[WSR News 1996]

West Somerset Railway


NEWS ARCHIVE 1996

Current News

News Index 1996

7828 Odney Manor leaves WSR for repair at Swindon

(Sat 27-Dec-96) No 7828 Odney Manor has been withdrawn from service on the West Somerset following discovery of a crack in the firebox backhead. The loco was moved by road from the WSR to the Swindon Locomotive Carriage and Wagon Works on December 19 for repairs. The loco was originally scheduled to remain in service until the 10 year overhaul due in October 1997. The overhaul has now been brought forward and will start at once with the aim of returning the loco to service on the WSR later in 1997. As a consequence of this change of plan 7828 will not now take part in the WSR 21st Gala on 21-23 March.
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D7018 to be fitted with air brakes

(Sat 07-Dec-96) The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's class 35 Hymek D7018 is to be fitted with dual brakes during its overhaul at Williton. Although the Class 35s were vacuum braked only in BR service, the loco will be equipped with Westinghouse dual brakes similar to those fitted to Class 52 Westerns. It is expected to return to service in about two years time.
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WSR Hydraulic Gala

[Sat 07-Dec-96] The West Somerset's Diesel Hydraulic Gala on 16-18 May 1997 is expected to feature the biggest gathering of former BR(WR) Diesel Hydraulic Motive Power since preservation. Locos booked to appear include:
  • Class 52 D1013 Western Ranger
  • Class 52 D1035 (D1010 Western Campaigner)
  • Class 52 D1041 Western Prince
  • Class 52 D1062 Western Courier
  • Class 42 D821 Greyhound
  • Class 42 D832 Onslaught
  • Class 35 D7017
  • Class 35 D7076
  • Class 14 D9526
  • Class 14 D9551
  • Class 35 D7018 (not in use)
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    WSR 21st Gala Weekend Plans

    [Sat 07-Dec-96] An impressive line-up of GWR motive power is now scheduled for the West Somerset Railway's 21st Gala event on 21-23 March 1997. The current line up includes:
  • 60xx Class 4-6-0 6024 King Edward I
  • 4073 Class 4-6-0 5029 Nunney Castle (*)
  • 49xx Class 4-6-0 4920 Dumbleton Hall
  • 78xx Class 4-6-0 7820 Dinmore Manor
  • 78xx Class 4-6-0 7828 Odney Manor
  • 43xx Class 2-6-0 7325
  • 2251 class 0-6-0 3205
  • 5101 class 2-6-2T 4160
  • 45xx class 2-6-2T 4561
  • 57xx class 0-6-0T 7760
  • 14xx class 0-4-2T 1450
  • Not in service: 6412, 3850
    • Friday 21 March will be branch line day, and will feature former Minehead branch loco types including the Collett Mogul. Saturday and Sunday will feature the larger engines on the most intensive service yet operated on the WSR.
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    6024 King Edward I to visit Minehead

    (Sat 07-Dec-96) The WSR's 21st Anniversary Gala in March will feature a special guest appearance by GWR King Class 4-6-0 6024 King Edward I. No 6024 is scheduled to work from Didcot through to Minehead on an LSWR charter working on Saturday 15 March. This will be the first ever visit of a King to the 20 mile Minehead branch. It is expected that 6024 will be piloted over the WSR by Collett 0-6-0 no 3205. The King will then feature in the following weekend's 21st Anniversary Gala and also the Easter Steam Weekend on Sat and Sun 29 and 30 March. On 5 April it will haul a mainline charter from Taunton to Plymouth and return when it will tackle the South Devon banks unassisted. It is expected to leave the WSR on April 20 on a Taunton-Didcot working.
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    4920 Dumbleton Hall on WSR in 1997

    [Sat 07-Dec-96] GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 no 4920 Dumbleton Hall - the oldest Surviving member of the Hall class - will spend the 1997 season operating on the West Somerset Railway. The engine which belongs to the South Devon Railway is to move to Minehead in mid-January.
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    IC125 to Bishops Lydeard

    [Sat 07-Dec-96] The last through working of 1996 saw a Hertfordshire Railtours charter operated by newly reliveried Great western Trains IC125 unit to Bishops Lydeard. A connecting 10-coach WSR train to Minehead was worked by 7820 and 4561 double headed.
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    Passengers nos up at the WSR

