in 1948, that is GWR unlined green, with "BRITISH RAILWAYS" lettering in GWR style on the tanks. This is a unique and short lived scheme peculiar to the period just after nationalisation before British Railways had decided on a livery scheme. Although the engine has operated exclusively on the West Somerset Railway since its restoration, it is possible that it will visit other railways during the next five years.
[Return to Index]

1999 Spring Gala Plans

[Sun 07-Nov-98] Plans for the WSR's 1999 Spring Gala are now maturing rapidly. The event returns to its traditional March weekend dates - Fri 19 to Sun 21 Mar 1999 and will have a "Railways of Somerset Remembered" theme. Although the 1999 Gala forms part of the Railway's celebration of the 125th Anniversary of the opening of the line to Minehead, the Railway is planning to commemorate the Railways of Somerset as a whole during the Gala, and is seeking guest engines to mark the presence of the LMS and Southern Railway in Somerset in addition to Great Western motive power. The first confirmed visitor is the GWR Collett Mogul no 7325 from the Severn Valley Railway. This will renew the long-term association of the class with the Minehead line, which they operated from Taunton shed. It is hoped that this will be joined by an Ivatt 2MT Mickey Mouse, a BR Standard 2-6-4T and a Southern engine. A further small Great Western engine is also being sought, as resident prairie 4561 has now been withdrawn for overhaul, and its replacement no 5542 is unlikely to enter service until later in 1999. The visiting motive power will be supplemented from the home based Great Western fleet including 6412, 4160 and at least one of the two resident Manors nos 7820 and 7828.

Also visiting the line during the Gala will be the Mid-Hants Railway BR Class 5 4-6-0 no 73096 which is scheduled to arrive on a railtour from Alton to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 20 March. On the same day Cheshire Railtours will be running a Paddington to Minehead HST charter train which will run via West Ruislip, Beaconsfield, High Wycombe, Princes Risborough, Bicester, Banbury (reverse) and Oxford.

On Friday 19 March, the branch line atmosphere should be particularly strong with plans for "The Yeovil Branch", "S&D local" and similar themed workings. Friday will also feature demonstration freight train operation. Saturday evening will see a variation of the usual evening train, with extended stops for photography during the down working from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, and a non-stop return.
[Return to Index]

More travels for 6412

[Sun 01-Nov-98] After spending the summer season on the North Norfolk Railway, WSRA's recently overhauled Pannier Tank no 6412 returned to WSR metals in early September in time to take part in the Autumn Steam gala. Soon after 6412 was on the move again to Norchard on the Dean Forest Railway, where it featured in the Dean Forest Steam Gala event on Sat/Sun 26/27 September. Sharing services with 5541, 9642 and 9681, it operated both passenger and freight turns including trips to as-yet-unopened station at Parkend . No 6412 is due to travel again later in the year when it will be visiting the infant Spa Valley Line between Tunbridge Wells and Eridge in Kent to operate the santa services.
[Return to Index]

WSR share capital exceeds £1M

[Sat 31-Oct-98] A significant landmark in the development of te West Somerset Railway was reached recently when the issued share capital of the Railway passed the £1,000,000 mark. Shares were first issued in the early 1970s, since when the West Somerset Railway Plc has grown into a mature business with over twenty years of operation behind it. "During that time", commented Chairman Dennis Taylor, "our shareholders have been unstinting in their support. Speaking for myself, the Board of the Company and the Railway as a whole, I would like to express both appreciation for this support and an earnest hope for its continuation". Looking to recent developments and future plans, Mr Taylor noted that resignalling at Bishops Lydeard will in itself cost over £100,000, while the company is continuing its efforts to purchase a steam locomotive and to overhaul and expand the coaching stock fleet, in addition to maintaining the permanent way and civil infrastructure in good order.
[Return to Index]

Dumbleton Hall moves to Nene Valley

[Fri 23-Oct-98] Visiting GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 no 4920 "Dumbleton Hall" has now left WSR metals. It was moved to the Nene Valley Railway near Peterborough in early October. The oldest surviving member of the Hall Class, 4920 was restored from scrapyard condition at the South Devon Railway workshops at Buckfastleigh, but its axle-loading is too great for regular use on South Devon Railway metals from Buckfastleigh to Totnes. Following initial restoration, 4920 spent some time operating on the Paignton-Kingswear line, and on the Gloucester and Warwickshire Railway, before moving to the West Somerset Railway in early 1997. It has operated WSR peak services in 1997 and 1998, but is now approaching the end of its current boiler certificate.
[Return to Index]

