West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Been announced on Facebook this morning by its owners that 7822 "Foxcote Manor" has been withdrawn from service after seven years due to failure of the ex-BR welds in its copper firebox.

 

https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/0...locomotive-7822-foxcote-manor-is-stopped.html

 

I took a trip en famille along the WSR earlier this week for the first time in a few years, so it was interesting to compare with the impression given in this thread, and also with memories from some years back when we were more frequent visitors. There were good and bad points (and some that no doubt affect the WSR, but are outside its control).

We took the 10:15 service from Bishops Lydeard, hauled by 7812 with seven coaches; and returned on the 2:30 from Minehead, hauled by 9351 with six coaches. Both locos were smokebox leading to Minehead. The third train in use was marked as diesel hauled; I think it was probably a class 33 and four coaches given what we saw at Minehead. We didn't get out at any of the intermediate stations, but did look round the museum at Bishops Lydeard when we returned, before leaving. Blue Anchor museum is apparently shut at the moment.

So the positive: both trains we caught seemed well filled. It was interesting to note that from Williton onwards in particular, the intermediate stations - especially Doniford Halt, Watchet and Blue Anchor - seemed to have a fair degree of trade with people either boarding or alighting, presumably doing part journeys. When we got to Minehead, the platform was sufficiently crowded that it took a good few minutes to get off. (The platform has plenty of space, but there is a bottleneck past the station building).

There's been a lot of talk about the state of the track. The only obvious speed restriction was at Combe Florey, where there was a 5mph TSR where the line crosses the A358, scene of the landslip earlier this year. Despite the awkwardness of the position mid way up a long gradient, the slack was scrupulously observed in both directions, and was followed by a good recovery back to speed by the Manor in the uphill direction. (The timekeeping was good in both directions where I noted it - at least the departure and arrivals at each end were on time. Station to station times aren't very helpful on the WSR timetable since at crossing stations, only one time is given, rather than arrival and departure times. FWIW, I timed 9351 on the return journey between Williton and Crowcombe Heathfield, for which it took 25'37", inclusive of 3'26" stopped at Stogumber. Once up to speed, the loco maintained a fairly consistent 21mph from Williton to Stogumber; and about 19-20mph from Stogumber to Crowcombe).

Despite dire predictions, Washford still seemed quite well kept - at least from the window - though it was sad not to see the S&D rolling stock in the yard. There were a couple of orange army in the yard doing something - indeed, despite being midweek, there was evidence of activity at all the stations with sidings (i.e. Williton, Washford, Dunster and Minehead).

The museum at BL was interesting and with several guides on hand. The sleeping coach was open to see inside.

Even with only three trains, there were 17 carriages in operation, and various others scattered around the railway. Of those, at least two looked like they had been freshly repainted and were very bright. One of the GWR carriages was outside at Williton, with a sign encouraging support - but of course, you can't really look round to get close to see how to support!

So the not-so-good. The really noticeable thing is that the line side vegetation has really sprung up. It looks untidy and also in a lot of places restricts the view. The combination of warm, wet weather this year may have made the problem worse, and of course it is a mammoth task along 20 miles, but for long periods of the journey you really felt like you were in a green tunnel. (Not helped either by the profusion of holiday chalets along parts of the coastal section of the line - a problem outside the railway's control, of course). Looking from the platforms at Bishops Lydeard also gave a very weed-strewn appearance in the four-foot of the line as it climbed away from the station. (I'm not a p/way expert, but where I have seen that before on our railway, it has been a sign of failed drainage needing repair, so a problem to be got on top of sooner rather than later).

Unlike Washford, Dunster does look a mess. Also noticeable since my last visit - and again, not in the railways control - is that Minehead itself seems to be getting pretty down at heel.

It struck me that the WSR is a line to travel on, not a line to travel to. By which I mean, the journey is the attraction. There is a definite attraction about a long journey, and feeling you are going to somewhere. But the flip side is that there is more or less no opportunity to see the railway, and the work going on behind the scenes. No engine shed to view, no workshops to look into. Which is a shame, but also potentially a threat in terms of attracting new volunteers and encouraging donations. There were prominent envelopes for collecting loose change on every table in each carriage, but the couple opposite were somewhat loudly berating that "they've got the begging bowl out again". If you've paid £30 for an adult ticket, it may not seem obvious why the railway needs yet more. Explaining the need for funds becomes more obvious when there is an opportunity to see the level of dedication and skill that goes into restoring locomotives and carriages - it's something the WSR is missing out on. In isolation, the envelopes had no context as to what you might be donating to - just an envelope almost apologetically saying it would be really helpful if you could leave any loose change, but no indication of why it would be helpful. (And in any case - I wonder how many people carry change these days?)

All in all, it was a good day out, helped by being in the leading carriage each way and hearing the engine. If I could wave a magic wand, it would be to provide some kind of behind the scenes access, especially at Minehead. Oh, and cut back the linesides ...

Tom

 

The WSRA Steam Rally is this weekend 5/6 Aug 2023 at Norton Fitzwarren. Surprised the is no mention obvious in the NP gala pages. Might be a bit soggy today.......The WSR wagon division have a promotion stand ,
they are helping restore several 813 Fund wagons.........

 

And no mention of it whaatsoever on the companys website, so much for their much acclaimed "one railway" statement a couple of years back .