    [Sat 30-Nov-96] With two months of the 1996 season still to go, the WSR has already exceed the 1995 passenger nos, with a total of 135,000 passengers carried by the end of October compared with 123,000 in the whole of 1995.
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    Final through working

    [Sat 30-Nov-96] The final scheduled through working from the national rail network of the 1996 season takes place on Sunday 1 December when an IC125 charter special from Paddington runs to Bishops Lydeard. A connecting steam special will run on the WSR.
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    Progress on 2-8-0 no 3850

    [Sat 30-Nov-96] Restoration of GWR 2884 class 2-8-0 no 3850 at Minehead continues to make steady progress. Work is concentrating on the frames and motion. Brake hangers and stretchers have been refitted and work is progressing on refurbishing cylinder covers and motion parts. Repairs to the crack in the right hand cylinder have been completed by stitch welding. A start has been made on the tender frames.
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    Hurricane damage on the WSR

    [Sat 09-Nov-96] Tidal storms which swept up the Bristol Channel in the wake of Hurricane Lily on Monday 28 October caused sever flooding to the West Somerset Railway leading to damage estimated at more than £100,000. Most of the damage will be covered by insurance.
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    1450 stays on

    (Sat 30-Nov-96) Visiting 14xx Class 0-4-2T no 1450 is to remain on the WSR until April 1997, after its very successful operation during the Autumn Steam Gala. The matching crimson and cream autocoach W228 has now returned home to the South Devon Railway.
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    2251 Class 0-6-0 no 3205 in steam

    (Sat 30-Nov-96) 2251 Class 0-6-0 no 3205 was steamed for the first time for nearly three years on 13 September when it underwent a successful steam test. A full return to service is expected within the next few months. The remaining work involves manufacture and installation of boiler cladding and painting.
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    Big increase of passenger traffic

    [Sat 23-Nov-96] By the end of October 1996, more than 135,000 people have travelled on the WSR, compared with 123,000 for the whole of 1995. Still to come are an intensive diesel railcar service with bargain fares to operate between Williton and Minehead in connection with the Minehead festival on 30 November. Santa trains will be running on December weekends and Christmas Eve. There are also special workings for the Dunster by Candlelight Event and A coral train in the weeks before Xmas. Finally a service will be operating in the Boxing Day New Year week.
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    GWR 42xx 2-9-0T No 4277

    [Sat 09-Nov-96] Peter Best's heavy mineral tank engine no 4277 left the West Somerset by road on 7 October at the end of a busy stay on the WSR. It operated on 77 days out of 138 days, covering a total mileage of 5,734. It proved itself to be a powerful and reliable locomotive.
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    Triple headed diesel

    [Sat 07-Sep-96] A triple headed diesel working took place on Sat 24 August when home-based Class 27 D7523 piloted visiting Cromptons 33202 and 33208 as far as Bishops Lydeard on the return leg of a Paddington-Minehead charter special. EWS Class 47 no 47733 was stabled at Minehead on this day, bringing the unprecedented sight of three Main Line "BR" locos at Minehead at the same time.
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    14xx Class 0-4-2T no 1450

    [Sat 10-Aug-96] No 1450 arrived by road on the WSR on Monday 30 August and ran to Minehead on the following Monday. Having passed its annual boiler examination, it operated between Minehead and Williton on Friday 13 September, and covered the Bishops Lydeard - Norton Fitzwarren shuttles on the Saturday and Sunday of the Autumn steam gala, in company with South Devon Railway autocoach W228 in BR crimson and cream livery.
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    EWSR Crew training on the WSR

    [Sat 10-Aug-96] English Welsh and Scottish Railways (EWSR) Class 47 loco 47733 "Eastern Star" arrived on the West Somerset Railway on 7 August to begin crew training on propelling control vehicles (PCV). The class 47 was accompanied by three stowage vans (94193, 94195 and 94218) and a newly converted PCV, and has been operating up to six trips a day between Norton Fitzwarren and Bishops Lydeard. Because of the arrival of an HST excursion 24 August, and the shortage of siding space at Bishops Lydeard, the class 47 and its stock are expected to travel to Minehead over the bank holiday weekend. This will be the first ever visit of a Class 47 to Minehead, although numerous 47's have made it as far as Bishops Lydeard.
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    Diesel Hydraulic event in 1997

