2009 Archived News

The Return of the Winter “king”

The Special Events Planning Team is pleased to confirm that 6024 “King Edward I” will complete the line-up of engines due to see service in the Winter Steam Festival alongside Somerset and Dorset 2-8-0 88, “Large Prairie” 4160, “Small Prairie” 5553 and “Mogul” 9351.
Following last year’s problem with heating on the trains hauled by 6024 it is intended that if there are any doubts in this area the “King” will double head with another steam loco to ensure the comfort of our passengers.

And a reminder. If you book before the closing of the Minehead Office at 5 p.m. on Monday December 14th you will be able to purchase Day Rover Tickets for this 5 engine, 7 trains each way, day out for less than usual prices. To book in advance ring 01643 704996 with your credit/debit card details (sorry, we can’t accept AMEX). Our staff are also here on Saturdays and Sundays.

Added10th December 2009

Santa Train Availability Update

As of the morning of Friday 18th December we still have some seats left for the Santa Specials from Minehead on Sunday 20th and Christmas Eve.

On Sunday 19th there are still some seats for sale on the 1020, 1205 and 1535 trains and on Christmas Eve on the 1020, 1205, 1355 and 1535 trains. If you would like to book please ring 01643 704996 with a credit/debit card (we accept them all except AMEX). The tickets will be kept for you to collect from Minehead Station.

For more information click through from the Santa Special link.

Added 18th December 2009

Advanced Rover Tickets for Winter Steam Festival Offer Cheap Travel on West Somerset Railway on December 29th & 30th

 If you are looking for a post-Christmas day away from the t.v. and the sales and would like a day on the West Somerset Railway at a discount price why not buy a Rover Ticket in advance for the Winter Steam Festival on December 29th or 30th?
Unlike other Steam Galas normal fares apply on these two days but the Railway still offers discounts on Rover Tickets purchased on or before December 14th.

The advance prices are £12 for an adult day rover (save £2), £11 for a senior (save £1.80) and £6 for a child aged 5 to 15 (save £1). A family rover costs £32 (save £3.20) and covers 2 adults and up to 4 children. With seven steam-hauled trains in each direction why not treat yourself to a day out to end the year?
Advance bookings can be made with a credit or debit card (all are taken except AMEX) by calling 01643 704996 between 9 a.m. & 4 p.m. seven days a week or by clicking on the ticket web logo below:

Added 20th November 2009

Train Travel On Sunday 13th December

Picture by James Auton

There are still seats available on the Minehead-Blue Anchor Santa Specials which will run on this coming Sunday March 13th. The departure times from Minehead are 10.20, 12.05 and 13.55 and the costs are £8 for each adult and £8 for each child. (Under 1’s travel for £2).
Tickets can be booked in advance by ringing 01643 704996 with credit/debit card details (all are accepted except AMEX) and tickets will be held for collection at Minehead.  The office is open on Friday and Saturday for this and on Sunday it will be a case of come along and pay on the day.

Sundays trains from Bishops Lydeard are sold out so if you want a trip to see Santa or just a steam ride in the Winter sunshine then the Minehead-Blue Anchors are the available option.

Added 10th December 2009

Christmas Trains Update

With Christmas only four weeks away now the West Somerset Railway’s Festive Trains are rapidly filling up.

The Dunster by Candlelight trains on Friday 4th and Saturday 5th are full, with the last seats on the 1630 on Friday 4th now having gone.

As for the Carol Trains the evening trips from Bishops Lydeard on December 14th, 15th and 16th have sold out as have the trains from Minehead on the 14th and 15th.  There are some seats left from Minehead on December 16th for anyone who would like to see in the Festive Season with some traditional tunes and singing.

Santa Expresses and Santa Specials are also beginning to sell out. For availability please click on the following link or ring 01643 704996.

Meanwhile if you are still looking for a Christmas Present for a railway enthusiast why not consider a West Somerset Gift Voucher? These can be purchased, as can tickets for the festive trains by making a telephone call to 01643 704996 with a credit or debit card (we take everything except AMEX).

Added 26th November 2009

Cutting Back

After a slippery November session on Washford bank, December's Cutting Back will be back on the level at Williton on December 12th / 13th where we have a strip of land to clear between South Yard and the neighbouring industrial estate. Short days but lots of work none the less so come and work up an appetite before Christmas!

Williton Restoration

Gareth Winter, our Williton Engineering Manager,  has expressed a wish to move on and will be leaving us at Christmas. Gareth has been with the WSRA for 20 years and during that time has managed the restoration and repairs to 6412 and Braunton amongst others - both to very high standards. The skills and standards that Gareth has instilled at Williton will be a lasting reminder of his time at the helm. We wish Gareth all the very best as he ventures to pastures new.

We will shortly begin the recruitment process to attract a new Manager to Restoration to take Gareth's work forward as we integrate the business within Promotions and expand the capability. We will also be looking to strengthen our restoration business by recruiting an experienced volunteer as Director with responsibility for Williton within WSRA (Promotions). In the short term the existing team will be pressing on under the watchful eye of the Williton Management Group and an Acting Works Manager.

Currently Williton is completing the tender and main line OTMR work on Braunton, the assembly of Raveningham Hall and has work committed to both Dinmore Manor and two Bullied boilers - all for 'external' customers. With 4561 to restore, 7821 waiting in the wings and our own WSRA carriage fleet needing work we have a mountain of work and some very busy times ahead - watch this space!

Added 24th November 2009

Hot Food At Dunster By Candlelight

Although the option to have fish and chips on the trains to Dunster By Candlelight this coming weekend has sold out some weeks ago it is possible to book Fish and Chips to eat when you actually arrive at Dunster Itself. The Yarn Market Hotel is offering the great traditional British comfort and convenience food for those who pre-book it and the contact number is 01643 821425.

