WSR S&D Spring Steam Gala, 5-6 and 10-13 March 2016

Thanks Robin, what we did last year was stay in a travelodge about half an hour away from the railway, I forget quite where now, but that negated the need to book early as it was far enough from the railway that it wasn't overwhelmed.

 

You are welcome, but I think the S&D Gala is likely to be 'special' in terms of numbers of visitors, so I wouldn't leave it too late.

Robin

 

Agree, (I've booked my accommodation already) and if possible please try to support the local businesses that support and rely on the railway while you are visiting.

 

Decided to do the 10th - 13th so I've booked a few nights at the Washford Inn.

The last time I saw the railway was from a bus to Minehead (going to Butlins) in the summer of 1971. It will be interesting to see what's changed.

 

They have spent some money on a refurb in the past year , so it should be good. I am sure you will find the a Railway much improved, not least that it is open!

Robin

 

Progress at LNWR Crewe with LMS 4F 0-6-0 no 44422 following the fitting of the boiler on 15 January 2016. The loco is due on the WSR around mid-February.


Pic courtesy of Chris Jeffries.

And...further good progress was made with SDJR 2-8-0 no 53808 on 16 January 2016 with the fitting of the final cladding sheets. Pic courtesy of Chrs Ruddick.



Steve

 

I hope you have a good time, don't be scared of saying hello to any of the footplate crews when you are there and the engines are sat in the various platforms. Most Drivers are happy to have a chat if they have the time, of course us Fireman are always busy getting the engines ready to go whilst they have to just pull a few levers after the flag waves so Drivers have plenty of spare time.

 

Steady Andy, or I think you'll be eating the most burnt rashers "off the shovel" in your breakfast rolls during the course of the Gala.

 

The good bit about the WSR is the friendly staff.

It may date from the time, long ago and far far away when we only had a few passengers and we were grateful to see them, or it may be that folks living in 'Smiling Somerset' live up to the name. Of course, it could be the effect of the local cider.....in prospect, of course, as none of ever touch a drop in the 12 hours before coming on duty....

I happen to know that @34015 has an interest in signalling as well as Bulleids named after ex-Prime Ministers and we have. 5 wonderful signal boxes here as well, including one. (Williton) which must be in the running for the oldest box still working. Most of us WSR signalmen are happy to offer a peak at the wonders behind the signal box doors between trains....!

Much more interesting than those grubby old locos!

Kind regards

Robin

 

All those levers, bells and diagrams with lights on, seems like too much of a black art to me, as a simple Somerset lad !!!

Hopefully they will wire Williton back up right after its current loop extension and resignalling is done in a couple of weeks otherwise us poor enginemen will be going up on the down and down on the up

 

is Williton being signalled for that to be possible out of interest? It's possible on all of our platforms on the GWSR, but was surprised to see it's not necessarily that common elsewhere.

 

Being cynical operators, we do have 'plan B' up our sleeves for the Gala if it isn't all working by then. It does involve some of us being out in the delightful Spring weather we will undoubtedly have for the Gala with our flags, but don't worry Andy, the up trains will go up and the down trains down....

Robin

 

Williton can start back in either direction but it is not bi-directional.

Robin

 

It's not really authentic for most lines, only really places which were junctions would have had bi-directional running. On the SVR, Bewdley has true bi-di on platform 3 (the back road) while platform 2 (up main) has the provision for down departures, but not down arrivals (so an up train can terminate in 2, the loco run around and then depart to Bridgnorth). As in GWR days the only box that could be switch out was Kinlet, the bi-directional provisons at Hampton and Arley are preservation era.

 

I haven’t seen the final arrangements for Williton so others may have more info than me but its not usual for us there at Williton, we can run round no problem and of course shunt but usually we run in on the relevant platforms. The new extended loop (back to where it was pre-60’s) and another planned extension on the Minehead end will allow us to run in independently either way as there will be catch points either end and more room to shunt Williton and its yards without going into section either end. The longer loop will also allow very long trains (maybe a couple of engines and 12/13 coaches) to pass.

All of this will give better flexibility plus allow say long mainline excursion trains run over the line and pass service trains part way down the line giving us better flexibility and being a better solution for all customers both service and mainline. We do run in either way at places like Bishops Lydeard and Croscombe whereas Blue Anchor we can’t due to the spring points on the up road. Not an official view just mine but hope that’s useful.

 

I know, but it is handy in certain cases, and a few extra signals dotted around for atmosphere is never a bad thing.

 

A good fireman should be in control at all times. Plenty of footplate room for a visitor while getting ready. Well mostly plenty of room, certainly on the larger tender engines.
Andy is right though, do go and see the footplate crew and say hello, they don't normally bite and there is no such thing as a stupid question. As long as you remember that the crew have to move the loco at some point and are aware of the timing you'll be welcome.

 

WSR say "As part of the West Somerset Railway's Spring Steam Gala, rebuilt Bulleid 'Light Pacific' 4-6-2 no 34053 Sir Keith Park will take on the identity of long-scrapped class mate no 34098 Templecombe at a naming ceremony to be held at Bishops Lydeard Station on 9 March 2016 between 11.30am and midday. It will then run in this guise during the second part of the WSR's Spring Steam Gala which will be taking place on 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, and 13 March 2016."

and they also say "Hi-res images of 92214, 53809, 34070, 45379, 80072 and 34053 and home locos nos 53808, 44422 and Kilmersdon wanted for ‪the Spring Steam Gala 2016 programme. If you have any suitable images please send via email to enquiries@meridianprintdevon.co.uk
Thanks!"

Steve

 

Thanks Steve - what about 92214 as Evening Star? or is it back in black now?

 

This thread is watched by them-who-make-the-decisions so who knows ;-)

Steve