[WSR News 2000]

West Somerset Railway


NEWS ARCHIVE 2000

Current News

News Index

Norton Fitzwarren - progress and delay

[Sat 30-Dec-00] With the news that West Somerset District Council has confirmed its contribution of £87,500, it appeared that all was in place for the £350,000 re-signalling project for the WSR-Railtrack junction at Norton Fitzwarren. West Somerset District Council, Taunton Deane Borough Council and Somerset County Council have jointly offered local authority grants of £288,000 with the remaining £62,000 to be provided by Railtrack. The resignalling project will allow the current annual restrictions on the number of through passenger trains to the WSR to be lifted, providing opportunities for national train operating companies to run through services to the WSR.

The project was due to start imminently for completion in Spring 2001. However Railtrack has unexpectedly announced that, due to the current network problems, it is now unable to proceed, and the project has been put on hold, possibly for up to two years. Meanwhile, the WSR has been pressing ahead with its own share of the project which involves extensive signalling works at Bishops Lydeard. A further milestone was completed in September with commissioning of signals on the down line immediately opposite the signal box. The posts for all remaining new semaphore signals at the south end of Bishops Lydeard are due to be erected before the end of the year.
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Railtour plans

[Sun 26-Nov-00] Plans are evolving for an interesting series of railtours centred on the WSR's Spring Steam Gala Friday 30 March to Sunday 1 April 2001. The event will feature GWR King Class 4-6-0 no 6014 "King Edward I" and GWR Castle Class 4-6-0s nos 5029 "Nunney Castle" and 5051 "Earl Bathurst". The two Castles are due to arrive at Minehead on two saperate incoming railtours on the same day, Saturday 17 March. 5029 is booked (provisionally) to haul a railtour from the Midlands to Minehead, while 5051 will be heading a Past-Time tour from Paddington to Minehead via Newbury. After participating in the WSR Spring Steam Gala, the two Castles are booked to doublehead a railour from Taunton to Penzance on Saturday 7 April, returning from Penzance to Taunton on Easter Monday 16 April. They will remain on the WSR (this time facing east) until Saturday 19 May, when they will doublehead a Minehead to Paddington railtour via Swindon. No 5051 will be detached at Didcot and 5029 will continue alone to Paddington. The train from Blackpool due to bring 6024 King Edward I to Minehead on Saturday 24 March has now been altered. No 6024 will haul the train from Crewe as far as Bristol only, from where it will continue with its support coach to Taunton and the WSR. 6024 will leave at the head of a railtour on Easter Saturday 24 April from Taunton to Paignton and return to Gloucester.
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Long trains

66083 on Hertfordshire Rail Tours Peterborough-Minehad Sat 14-Oct-00 [Sat 14-Oct-00] On Saturday 14 October, what is probably the longest through passenger train from Railtrack will run to Minehead. It is a Hertfordshire Railtours charter the "Quantock Belle" from Peterborough via Ealing Broadway and the GW Main Line, which will be loaded to 14 coaches and hauled by an EWS Class 66 diesel. The train (1Z43) is due Taunton (1117/1118), Norton Fitzwarren (1124/1127) and Bishops Lydeard (1139/1145) arriving at Minehead at 1245. The return journey (1Z44) will depart Minehead at 16.45, Bishops Lydeard (1745/1748), Norton Fitzwarren (1800/1805) and Taunton (1811/1812). A train of this length is only possible due to Minehead's capacity, with the longest platform in preservation which will actually handle 16 coaches. Not that 14 coaches will be a WSR record. That is held by GWR 28xx 2-8-0 no 3822 from GWS Didcot wich hauled 19 coaches from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard in 1992. Addendum: Photo shows 66083 departing from Bishops Lydeard on the Peterborough-Minehead "Quantock Belle".
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Dinmore Manor celebrations

[Sat 14-Oct-00] Shareholders of the Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd celebrated the 50th anniversary of the entry into service of 7820 Dinmore Manor with a special train on 1 October from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return. No 7820 was the first of the final batch of 10 Manors that were ordered and delivered under British Railways Western Region management. Built at Swindon, 7820 originally entered service in November 1950 and was initially allocated to Oswestry shed for working over former Cambrian Railways routes. Since its retoration from Barry scrapyard condition and return to steam in 1984 it has given exemplary sevice to the West Somerset Railway and has proved an ideal engine for use on the high season WSR trains. The shareholders special was hauled by 7820 from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and return. While atb Minehead shreholders were able t inspect progress on the company's second locomotive Collett 2884 Class 2-8-0 no 3850, a development of Churchward's earlier 28xx class 2-8-0. No 3850 is in advanced stage of restoration at Minehead shed, with some parts including boiler under repair at Birmingham Railway Museum, Tyseley. The chassis is now very largely complete and a return to steam within 12 months is a realistic prospect. It is planned to use a hired tender as a short term measure, while the group's own Collett 4000 gallon tender is rebult with a new 3500 gallon type body.
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Christmas services