GWR 2-8-0T 4277 returns in 1999

[Thu 22-Oct-98] GWR 2-8-0T no 4277, owned by North Yorkshire Moors Railway Chairman Pete Best will be the principal visiting engine on the WSR during the 1999 season. This popular heavy freight engine is ideally suited to operation of the heavier trains over the West Somerset. It will be making a return visit to the line having previously operated on the WSR from May 95 to October 96.
[Return to Index]

Ditcheat Manor departs

[Fri 02-Oct-98] No 7821 Ditcheat Manor was moved by road from Bishops Lydeard to the Great Central Railway on Monday 28 September. It is expected that the loco will remain at the GCR for at least one year. Ken Ryder's other Manor no 7828 Odney Manor continues in service on the WSR.
[Return to Index]

Winter Permanent Way Works

[Tue 29-Sep-98] This year there will be no WSR public train service after October 31st until the first of the Santa services on December 5. This break in services will allow a start on extensive permanent way works that are planned this winter. In November, track will be relayed in Eastcombe cutting, including rail turning to even out wear. Culvert reinforcement is planned at Whiskey Trail and Leigh Woods, together with refurbishment of Sampford Brent Bridge. Later in the closed season during January and February 1999, it is envisaged that track will be relaid at both Woolston Moor and Leigh Woods Cutting, together with bridge waterproofing at Lydimore.
[Return to Index]

Farewell special for 4561

[Tue 29-Sep-98] Small prairie 2-6-2T no 4561 is due to be withdrawn from WSR service for overhaul on expiry of its 10 year boiler certificate in November. To mark the temporary end of service for this popular engine, a special train will operate on Saturday 10 October using 4561 and the Quantock Belle stock from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return. There will be a bar service, and morning coffee and afternoon cream tea will be served. There will be photo opportunities at Crowcombe and Blue Anchor. The special fare is £13.50 (including morning coffee, cream tea). Bookings with SAE to Richard Knight, Quantock Belle, 9 Eastleigh Close, Wivelscombe, Taunton, Somerset TA4 2LH Tel: 01984-623873. (Cheques payable to Quantock Belle).
[Return to Index]

New Volunteers Day - Sunday 4 October

[Sat 20-Jun-98] Like many other heritage railways operation of West Somerset depends heavily on the support of volunteers from the West Somerset Railway Association. There are currently a wide range opportunities for new volunteers in many of the Railway's Departments. Sunday 4 October is New Volunteers Day when there will be an opportunity for anyone interested to visit the line and speak to representatives from all sections of the Railway and find out what is involved. The day will start at Bishops Lydeard at 11am, and after a train trip to Minehead will conclude again at Bishops Lydeard at 4pm. Further details are available from the WSRA Volunteer Coordinator Humphrey Davies on Tel: 01460-676767.
[Return to Index]

Autumn Steam Gala Report


[Tue 29-Sep-98] Both 4561 and 6412 returned by road to the WSR on Wednesday 9 September in time for the Autumn Steam Gala event 11-13 September. All eight available GWR locomotives took part in the Gala - Nos 4160, 4561, 4920, 6024, 6412, 7820, 7821, and 7828. The event marked the formal return to service of 7821 Ditcheat Manor with a nameplate unveiling ceremony by the Major of Ditcheat Parish, followed by a line-up at Minehead of all three Manors. No 7821 is the ninth and last surviving Manor Class loco to be returned to steam. During the gala it worked singly (with Cambrian Coast Express headboard), double headed with Ken Ryder's other Manor no 7828, and as a finale on a triple headed Manor train from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead on the Sunday afternoon. The weekend also featured 6024 King Edward I which arrived with support coach by rail on Thursday 10 September, and departed for mainline railtour duty from Exeter to Penzance on the Saturday 19 September. During the gala No 4561 operated additional services to cover for the withdrawal of 4920 on the Sunday with a broken spring. No 6412 worked the goods service which featured demonstration shunting at Dunster Station, providing a delightful cameo of wayside station goods train operation from a bygone era. Meanwhile a vintage coach provided free service from Dunster station to the historic village and castle.
[Return to Index]