Following the visit by Paul Atterbury to Minehead on 25th August the turntable installation at Minehead has been short-listed for an award in the National Railway Heritage Awards for this year.
The Awards Presentation will be made at Merchant Taylors’ Hall London on Wednesday 2nd December and the results will be announced after the ceremony. A Press Release will be issued together with photographs of the Ceremony.

Best Kept Station awarded to Bishops Lydeard with Chairmen Mark Smith and David Holmes with Clive Goddard

The Best Kept Station awards were held today, 26th Sept, at 14.30, at Watchet station.The winners are;

• BEST KEPT STATION 2009 - Bishops Lydeard
• RUNNER-UP - Watchet
• MOST IMPROVED -  Minehead
• BEST FLORAL DISPLAY - Bishops Lydeard
• MOST ATTRACTIVE GARDEN - Crowcombe Heathfield

Congratulations to all the winners.

Mark Smith, Paul Conibeare and David Holmes were there, to present the awards.
As always, Mike Buttel and his staff at Watchet were very hospitable, providing tea and cake for all.
Many thanks to David and Jennifer Bailey, who spent a lot of time re-visiting all the stations, trying to decide the winners. David said the choice was difficult this year, as all stations were so much improved from 2008.

The Autumn Steam Gala, which will take place between October 1st and 4th , will feature the following line-up of engines:-

6024 “King Edward I”, 5029 “Nunney Castle”, 4953 “Pitchford Hall”, 7802 “Bradley Manor”, “Small Prairie” 5542,  “56xx” 6695, “Large Pannier” 9466, plus from the home fleet 3850, 4160 and 5553. “Mogul” 9351 will be at Minehead shed and the standby loco at Williton number 88.

Remember. Cheaper priced Rover tickets can be purchased in advance until close of the day on September 28th. 

Added 16th September 2009

The shop can be contacted by phone on 01643 700387 or by email by clicking here or of course by personal visit. We are happy to take orders and source items specially for you.

Added 14th July 2009

The Sixties Boys - New Book to be released at Minehead Station

Remember Brylcreem? Dusty Springfield? Ford Cortinas? The Twist? Knickerbocker Glories? Radio Luxembourg and Horace Batchelor?

The West Somerset Railway is pleased to announce the launch of the lastest book by renowned local railway author Alan Hammond. Alan, who is best known for his bookes on the Somerset and Dorset and the WSR has now turned his hand to abook full of nostalgia for those heady days of the sixties.

The book will be launched in September and Alan will be signing copies at Minehead Station throughout the Autumn at Special Events. For your signed copy at £7.99 plus £1.00 postage and Packing contact the Buffer Stop shop on 01643 700387 or through the online shop (online postal charges may vary).

Pictures by Martyn Snell

British Railways Illustrated September 2009:- Picture Feature on the Minehead Branch 21st May 1960

The latest edition of “British Railways Illustrated” features a photographic feature based on pictures taken by James Harrold and suitably captioned by author and WSR volunteer signalman Richard Derry. There are 12 photographs, suitably and informatively captioned by Richard and the locations featured are Taunton (3), Minehead (4) – including one of the previous turntable in use – Williton (2), Stogumber (2) and Crowcombe Heathfield (1). The featured loco is “Small Prairie” 5543 (with a shot of 5521 crossing at Williton) and copies of the magazine are currently in stock at Minehead station shop priced £3.80.
Other features in this excellent nostalgia title include “Working with Britannias”, “The Goods Life”, an article about A1 Pacifics for those who are missing “Tornado” ,one about the Woodhead particularly Manchester London Road, and another 1960 pictorial feature about Kingswear. For the money quite a treat.

Added 21st August 2009

WSRA Taunton Group Meeting

The next meeting of the wsra Taunton Group will be on Monday 7th September at the usual time of 7.45 pm.  I shall be pleased to welcome back the speaker, Mr Ron White who has developed the Colour-Rail business in archival rail photos (mainly UK steam) over many years.  He has been trying to find someone to take over the business for some while, as he wishes to retire, and I am very pleased to learn that a well-known railway photographer, Paul Chancellor, will be taking over care of this superb collection in a few months' time.  Ron White tells me that this is to be the last talk that he will give, as usual illustrated by a selection of slides from his large library.

Ron White is known for his humorous observations on British railway operation, not least over matters in which the GWR liked to be slightly 'different'!  I always enjoy his humorous displays, and I hope that the meeting will be, once again, well supported.

The meeting will be held at the usual venue, the GWRSA 'snug' bar at the north east corner of Taunton Station.

I look forward to seeing many of you there on Monday September 7th. (Peter Darke)

Added 1st September 2009

Double Helping Of Jazz Music On The West Somerset Railway

Jazz fans will have two opportunities to enjoy their kind of music on the West Somerset Railway over the next few weeks.

First off there is the evening of Saturday August 22nd when the WSR will be running a special steam train which will leave Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) for Minehead at 6.30 p.m. It is due to arrive at the seaside at 7.30 p.m. where passengers and visitors to the station will be able to enjoy two hours of music from Clive Smith and his Arcadia Jazz Band plus a barbecue before the return train leaves Minehead at 9.30 p.m.. The train fare, which must be pre-booked, costs £24 which includes the return train ride, the music and a portion of barbecue.

Then on Sunday September 13th the Tone Valley Jazz Band will be marking three anniversaries at lunchtime on the second day of the Real Ale Festival. For the Tone Valley musicians 2009 is the fiftieth year of the band’s existence whilst this year also marks three decades since the WSR first began to run trains over the whole of its present length of 20 miles. The third part of the trio of anniversaries is that of the Festival itself which has been held by the
Somerset Branch of CAMRA (the Campaign For Real Ale) on the platform of Minehead Station each year since 1999. This year the Festival takes place on September 12th and 13th.