[Thu 28-Sep-00] Another busy Christamas season is in prospect on the WSR. Santa train services commence on 2 December with usual services between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe on 2,3,9,10,16,17,22,23 and 24 December. In addition separate Santa services will also operated between Minehead and Blue Anchor on 10,17 and 24 December. On the evenings of Friday 1 and Saturday 2 December, special trains will operated in conjunction with the Dunster by Candlelight festival, while on the evening of Saturday 2 December a through Cheshire Railtours train will operate from Bristol Temple Meads for this event, using a First Great Western High Speed Train. After Christmas WSR trains will operate 27 December to 1 January inclusive. while on Friday 29 December a return Cheshire Railtours train "The Capital Christmas Cracker" (booking form) will operate from Minehead to London Paddington and return, also using a fGW HST. This will be the first through service from Minehead to Paddington for 30 years.
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34027 departs

[Thu 28-Sep-00] Bulleid West Country Pacific 34027 Taw Valley (alias Hogwarts Exoress) is due to leave the West Somerset Railway on Friday 6 October, after a very successful summer season stay which has attracted additional custom to the line from Harry Potter fans. The last day in WSR service is likely to be Sunday 1 October. Although originally planned to leave the WSR on a main line railtour, it will now travel engine and support coach only, departing Bishops Lydeard on 6 October at 08.40 and travelling via Taunton (09.03/09.12), Highbridge (09.37/09.43) Bristol TM (10.30/10.59), Charfield (11.32/11.39), Cheltenham Spa (12.19), Bromsgrove (12.54) and then via Stafford to Crewe Heritage Centre. It is due to take up its next main line duty on the following day Saturday 7 October. Taw Valley has provided a preview for the return to service of the WSR's own Bulleid Pacific 34046 Braunton in a year or two's time.
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Scenes from the Sixties

[Sat 23-Sep-00] The first day of the WSR 1960s Weekend Gala held in glorious sunshine on Saturday 23 September featured many evocative scenes of the early 1960s marking the transition from steam to diesel on the Western Region. Among stars of the event were D1010 Western Campaigner in its new maroon livery with yellow buffer beams. D1010 is seen below waiting for the road at Crowcombe carrying the steam era Bristolian headboard, and hauling a mixed rake of passenger and parcels stock. Meanwhile immaculately repainted Class 03 shunter D2133 was on display at Minehead. Sadly an engine oil pressure fault prevented its proposed shunting turns at Dunster. Other trains featured mixed steam and diesel haulage, including D7017 plus 4160, a combination which may well have been seen on the Minehead line in 1963. Perhaps most evocative however was the appearance of 7828 Odney Manor, stripped of its name and numberplates and covered in a liberal coating of grime. The engine carried crudely chalked on cabside number 7800 (Torquay Manor). Further authenticity of the final bedraggled and neglected state of Western steam in 1964/5 was the absence of the saftey valve cover, and the odd boiler washout cover left adrift, the chalked train headcode "1M23" on the smokebox, with plaintive message "please save me" on the boiler. All in all an excellent recreation of the 1960s era.
D1010 Crowcombe 23/09/00 D2133 Minehead 23/09/00 7828 (as 7800) Bishops Lyderad 23/09/00

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GWR Inspection Saloon

DW80975 at BL 23/09/00 [Sat 23-Sep-00] A new arrival on the West Somerset Railway is immaculately restored GWR Inspection Saloon DW80975. This saloon is one of a batch built in 1948 to GWR Hawksworth diagram Q13 in Lot 1701. Most have survived into preservation. It features a central kitchen area with observation saloons at either end. The coach is finished in BR style chocolate and cream livery and marked Bristol Manager, Western Region. The privately-owned coach was formerly based at the East Somerset Railway Cranmore and the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, but has now transfered to the West Somerset, arriving by road on Friday 22 September.
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1960s Weekend Gala

[Wed 20-Sep-00] On Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September, the WSR will be holding a combined steam and diesel 1960s Weekend Gala marking the transition from steam to diesel motive power on BR Western Region in the early 1960s. The event which features a special timetable will see at least three steam and three diesel locos in action, all of which were associated with British Railways (Western Region). Class 52 Western diesel hydraulic D1010 Western Campaigner has been specially repainted for the event and now carries maroon livery for the first time in the preservation era. In fact D1010 was the first Western to be turned out at Swindon in maroon livery, the previous engines all wearing ochre or green livery. Alongside D1010 will be Hymek D7017 which is due to receive a minor modification to its blue livery by the additoon of white cab window surround. The third diesel will be Class 25 25173 which is due to be renumbered as D7523. Steam motive power will be drawn from the line's resident fleet and will include at least one 5101 prairie and a Manor. These are due to be supplementd by a mystery guest engine. Visitors are encouraged to turn up in 1960s garb (but this is not compulsory !). Dining trains will run on Saturday evening and Sunday lunchtime. Several events have been arranged. On Saturday evening there will be band playing 60s folk music at the Lethbrige Arms in Bishops Lydeard, while the band "Yesterdays" which includes former members of the Dakotas (Billy J Kramer's backing group) will be performing at Minehead. The Taunton Heritage bus service will be operating from Bishops Lydeard.
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2001 events in planning

[Sun 17-Sep-00] Preparations are now in hand for the WSR Spring 2001 gala which will take place Friday 30 March to Sunday 1 April 2001. The event was initially intended to follow a Cambrian Railway theme with plans to rename stations appropriately. However the CAmbrian theme has now been dropped as there are a number of large guest engines on offer which are distinctly inappropriate to Cambrian axle-loadings. Although details have yet to be confirmed, it is currently anticipated that visiting engines will now include a quartet of GWR 4-6-0s including 6024 "King Edward I", 5029 "Nunney Castle", 5051 "Earl Bathurst" and 4936 "Kinlet Hall" (photo). All four engines are due to participate in a two month festival of main line activities based on the WSR, which may feature single and double headed workings as far west as Penzance. The usual visiting railtour during the Gala will be a Hertfordshire Railtours 14 coach special from London hauled by a Class 66 diesel.