    [Sat 3-Aug-96] Initial plans are being formulated for a special diesel hydraulic event on the WSR in May 1997. It is hoped to assemble as many as possible of the surviving former BR Western Region diesel hydraulic locomotives for a hydraulic jamboree.
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    IC125 charter to WSR

    [Sat 3-Aug-96] On 27 July Cheshire Railtours IC125 special charter service from Paddington ran to Bishops Lydeard on the WSR. No 4277 hauled a nine coach connecting service to Minehead. Consideration is being given to seeking clearance approval for through running of IC125 units to Minehead.
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    EW&S RES uses WSR

    [Sat 3-Aug-96] Plans are in hand for EW&S RES to use the Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard section of the WSR for driver training on the new Propelling Control Vehicles (PCV) which are to be introduced shortly by RES on mail trains. This will involve up to four weeks of special running using a modified Class 47/7 together with a rake of parcels vans and a PCV. Trials were due to commence in late July, but have been postponed to August.
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    Autumn steam gala plans

    [Sat 27-Jul-96] Plans for the WSR Autumn steam gala on Fri 13 - Sun 15 September are now well advanced. The gala will have a strong GWR theme with an expected line-up of seven GWR engines. These will include visitors 14xx class 0-4-2T no 1450 and auto coach W228, 42xx class 2-8-0T no 4277 which has been operating on the WSR since May, with a possible third engine rumoured to be Modified Hall class 4-6-0 no 6960 Raveningham Hall. These will be joined by WSR resident engines 7820 Dinmore Manor, 7828 Odney Manor, 4160 and 4561. It is now unlikely that 3205 will be ready in time for the event. On Friday 13 September 1450 will operate services between Minehead and Williton, with 4160 and 4277 operating over the full line. On Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 September, no 1450 will operate the Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren shuttle.
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    New diesel shunter for WSR

    (Sat 20-Jul-96) A new arrival on the WSR is Class 03 shunter D2133. This loco was donated by British Cellophane at Bridgwater and is in full operational order. D2133 spent all but one month of its life in the Taunton/Bridgwater area. D2133 joins sister recently arrived sister Class 03 D2119, and longer term Class 04 Drewry residents D2205 and D2271. The arrival of D2133 on 10 July brings the WSR's fleet of ex BR diesel locomotives up to a total of 15. D2133 has already seen use as Minehead station pilot.
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    Not the diesel gala

    (Jul-96) Although it was announced that the WSR will not be holding its traditional diesel gala this year, the WSR and the DEPG have mow decided that there will be sufficient diesel traction available to mount a diesel event known as "Not the diesel gala". This will take place over Sat and Sun 5 & 6 October. The event is expected to feature:
  • Class 35 B-B Hymek no D7017
  • Class 25 Bo-Bo no D7523 John F Kennedy
  • Class 50 Co-Co no 50149 Defiance
  • Class 45/2 1-Co-co-1 no 45108 (repainted)
  • Double headed Class 08 shunters
  • Class 03 D2119
  • Class 14xx DH D9551
  • Heritage dmus in passenger service.

    • Class 50 50017, Class 35 D7018 and Class 52 D1035 will all be out of service.
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    Through trains from Railtrack

    (Jul-96) Several trains are scheduled to run through from Railtrack via Norton Fitzwarren to the WSR during 1996. These are:
  • Sat 02-Mar-96: "The Western Star" hauled by BR Pacific 70000 Britannia throughout from Paddington to Minehead. 7820 Dinmore Manor piloted no 70000 back to Bishops Lydeard where both engines were replaced by a class 47 diesel for the return journey to Paddington. This train was run by Hertfordshire Railtours
  • Sat 15-May-96: "The Sparkle Express" from Cambridge to Minehead and return. This train was double headed by 7820 Dinmore Manor and 7828 Odney Manor between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead.
  • Sat 27-Jul-96 "The West Countryman" HST from London Paddington (approx 08.00), Ealing Broadway, Slough, Maidenhead, Twyford Reading and Newbury to Bishops Lydeard. A steam hauled WSR special will connect at Bishops Lydeard for Minehead and return from Minehead at approx 1700. Contact Cheshire Railtours at 01984-640005
  • Sun 27-Aug-96 "The Quantock Crompton" charter, behind two class 33s from Paddington to Minehead and return. Hauled throughout by two class 33s, these will be piloted by Class 25 from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on the return journey. Organised by Hertfordshire Railtours (Tel: 01438-715050)
  • Sat 21-Sep-96 Hastings DEMU
  • Sat 01-Dec-96 "Quantock 125 Special"
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    New diesel shed for Williton