GWR 2884 Class 2-8-0 No 3850

[Tue 29-Sep-98] Following the completion of Minehead Engine shed extension earlier in the year, No 3850 was moved inside the shed, becoming its first resident. Restoration of the loco, which has now been rewheeled, is progressing steadily under the stewardship of Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd. Current work is concentrated on reassembling the cab and pipework and preparation for work on the boiler cladding. It is expected that the boiler will be despatched for overhaul in May 1999. Work is also in progress on the chassis of the Collett 4000 gallon tender which was acquired separately from the loco. It is hoped that 3850 will return to service on the WSR in 2000.
[Return to Index]

Bishops Lydeard signals commissioned

[Sun 13-Sep-98] Phases 1 and 2 of the Bishops Lydeard resignalling programme were commissioned during the second week of September. Newly-installed signals at the north end of the station were brought into use in time for the Autumn Steam Gala. The scheme has already proved its worth in providing greatly increased flexibility of operation at the station including shunting moves at the north end while the section to Crowcombe is occupied. Attention will now turn to phase 3 of the signalling programme at the south end of the station.
[Return to Index]

Progress on West Country "Braunton"

[Wed 12-Aug-98] Following the completion of the overhaul to WSRA's pannier tank no 6412 in May, attention has turned in earnest to the restoration of rebuilt West Country Pacific no 34046 Braunton, which is taking place in the "Tarmac" shed at Williton. The boiler was lifted from the frames earlier in the summer, and the wheels have now been removed from the frames ready for despatch to Swindon for repair and turning. The frames are now being cleaned and painted. The overhaul is expected to use some components from sister engine 34053 Sir Keith Park, which is also situated at Williton. It is planned to overhaul 34046 to full mainline standards for use on mainline railtours. To this end 34046 will be fitted with air brakes and a suitable air pump has already been acquired - similar to the one fitted to 34027 Taw Valley. Finally, one of the cylinder covers from Braunton has been used as a pattern for a new cylinder cover for Taw Valley.
[Return to Index]

Autumn Diesel Gala 18-20 Sep

[Fri 07-Aug-98] Plans for the 3-day WSR Autumn Diesel Gala on Friday 18 to Sunday 20 September are now being finalised. Visiting engines are expected to include Class 55 D9019 Royal Highland Fusilier and Class 50 no 50015 Valiant both from the East Lancs Railway, plus further Class 50(s) to be announced, and a visiting EWS Class 47. The home fleet will include Class 50s 50149 Defiance and 50017 Royal Oak (running as D417), Class 52 D1010 Western Campaigner, Class 35 D7017, Class 33 33048, Class 25 D7523 John F Kennedy. The appearance of both home based Class 50s is subject to completion of current repairs.
[Return to Index]

Diesel Hydraulic News from Williton

[Fri 07-Aug-98] Class 52 D1010 has been repainted at Williton Diesel Depot into BR Blue livery with small yellow end panels. The repaint was in preparation for attendance at the Foster Yeoman Merehead 75th Anniversary event 26-28 June, where it appeared (static) as D1035 Western Yeoman, paired with two restored 1970s period Yeoman 4 wheel hopper wagons. Attendance at the East Lancashire Railway Diesel Week was unfortunately precluded by a transmission leak. Class 35 Hymek Hydraulic no D7017 also attended the Merehead event where it was coupled to a blue inspection saloon and gave rides to visitors. Locos were hauled to Merehead from Bishops Lydeard by Class 33026 on 23 June. D7017 is due for a repaint in BR blue with small yellow warning panels prior to the September Diesel gala.
[Return to Index]

Autumn Steam Gala Plans 11-13 Sep

[Sat 25-Jul-98] It is planned that the WSR Autumn Steam Gala on Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September will feature a Cambrian Railways theme with three Manor Class locos in operation - nos 7820, 7821 and 7828, recalling the days when the Manor Class hauled many of the services on the Shrewsbury -Machynlleth -Aberystwyth/Pwllheli lines. Also in service will be 4160, 4561 and 6412 together with visiting King Class 6024 King Edward I. No 4920 will be the spare loco. On Friday 11 September, the service will be handled by the three Manors. The use of all engines is subject to availability.
[Return to Index]