Added 12th August 2009

Strong Hydraulic Haulage Flavour to West Somerset Railway’s Summer Saturday Classic Traction Diagram

Fans of the Western Region’s diesel hydraulic locomotives will have the chance of 80 miles of nostalgic haulage on Summer Saturdays as the West Somerset Railway goes into its peak timetable season between July 25th and August 29th. But there will also be two Saturdays when a Class 33 will be in action.
The star of this year’s programme will be newly restored Class 35 “Hymek” D7017 which will be working on July 25th, August 1st and August 8th. The first outing for Class 33 D6566 is on August 15th and it will be running once again on August 29th. And fans of the Class 42 “Warship” s will have their chance to see and listen to one at work in the Quantock Hills on August 22nd. The diagram that the locomotives will be working starts with the 11.25 from Bishops Lydeard and continues with the 14.05 from Minehead, the 16.00 from Bishops Lydeard and the 17.55 from Minehead. In addition there will be two steam diagrams and another for the DMU set.

West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare commented “D7017 was the first unit of the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group’s fleet to come to the WSR and it was in action back in 1979 when we first re-opened to Bishops Lydeard. So it is good to think that it will once again be in action this year after the extensive overhaul the DEPG has performed. And if we go back another ten years the Hymeks were regular traction over the Minehead branch of British Rail in the last years of holiday train working, so there will be nostalgic memories for some of the older local enthusiast also. Visitors will also have a chance to visit the DEPG’s Diesel Heritage Centre at Williton. We are looking forward to the dates in the future when D7018 also returns and hope that 2010 may be the year of D1010, as progress on the overhaul of “Western Campaigner” continues.”

Added 23 July 2009

West Somerset Railway to Run Vintage Bus Link for Dunster Country Fair and Dunster Show

The West Somerset Railway will once again be operating a vintage bus link between Dunster Station and Dunster Steep for Dunster Country Fair on Wednesday July 29th and Dunster Show on 21st August.  The bus will meet trains at Dunster Station and travel on it will be free for WSR ticket holders. The bus will be from the Heritage Fleet of Quantock Motor Services and, combined with the West Somerset’s train will give a taste of historic travel in addition to the pleasures of the Fair and the Show.

They will also offer a useful link for those visiting the village and castle.
 “We have been running the bus link for the two shows for a number of years now,” said West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare, “and apart from making a nice addition to the day out for passengers it also helps to take some traffic off the busy A39 and A358 on two of the busiest days of the year.“

Added 20th July 2009

West Country Class 34046 Braunton

Due to unforseen circumstances Bulleid West Country Pacific Locomotive No 34046 Braunton will not be available to haul services on the West Somerset Railway at the Present time.

Added 3rd August 2009

Long Established Country Band “Denver Spur” To Play At Minehead Railway Station on Saturday July 25th

With a band named derived from a term in nineteenth century American railroad circles when a “Denver Spur” was a crucial means of getting cattle from Texas to the rest of the USA it was almost inevitable that the long established country music band of the same name would come to play a gig on the West Somerset Railway.  And the night in question will be Saturday 25th July.

The evening will revolve around a special Country and Western Evening train which will leave Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) at 6.30 p.m. Arrival at Minehead will be an hour later when the music will start and will continue until the train departs at 9.30 p.m. for the return journey.  Apart from the music the passengers from the train or those who pay to come in at Minehead Station will be able to enjoy a hog roast (or vegetarian alternative) and there will be a cash bar. The cost of the return journey, which will also include the hog roast and first drink is £24 and must be booked in advance from 01643 704996. Platform admission to Minehead Station for the show, which will also include food, will cost £14, payable at the gate.
Denver Spur have been playing for over three decades with the mainstays down the years being the main vocalist and guitarist Dave Beck and bassist and vocalist John “Cabbage Hayes” Farmer. Lead guitar is handled by Paul Thomas who also brings a bluesier voice to the mix and the drum seat is filled by Marty Davies. As well as hundreds of live gigs in thirty years the band has also produced a string of albums and appeared on both television and radio.  

Added 13th July 2009

New Timings for First Bus service 28

With effect from July 12th the timings of First’s number 28 bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard will be changed.
Departures from Taunton are at 5.35 a.m. (except on Saturdays), 6.15 a.m. and then at 5 past and 35 minutes past the hour until the evening services start at 5 p.m.

All services departing between 9.05 and 4.05 are due to travel via Bishops Lydeard Railway Station, setting down there at 6 minutes and 36 minutes past the hour.

The departures from Minehead will be at 20 past and 50 minutes past the hour. Starting at 11.56 a.m. the departures from Bishops Lydeard station will be at 26 minutes and 56 minutes past the hour until 6.56 p.m.

For more information please contact First on 01823 272033.

Added 13th July 2009

Volunteers with a valid WSR photo ID can come along to the Rally on Saturday 1st August 2009 or Sunday 2nd August 2009 and can obtain entry free of charge. Please note any guest/s accompanying them must pay the normal entrance fee. On Saturday evening the 1st August 2009 from 8.00pm Volunteers who hold a valid photo ID card can obtain free entry to the Rally site along with one guest and partake in refreshments (at very reasonable prices)

in the Rams`s Head Beer Tent. The Beer Tent is run by Mike Barrett and the Tavern Wenches, we hope to have a barn dance and you are welcome to join us. 

For more information on the West Somerset Railway Association Steam Fayre and Vintage Vehicle Rally please click here

Added 2nd July 2009

The West Somerset Railway, in partnership with Cotleigh Brewery, is please to announce the arrival of our very own beer.  Old Steamer is a bright golden beer, smooth and malty with a background honey flavour offering a refreshing citrus smooth finish.