Also following on from the success of this years 21st Anniversary event in June, the WSRA are proposing to host another special weekend on 14 and 15 July 2001 which will be a Branch Line weekend with an intensive service of short trains hauled by smaller engines.
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Autumn Gala Action

[Sat 16-Sep-00] The weekend of 8-10 September saw another successful WSR Autumn Gala with a feast of steam in action, this time featuring five visiting engines, including prairie 4141 from the Llangollen Railway, Collett goods no 3205 en route from the South Devon to the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway, together with summer visitors 4144 from Didcot and 34027 from the East Lancs. Resident engines 4160, 7820 and 7828 were also in action along with 1788 "Kilmersdon". These were supplemented by the appearance on Saturday 9th of Mid-Hants Bulleid 34016 Bodmin which arrived on a main-line railtour from Alton. Coincidentally 35005 Canadian Pacific called at Norton Fitzwarren for water while en route on a railtour from Birmingham to Kingswear on Saturday 9th, bringing three Bulleid's in steam to Somerset at the same time.




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Bulleid 34053 for sale

[Sat 16-Sep-00] Negotiations were at an advanced stage in early September for the sale of the derelict Bulleid Pacific no 34053 "Sir Keith Park" to Southern Locomotives Ltd. The rebuilt Battle of Britain Class Pacific (seen right at Williton behind D2205) was purchased and moved to the WSR in early 1997 from storage at Thingley Junction near Chippenham. The engine was little more than a mainframe, boiler and driving wheels and was acquired as a source of spares for the West Country 34046 "Braunton", whose restoration is progressing rapidly at Williton shed. Although there was a long term aspiration to restore 34053 as well, this was never a realistic project in the foreseeable future, and the decision has been taken by the owner to dispose of the remains of the engine.
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Diesel repaints

[Sat 16-Sep-00] Following its extensive overhaul earlier this year the WSR Plc's Class 03 0-6-0 diesel mechanical shunter no D2133 has now been repainted into authentic British Railways Brunswick Green with black/yellow end stripes. The Class 03 arrived on the WSR in July 1996 and was donated by British Cellophane Company whose blue livery it has carried until now. D2133 was built at Swindon in 1959 and spent all but one month of its BR service life in the Taunton/Bridgwater area. Sold to British Cellophane in 1969, it was used at the company's Bridgwater works until 1994. The Class 03 is normally based at Minehead for use as station pilot, a duty shared with Class 04 0-6-0 D2271.

Meanwhile at Williton the D&EPG has repainted Class 33 Bo-Bo Diesel Electric 33048 with a fresh coat of BR blue. 33048 has recently been used as the reserve locoat Minehead to cover extra trains or shortage of steam power. Hymek D7017 currently in overall blue with small yellow warning panels is shortly to receive a modification to its livery with the painting of the cab window surround into white, in keeping with the livery it carried towards then end of its BR service career in the 1970s. Finally Western D1010 is undergoing a full repaint from blue into maroon livery, the first time it has carried this livery since preservation. This engine was the first Swindon built Western to carry maroon livery.
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Two more BR Mk1 coaches

Minehead Aug-00 [Wed 30-Aug-00] The fleet of British Railways Mark 1 passenger coaches on the WSR has been strengthened by the arrival of two more vehicles. These are TSOs nos 4869 and 4909 which have been purchased by the WSR Plc from Rail Charter Services. These coaches carry Inter City livery and were formerly part of the main line charter fleet based at Bounds Green Depot, London. Both vehicles suffered some damage following a shunting accident at Euston and will require repairs to the bodywork before entering service on the WSR.
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Pannier 6412 goes on travel

[Fri 25-Aug-00] The WSRA's much travelled 0-6-0T Pannier tank no 6412 left the WSR by road on Friday 21 July and is to spend the peak summer season at the North Norfolk Railway for the third year in succession. It is due to return to the WSR in the autumn.
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First Great Western HST coaches

Minehead Aug-00 [Fri 25-Aug-00] Visitors to Minehead may notice a rake of four HST coaches in First Great Western Livery parked in the sidings. These vehicles were delivered to the WSR for storage behind fGW Class 47 no 47816 in May. They formed part of the HST set involved in the Ladbroke Grove accident. The refurbished coaches may be used in special safety tests on the WSR later in the year. [Addendum: See First Great Western Press Release]
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The WSR plc 3 year business plan