WSR steams three Manors

[Fri 24-Jul-98] Tuesday 21 July marked the historic day when three "Manor" class engines were steamed together on the West Somerset Railway for the first time. Service trains were worked by 7820 Dinmore Manor and 7828 Odney Manor, while 7821 Ditcheat Manor stood in the yard at Minehead undergoing a steam test as part of the continuing overhaul which should see the engine in service in time for the WSR Gala between September 11th and 13th.
[Return to Index]

Bishops Lydeard developments

[Tue 21-Jul-98] Bishops Lydeard station has been the centre of significant activity during the last six months. This has included the completion and opening of the new car park and toilet block by Taunton Deane Borough Council. The loco siding has been extended into the old car park to facilitate the transfer of locos and stock to and from road vehicles. The bay platform no 3 has been fenced off from the old car park. Several points have been relayed in the station area, including the north end turnout, which has been replaced with a new shorter turnout which should be less costly to maintain. This point is now motor operated from a temporary control cabinet adjacent to the point. The catch points at the north end of the station have been taken out, and the north end ground frame has been removed. Refurbishment of the signal box is now complete, and most of the new BR(WR) style signals associated with phase 1 and 2 of the signalling scheme are now installed, although not yet commissioned. Pending full commissioning trains are currently hand signalled at the north end of the station.
[Return to Index]

New crank axle for 3205

[Tue 21-Jul-98] Following the failure of the main driving axle of Collett 0-6-0 no 3205 which occurred near Crowcombe on April 28. The loco was moved by road to Buckfastleigh where the wheel drop was used to remove the damaged wheelset. The damage is more severe than expected with the crankpin sheared on one side, while the web of the other crank has cracked. The existing axle is too badly damaged to repair, so a contract of c £12,000 has been let to Ian Riley Engineering to provide and fit a new axle. The contract has been placed by the South Devon Railway who will offset the cost against the hire fee payable to the WSR.
[Return to Index]

Stone trains to Minehead end.

[Tue 14-Jul-98] The middle of June saw the completion of the EWS contract for transport of stone rock over WSR metals for use in new sea defences at Minehead. Approximately 106,000 tonnes of stone has been transported from Merehead Quarry in the Mendips to Minehead during the 15 month contract. The final loaded working ran on Tuesday 16 June when "Dutch" liveried 37264 hauled 8C25 1315 Merehead to Minehead with 10 EWS bogie Turbot wagons and carrying "The Last Stone Train" headboard. No 37264 returned to Westbury on 8C26 2000 Minehead to Westbury with the empty wagons from the previous day's working. Class 37/7s were the normal motive power, although other Class 37s in the 37/0 and 37/5 series and latterly Class 47s were also used. The most unusual working was by a pair of Class 33s 33046 and 33119 on 1 October 1997. Ironically a Class 33 reappeared for the final empty working on Wednesday 17 June, when 33116 ran light engine to Minehead to retrieve the remaining empty Turbot wagons.

The stone train has been double headed with WSR motive power on several occasions. Amongst steam engines to pilot the EWS diesel have been 7820, 4920, 4160 and 9681, and perhaps most incongruously 0-4-2T no 1450. WSR based diesels D9551 and D1010 have also been used as pilot. In most cases the presence of a WSR pilot engine has been to save a path. On several occasions unbalanced light engine EWS movements were accomplished by the EWS diesel being coupled behind the steam engine on regular WSR passenger services. In March 1998 Western Class Diesel hydraulic D1010 hauled the loaded working with the EWS diesel switched off, recalling the days when Western class were frequently used on Foster Yeoman stone trains. Finally on 10 July 1997 2-6-2T no 4160 was summoned to the assistance of a Class 37 on a 1200 ton train which had slipped to a halt on the tortuous climb from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe, and had been unable to restart.

[Return to Index]

GWT HST exercise on WSR

[Tue 14-Jul-98] On the morning of Sunday 21 June the section from Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard was used by Great Western Trains for an HST emergency evacuation exercise. After completion of the exercise, the HST proceeded to Bishops Lydeard station where passengers transferred to the WSR's 12.20 service to Minehead.
[Return to Index]

King Edward I for Autumn Gala

[Tue 14-Jul-98] It is expected that GWR King Class 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I will operate on the West Somerset during the Autumn Gala weekend Friday 11 to Sunday 13 September. The engine is expected to travel with support coach from Didcot immediately prior to the gala weekend. The following weekend 6024 is rostered for mainline duties from Exeter to Penzance on 19 September returning from Falmouth to Bristol on 20 September.
[Return to Index]

WSR's ambitious August programme

[Tue 07-Jul-98] The West Somerset Railway will be running one of the most intensive services of its 22 year history during the month of August, with a daily service of 5 steam and one diesel train operating each way over the whole length of the line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, and an additional two round trips serving stations between Williton and Minehead operated by diesel railcar.