Available on the West Somerset Railway trains, Old Steamer will be pleasing our customers throughout the 2009 season and beyond.

Added 18th May 2009

After a break of a year the famous little blue tank engine is back on the West Somerset Railway this year for the weekend of July 4th and 5th.

When “Thomas” needs to take some water his place may be taken by “Ben” or “Bill” who will be otherwise occupied with “troublesome trucks” while Sir Topham Hatt tries to keep all in order.

Professor Popcorn will perform his magical music show three times on each day, there will be games and competitions and outside the station two vintage buses, rather like “Bertie” or “Bulgy” will offer rides around the town. Mrs. Kyndley is very proud of her new café by the turntable and the Buffer Stop Shop has plenty of tempting things on sale.

If you are coming down to Minehead on a train in the morning in the morning you will need to book it in advance. Your train fare includes the journey to and from Minehead, a trip behind “Thomas”, the vintage buses and the other entertainment. For fares and bookings click here…..

Alternatively if you would like to drive directly to Minehead, where the station will open at 10.30 a.m. and pay on the gate (£4.50 for adults and seniors, £ for children aged 2 and older.)  That will give you the bus and “Thomas” rides plus the entertainment.

If you want to know more or book on a train from Bishops Lydeard please call 01643 704996.

Added 17th June 2009

 Saturday and Sunday July 4th and 5th sees the return of the famous little blue tank engine and his friends to the West Somerset Railway and a special timetable will be in operation.

“Thomas” events mean that there will be lots of small and excited visitors on or about the Railway and on both Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th the first three trains from Bishops Lydeard have been sold out.

However there are still seats available on the following trains from that end of the line which can be bought on the day.:-
11.50 (“Daisy the Diesel Railway), the steam trains at 12.40 and 13.40, the diesel railcar at 15.10 and the steam train at 16.00.

Train times from Minehead are at 11.05 and 11.55 (both steam), diesel railcar at 13.30, steam at 14.20, 15,.15, and 16.00, diesel railcar at 16.50 and steam at 17.40. There are seats available on all of these. The last train on which a full round trip can be done is the 14.20.

“Thomas” himself doesn’t travel the whole length of the line, but gives short rides in and out of Minehead station during the day. If you travel to (or from) MInehead by WSR train your ticket also includes a ride behind “Thomas”, a trip round the town on a vintage bus and entertainment on the platform which includes three shows each day by Professor Popcorn.

If you prefer to drive to Minehead and simply pay to come on the platform the costs are adults £4.50 and children aged 2 and over £3.00. The gates on Minehead Station will open at 10.30. and the prices quoted include the ride behind “Thomas”, the vintage bus trip and the entertainment.

If you would like the steam train ride but don’t have small children we would suggest catching either the 12.40 or 13.40 from Bishops Lydeard and taking one of the last two trains back from Minehead. The scenery through the windows is the same and you will be travelling “after the rush hour”.

Added 3rd July 2009

BRITAIN’S GREATEST MACHINES with Chris Barrie
Featuring the West Somerset Railway

The Gamma Project’s new series with Chris Barrie premieres on National Geographic Channel on Thursday 4th June.

What were the greatest machines in each decade of British history? Chris Barrie tracks down the mechanical icons that changed peoples’ lives and helped shaped modern Britain.  From the greatest steam locomotives, the early airliners and the first mass produced cars to design icons like the Austin Mini and the E-Type Jaguar.  As ever, Chris is rolling up his sleeves and getting hands on – if it moves he’ll have a go! 

There’s a lot more to all these machines than first meets the eye and Chris digs out forgotten stories and classic moments of invention as he zeroes in on the engineering genius that made each machine so pivotal.  Decade by decade, Chris puts these engineering greats to the test, tells the stories of the brains behind them and examines their place in history.   And, of course, this wouldn’t be British engineering without a few glorious failures along the way.

A series packed full of ripping yarns, petrol-soaked adventures and plenty of va va voom, all delivered with passion and a fantastic sense of humour by the superlative Mr. B. 

EPISODE GUIDE:

Thursday 4th June, 9pm
Episode 1 - 1930’s “The Road to War” Starring: LNER A4 Gresley “Bittern” on the West Somerset Railway, De Havilland Dragon Rapide DH 89a, Crusader III Tank, Sentinel Steam Lorry, Morris 8 convertible, Schneider Supermarine S6-B, and Spitfire Mk IX.  Also featuring: Cruiser Tank Mk III

Thursday 11th June, 9pm
Episode 2 - 1950’s “A New World Order” Starring: – Routemaster Bus, Avro Vulcan Bomber B.2, Class 55 Deltic Diesel Locomotive, Lovell Telescope, De Havilland Comet 1A and 4C, and Land Rover Mk 1. Also featuring: Rover P3

Thursday 18th June, 9pm
Episode 3 - 1960’s “Revolution by Design” Starring: - Mini Cooper S, Mini Minor Mk 1, Post Office Tower, Leyland Super Comet, Transit Van Mk1, SR.N6 and Hoverhawk Hovercraft, and Jaguar E-Type Mk 1. Also featuring: Corvette Stingray, Ferrari 250GT Pininfarina, Porsche 911, Morris Minor

Thursday 25th June, 9pm
Episode 4 – 1980’s “The Future has Landed” Starring: - DeLorean DMC-12, Westland Lynx HAS.3 Helicopter, Scimitar Tank, Sierra RS Cosworth, Sinclair C-5, ZX Spectrum, Lotus F1, and Esprit Turbo. Also featuring: Ford Cortina, Ford Sierra

Added 4th June 2009

Picture Courtesy of Don Bishop

The new £3m Peppercorn class A1 pacific steam locomotive was built over almost 20 years by The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, a registered charity, at its Darlington Locomotive Works and was officially named Tornado by TRH The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall in February of this year. The locomotive has since entered regular service on excursion trains on the Network Rail main line.