[Tue 22-Aug-00] The Board of the WSR Plc has published a summary of the company's rolling 3 year business plan, for the benefit of members and shareholders. The priority is placed on seeking a steady increase in income and passenger numbers by 4-5% per annum, placing particular emphasis on growth outside the peak summer period when the line is already operating close to current capacity. This will be achieved through marketing initiatives, and possibly through additional vounteer-led special events. Expenditure will continue to focus on maintenance of the the line's civil infrastructure, including renovation of bridges. The company also has a policy of extending Electric Train Token working as resources permit. This along with signalling improvements at Bishops Lydeard forms a key part of the planned development programme to permit more intensive operation in the future as demand grows. The Company has reaffirmed its wish to expand the resident steam motive power fleet, and is seeking suitable additional Class 4 or larger motive power (preferably of GWR origin) suitable for handling peak season 8 coach trains. In the longer term, the Company will investigate new business opportunities that may be provided both in the construction and subsequent operation of the proposed new marina at Watchet. There is also interest in installing a turntable at Minehead but this will depend on availability of suitable additional land adjacent to Minehead station, together with appropriate financial resources. The Company does not plan to run its own stock on Railtrack metals, but will continue to encourage mainline train operating companies to bring their services to the WSR.
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More visiting engines for the Autumn Gala

4144 at Minehead 20/07/00 [Thu 17-Aug-00] The WSR Autumn Steam Gala Weekend on Friday 8 to Sunday 10 September is now likely to feature several additional visiting engines. These include 5101 Class Prairie no 4141 from the Llangollen Railway, and 57xx Pannier no 9642 from the Dean Forest. These are in addition to Prairie 4144 (photo) from Didcot and West Country Pacific 34027 Taw Valley (alias Hogwarts Express), both of which are spending the peak summer season on the line. In addition the unique Collett 2251 Class 0-6-0 no 3205 will be returning for a brief visit en route from the South Devon Railway to the Gloucestershire and Warwickshire Railway. The arrival of 4141, along with 4144 and the WSR's resident 4160 will bring three operational 5101 Class Prairie's together for the first time in preservation. This Class was of course the staple motive power on the Minehead Branch in British Railways days.
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Hogwarts Express

[Mon 14-Aug-00] Rebuilt West Country Pacific 34027 Taw Valley has arrived (by road) at Bishops Lydeard after some delay. The engine will enter WSR service on Monday 14 August on the diagram covering the 1025 and 1410 departures from Bishops Lydeard and 1215 amd 1555 departures from Minehead. It is expected to remain on this diagram on Sundays-Thursdays inclusive. The engine will also star in the Autumn Steam Gala on 8-10 September. The engine faces Bishops Lydeard, and is expected to remain on the WSR until 30 September when it is (provisionally) due to depart on a mainline rail tour. The engine carries tha red livery and Hogwarts Express nameplates, from its promotional railtour celebrating the launch of the latest Harry Potter book "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone". It will remain in this livery throughout its stay at the West Somerset.

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S&D 2-8-0 no 53808

[Sat 22-Jul-00] Progress on the overhaul of Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway Class 7F 2-8-0 no 53808 (S&DJR no 88) has progressed rather more slowly than originally anticipated. A major overhaul has been underway at the Minehead engine shed since the engine was dismantled in early 1998, following withdrawal from WSR service in May 1996. The work has involved the casting of new cylinders as the old cylinders were cracked beyond economic repair. Return to steam originally scheduled for spring 2000 is now unlikely until next year, and depends on the amount of work required on the boiler which is currently at Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway. When it returns to steam 53808 will carry its S&D no 88 and will be painted in the striking Somerset & Dorset blue livery, which will provide a marked contrast with the Great Western green livery carried by most other engines on the line.

[Addendum Mon 07-Aug-00] Inspection of the boiler of the 7F at the Severn Valley has now revealed that far more work is required than originally anticipated. This will include complete replacement of the inner copper firebox, and partial replacement of tubeplates and the outer steel firebox plates. As a consequence a return to steam is now unlikely until 2002 at the earliest.

Minehead engine shed Sat 25-Mar-00. The frames of 53808 stand on the right and await the fitting of the new cylinders. Prominent in front is the smokebox saddle. On the left hand road is the unrestored GWR prairie no 5193, and beyond Class 03 diesel shunter no D2133 which is nearing the end of its overhaul.
The boiler from 53808 seen in the boiler shop at Bridgnorth shortly after arrival in April 1998.
The old discarded cylinders from 53808 in the shed yard at Minehead.
The refurbished pony truck from 53808
View looking out of the north end door of the Minehead workshop (formerly the goods shed). The picture shows part of the station building with the driving wheels and pony truck from 53808 in the foreground.

