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All locomotives are listed in Good faith and correct at the time of writing

Pictures Courtesy of Alan Meade and Jason Hull

The West Somerset Railway Spring Steam Gala is a great way to start your 2010 Steam Season and is now firmly established as one of the top heritage railway events of the year.

The 2010 event, as part of the GWR 175 celebrations, recalls the latter days of Western Region steam and BRs continuation of Great Western practice with Standard designs. It is hoped that many different standard designs will appear at the Gala alongside some ex GWR designs and details can be found below.

Quick Links

• Highlights
• Locomotives
• Catering
• Quantock Belle
• Museums & Model Railways
• Shed Visits
• Turntable
• Souvenir Programmes
• Book Signings
• Free Bus Link
• Timetable
• Tickets
• Booking Form

Highlights

• British Railways Standard Class locomotives of varying types
• Other locomotives in British Railway Liveries
• Return to the WSR of 71000 Duke of Gloucester - last visited in 1994
• Interesting and intensive Timetable
• Trade stands and stalls
• Minehead Turntable in use
• Visits to the shed at Minehead and the Diesel depot at Williton
• Limited service on Wednesday 24th March with Gala Rover Tickets to cover this day
• Rover Tickets for 7, 6, 5, 4, 2 and One day Rover Tickets available - cheaper if booked in advance

Locomotives

The following locomotives are expected to be in action at the Gala:

• Guest Engines including:
• BR Standard Class 4-6-2 No:71000 Duke Of Gloucester
• BR Standard 9F Class 2-10-0 No: 92203 Black Prince
• BR Standard 9F Class 2-10-0 No: 92212
• BR Standard Class 4 Tank 2-6-4 No: 80104
• BR Stanadard Class 2 2-6-0 No: 78019
• Home Fleet Engines in Operation:
• GWR King Class 4-6-0 No. 6024 King Edward 1
• GWR '4575' Class 2-6-2T No. 5553
• BR (W) '5101' Class 2-6-2 No. 4160
• Home Fleet Engines on Thunderbird Duties:
• WSR Mogul Class 2-6-0 No. 9351
• S&DJR 7F Class 2-8-0 No: 88

More Guest Engines are being Sought and details will be posted when available

All locomotives subject to availability

Catering

Bar and buffet facilities will be available 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 Bishops Lydeard, light refreshments will be on offer in the W.S.R.A Wheel Tappers Buffet in the WSRA Shop. The Station Cafe at Minehead selling a range of hot and cold drinks and snacks. There will also be food vans at Bishops Lydeard, Williton, Watchet and Minehead.

Quantock Belle

A bar and buffet service will be available including bacon butties and other hot foods. More details will be announced as they are available.

Museums & Model Railways

The Gauge Museum at Bishops Lydeard, Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust museum at Washford and Blue Anchor Railway Museum will all be open. Trackwork display at Crowcombe Heathfield. The Taunton Model Railway Group’s base at Bishops Lydeard will also be open (small separate admission charge payable).

Shed Visits

MINEHEAD shed will be open from 10am to 5pm on both Saturdays & Sundays (admission charge of £1 per person). Come and see engines ‘resting’ on shed in between their duties, and visit the workshop and view work on the overhaul of BR(W) ‘Manor’ 4-6-0 No 7828 Odney Manor.

WILLITON DEPG Diesel Depot Visior Centre and Yard will be open every day of the Gala from 10am to 5pm (Admission by donation). Several Heritage Diesel locomotives will be berthed on the depot plus the ‘standby’ steam locomotive that you will be able to ‘cab’.

Turntable

The turntable at Minehead will be in use on all days of the Gala. Details of turnings will be published when available.

Souvenir Programme

Our new format colour souvenir programme which will include the complete working timetable & locomotive rosters for all four days will be available from mid-March from Minehead and at all stations during the event priced £3.00 per copy.

Book Signings During the Gala

In what has become a West Somerset Railway tradition Alan Hammond will be launching his latest book about the Somerset and Dorset Railway at the Spring Steam Gala with signing sessions at Minehead Station.

The book is entitled “Splendour of the Somerset and Dorset Railway” and follows the successful established pattern of memories of the former line from former staff and enthusiasts, plus an essay about the 7F 2-8-0’s, and over 230 photographs of the former S&D.

Free Bus Link

No information at present

Timetables

Thursday 25th and Friday 26th March

Saturday 20th, Sunday 21st, Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th March

SO = Saturdays Only

Tickets

Please note that ALL privilege tickets, free passes and voucher facilities will NOT apply at the Spring Steam Gala. Special Event fares apply to all passengers. Discounts are available on Rover Tickets purchased IN ADVANCE - see the Booking Form or alternatively you can buy tickets online by clicking on the ticket.web logo below

THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY THE SPRING STEAM GALA IS TO PURCHASE A
ROVER TICKET - WHICH GIVES YOU COMPLETE FREEDOM TO TRAVEL
ON THE LINE FOR THE VALIDITY OF THE TICKET.

All Information is listed in good faith and is subject to availability.

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