On this basic service the WSR is adding some additional passenger trains. On Wednesday evenings throughout the month it will be possible to take an evening trip over all or part of the line by catching the 5.55pm steam train or the 7.00pm diesel train from Bishops Lydeard and the 9.30pm return diesel from Minehead. The railway is running these trains an an experiment to see if there is demand for evening travel by workers who would like to get into the hills or to the coast to unwind after work. Also on Wednesday the ever popular "Sunset Specials" will leave Minehead at 8.00pm for Blue Anchor returning at 9.15pm for those who would like a steam ride alongside the Bristol Channel.

Another experimental service is the running of a diesel train on the evenings of Thursdays 6th and 20th from Minehead to Watchet for live entertainment staged on Watchet esplanade. The train will leave Minehead at 7.00pm and return from Watchet at 9.30pm calling at all stations en route.

The month starts with a bang on Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd, with the Vintage Vehicle Rally and Steam Fayre at Bishops Lydeard station where hundreds of vintage vehicles from buses and traction engines to bicycles will be on display. There will be a traditional funfair for the children and plenty of stalls for browsing. A free vintage bus service will operate between Taunton and the rally.

Finally during the week of 9th to 15th August, regular WSR services scheduled for diesel operation will be hauled by heritage diesel locomotives in place of the more usual dmu railcars.
[Return to Index]

WSR Plc reports increased turnover

[Sat 27-Jun-98] In the Annual Report and Accounts presented to shareholders at the WSR Plc AGM at Minehead on Sat 27 June, it was noted that the 1997 operating season was marked by a further increase of passengers carried, with a final figure of 146,883 compared with approximately 144,000 in 1996. Total revenue for the WSR Plc in the year ending 31 December 1997 was £1,193,589, an increase of £226,715 (23.4%) from the 1996 figure of £966,874. Of this additional revenue, £117,701 was attributed to income from the EWS stone trains. Profit before taxation was £55,732.
[Return to Index]

4160 returns to service

[Sat 20-Jun-98] GWR large prairie tank no 4160 has returned to service following an extended period under repair on the jacks at Minehead. During this period the loco has received extensive axlebox repairs which were completed in early June. 4160 was in operation on Saturday 20 June on service trains.
[Return to Index]

WSR Livery Change.

[Sun 20-Jun-98] The recent repaint of BR Mark I Tourist Second Open Coach no 4435 at the carriage and wagon shops at Minehead marks a change in the standard coaching stock livery on the West Somerset Railway. Until now, the standard livery carried by most of the loco-hauled coaching stock has been chocolate and cream with salmon pink lining. However 4435 has reverted to chocolate and cream with black/gold lining in the BR (Western Region) style introduced for certain named express trains in 1956. This is expected to become the new standard livery apart from dmu vehicles (BR crimson and cream) and the Quantock Belle Dining Set (BR lined maroon livery).
[Return to Index]

Manor Class 4-6-0 no 7821 Ditcheat Manor

[Sun 14-Jun-98] The last of nine surviving Manor Class locos to be restored to working order, No 7821 Ditcheat Manor arrived at Bishops Lydeard by road from Swindon last week. On Sunday 14 June, it was to be seen in the loco siding at Bishops Lydeard. This BR (Western Region) built loco is painted in lined BR green livery, although the boiler lining and tender crest have yet to be added. The tender has a new welded body based on the Collett Intermediate type tender with continuous fender that was most commonly associated with the Grange Class. This is believed to be the only tender of this type in preservation. Some minor additional work is required on 7821 before running in on WSR can commence. Return to service is likely during August.
[Return to Index]

Extension of Stogumber Station Platform

[Sat 13-Jun-98] Work is well underway on the southward extension of Stogumber station platform. A new concrete structure is being built to replace a section of the original timber platform which was removed somewhile ago due to extensive rotting. This will bring back into use the original timber waiting shelter. Unusually the mains station building in stone is on the opposite side of line at ground level, and is reached by a board crossing which is to be relocated to the end of the new platform extension. This arrangement is a consequence of the location of Stogumber station perched on the side of a hill.
[Return to Index]