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4144 arrives

4144 at Minehead 15/07/00 [Sun 16-Jul-00] The Great Western Society's 5101 Class Large Prairie 2-6-2T tank no 4144 arrived by road from Didcot in the first week of July. It will be sharing peak season services on the WSR with the resident fleet including sister engine 4160. The two prairies are seen here (4144 on the left and 4160 on the right) on Saturday 15 July. The large prairies based at Taunton shed were regular performers on the West Somerset Line in the days of steam haulage under the Great Western and later British Railways Western Region. The engines were well liked by footplate crews and were capable of handling the heaviest trains om the line.
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Diesel running plans

[Sun 09-Jul-00] Heritage diesel locomotives from the Williton based fleet are planned to operate on several dates during the summer. On July 28 and 29, the NRM's Western D1023 will cover the diagram commencing with the 09.40 departure from Bishops Lydeard. Reserve engine is D7017. This weekend is likely to be the last before the Western heads back to the NRM at York. On August 5 and 6, the same diagram will be covered by 33048 with 25173 or D7017 as backup. On September 23 and 24 the WSR is running a "Sixties Weekend" which will feature D1010, D7017 and 25173, together with three steam diagrams. D1010 is due to be repainted from blue to maroon before this event.
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Taw Valley for WSR summer duties.

34027 at Didcot 08/07/00 [Sun 02-Jul-00] Rebuilt Bulleid West Country Class Pacific 34027 Taw Valley is to spend the summer on the West Somerset Railway following completion of its booked mainline duties in early July, when it will head a special "Harry Potter" promotion train on a country-wide tour 8-12 July. Taw Valley will be arriving in the special maroon livery adopted for the promotion tour. It may possibly be repainted while on the WSR, but this will depend on possible further promotion commitments later in the year. It is due to remain on the WSR until the end of September and will feature in the WSR Autumn Gala weekend event on 8-10 September, along with another visiting engine.
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WSR Plc Annual General Meeting

[Sun 02-Jul-00] At the AGM of the WSR Plc held in Minehead on Saturday 24 June, the Company Board, reported on a further successful year in 1999, with record passenger numbers (153,382 up from 144,160 in 1998), turnover (£1.142M compared with £1.082M in 1998) and profit (£52,540 before tax up from £42,896 in 1998). The net value of the company has risen to £1.136M. The sound financial position of the Company enabled some work planned for 2000 to be brought forward to late 1999, including restoration of the Minehead machine shop wall, and refurbishment of the Watersmeet bridge. In addition an early start has been made on the £20,000 carriage shed extension. Nevertheless the Company faces additional unplanned expenditure in the near future including the £50,000+ overhaul of the unique station platform canopy at Minehead, and a much greater cost than expected for restoration of the S&D 2-8-0 which will absorb over £100,000 in 2000. The company is looking at further expansion of the coaching stock fleet, and is also investigating options for early introduction of electric key token(or more correctly "Electric Train Token" in GWR parlance) working throughout the line, which would provide much greater operational flexibility than the current staff and ticket working (east of Blue Anchor). Serious consideration is being given to conversion of GWR prairie 5193 to a mogul tender engine for return to service in 2002 (see separate story). Particular concern was expressed about the shortage of suitable class 4 or larger steam motive power in good condition for hire in to meet the peak summer service requirements. There is evidently a severe shortage of boiler repair facilities in the UK, with a long queue of boilers awaiting restoration. This has delayed the return to service of several WSR locomotives including 53808.

Shareholders were conveyed to the AGM in a special five coach dining section attached to the 12.25 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead. The ten coach train was double headed by visiting LMS Class 5MT no 45337 and Class 33 diesel electric no 33048. The shareholders train returned as an extra service behind 33048.
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Carriage shop extension underway

Carriage shed Minehead 24/06/00 [Sun 25-Jun-00] Work is well underway on an extension to the carriage workshop at Minehead. The new extension at the western end will double the capacity of the workshop for overhaul and repair of the lines' passenger carrying fleet. The new extension will allow two coaches to be dealt with under cover at one time. Currently receiving attention in the existing bay is BR Mk 1 TSO 4987 which is being overhauled and converted to a buffet car for use in the third loco hauled set. This will allow all passenger trains to run with a buffet car at peak times, and follows the commissioning of a micro buffet in the Class 115 dmu centre car 59678 earlier this year.
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Prairie to Mogul Conversion

5193 at Minehead 24/06/00 [Sun 25-Jun-00] In a surprise announcement at the WSR Plc AGM on Saturday 24-June, the Company stated that it is considering rebuilding its 5101 Class 2-6-2T Prairie Tank engine no 5193 as a 63xx style 2-6-0 Mogul tender engine. This proposal has come about following detailed inspection of 5193 which shows that the sidetanks, rear frames and bunker are very heavily corroded and would have to be totally replaced. As an alternative, it is considered viable to discard the side tanks, cut the frames behind the rear footplate steps and build a new 93xx (later 7322) style cab. The work required would be less extensive than rebuilding 5193 as a prairie tank, and the engine could be returned to steam relatively quickly, initially using a hired in tender. The chassis forward of the cab is almost identical in the two classes. However the standard no 2 boiler and smokebox of the 5101 class is slightly smaller in diameter (by about 5 ins) and has lower pitch than the standard No 4 boiler fitted to the 43xx Moguls (and the 3150, 42xxx, 5205 and 72xx tanks). Nevertheless a close resemblance to a 7322 series Mogul with outside steam pipes, lever reverse and flanged motion bracket, later Collett style cab and 3000 gallon tender could be achieved. Completion of this project with a return to steam in 2002 should be possible. There are a total of 10 surviving 5101 class prairies including 5193, but only two Moguls - no 5322 at the Great Western Society, Didcot, plus the later style no 7325 at the Severn Valley Railway. Interestingly a Mogul with a no 2 boiler was part of G.J.Curchward's standardisation plan of the early 1900s, although it was never built. C.B.Collett also considered converting Prairies to Moguls to provide a lighter weight 2-6-0 than the 43xx Class but the weight saving was eventually judged to be too small to justify the conversion.
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Class 14 0-6-0 D9551 for sale