    (Jul-96) The new diesel shed at Williton was officially opened on Saturday 20 July, prior to the DEPG annual meeting. The new steel framed two track building is 90ft long and 36ft wide and is located adjacent to the Williton goods shed which will be used as a machine ship and store. Formal opening was achieved by breaking of tape by Class 35 Hymek D7017. Also present were D1010, D7523, D3462, 08850, 50149 and D2119. Henceforth the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group and the Class 50 Society (Defiance Project+ will operate collectively under the new title Williton Traction Group (WTG).
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    Plans for new engine shed for Minehead

    (Jul-96) The WSR has announced plans for a new running and maintenance shed at Minehead. The two road engine shed and adjacent machine shop in traditional GW style will occupy a site immediately to the East of the existing engine maintenance facility, which is housed in the former goods shed. The new shed will be assembled in two phases and will cost £150,000.
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    Modest profit for WSR

    (Jul-96) The WSR Plc has reported a modest pre-tax profit of £11,756 for the year ending December 1995. Turnover in 1995 increased by £59,835 to £837,729 compared with £777,894 in 1994. Total no of passengers carried in 1995 was 128,328 a new record for the line.
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    Revenue earning stone trains over the WSR?

    (Jul-96) The possibility of stone trains operating over the WSR from Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead is being investigated. The trains would convey stone required to strengthen the sea defences at Minehead. A new siding would be required to the seaward side of Minehead station if the proposal goes ahead.
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    Taunton link

    (Jul-96) At the annual general meeting of the West Somerset Railway, shareholders were told that the cost of extending WSR train services over Railtrack line from Norton Fitzwarren into Taunton station could cost £914,000 per annum, and would need to attract an additional 210,000 passengers a year to cover basic costs. Instead the company is investigating a number of options for extending services of other rail operators from Taunton into Bishops Lydeard. Four options are being examined for the necessary track and signalling improvements in the Norton Fitzwarren area.
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    DMUs

    (Jun-96) The Cravens class 105 two car dmu has been withdrawn from service and has been offered for sale. Its duties are now covered by the Class 115 three car dmu set in olive green livery (DMBS 51852, TCL 59678, DMBS 51887). Four of the five Class 117 centre cars (TCLs 59493/506/510/515) are now repainted in attractive early BR crimson and cream livery with full lining. These four vehicles have been used behind steam and diesel locos at peak periods. A Class 115 DMBS has also been repainted in this livery, and a further DMBS will also be repainted. This will provide a second (hybrid Class 115/117) three car dmu to be formed to supplement the existing olive green Class 115.
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    SDJR 7F 2-8-0 53808

    (Jun-96) Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway 2-8-0 no 53808 (SandD no 88) was withdrawn from service with leaking tubes on 5 May, and will now undergo a heavy overhaul which is expected to take several years. This will require major repairs to the right hand cylinder. No 53808 returned to service on the WSR on 29 August 1987 and has since run an impressive 49,368 miles.
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    GWR 2251 class 0-6-0 3205

    (Jun-96) Meanwhile work continues apace on the unique GWR 2251 class 0-6-0 no 3205 which is expected to reenter service later in 1996 after a major overhaul lasting several years.
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    GWR 14xx 0-4-2T 1450

    (Jun-96) Negotiations are in hand for a possible visit of GWR 14xx 0-4-2T no 1450 to the WSR during September. Before returning to its home base at Cranmore East Somerset Railway. The possibility of the return to Cranmore by a main-line railtour. Watch this space ! A second GWR loco is also expected to visit the line in September for the Autumn Steam Gala on 13 and 14 Sept which will feature a strong Great Western theme.
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    GWR 5101 class 2-6-2T no 4160

    (Jun-96) Large prairie tank no 4160 reentered service on 31 May on completion of the Winter overhaul of its valves, pistons, slide bars and crossheads. It retains its handsome lined black BR mixed traffic livery with early BR crest.
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    GWR 42xx class 2-8-0T no 4277