Odney Manor for GCR Gala

[Sat 13-Jun-98] Resident WSR Manor Class 4-6-0 no 7828 Odney Manor is to visit the Great Central Railway at Loughborough for a short period covering GCR Gala event on 20/21 June. This visit is in return for the visit of GCR Modified Hall no 6990 Witherslack Hall to the WSR Gala on 8-10 May. Odney Manor returned to service at the WSR May Gala weekend following overhaul at Swindon last year.
[Return to Index]

Through trains to Minehead

[Sat 13-Jun-98] In addition to the EWS stone trains, the 1998 season has seen a number of through passenger services operating to Minehead from the Railtrack network. Among trains that have run are:

Sat 18-Apr: A Festiniog Railway Society and Chester Model Railway Club Charter from Hooton to Minehead and return. This train was formed of Riviera Trains coaching stock hauled by RES liveried Class 47 no 47763.

Sat 02-May: The Royal Isis - A Cheshire Railtours charter from Minehead to Oxford and Worcester and return. This train was formed of a Great Western Trains HST set which ran ecs to Minehead on the morning of the railtour. Unusually the set stabled overnight at Minehead on return, and then ran ecs to Bristol St Philips March on Sun 3 May.

Sat 09-May: The West Countryman - A Cheshire Railtours charter from Shrewsbury and stations to Pontypool Road to Minehead and return. This train which coincided with the WSR gala was operated by a Great Western Trains HST set.

Further planned railtours include:

Sun 02-Aug: The Atlantic Coastliner - A Cheshire Railtours charter from Carmarthen to Minehead and return. (GWT HST)

Sun 09-Aug: The Minehead Practictioner - A Pathfinders tour from Cardiff, Gloucester, Swindon (reverse) and Trowbridge to Minehead and return. (GWT HST)
[Return to Index]

Class 08 no 08850 leaves WSR

[Fri 12-Jun-98] One of the two Class 08 0-6-0 diesel electric shunters based on the WSR no 08850 (formerly D4018) has been sold, following the death of the previous owner. The engine has left WSR metals and is now operating on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where it has been seen operating as Grosmont station pilot. The other Class 08, green-liveried no 08 377 (D3462) remains in service on the West Somerset and is normally based at Williton.
[Return to Index]

Regular Taunton-Bishops Lydeard Bus Services

[Fri 12-Jun-98] Commencing on 6 April, Southern National's local bus service no 28a from Taunton to Bishops Lydeard Village has run via Bishops Lydeard Station, providing additional direct connections with Taunton Station at approximately hourly intervals (Sundays and Bank Holidays excepted). Timetable details are available here. This service is additional to WSR's Taunton connection service shown in the WSR Timetable.
[Return to Index]

Class 47s at Minehead

[Fri 12-Jun-98] Although Class 47 diesels have traversed WSR metals from Norton Fitzwarren as far as Bishops Lydeard on many occasions on through rail tours, their appearance further West has been surprisingly rare. Indeed prior to this year there has been only one recorded visit of the class to Minehead (47733 in August 1996). However following tests earlier this year, former Railfreight Distribution Class 47s now owned by EWS have become regular visitors on the EWS Merehead-Minehead stone trains, interrupting the previous monopoly of Class 37s on these services. In addition 47763 worked a through Hooton-Minehead railtour on 18 April.
[Return to Index]

7820 and 3850 Groups merge.

[Fri 12-Jun-98] Following extended discussions, the owning groups of 4-6-0 no 7820 Dinmore Manor and 2-8-0 no 3850 have merged. The ownership of both these WSR based locos now resides with Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd. The merger will provide a more secure future for both locos, and should enable an earlier return to service of no 3850 which is currently being restored at Minehead. Meanwhile work is proceeding on restoration of 7820's Churchward 3500 gallon tender at Tyseley. This will enable the tender currently attached to 7820 to be returned off-loan to 3802 from whom it has been on extended loan.
[Return to Index]

Minehead Engine Shed Officially Opened

[Thu 11-Jun-98] A ceremony on Friday 8 May marked the official opening of the new two road engine shed at Minehead. The shed was physically completed in March was already in use housing the chassis of S&&D 2-8-0 no 88 (BR 53808) and GWR 2-8-0 no 3850. The shed has been designed so that it can be easily extended in the future.
[Return to Index]

