WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY PLAN ATLANTIC COAST EXPRESS EVENT

The West Somerset Railway plans to run a week long Atlantic Coast Express event next April. 

It had been intended to run it this September but provision of key locomotives was beginning to look challenging.  WSR Vice Chairman, Frank Courtney, said: “We need to get this right and offer as close to an authentic ACE express as it is possible to do on a 20 mile West Country branch.  We think we need at least three Bulleid designed locos, preferably including at least one Merchant Navy and two light Pacifics. Putting the event back will give us more time to get these in place.”

This event is not a traditional gala and the WSR will be offering its normal range of enthusiast galas in 2019.  The ACE event will include non-stop running, fully reservable seats and free light refreshments served at seat.  Paul Conibeare, the West Somerset’s General Manager said: “We all recognise that Flying Scotsman is an exceptional loco and hopefully she will be able to return before long.  The aim with the ACE event is to offer a different, but premium day out to many of those people who enjoyed the Scotsman event on the railway.  Many of these people are not traditional railway enthusiasts, but simply those who are seeking an exciting and interesting day out and being treated as special passengers.”  More information about the event will be released in the Autumn.