D9551 at Minehead [Mon 12-Jun-00] The WSR Plc has placed its Class 14 Diesel Hydraulic 0-6-0 no D9551 on the market as surplus to its requirements. The engine has been on the WSR since 1981 and has seen extensive use on engineering and permanent way trains and as a standby loco to cover for steam loco failures. However it was withdrawn from service with electrical faults in 1998, and is currently well down the priority list for overhauls. With the current size of trains, it is no longer sufficiently powerful for many duties, and the the company would prefer to see it taken on by a new owner rather than lie idle at the end of a siding.

The engine was built new at Swindon and was initially allocated to Cardiff Canton in September 1965 and subsequently moved to Landore depot in Swansea. It was withdrawn by BR less than three years later in April 1968, from Hull Dairycoates depot. It was subsequently sold to Stewarts and Lloyds for use as a shunter at the steel plant at Corby. It became redundant on closure of Corby in 1980, and was purchased for use on the WSR in 1981. The WSRA also owns a Class 14 no D9526 which is nearing then end of its overhaul at Williton, so a Class 14 will still be seen on the WSR.
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21st Anniversary Celebrations

[Sun 11-Jun-00] Scenes form the 21st Anniversary Celebrations .....







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New siding at Bishops Lydeard

New siding at BL 11/06/2000 [Sun 11-Jun-00] A new siding was installed at the South (Norton Fitzwarren) end of Bishops Lydeard during the first week of June. The siding lies to the east of the existing siding (the former up line towards Norton Fitzwarren). The siding will in due course be extended to form a loop and will provide additional flexibility for running round and stabling trains between services. The siding was laid with the help of 275 Railway Squadron of the Territorial Army.
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WSR 21st Anniversary Gala

1369 at Didcot [Sun 14-May-00] This year sees the 21st Anniversary of the reopening of the West Somerset Railway through to Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren on 9 June 1979, thereby making it Britain's longest heritage steam railway (23 miles). To mark the event the WSR is holding a 21st Anniversary Gala over the weekend of 10/11 June. Two visiting engines have been announced. The first is GWR 1366 Class outside cylinder 0-6-0 pannier tank no 1369, visiting from the South Devon Railway. This engine together with the WSRA's 6412 will spend much of the event based at Bishops Lydeard, providing brake van rides. The engine is making a brief stopover en route back to Buckfastleigh after attending the Didcot 2000 event. The 21st Anniversary Gala is likely to be the only opportunity to see the unique GWR outside cylinder pannier tank in action on the WSR. The second visitor will be Stanier Class 5MT 4-6-0 no 45337 from the East Lancs Railway. This engine will be making a slightly longer visit to the WSR, and will be hauling service trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead along with engines form the resident fleet. This is the first visit of a Back Five, other than a brief stopover at Bishops Lydeard by 45110 for servicing while on main line railtour duty in 1998. Diesel motive power in the form of one of the two Westerns and Hymek D7017 will also take part in te 21st Anniversary Gala. D7017 was one of the key players on the reopening day in June 1979. The weekend will feature a special timetable with at least seven through public trains in each direction on each day, plus a number of short workings and charters.

In addition to seeing plenty of action on the railway itself, visitors will also be able to view a host of events, displays and demonstrations at Bishops Lydeard station. A number of railway exhibits will be on static display - including GWR 2-6-2T No 4561 - and 275 Railway Squadron will also be in attendance. Additional displays will be provided in the station Visitor Centre (the former goods shed), the Taunton Model Railway Group‘s collection of layouts will be open, and there will be a small display of vintage transport and a collection of trade stands in the lower car park. Visitors will also be able to enjoy rides on both a heritage bus and a horse-and-dray. Actor Bill Pertwee, of Dad‘s Army fame, and a long-time supporter of the Railway, will be in attendance at the 21st Anniversary Gala. Visitors will also have the opportunity to view a whole range of extra displays and attractions at most other stations along the WSR, including the chance to see aspects of the Railway that are not normally accessible to the general public. At Crowcombe Heathfield, the station will be dressed-up‘ with bunting as it was back in June 1979, and there will be both a working "O" gauge tinplate railway and a OO‘ gauge layout. At Williton, a number of locomotives and stock will be on display, and it is anticipated that conducted tours of the yard and shed areas will be available to enable visitors to have a look behind the scenes and view the restoration of the SR Bulleid West Country‘ 4-6-2 engine, No 34046 Braunton. The Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust will open their headquarters at Washford station, where the museum and site will be open and the Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1788 Kilmersdon will be in steam. Blue Anchor Railway Museum will also be open on both days whilst, at Dunster, the Railway‘s Edmondson ticket machine will be available for inspection, and a photographic display at Minehead. Rover tickets represent by far the best way of trying to see everything on offer!
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The King in WSR service