WSR Loco News

[Mon 25-May-98] The GWR 64xx pannier tank no 6412 has finally returned to service following its overhaul by the WSRA at Williton shops. The loco carries unlined GWR green livery with the GWR roundel. The loco has been run-in on WSR services during May, and is due to leave shortly to spend the summer on the North Norfolk Railway. Also departing temporarily is Collett 0-6-0 no 3205 which is to be sent to Tyseley [correction: - Buckfastleigh] for specialist repairs following the failure of a crankpin on the center driving wheels which occurred near Crowcombe on April 28. Finally the last of nine surviving Manor Class Locomotives no 7821 Ditcheat Manor was returned to steam on 9 May for the first time since November 1965. The steaming took place at Swindon Works where it has been undergoing restoration from scrapyard condition. No 7821 is due to arrive on the West Somerset Railway later in June to join sister engines 7820 and 7828 on WSR services.
[Return to Index]

Spring Steam Gala Report

[Mon 11-May-98] The WSR Spring Gala Weekend on 8-10 May featured five GWR engines operating services between Minehead and Norton Fitzwarren. Two visiting engines 9681 and 6990 Witherslack Hall (photo) both took part, supported by home based 4920, 7820 and 7828. The event marked the return to service of 7828 Odney Manor following its overhaul at Swindon last year. The timetable featured double heading of some services by 4920 and 7820, while the goods services were shared between 4920 and 6990. No 6412 was in light steam at Williton but was not able to operate service trains. For reasons detailed below neither 3205 or 4561 were able to participate, while 4160 is still awaiting completion of axlebox repairs at Minehead.
[Return to Index]

GWR 2251 Class 0-6-0 no 3205

[Mon 11-May-98] The unique Collett Goods engine no 3205 has been withdrawn from WSR service following a crankshaft failure, which seems likely to be costly to repair. As a consequence the loco is now unlikely to operate on the South Devon Railway as planned and the small prairie 2-6-2T no 4561 will remain on South Devon Railway metals instead. Neither loco was able to appear at the WSR Spring Gala on 8-10 May.
[Return to Index]

Overhaul of S&D 2-8-0 no 53808

[Sat 02-May-98] Work has started in earnest on the overhaul of S&D 2-8-0 no 53808. Major work to be undertaken includes the casting of a new cylinder block which has been greatly helped by the discovery of the original drawings. The old left hand cylinder block has been removed from the chassis at Minehead. Meanwhile the boiler has been lifted from the frames and despatched to Bridgnorth boiler shop on the Severn Valley Railway where it is seen in April 1998.
[Return to Index]

Spring Steam Gala 8-10 May

[Sat 04-Apr-98] Owing to the unavailability of suitable Southern Railway locomotives, the WSR 1998 Spring Gala schedule for Fri 8 to Sun 10 May will now feature a Great Western Railway theme. Two visiting engines are expected to take part (subject to availability): 8750 class 0-6-0PT no 9681 in BR black livery from the Dean Forest Railway, and 6959 class Modified Hall no 6990 Witherslack Hall, also in BR black livery, from the Great Central Railway These two locomotives will be joined by this year's resident WSR locomotive fleet including 7820, 7828, 4920, 4160, 3205, 4561 and 6412. A Great Western Trains IC125 set will traverse the line on Saturday 9 May on a Cheshire Railtours excursion from to Shrewsbury, Hereford and Abergavenny to Minehead.
[Return to Index]

GWR 14xx 0-4-2T no 1450

[Sat 14-Feb-98] GWR 14xx Auto Tank no 1450 will be making a brief return visit to West Somerset metals in late March, in connection with Past Time Railtours mainline "Dawlish Donkey" services between Exeter and Newton Abbot over the Easter weekend. 1450 will move by road from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway to Bishops Lydeard. Work will be carried out on the WSR to equip the engine for mainline running. A short loaded test train is scheduled to take place from Taunton to Newton Abbot and back on 7 April, after which 1450 will return to Exeter for the public services on 11-13 April. 1450 is expected to return to Toddington shortly after its mainline outings.
[Return to Index]