    (Jun-96) Pete Best's 42xx class 2-8-0T no 4277 arrived at the WSR from the Severn Valley Railway on 21 May. It entered service on the WSR two days later on 23 May.
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    GWR 45xx class 2-6-2T no 4561

    (Jun-96) GWR 45xx class 2-6-2T no 4561 has returned to home metals at the WSR after spending February and March visiting the Bluebell Railway and April at the North Norfolk Railway. In August 4561 is expected to visit the Bodmin and Wenford Railway.
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    WC Class 4-6-2 34046 "Braunton"

    (Jun-96) The West Somerset Railway Association has acquired the remains of rebuilt West Country class pacific no 34046 "Braunton". The engine which currently lacks a tender has been moved from Brighton to Bishops Lydeard and is stabled on the Visitors Centre siding.
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    Arrival of new diesel stock

    (Jun-96) The early part of 1996 has seen the arrival at the WSR of several diesel locomotives from the aborted preservation scheme at Thingley Junction near Chippenham. The new stock which is owned by Dr John Kennedy includes Class 25 no 7523 "John F Kennedy", Class 50 no 50017 "Royal Oak", Class 08 no D3462 and class 03 no D2119 "Linda". No D7523 arrived in April and after attention from the Williton Traction Group entered traffic on 4 May double heading with Peak D120, its first train for 12 years. No 50017 arrived by road from Thingley junction in the first week of June. Substantial repairs are required before this engine can return to service, and these are unlikely to start until later in 1997. The Class 08 D3462 is fully serviceable and sports green livery contrasting with 08850 in blue. The Class 03 No 2119 "Linda" is also serviceable. This is one of the cut-down Class 03s formerly based at Landore for use on the Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway. It carries green livery and is vacuum braked. It is likely to be used as the Bishops Lydeard pilot this season, to allow Class 04 no D2204 to be withdrawn for repainting.
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    May gala

    (Jun-96) The May Gala held over the Bank Holiday weekend was very successful with traffic figures up 10% on 1995, with a total of 2,719 passengers carried. Motive power featured during the event included 4561, 7820, 7828, 44422, 53808, D120, D7523, D9551 and the Class 115 dmu.
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    August Steam Fayre

    (May-96) The annual Grand Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally at Bishops Lydeard station is this year scheduled to take place on August 3 and 4.
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    Crowcombe station

    (May-96) A new timber waiting room on the down platform at Crowcombe was completed prior to the start of the 1996 running season.
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    Developments at Bishops Lydeard

    (May-96) May 1996 has seen extensive changes at Bishops Lydeard. Most notable is the extension of the up platform by some distance at the east end, providing accommodation for 11 coaches plus locomotive. This will allow incoming trains from Railtrack to be fully accommodated. In addition the new platform extension also incorporates an up bay which is normally used for housing the Quantock Belle dining coaches when not in use. The signal box has undergone extensive repairs, and longer term plans will see Bishops Lydeard fully resignalled.
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    Bishops Lydeard Shop

    (Apr-96) A new shop at Bishops Lydeard opened on Friday 8 March. The GWR style timber building houses both retail and refreshment areas and is located on the main up platform 2. The former shop converted from BR Mk1 TSO coach no 4602 has been sold and moved to the Yeovil Junction Steam Centre.
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    Somerset and Dorset Gala

    (Apr-96) A very successful Somerset and Dorset gala was held over three days in March 1996. The event featured five visiting locomotives. Stations were temporarily renamed to represent those on the Bath to Bournemouth route. Locomotives taking part included in then event included:
    LMS 4F class 0-6-0 no 44422 Mar-Jun 96
    SR  WC class 4-6-2 no 34039 "Boscastle" Mar-Apr 96
    SR  WC class 4-6-2 no 34105 "Swanage" Mar 96
    BR 5MT class 4-6-0 no 73096 (running as 73052)` Mar 96
    BR  7P class 4-6-2 no 70000 "Britannia" Mar 96
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    Track upgrading

    (Apr-96) With 152 bridges, 56 level-crossings and 48 miles of fencing to maintain in its 22 route miles, there is a substantial work load for the WSR's civil engineers. A major success story achieved in 1995 was uprating of the line to accommodate axle loads of 22.5 tonnes, which is sufficient for the largest locomotives. Plans for the next three years include repainting the line's steel bridges, regular tamping on a five year cycle, and continued control of lineside vegetation.
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