6024 at BL Sun 30-Apr-00 [Sun 19-Apr-00] Following its appearance at the WSR Spring Steam Gala, 6024 King Edward I will be working WSR trains again over the Easter and May Day bank holiday weekends. It is booked to work the 10.25 and 14.10 departures from Bishops Lydeard, and the 12.15 and 15.55 departures from Minehead on Sat 22 Apr, Sun 23 Apr, Mon 24 Apr, Sun 30 Apr and Mon 1 May. 6024 leaves the WSR on Wednesday 17 May when it will work a Pathfinder's mainline railtour from Taunton via Exeter, Honiton and Newbury back to Didcot.
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Class 52 Western News

D7071, D1023 and D1010 at Williton Sat 08-Apr-00 [Sun 19-Apr-00] The National Railway Museum Class 52 Diesel Hydraulic D1023 Western Fusilier arrived on the West Somerset on 29 March. The engine was hauled from York to Bishops Lydeard by EWS Class 47 no 47759. The engine is seen in the photo (right) on 8 April berthed at Williton Diesel Depot between sister D1010 Western Campaigner and Hymek D7017. D1023 is expected to remain on the West Somerset until September. It will be in action for the first time on Saturday 29 April when Class 52 haulage is rostered for six trains each way, two of them doubleheaded by D1010 and D1023. The Cl52 hauled trains will leave Bishops Lydeard for Minehead at 0940 and 1305, returning Minehead-Bishops Lydeard at 1110 and 1730. In addition the 1450 Minehead-Williton and 1545 Williton-Minehead will also be Western hauled. The 1545 ex Williton and 1730 ex Minehead will be doubleheaded (all subject to availability). A normal green timetable steam service will also run on this date.
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1999 Steam Loco mileages

[Sun 02-Apr-00] A total of 35,858 miles were covered by steam engines in WSR service in 1999, Highest mileage was 9,218 by 4160, which has now overtaken 4561 in total mileage on the WSR in the preservation era.

Loco noMiles
1999		Total
miles
3205 0   
4160 9,218 49,043 
4277 5,079  
4561 0 47,862 
5541 450  
6412 3,602*43,043 
7325 454  
7820 7,681 39,361 
7828 6,535 23,240 
9466 358  
41312 282  
73096 6  
76079 4,852  
92212 40  
686 26 62 
1788 34 391 
TOTAL 35,858* 

* Figures for 6412 include 2,759 miles at the North Norfolk and the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railways.
* TOTAL is mileage run on WSR
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Braunton Progress

[Sun 02-Apr-00] The restoration of BR(S) West Country 4-6-2 no 34046 Braunton continues to make steady progress. The work is being undertaken at Williton to full MT276 standards for mainline running. The boiler has now been despatched to Roger Pridham's works near Tavistock. Overhaul of the boiler is expected to take about six months to complete. Meanwhile the loco frames are at an advanced stage of refurbishment at Williton, and re-wheeling is expected to take place soon. The frames for the new tender chassis have been cut, and tender springs from a Merchant Navy class have been acquired.
Braunton at Williton shops 25-Mar-00 Braunton at Williton shops 25-Mar-00

New tender for Braunton


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Spring gala report

[Fri 31-Mar-00] The WSR Spring Gala over the weekend of Fri 24-Sun 26 March proved to be an outstanding success with 4,577 passengers, not withstanding the inclemental weather which provided a mixture of heavy rain and brilliant sunshine. A total of eight Great Western engines took part, including the four visitors 7325 from the Severn Valley, 9466 (in lieu of 4144), and 6024 and 5051 from Didcot. These supplemented 7820, 7828, 4160 and 6412 from the home fleet. A variety of doubleheaded trains were run over the three day event including 7820+5051, 7820+6024, 9466+6412, 6412+4160, 7820+7325, 7828+5051, 7828+4160 and 5051+6024. An unannounced extra was the presence of two GWR coaches hired from the Severn Valley Railway. These formed a two coach local service on both the Friday and Sunday, hauled by matching GWR liveried pannier tank no 6412. In addition to the feast of steam, amounting to a total of 12 steam trains each way on Saturday and Sunday, a railtour from Wolverhampton to Minehead on Saturday was operated using a First Great Western HST set. Additional attractions included the opening of both the Williton and Minehead sheds where the progress on overhaul of 34046, 3850 and 53808 could be inspected. An evening photographers event was held at Minehead on Saturday. No 7325 and 8466 depart WSR metals this week, but 5051 will remain until later in April, and 6024 until 17 May, when it will return to Didcot on a railtour from Taunton via Exeter, Honiton, Castle Cary, Newbury and Reading West.



