Winter Steam Festival

29th and 30th December 2009

Locomotives

The Winter Steam Festival is a two day event and offers the chance to experience a Great Western Branchline atomsphere from the comfort of a warm train while its also a good alternative to the old films, repeats of “classic episodes” and the rest of the holiday entertainment.

Quick Links

• Locomotives
• Timetable
• Turning and facing directions
• Museums and Model Railways
• Catering
• Fares
• Accomodation
• Bus Links
• Booking Form

Locomotives

The locomotives will be drawn from the following Pool:

• GWR King Class 4-6-0 No. 6024 King Edward 1
• GWR '4575' Class 2-6-2T No. 5553
• S&DJR 7F 2-8-0 No. 88
• BR(W) ‘5101’ Class 2-6-2T No 4160
• WSR 2-6-0 No 9351

It is planned to have five steam engines in action, hauling and heating the trains. There will be seven trains each way on both days, most with buffet cars selling a variety of Somerset Beers and Ciders, hot and cold drinks, soup, sandwiches and snacks so it is a perfect way to see the Somerset countryside in Winter. All locomotives are subject to availability and are listed in good faith.

Timetables

The same timetable will be in operation for both days and this, with locomotive diagrams will be available shortly. The basic trains times can be found below.

Locomotive Turning and Facing

Tuesday 29th - Minehead Departures

• 1015MD 4160 chimney first (Turn 180); 6024 chimney first (Turn 180) both turnings prior to departure
• 1110MD 5553 chimney first (Turn 360 before departure)
• 1220MD 9351 tender first
• 1315MD 88 tender first
• 1405MD 4160 chimney first
• 1500MD 5553 chimney first
• 1600MD 9351 tender first

Tuesday 29th - Bishops Lydeard Departures

• 1025BL 9351 chimney first
• 1125BL 88 chimney first
• 1230BL 4160 bunker first
• 1310BL 5553 bunker first
• 1410BL 6024 tender first 9351 chimney first  
• 1505BL 88 chimney first
• 1600BL 4160 bunker first

Wednesday 30th - Minehead Departures

• 1015MD 4160 bunker first (turn 180 before departure)
• 1110 MD 88chimney first (turn 180 Before departure)
• 1220MD 6024 tender first (turn 180 on arrival of 1025 BL so arriving passengers can view) 9351 tender first
• 1315MD 5553 chimney first
• 1405MD 4160 bunker first
• 1500MD 88 chimney first              
• 1600MD 9351 tender first

Wednesday 30th - Bishops Lydeard Departures

• 1025BL  9351 chimney first           
• 1125BL 5553 bunker first             
• 1230BL 4160 chimney first            
• 1310BL 88 tender first
• 1410BL 6024 chimney first (turn 180) 9351chimney first
• 1505BL 5553 Bunker first
• 1600BL 4160 chimney first

Museums and Model Railways

The Diesel Heritage Centre at Williton will have its doors open as will the Railway Museums at Bishops Lydeard and Washford.  Also opening their doors are the Taunton Model Railway Group at Bishops Lydeard which will give visitors a chance to see the TMRG’s award-winning layout based on the old Green Park Station at Bath.

Catering

Bar and Buffet facilities will be avialable throughout the Gala on Most trains serving a very good range of high quality hot and cold food, tea/coffee and a range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. At stations refreshemnts including hot food will be available at principle stations including Bishops Lydeard, Watchet and Minehead. Light refreshments should also be available at Crowcombe Heathfield and Blue Anchor.

Fares

And the best news of all is that the fares during the Winter Steam Festival are our standard fares rather than Gala rates, which means that if you book a Rover Ticket at discounted rates by December 14th you will be saving money.

A 2 Day Rover Ticket for adults and seniors will cost £24 in advance (£26.50 on the day - children will be £12.00 in advance or £13.25 on the day) and 1 Day Rovers in advance £12 for adults (£14.00 on the day), £11 for seniors (£12.80 on the day), and £6 for a child aged 5 to 15 (£7.00 on the day). A Family One Day Rover which covers 2 adults and up to 4 children is £32 in advance (£35.20 on the day). You can book with a credit or debit card by phone 7 days a week by ringing 01643 704996 (all cards are taken except American Express).

Accomodation

If you want to make a holiday break of it then calling the Tourist Information Centres in Minehead (01643 702604), Taunton (01823 336344) and Porlock (01823 863150) will be able to help, particularly as not all accommodation providers will be open. You can also see our local accomodation page by clicking here.

Bus links

We are running a free Cooks/Stagecoach bus on both days on the usual route from Taunton Station and the Park and Ride at Silk Mills to Bishops Lydeard Station starting at 9.30 a.m and running every 30 minutes. First Bus Service 28 will also be in operation (contact First on 01823 272033 for information about holiday period services).

Booking

To book tickets for this event please call 01643 704996 or you can download the booking form here and send it back to The West Somerset Railway Plc, The Railway Station, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 5BG. Alternatively you can book tickets online by clicking the logo below:

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