The West Somerset Railway’s Spring and Autumn Steam Galas are firmly established – featuring a feast of steam, including several ‘guest’ engines, working an intensive timetable, with many other attractions – and are regarded as a ‘must’ to visit each year.
Our WINTER STEAM FESTIVAL continues this principle, and promises a feast of steam.
After the presents have been opened and the turkey eaten, why not come along after Christmas to savour and enjoy a busy Great Western branch line in winter…?
There will be plenty for both the family and serious railway enthusiast to enjoy.
At least five locomotives will be in action, selected from the following pool:-
- GWR 14xx 0-4-2T No 1450*
- LB&SCR ‘Terrier’ 0-6-0T No 662 Martello**
- GWR/WSR 2-6-0 No 9351
- GWR ‘2884’ Class 2-8-0 No 3850
- S&DJR 7F 2-8-0 No 88
- GWR ‘4575’ Class 2-6-2T’s No 5553
- BR(W) ‘5101’ Class 2-6-2T No 4160
All locomotives subject to availability.
* courtesy of Mr Mike Little
* * courtesy of Bressingham Steam Museum
A fantastic feast of winter steam
- At least FIVE engines in steam
- TWO ‘guest’ engines – GWR 0-4-2T No 1450 & LB&SCR 0-6-0T No 662 Martello
- Interesting and varied timetable
- Great Western auto train & Southern branch passenger train
- Nice, warm, steam-heated trains!
- Bar/buffet car facilities on most trains
- Museums, gift shops, model railways, refreshments.
- Free parking at Bishops Lydeard
- Free connecting bus link between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard
- Rover Tickets available at STANDARD FARES – book now!
- Additional attractions and events
- Many photographic opportunities
- Special souvenir programme
- A great day out for all the family
All the above highlights are believed correct as at 29 October 2007, listed in good faith and subject to availability.
A comprehensive timetable of trains will be in operation over the Gala. To download the timetable Please click here
Our very popular Great Western auto train – which will feature GWR 0-4-2T No 1450 and trailer No 178 – will work a variety of services during the Gala, marked “Auto” in the timetable. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample this unique method of branch line passenger travel.
Please note there is LIMITED ACCOMMODATION and NO BUFFET & TOILET FACILITIES on the auto train.
LB&SCR ‘Terrier’ 0-6-0T No 662 Martello, built in 1875, will be working a number of trains – marked ‘SLP’ in the timetable – between Minehead and Blue Anchor. Come and travel behind this steam veteran!
Buffet and bar facilities will be available throughout the Gala on most trains, serving a range of hot and cold food (many with a local flavour), tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
WASHFORD: Come and see recent developments at the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust’s site and museum, which will be open throughout the Gala.
GAUGE MUSEUM: Whilst at Bishops Lydeard, come and see the many exhibits and displays of railway interest inside the refurbished Gauge Museum on Platform 1. The Great Western Railway 1897-built sleeping car No 9038 will be on display, and there will be lots to see and do to maintain your interest while you wait for your train!
TAUNTON MODEL RAILWAY GROUP: The TMRG’s base on platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard – which includes the excellent model of Bath Green Park station – will also be open on both days (small separate admission charge).
WILLITON: The Diesel Heritage Centre will be open (but please note that, on this occasion, the rest of the yard area will NOT be open).
Also, other locomotives and stock will be on display at several places along the line.
A special FREE bus service linking Taunton station, the Park and Ride car park at Silk Mill and Bishops Lydeard station will run every 30 minutes. The service will start from 09:30 from Taunton Station each day, with the last bus connecting with the final train arrival at Bishops Lydeard.
FREE car parking will be available at BISHOPS LYDEARD, but please arrive at least 30 minutes before the departure of the train on which you initially wish to travel.
A special souvenir programme, which will include the complete working timetable and the engine and coaching set diagrams, will be available in advance (from 19 December), and also from stations during the Gala itself, priced £2.00.
Please note that ALL privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will NOT apply at the Winter Steam Festival. Standard fares apply to all passengers.
The best way to enjoy the event to full is to purchase a Rover Ticket – which gives you complete freedom to travel on the line for the day.
You can purchase Rover Tickets in advance in the following ways:-
- By telephone, using your Credit/Debit Card. Please ring 01643 704996, 9am-5pm.
- By completing the Booking Form.
- In person at Minehead Station (9am-5pm, Monday-Friday).
- On the internet – www.ticketweb.co.uk
Note: All the above information is believed correct as at 29 October 2007, detailed in good faith and subject to availability. |