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The King arrives at the WSR

6024 at Minehead Sat 04-Mar-00 [Sat 04-Mar-00] No 6024 King Edward I arrived at the West Somerset Railway in the early hours of Friday 3rd March. The engine travelled in light steam from the South West Main Line Steam Company Centre at Yeovil Junction, where the engine was fitted with new valves and smokebox door. 6024 undertook running-in turns on the WSR on Friday 3 and Saturday 4 March, and is due to haul additional public services between Minehead and Williton on Sunday 5 March. These depart Minehead at 1100 and 1400 returning from Williton at 1200 and 1450. No 6024 is due to travel with an EWS diesel from the WSR to Southall overnight Friday 10/11 March, but will be returning again at the head of Pathfinder's Exmoor Belle railtour on Saturday 18 March. The King will haul this train from Willesden Junction to Minehead, with the assistance of a WSR Manor from Bishops Lydeard.
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EWS stone trains for Doniford

[Sun 27-Feb-00] Operation of EWS stone trains from the Mendip Quarries through to the West Somerset Railway is due to recommence in early March. The stone blocks will be used to reinforce the sea defences at the foot of the cliffs at Doniford Beach where steady erosion by the sea has brought the cliff edge within metres of the railway. The trains will use air braked wagons hauled by EWS Class 66 locomotives. Meanwhile the first appearance of a Class 66 on WSR metals took place on 28 January when 66093 delivered three YLA "Mullet" bogie bolster wagons from Westbury to Bishops Lydeard for conversion to rail-mounted flails for lineside vegetation clearance. The work is to be undertaken by Rexquote Ltd who occupy the former Government store building adjacent to Bishops Lydeard station.
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Great Western Holiday Haunts Weekend

[Sun 06-Feb-00] The line up of engines for the 24-26 March gala weekend has now been finalised. Visiting engines will include (subject to availability) King Class 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I which is due to arrive at Minehead on a railtour from London on Saturday 18 March, Castle Class 4-6-0 no 5051 Earl Bathurst from Didcot (running with a Hawksworth tender), 43xx Class 2-6-0 no 7325 from the Severn Valley and 5101 Class 2-6-2t no 4144 from Didcot. Home based engines will include Manor Class 4-6-0s 7820 Dinmore Manor and 7828 Odney Manor, 5101 Class 2-6-2T no 4160 and 64xx Class Pannier 06-0PT no 6412. With a total of eight GWR engines in steam an intensive service is planned with 10-12 services each day. The theme will be "Holiday Haunts", recalling the era of intensive summer Saturday holiday trains in the West Country. Friday 23 March will also feature a short GWR Local Train. The event will also include a through Cheshire Railtours "WestCountryman" charter on the Saturday from Wolverhampton, Birmingham and stations via Cheltenham to Minehead and return, operated by a Great Western Trains HST. Subject to safety considerations, it is hoped to provide access to the engine shed/workshops at Minehead and Williton. A photographic evening is planned at Minehead on the Saturday evening in addition to a special evening dining train "The Royal Sovereign" from Bishops Lydeard hauled by 6024. On the Friday evening there will be an illustrated talk at the Egremont Hotel, Williton on "The West Country Holiday Trains in the steam era".
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A record year for the WSR

[Sun 06-Feb-00] All previous records for WSR passenger numbers were surpassed in the 1999 season by a handsome margin. Up to then end of 31 December 1999 (but not including the final 3 days of the season 1-3 Jan), the total number of passengers carried was 153,832 well in excess of the previous record of 146,883 established in 1997. The 1999 figures were well ahead of the budget target, and have also resulted in excellent business for the catering and retail departments.
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Diesel running days in 2000

[Sun 23-Jan-00] Following the disappointing level of support at the Autumn Diesel Gala in September 1999, the event is to be dropped from the WSR programme for 2000. However diesel locomotive haulage will feature at a number of events during throughout the year. May 20-21 will be a diesel running weekend which is expected to feature the NRM's Class 52 Western D1023 together with all available WSR resident main line diesels. DEPG's Hymek D7017 will feature on the June 10-11 event to mark the 21st anniversary of the return of services to Bishops Lydeard. Diesel locos will also be in operation on April 29 (Western Running Day featuring D1010 and D1023), June 28-29, August 4-5 and August 25-26. In place of the traditional autumn diesel gala, there will be a mixed weekend on September 23-24 featuring combined steam and diesel operation recreating the Western Region scene of the early 1960s.
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Railway Heritage Award for the WSR

[Sun 09-Jan-00] For the second time in three years, the West Somerset Railway has featured among the winners of the Ian Allan National Railway Heritage Awards. On December 9th Dennis Taylor, Chairman of the WSR Plc accepted the commemorative placque on behalf of the WSR as the runner-up of the "Independent Railway of the Year" Award for 1999.

Commenting on the award the WSR Managing Director Mark Smith said "1999 has seen many achievements of which we can be proud. For the first time in our 23 year history we will carry over 150,000 passengers including over 550 organised parties from the group travel and coach excursion markets with this latter figure representing a thirty per cent growth. Our catering department has successfully introduced a policy of selling local produce from bakers, brewers, farmers and market gardeners, a policy that has proved particularly popular with our passengers. We have welcomed excursion trains to West Somerset from places as far afield as Preston, Felixstowe and London amongst others, and our signalling department is working to increase our capabilities in this area of the railway business. Amidst all this we have maintained our reputation for a combination of professionalism and friendliness, a combination that generates so much return business and is a tribute to every volunteer and member of staff."
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