Frequently headlined in the national and international press and on TV and radio, No. 60163 Tornado was the subject of a BBC documentary ‘Absolutely Chuffed: The Men Who Built a Steam Engine’ broadcast on Christmas Eve on BBC2 last year and is soon to appear in an episode of the BBC’s ‘Top Gear’ programme racing a Jaguar XK120 car and Vincent Black Shadow motorcycle from London to Edinburgh with presenter Jeremy Clarkson on-board.

Paul Conibeare, general manager of the West Somerset Railway, commented:

“There has already been a terrific amount of interest in the visit of the engine following Tornado’s well-publicised introduction into railway service last year after a building project that had lasted nearly twenty years. Between June 1st and 11th it will do two round trips each day from Bishops Lydeard whilst between June 12th and the 14th it will be a star attraction in the ‘Mixed Traffic Weekend’. The irony is that the ‘Mixed Traffic’ event is one which features diesel locomotives dating from the 1960s and so Tornado will actually be the most modern machine in action on those three days. On Monday June 15th it does two more round trips and then leaves the WSR to return to main line excursion train duties. We very much hope to welcome the engine and its owners back to the Railway in the future but in the meantime we are very much enjoying seeing and hearing this magnificent locomotive at work.”

In addition to hauling trains every day on the West Somerset Railway, there are a limited number of unique opportunities for footplate rides on Tornado available to members of the public. The footplate rides available are from Williton to Minehead, from Minehead to Watchet and from Williton to Bishops Lydeard.  The cost for each journey will be £125 (enquries to 01643 704996 0900 – 1700) and the available dates are:

• Wednesday 3rd June (afternoon only)
• Thursday 4th June (afternoon only)
• Friday 5th June (morning only)
• Saturday 6th June (afternoon only)
• Sunday 7th June (morning and afternoon)
• Monday 8th June (afternoon only)
• Tuesday 9th June (morning and afternoon)
• Wednesday 10th June (afternoon only)
• Thursday 11th June (morning and afternoon)

 Mark Allatt, chairman of The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust added:

“We are delighted that the West Somerset Railway has chosen to bring Tornado to the West Country for the first time. We hope that railway enthusiasts and members of the public who have followed Tornado’s progress in the press will take this opportunity to travel behind her or on her footplate during her summer holiday on this delightful heritage railway.”

The Trust respectfully requests that anyone wanting to see Tornado's main line passenger trains follows the rules of the railway and only goes where permitted.

Added 4th June 2009

The West Somerset Railway is pleased to announce that the owners of Tornado have agreed that a limited number of footplate rides can be offered to members of the public during the locomotive’s stay on the Railway.

The footplate rides available are from Williton to Minehead, from Minehead to Watchet and from Williton to Bishops Lydeard.  The cost for each journey will be £125.00

Dates available to first come, first served. Enquirers are:

• Wednesday 3rd June                          Afternoon only
• Thursday 4th June                              Afternoon only
  
• Friday 5th June                                   Morning only
  
• Saturday 6th June                               Afternoon only
  
• Sunday 7th June                                 Morning and afternoon
  
• Monday 8th June                                Afternoon only
  
• Tuesday 9th June                               Morning and afternoon
  
• Wednesday 10th June                        Afternoon only
  
• Thursday 11th June                            Morning and afternoon

Purchasers will be sent the necessary documents and the details of where they need to be at the start of their journey for this very special offer.

Enquries to 01643 704996 0900 – 1700 allowing at least 3 working days to get paperwork to the traveller.

Added 29th May 2009

Tornado arrives in Minehead on may 30th with excursion train to start visit to West Somerset Railway

The new express steam locomotive number 60163 “Tornado” is due to arrive on the West Somerset Railway on the evening of Saturday May 30th at the head of a Pathfinder Railtours excursion train from Bristol Temple Meads. The train is due at Bishops Lydeard at 6.15 p.m. and Minehead at 7.45 p.m.

The passengers will have an hour or so to enjoy the evening in Minehead before the train starts its return journey to Bristol at 8.40 p.m. but “Tornado” will be

60163 Tornado on Royal Train duties, Picture courtesy of the A1 Trust

Tornado, the first new express passenger steam locomotive to be built in this country for 50 years -at a cost of £3M- is visiting the Bristol and Gloucester areas for the first time Saturday 30 May.
Commissioned at York and driven by HRH Prince Charles, and more recently the subject of BBC’s Top Gear production team’s cameras as the locomotive raced a Jaguar XK120 car and a Vincent motor bike  from London to Edinburgh, Tornado has been headlined in the national press and featured on BBC TV and ITV.

Hired by Woodchester based Pathfinder Tours, Tornado will be in action locally pulling two special ‘Severn Coast Express’ excursion trains.
The first train, diesel hauled, departs Bristol Temple Meads 0730 on the morning of Saturday 30 May picking up passengers at Bristol Parkway and Cam & Dursley.
At Gloucester Tornado replaces the diesel locomotive and takes the train to Cardiff via Chepstow and Newport. Following a two and half hour break, the train returns to Bristol Temple Meads via the Severn Tunnel.
The second train, departing Gloucester at 3.45pm calling at Cam & Dursley and Bristol Parkway, is timed to leave Bristol Temple Meads at 5.05pm with Tornado in charge for a trip to Minehead via Taunton and the West Somerset Railway.
“We are delighted to be able to bring this magnificent steam locomotive to the area for the very first time”, said Pathfinder Tours’ general manager Peter Watts.
“Tornado has proven to be a star attraction where ever it has appeared.
I expect thousands to turn out just to watch our trains pass by but would emphasise that they do so without trespassing on the railway as has happened in other parts of the country”.
“Some tickets are available for seats on either of the trains but I advise anyone thinking of travelling to telephone the office within the next 24 hours on 01453 835414”.

