West Somerset Railway General Discussion

I am very pleased to hear that . After visiting my grandparents in Watchet and staying in the Council Offices opposite the station I have many happy memories of the 0-6-0 pannier tanks , Sundays - Fridays with a larger engine + 6 coaches ( now know to be Prairies ) on change over days on Saturdays at Butlins , this might be the reason why I have a fancy for the WSR . Even now that I have to travel from the Isle of Man I still think it well worth it . I'm not a big fan of large express locos working at 25 mph max on the WSR , it's just too easy for them , whereas a smaller loco working closer to its limit is far more entertaining . That's one of the reasons you wouldn't of seen me within 100 miles of the WSR when FS was visiting .
FS verses 0-6-0 Pannier , no contest .

 

Is 7752 still running in its LT livery?

 

The picture that was on the FB post, presumably loaded for delivery in the morning

EDIT to add that those on FB can find a bit of info in the post on the page for WSR Mechanical Engineering Dept News

 

Even better! 7752 in LT livery!

 

It looks like I'll be visiting the WSR then.

 

Will the Hall go on tour to generate income and advertising for the WSR whilst unable to run at home?

 

Certainly be one way of generating extra funding with regards to the current financial situation that the WSR finds itself in..........

 

I guess that would depend on the contract the WSR have with Jeremy Hosking, as it's his loco.

 

Edit: I hadn't realised that 6960 didn't belong to the WSR, though I had a niggling idea it didn't.

 

Didnt @Robin Moira White once allude to a plan to have some or all the ex LT Panniers on the WSR in the 70's?

But yes, like the 37 a loco I will want to visit the WSR for

I just hope that there is a hosepipe for emergencies at Williton/Blue Anchor!

 

The WSR getting back to being a branch line rather trying to be a main one.

 

The Bluebell Railway has had a "Branch Line Weekend" featuring their smaller locos for the last couple of years and the events have been well attended, so I don't see why the WSR shouldn't do one. It would be a neat way of turning the line's weight restriction from a problem into a marketing opportunity.

 

A building many of us will know well, it's good to see this happening at the Taunton end of the line - https://www.facebook.com/TheGreatWesternHotelTaunton/

The same people that made an excellent job of the Beach Hotel in Minehead.

 

In both cases it should be the rule rather than the exception.

 

It is good news that a pannier will run on the WSR this summer. It is, after all, a branch line and a pannier tank is more suitable than a Hall. It will be nice as well to welcome 4561 back at some point soon. 5542 would also be nice.

 

Problem is 5542 is at Battlefield Line for the year.

 

With information about various aspects of WSR operations scattered across thousands of posts in this thread, a summary of what's what on weight restrictions could be helpful.

What are the largest locos that are allowed on the WSR at present (or as soon as the whole line is re-opened)?

Will larger locos be allowed occasionally, with speed restrictions in particular places if necessary?

In due course, following the upgrading that was mentioned in one of the PLC's communications, what will then be the largest for routine operations? In particular, will the boss's Castle be allowed?

If the largest locos, such as the King or visiting Pacifics, will still not be allowed routinely, will they be allowed occasionally?

 

If you have ever been at Bishops Lydeard on a summer Sunday or during the school holidays you would know why an eight coach train is required for the 1015 train.
A 3 coach train as in steam days would not go down well with disappointed passengers left behind.

 

What about advertising the diesel loco hauled services as a 60's Seaside Express and capitalizing on the Beatles connection?