West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Thank you for the clarification. My point was indeed that in the 21st century other vehicles are available and some of these may be more suitable than the straightforward plc.
I won't get into the structural differences between the WSR and other Heritage Operations as we've done that to death in the past. I'm also not going to be drawn back into that discussion. However I don't want the basic point to be lost. Heritage railways generally need more volunteers, more fund raising and more help.

 

I have never understood why the water tower at WN was removed (item 7)? Does anyone when it was removed?

 

With the £2 fee for entering stations during 60103 visit are you to spend all day there.

 

Another quick question - will there be anywhere at BL that I can leave a suit (in a bag) on 11 September?

Due to tedious logistical problems, I'll have it with me that day and don't really want to lug it around all day. I'm booked on the second FS trip and am hoping to get the last bus to Taunton so I can get back to London.

Thanks.

 

You could always ask in the shop, as long as it's open when you get back of course

 

Just to mention that Cranmore have got the job to rebuild the DSR's 2-8-0-T .

A. Virtue rewarded

B. I have always marked up the DSR as realists.

PH

 

This alludes to a website associated with one of the six former WSRA Trustees who were voted out at the Feb 2016 EGM. NatPres management asked us not to post links to this website after everybody got thoroughly fed up with it, so I won't. Read the Coombes report and the EGM/AGM minutes on the official WSRA website if you want to know more.

 

You will have an allocated seat and most coaches have luggage racks.

Robin

 

I see that Quantock Heritage is running a vintage bus service to Lynmouth.

Any likelihood of organising through tickets or more importantly ensuring that the last train is held in case the afternoon bus service runs late?

 

http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/detail/lynton-and-lynmouth-explorer

 

I have read all I can find on the subject but that does not tell me which one, of the six, cannot let it lie. I am, however, looking forward to his reaction when "the steamroller" hits him and the other 5.

 

DSR?

 

http://www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk/tours/steam-train

 

This is the one and only time I will mention this needlessly devisive episode which, IMO, was allowed to fester for far too long and detracted from the good work being done in Somerset to the point of nearly turning a first class line into a laughing stock. It also did s-d all for the wider heritage movement in the eyes of the wider public. That's already more than enough damage.

Given pending litigation, best leave legal types to collect their evidence, make their cases and for the rest us to treat the whole sorry subject as sub judice and chew the fat over the judicial findings down the line.

 

West Somerset Railway - Then and Now #36

Minehead platform 1988 / 2017

Continuing our stroll along Minehead platform / though time, here is a view of the Cravens DMU waiting in the main platform. The 1980's were a challenging decade for the WSR which started with the WSR plc on the brink of bankruptcy but ended, through sheer hard work, with the plc in a much better state and hosting Evening Star. Here Minehead platform is rather weedy and the station lacks many of the facilities seem in the shot from 29 years later. That level of advancement has not been seen in recent years.

Robin

1988


2017

 

Very true Steve. Unfortunately owners have to accept that railways, generally, can't afford to pay the amount of fees actually required for the owner to undertake the next overhaul so, yes, I think we do actually subsidise the hiring railway. Loco owners are finding it increasingly difficult to fund overhauls and that includes the high profile main line engines, let alone the 'nondescript' workhorses! Long term 'mutually beneficial' agreements with host railways seem to be the way forward but even then such railway has to find the funds at the appropriate time to ensure the loco can be turned around in a reasonable timescale to meet the strategic plan. It's telling that there would appear to be a general shortage of engines out there again along with numerous appeals, us (6695) included, for funds to complete overhauls. I don't know what the answer is, we're all trying hard to keep our engines and railways running, but are we going about it the right way?

 

Jeff, methinks a tad pedantic regarding the status of 6695? The engine is part of the HoME's strategic plan with an agreement in place so surely now part of the fleet?

 

Its interesting to see how Zelig like 3205 seems to appear almost everywhere in the early days of preservation.

When she's running again it would be nice to see her back on the WSR - I don't think I have travelled the line behind her.

Possibly a class rather unrepresented in preservation that would have made a very useful locomotive for many lines

 

Dartmouth Steam Railway

PH