For more information or to book please download the booking form below or see the Pathfinder tours website by clicking their logo.

Download the Booking form and send it back to: Pathfinder Tours, Stag House, Gydynap Lane, Inchbrook, Woodchester, Gloucestershire, GL5 5EZ

Added 19th May 2009

summer of 2008 and the engine has been very popular everywhere it has visited and it looks like the WSR is no exception!

Added 7th May 2009

The ten day Easter holiday period between Good Friday April 10th and Sunday April 19th  was a busy time for the West Somerset Railway with the generally excellent weather and the continuing attraction of steam trains making for a winning combination.

“with Easter Sunday the busiest day of all with 1490 passengers travelling. Another feature of Easter Sunday and Monday was that 500 people used the special vintage bus link that we provide between Dunster Station and the village on Bank Holiday Sundays and Mondays. Overall this has been a very good continuation of the record breaking Spring Steam Gala period at the end of March”.
Mr Conibeare continued “However, we still have to see how well visitor numbers will hold up outside of the main holiday breaks and how well our mid-week  trains are loaded during the present times of economic uncertainty. But the start of June will see the fortnight visit of the new express steam locomotive “Tornado” between the 1st and the 15th and the Mixed Traffic Weekend when “Tornado” will be sharing the limelight with a fleet of 1960’s built diesel locomotives on the 12th, 13th and 14th. We should also shortly be finalising, publicising and booking the “Days Out With “Thomas” event which will take place on July 4th and 5th.  We were unable to welcome the famous little blue engine to the West Somerset last year so this will be very popular return for a regular part of the Railway’s annual calendar.

Added 21 April 2009

The Ten Mile Walk which took place in November ,in aid of the “Heritage Carriages Project” and the “St Margarets Hospice ,Somerset”, raised a total of £5,500 !

After looking at each sponsor form and the wishes of those sponsoring the walkers, a total of £1,700 was raised for the St. Margarets Hospice, and £3,800 for the Heritage Carriages Project.

Tornado heads West for a Fortnight

The West Somerset Railway is very much looking forward to welcoming the newly built A1 Class “Pacific” 60163 to the Railway at the start of June. In order to avoid the publicity attending the entry into traffic of the engine last year it would probably have been necessary to have taken up residence in a cave and we are delighted to offer the chance to ride behind the engine over our twenty miles of track and up our banks.

We expect the line to be busy when “Tornado” is in action and so we are offering the chance to buy Rover tickets in advance. There are no discounts for advance booking but we are not charging a premium either and if you have your ticket in your hand you will be bale to walk past queues at Booking Offices.

For details and advance bookings go to our Tornado Page.

Added 1st April 2009

Mixed Traffic Weekend Tickets Available Online

The full range of Three, Two and One Day Rovers at the advance discounted prices are now available for the Mixed Traffic Weekend. For details of this major event in the enthusiast calendar check out the Mixed Traffic Weekend pages which lists all the details as we get them.
Advance Tickets are available on Tickets.web website by clicking the logo below:

You can also book by post by printing out the booking form from the link below and using your credit or debit card or by cheque and sending it back to us at the address on the form.

Download the Booking form

Added 1st April 2009

New Past And Present Book And Dvd To Be Launched At Spring Steam Gala

Such is the pace of change on the West Somerset Railway that “The NOSTALGIA Collection” is launching a second volume of its book about the WSR at the upcoming Spring Steam Gala. The new book, “West Somerset Railway, Past and Present” has been compiled and edited by David Williams, editor of the WSR “Journal” and features comparative “then and now” pictures from both the GWR and BR days and also from the start of the preservation era in the 1970’s and 80’s.

Volume 1, overseen by John Stretton is also still in print. Both run to 96 pages and feature 170- 180 photos of the West Somerset from Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead. Volume 1 costs £15.99 from WSR shops and Volume 2 will retail at £15.99. (ring 01643 700387 or 01823 433856 for postage and packing information).

Also being launched at the Spring Gala is the first “On Track” DVD produced to accompany a “Past and Present Volume”. This will also use archive and current shots and will cost £16.95 from West Somerset Railway” shops.

The launch of both the new book and the DVD will take place at Minehead Sation over the second weekend of the Spring Steam Gala, March 26th to 29th.

The book is now in stock and the DVD is expected before the weekend.

Added 20th February 2009

“Braunton” In Action This Weekend

Normal fares including all passes and local residents cards will be valid, offering a good chance to enjoy a ride behind this fine machine and to see the Somerset Countryside at its early spring best. It will also work on Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th April on the same trains.

Added 24th April 2009

Flockton Flyer DVD now in the Buffer Stop Shop

The long wait for the release of the DVD version of the Flockton Flyer series is now over. Filmed on the West Somerset Railway, and starring David Neal, Sheila Fearn, Peter Duncan, Gwyneth Strong, Jessica Lanyon, with guest stars Patrick Mower, Gerald Harper, Harry Fowler, the story revolves around the Carter family who take over the running of a preserved railway.

Based at Flockton Station the main engine The Flockton Flyer becomes a main character in all the family's adventures. All 12 episodes from these 2 series released on DVD for the first time. The 2 DVD edition (Region 2) is accompanied by an informative 24 page booklet containing several pictures and comprehensive viewing notes, written by Children's TV historian Alistair McGown and Nick Jones, who was Operating Superintendent at the time of the filming in 1976 and 1977.