 

It is mentioned here though only if you happen to check on the particular dates. It could certainly be more up front: Steam Fayre & Vintage Rally (west-somerset-railway.co.uk)

The very much one railway ran a double headed steam hauled special train for exhibitors yesterday evening.

 

Click on 'Plan Your Visit'. ''On this page you'll find everything you need to help plan your visit'' ....NOTHING THERE

Click on 'What's On'. Scroll down to 'Upcoming Events and Experiences'. Click on 'Steam Fayre & Vintage Rally'

Yes, it was well hidden but the little devils didn't beat me <BJ>

Steam Fayre & Vintage Rally (west-somerset-railway.co.uk)

 

Best to use steamrally.org.uk for full information.

The free shuttle bus between Taunton Silk Mills Park & Ride and the Rally site is missing from the WSR plc webpage. Details attached.

Looking good for Sunday.

Barrie

 

Seaside resorts looking down at heel seems to be a growing problem. Many will be aware of how the more northerly seaside resorts have fared and many of the smaller ones in the south but it seems to also be beginning to affect the larger and more prosperous ones too. I wonder if the seemingly ever growing number of second home owners is having some effect?

 

Strange. I saw it on the WSR website home page yesterday and I see it’s still there.
Any opportunity to try to beat up the Railway as usual.

 

I confess to being completely unsurprised; Minehead has always been underwhelming to me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Thanks for that piece. It's interesting to see the considered comments of someone with a more expert eye than most of us possess.

I think, since the pandemic, the WSR has reduced the number of coaches in service, reflecting reduced numbers and lengths of trains. The operational coaches look to be in better condition than 2 or 3 years ago, but there is a seemingly growing line of coaches parked at Minehead, apparently awaiting overhaul. No doubt the overhaul programme will be tailored to reflect estimates of future business. There is also of course the stock of unrestored GWR coaches at Williton and Dunster, which may or may not have a place in the future scheme of things.

Someone is certainly looking after the station and platform at Washford. I just hope that, after the S&DRT has finally departed, Washford yard does not simply become like Dunster, a dump for PW materials and derelict rolling stock.

I did not notice any particular issue with the lineside vegetation when I last visited he WSR in early June, but it may be that growth has spurted during this wet summer. Track and trackside maintenance are of course among the main areas where the length of the WSR becomes a real burden. The WSR is twice the length of the Bluebell, but I doubt whether it has twice the numbers of staff and volunteers for infrastructure maintenance. It is perhaps fortunate not to have any major viaducts or tunnels to maintain.

In spite of the controversies that have plagued the WSR, I find the railway itself an attractive place to visit. One plea on a mundane matter - station toilet provision could be better, particularly at Bishops Lydeard!

 

What's wrong with them ? There seem to be plenty !

 

I got off the train here in June, it isn't that bad. You have to remember it is a p-way depot. It could be tidier yes, but it isn't that bad. I have seen a lot worse!

 

Tender T2061 for Odney Manor.

The gang have now completed the main rebuilding work on the tender and passed it over to the painting gang to work their magic and apply a protective / decorative finish coating of paint layers.

As previously mentioned the wheel sets that were re-profiled and assembled under T2061 during the frame repairs were "borrowed" 3 years ago to keep Odney Manor's existing tender in service. The intention had been to swap them back when the time came but having had some significant use since they will now have only a limited life before re-profiling is again required. We have therefore decided on another plan.

Apart from the wheel sets under the tender behind 9351 all of the other wheel sets available to use on the WSR's tenders are either already on their last turning size or in ex Barry condition and below scrapping size. Many years ago knowing that new tyres would be required for tenders the WSR purchased 4 extra GWR tender wheel sets to enable tyres to be fitted whilst the existing tenders remained in service. The time has now come to put this plan into action so the 4 extras and the original set from Odney's existing tender have been bought together for a condition survey.

Of the 7 wheel sets 3 have been chosen as having the youngest axles, and journals closest to new size. All 7 are having ultrasonic axle testing done to confirm axle condition in case one of the three fails on test, the WSR does UAT's on all vehicle axles at tyre turning as part of their maintenance policy. The chosen three are having their axles sanded back to remove any rust and pitting, fortunately in each case the original forgings were slightly above drawing diameter so the metal removal has not reduced them below drawing dimensions.

The chosen 3 are now due to be grit blasted and sent away for the fitting of new tyres, the WSR has (wisely) been able to include this expenditure in the present financial year. This work will enable T2061 to be fitted with fully serviceable wheels towards the end of the year. All other components are available in store and ready to fit.

A few pictures of progress as it stands today:-

Andy.

 

Fascinating

Clearly then there is major unavoidable expenditure due to keep all WSR tenders operational.

Not something you often think about

 

It's going to be true of all heritage railways. They all rely heavily on ex-BR locos from Barry, where one of the main criteria for selection for preservation was tyre condition. Just as they are coming to the end of their residual BR life in their fireboxes and boilers, they are too in their wheels, tyres and cylinders. Expect more replacements to be needed as time goes by.

 

Is there some issue this afternoon? There is a train sat at Blue Anchor which I assume should have left at 14:09 (now 14:57) and both Minehead webcams seem to be frozen.

 

You sure the Blue Anchor webcam isn't also frozen?

 

People wandering about and the camera now reads 15:27. Not sure what time the tour is due to leave Minehead.