Join us this August Bank Holiday weekend (Saturday 29th to Monday 31st August) as we celebrate the 65th anniversary of some of our much-loved diesel locomotives and mark 65 years since the iconic Class 35 ‘Hymek’ locomotives entered service on British Railways!
We're marking this special milestone with our Class 09 No. D4107, Class 33 "Crompton" locomotives Nos. D6566 and D6575, and Class 35 "Hymek" locomotives Nos. D7017 and D7018, all proudly cared for by the DEPG team at Williton.
For three days, the beautiful Quantock Hills and West Somerset coast will echo to the unmistakable sounds of Sulzer and Maybach power as these heritage locomotives take centre stage.
A special event timetable will be in operation throughout the weekend, with plenty of opportunities to travel behind these 65-year-old locomotives. Working both individually and in combination, the locos will recreate the atmosphere of our hugely popular Hymek 50 Years event, offering an exciting experience for enthusiasts and visitors alike.
To add to the atmosphere, a supporting steam service will also be in operation, helping to recreate the scene as it would have been when these very diesels first entered service 65 years ago.
The DEPG will be holding an ‘Open Yard‘ event at Williton on all three days of the August Bank Holiday weekend and the ‘Irie 7’ hot food and drinks van will be on site along with Rod’s Model Railways Sales Stand. The locos in the yard will be open for cab visits and shed visits will be available by arrangement with the volunteers on site,
At Bishops Lydeard, the Gauge Museum will be joining the celebrations with additional diesel-era exhibits and themed model railway displays and demonstrations.
Whether you're a rail enthusiast or simply looking for a great day out, we'd love you to come along and help us celebrate this special anniversary.
We look forward to welcoming you to the railway and Williton for what promises to be a fantastic Bank Holiday weekend!
West Somerset Railway Public Limited Company
West Somerset Railway,
The Railway Station,
Minehead Somerset,
TA24 5BG