The sun shone down for the weekend that marked the Spring Equinox and the crowds were out in force to ride through the Somerset Countryside and enjoy a day at the West Somerset Railway’s Spring Steam Gala.

 “We carried 1800 passengers on the Saturday and 1100 on Sunday, making it a very successful first weekend overall”

, said WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare, “with a mixture of long-distance visitors who were spending one or more nights in the area and more local people enjoying a day out either on the trains or in one of the towns and villages along our route”.

The line-up of engines included a number of “guest” machines with the “headlining” A4 Class Pacific 60019 “Bittern” being joined by numbers 34028 “Eddystone”, 4936 “Kinlet Hall”, 45231 “The Sherwood Forester” , Great Western tank engine 6695 and the WSR’s own fleet of steam engines.

Apart from the passenger numbers the West Somerset also saw excellent sales in its retail and catering outlets. One particularly strong selling-line was the newly released DVD of the “Flockton Flyer” children’s television serial which was filmed on the WSR in the mid-19270’s and the increased availability of hot food outlets was also a success and, is still available from the Buffer Stop Shop at Minehead Station.

"The Gala resumes on Thursday 26th and runs to the 29th” said Mr Conibeare “and we are looking forward to welcoming many more visitors over those four days”

Above picture is by Alan Meade.

Added 24th March 2009

Update to Sunday's Locomotive Roster

6100 Royal Scot to Work each Gala Day

After completing its mechanical exams and various test runs recently restored LMS 6100 Royal Scot will now be used all four days of the West Somerset Railway's Spring Steam Gala. The Locomotive is diagramed to work the following trains:

• Thursday 26th March - 11.10 from Minehead and 15.05 from Bishops Lydeard
• Friday 27th March - 11.10 from Minehead and 15.05 from Bishops Lydeard
• Saturday 28th March - 10.50 from Minehead and doubled headed with 45231 on the 14.55 departure from Bishops Lydeard
• Sunday 29th March - 11.10 from Minehead and 15.05 from Bishops Lydeard

The locomotive successfully completed a number of loaded test runs and pictures below are by Martyn Snell and Paul Conibeare respectively.

Royal Scot enters Minehead Station bay platform on its first loaded test run from Blue Anchor. Picture by Martyn Snell

Royal Scot standing near the turntable at Minehead. Picture by Paul Conibeare

Added 26th March 2009

Royal Scot Leaves Bishops Lydeard for Minehead

The lastest news is that 6100 left Bishops Lydeard at 15.45 and is on its way to Minehead. The images below were taken by Claire Rickson.

Royal Scot nears Churchlands bridge on its way to Crowcombe.

Royal Scot about to leave Bishops Lydeard.

Added24th March 2009 at 16.45

Latest Royal Scot News

Royal Scot has been in Steam today (Tuesday 24th March) and after testing around the station site it is planned to work light engine to Minehead later this afternoon.

Once at Minehead LNWR staff from Crewe will inspect the locomotive with the intention of a loaded test run to Williton on Wednesday 25th March 2009.

We will update this website on Thursday at 12.00 with more details as for its use during the weekend.

For more information and further pictures please see www.wsr.org.uk. Picture above by Steven Edge.

Added 24th March 2008

Although the “King”’s support team have worked long and hard to try to remedy the problems with the engine’s cracked firebox their efforts hve not been successful and the big 4-6-0 will not be running during the upcoming Spring Steam Gala weekends. However for anyone who would like to “get up close and personal” with the engine (a very good way to realise what massive machines the “Kings” are) it will be on public display at Williton during the Spring Gala in the South Yard.

Extra Spring Gala visitor Bulleid Light Pacfic Eddystone seen at Corfe Castle on the Swanage Railway

Additional Steam At The Spring Gala (but not on the rails).

For anyone taking a break between train riding at Minehead on Sunday March 22nd there will be an opportunity for a bit of extra mileage behind steam. The miniature steam bus will be operating rides around Minehead from the station forecourt during the day giving visitors a chance to see the town from an unusual angle and also to possibly get some smuts in the hair. The bus will follow a variety of routes and is running for one day only.

Accommodation Availabilty

The Kildare Lodge in Minehead is full up for the first weekend of the Spring Gala but has vacancies on the second weekend.  Meanwhile for those who would like some 3 Star Accommodation and a Special Gala deal on the stay there are also vacancies at the Yarn Market Hotel in Dunster.

Somerset And Dorset Flavour at the Spring Gala

With the addition of “Eddystone” to the list of guest engines for the Spring Steam Gala the Somerset and Dorset flavour for the event is growing.  Aside from the SDRT’s 7F number 88 both 34028 and 34046 were allocated to Bournemouth and are known to have worked to Bath, including heading the “Pines Express”.  “Black 5’s” were, of course, favourite engines with the S&D footplate crews, and “Royal Scots” certainly came into Bath from the north although none are known to have headed south from there. Add in the Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust’s Museum at Washford and the award-winning model of Bath (Green Park) that the Taunton Model Railway group will have on display at Bishops Lydeard on the 21st, 22nd, 27th, 28th and 29th and devotees of the old “Dorset” should have a grand day out.

Added 9th March 2009

Excellent Increase In Half-Term Passenger Figures For West Somerset Railway

For the West Somerset Railway the half-term holiday period proved a successful launch pad for the “heritage” line’s 2009 operations with both passenger numbers and fares revenue up by some 23% compared with 2008.
“It’s a good start”, said WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare”, “but there is a long way to go before the end of this year and we do not know whether the economic downturn will hit passenger figures during the key peak period in the summer.