WSR Diesel Gala 28-29 March

[Sat 14-Feb-98] Plans for the West Somerset Diesel Gala on the weekend of 28/29 March (NOT 7/8 March !) are now being finalised. The event is expected to feature Class 25 D7523, Class 33 33048, Class 35 D7017, Class 50s 50017 and 50149, and Class 52 D1010. No 50017 Lion will run as fictitious 50117 in Railfreight livery for the weekend only, prior to a repaint in more authentic BR blue livery as D417. The gala timetable features eight departures in each direction on both days, with a daily through working to Norton Fitzwarren. The timetable will be published at this site shortly. Day rovers will cost £16, and weekend rovers £27. Discounted prices of £14.50 and £25 respectively are available for advanced bookings until March 24. Credit card bookings to tel: 01643-704996.
[Return to Index]

GWR Small Prairie Tank Engines

[Sat 07-Feb-98] GWR 45xx Small Prairie 2-6-2T No 4561 is now entering its final year of service on the WSR prior to withdrawal for 10 year overhaul. The engine has until recently carried GWR unlined green livery. The livery has become rather tired, and it will shortly be repainted in unlined BR black livery for its final period of operation. The repaint funded by a group of photographers will be completed prior to departure of the engine for the South Devon Railway metals in early March. The engine will return to the WSR in time for the May spring Gala. Meanwhile work is progressing on restoration of sister engine no 5542 at various sites, including Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway (photo). It is hoped to have this engine back in service before too long to take the place of 4561. 5542 is a member of the later 4575 series prairies with slightly larger water tanks with sloping top. No 5542 is no stranger to the West Somerset as for more than 20 years from 1933 until the mid 1950s, it was allocated to Taunton shed and was a very frequent visitor on both passenger and freight workings. It was fitted with automatic token exchanging apparatus for use on the Minehead and Barnstaple lines, and was on many occasions outstationed at Minehead's single road engine shed (now demolished), a sub-shed of Taunton. The return "home" of this engine to West Somerset service is eagerly awaited.
[Return to Index]

GWR 64xx 0-6-0PT no 6412

[Sat 07-Feb-98] Overhaul at Williton of the West Somerset Railway Association's Pannier Tank no 6412 is now essentially complete. The loco will be returned to traffic in BR(WR) green livery, and is due to be run-in on WSR services this spring culminating in the Spring Gala on 8-10 May. Following this 6412 will be departing for the Norfolk Railway where it will spend the summer season. No 6412 will return to WSR metals in time for the Autumn Gala in September, and will probably be used on the more lightly loaded autumn WSR services. It is due to be repainted into GWR green livery with small shirt-button style crest later in the year.
[Return to Index]

WSR sees high santa train loadings

[Fri 09-Jan-98] The West Somerset Railway has completed its 21st Anniversary Season on a high note with a particularly successful Santa season. The Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Santa Trains loaded to 100% capacity, while the Minehead-Blue Anchor service reached 96%. In addition both the Minehead to Williton "Carol Train" and the "Dunster by Candlelight" services were also loaded to capacity. The 1997 services finished on New Years Day with services operated by 4561 and 3205. Services will resume again for the 1998 season with Sunday services commencing on 8th March. However the EWS stone trains will continue running through the closed season, which should also see the completion of the new Minehead engine shed, work proceeding on the Bishops Lydeard=dear resignalling scheme together with regular annual maintenance programme.
[Return to Index]

WSR Locos to visit South Devon Railway

[Mon 05-Jan-98] Two West Somerset Railway locomotives are to visit the South Devon Railway during 1998. Prairie Tank 4561 will visit from March until May, when it will be replaced by Collett 0-6-0 no 3205, which will spend the summer season on the SDR, operating between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside. The Collett will return to home metals in September.
[Return to Index]

Minehead Engine Shed

[Thu 01-Jan-98] Work on building the new engine shed at Minehead has made good progress, with the walls now erected and the roof trusses in place (see photo taken 01-Jan). Meanwhile the WSR has acquired a Polish 100 ton electric hoist from the East Lancashire Railway. After rewiring, this will be installed in the workshop at Minehead, where it will be used to lift engines for wheel and axlebox repairs.
[Return to Index]

The information on these pages does not represent the views of the WSR Plc or any other organisation connected with the Railway. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of this information, no responsibility can be taken for any errors or omissions.

Comments by email to webmaster at uksteam.info