We ran one steam train and one diesel railcar train during half –term, giving four trips each way over the line and some of the steam services in particular were very well-loaded.”
Mr Conibeare continued “We now take a break until March 7th to allow the engineers a bit more maintenance time, after which we run for two weekends leading up to our Spring Steam Gala which will take place on March 21st, 22nd, 26th, 27th, 28th and 29th.  Our staff and volunteers have been very busy with bookings coming in for the Gala and local Tourist Information Centres are also reporting plenty of calls and e-mails from intending visitors looking for accommodation. The Gala is usually a good early season boost for the local economy and with the LNER Class A4 Pacific “Bittern” – a classmate of the record breaking “Mallard” - due to headline the line-up of guest engines for the Gala we are expecting to maintain this tradition. Let us hope that the weather gods are with us”.

Added 2nd February 2009

Volunteers needed for 1940's Events

The West Somerset Railway Association will be promoting a nostalgic evening of 1940s style fun at Minehead Station on

SATURDAY, 6 JUNE 2009

A special 1940s theme Quantock Belle with a special attachment for extra non-dining seats will be run. There will aslo be AJ’s Big Band with a special vocalist act, The Stage Door Johnnies and other special live music. More details will be added as available.

The committee organising this event would like to recruit some volunteer support for activities to help make the event a success.  If you are willing to help, please contact Susan Kaufman, manager@wsra.org.uk, 01823 431311.  The committee would welcome new members, or volunteers willing to help with the following areas:

• Set-Up/Tear-Down
• 40s Theme Decorations
• Programme/Publicity
• Minehead Station Access

Added 22nd January 2009

Spring Steam Gala Rover Tickets Available Online

The full range of Six, Four, Two and One Day Rovers at the advance discounted prices will be available for the Spring Steam Gala at Midnight tonight. For details of this major event in the enthusiast calendar check out the Spring Steam Gala pages which lists all the details as we get them.
Advance Tickets are available on Tickets.web website by clicking the logo below:

You can also book by post by printing out the booking form from the link below and using your credit or debit card or by cheque and sending it back to us at the address on the form.

Download the Booking form

Added 20th January 2009

The West Somerset Railway Walk which took place last November has raised over £5000 in sponsor money, collected by the Walkers that took part.

From receiving all the Sponsor forms, those that were giving money and sponsoring a walker had the choice of giving all their money donated to the Heritage Carriages Project,or divided equally between the project and the St Margarets Hospice Trust.  From looking at the wishes of each sponsor the money raised for the Heritage Carriages Project on the 30 th January was slightly over £3,300, and for the St Margarets Hospice, just over £1,700.

There has been a number of cheques received since that time and this will be added to the totals. The three prize winners for raising the most sponsorship money have been identified and will be contacted shortly with a presentation to follow.,

Organiser Mike Webber wants to thank again all those Walkers who took part and collected the money but also the Sponsors who contributed generously to two worthy causes.

Added 16th February 2009

Ski-ing accidents, winter bugs and changes to family plans have meant that we have two last minute vacancies on two of our Steam Engineman Courses Stage 1. And as these are due to run in the next few weeks we are prepared to offer the places at £325 each, thereby saving you “a nice few quid” (as a TV. antique trade expert is known to say).
The dates on offer are February 22nd/23rd and March 5th/6th. There is one lower-priced place on each and if you would like to book call Justin Kerr-Peterson on 01643 700398  (0900- 1645 Monday to Friday).

Temporary Closure of the Buffer Stop Shop

The Buffer stop shop at Minehead will be closed for refurbishment over the period of Friday 30th, Saturday 31st January and Sunday 1st February. During this time the shop will have new shelves, counter and carpetting and will be much much smarter for the 2009 season. The shop will reopen for business on Friday 6th February but in the meantime online sales and postal orders will still be accepted. To visit the online shop please click the logo below:

Added 22nd January 2009

Extra Steam Engineman Courses for 2009

• 20th June
• 25th July
• 15th August
• 5th September

To book on these courses please call 01643 700398 or you can download the booking form on our Steam Engineman course pages:

Added 19th January 2009

We also intend to offer a conducted bus tour of the remains of the old West Somerset Mineral Railway on Monday March 23rd. This will start and end at Williton station and the cost will be £23 which will include the travel and the services of a guide but not the lunch during the early afternoon break. Booking for this will open shorthly.

Added 14th January 2009

Three “Pacifics” And Two Of The Most Powerful British 4-6-0’s To Headline WSR Spring Gala

However two other engines will be running it close in the popularity stakes. 60019 “Bittern” is one of Sir Nigel Gresley’s famous A4 class, of which “Mallard” is of course the holder of the world speed record for a steam locomotive.  And 46100 “Royal Scot” which has recently returned to steam after many years once worked rival express trains to Scotland, heading out of Euston whilst the A1’s and A4’s were pounding and streaking north from Kings Cross. The March Gala will be the first time ever that  a  locomotive of any of these three classes has worked on the line to Minehead.
Elite Great Western steam power will once again be represented by 6024 “King Edward I” and the Southern flag will be more than capably flown by another of last year’s headline makers 34046 “Braunton”. 
Add in more mileage to be had behind the WSR’s home fleet and the excellent photographic opportunities to be had as the leaves are beginning to appear once more and this is an event not to be missed. Rover Tickets at discounted advance prices can be bought now. See our gala pages by clicking here

Added 8th January 2009

The planning for the West Somerset Railway’s opening showpiece of the 2009 season, the Spring Steam Gala is moving forward a pace and, while the visiting line up of locomotives is still to be finalised, it is possible to book your advanced tickets now at the listed prices shown on the booking form which, can be downloaded by clicking the link below.  The advance prices for 6, 4 and 2 day rovers have been set at the same as those for 2008, a one day family ticket now covers 2 adults and up to 4 children and the proposed colour souvenir programme will still be £2.50.