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WSR Spring Steam Gala 1-4 May 2026

Discussion in 'Galas and Events' started by GWR7812, Jan 6, 2026.

  1. GWR7812

    GWR7812 New Member

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    Not exactly a guest locomotive announcement, but 7802 will stay at the West Somerset between the end of April until November 2026.

    So (hopefully) there will be three Manors at the Spring Steam Gala: 7802, 7812 and 7828.
     
    GWR7812, Jan 6, 2026
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  2. brennan

    brennan Member

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    Whoopee doo! Three identical engines plus Mk1 coaches.
     
    brennan, Jan 7, 2026
    #2
  3. Pete Thornhill

    Pete Thornhill Resident of Nat Pres Staff Member Administrator Moderator Friend

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    Yes excellent for a late steam Cambrian vibe, especially as all three made it into 1965.
     
    Pete Thornhill, Jan 7, 2026
    #3
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  4. SebWelsh

    SebWelsh Member

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    You must have missed the last few Galas then where we've had locos from the LNWR, LBSCR, LSWR, LNER, PTR, L&Y, SR, Caley, LMS, Furness, Hudswell Clark, Hunslet, Andrew Barclay, Hawthorn Leslie and of course GWR?

    If that's not variety I don't know what is??!

    Edit - Whoops, forgot the Furness Rly!! Hope the FRT can forgive me there..!
     
    Last edited: Jan 11, 2026
    SebWelsh, Jan 7, 2026
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  5. silversteellady

    silversteellady New Member

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    No complaints here, three Manors together is basically the closest we can get to heaven on Earth anyway :p
     
    silversteellady, Jan 8, 2026
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  6. Britfoamer

    Britfoamer Part of the furniture

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    The only reason my wife drags me down to the Glos Warwicks is for 'Make More Noise Manor' Sadly quite for a short spell. :D
     
    Britfoamer, Jan 9, 2026
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  7. JBTEvans

    JBTEvans Part of the furniture

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    JBTEvans, Feb 4, 2026
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  8. free2grice

    free2grice Part of the furniture Friend

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    Interesting news from the WSR. Apparently, Vulcan is awaiting repairs and so is unavailable to join the anniversary. <BJ>

    [​IMG]
     
    free2grice, Feb 4, 2026
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  9. SebWelsh

    SebWelsh Member

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    Yes, despite the best efforts of the owners it is unlikely 'Vulcan' will be available in time to join her sister. We feel however that one Bagnall returning is huge news for us. First time she's been in steam at the WSR since 1987.
     
    SebWelsh, Feb 4, 2026
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  10. Barrie Childs

    Barrie Childs New Member

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    Hoping to experience the QB hauled by Victor. Heard many stories about such journeys from early-days QP/QB volunteers but never experienced it. Nearest I've got was the Brighton Belle in April 1972. Similar I gather, just a tad slower. Both a right challenge for stewards.
     
    Barrie Childs, Feb 5, 2026
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  11. Jonno854

    Jonno854 New Member

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    My first ever steam haulage was Victor the full length of the WSR. Can't make the April event but really looking forward to the May one.
     
    Jonno854, Feb 7, 2026
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  12. SebWelsh

    SebWelsh Member

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    WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY FAVOURITE No.3850 RETURNS FOR THE SPRING STEAM SPECTACULAR 2026

    We are delighted to announce our next visiting locomotive for the Spring Steam Spectacular (Friday 1st May to Monday 4th May) is the popular former resident locomotive GWR 2884 Class 2-8-0 no.3850.

    The locomotive operated on the WSR for the duration of her first ten year boiler ticket between 2006 and 2015. This powerful locomotive was a regular sight on the Minehead Branch during that time and was very popular with both visitors and volunteers alike.

    Coming due for a heavy overhaul, the loco was moved to her new home at Toddington for an extensive overhaul. She benefited from a new cylinder block and set of extension frames amongst other work, and returned to steam in August 2024.

    She will be making a very welcome return to WSR metals as part of our 50th Anniversary Celebrations and we are very grateful to our friends at Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd. and the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway for making the visit possible. She will look perfect hauling our ever-growing 1940s Goods train with the engine appearing in her wartime black condition.

    No. 3850 joins previously announced visitors Bagnall 0-6-0ST no.2996 'Victor' and Manor 4-6-0 no.7802 'Bradley Manor' with more visiting locomotive announcements still to come!

    Keep your eyes peeled to our website and social media for further announcements about the event over the coming weeks.

    Tickets are available to book now at a discounted advance rate via our website: https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/spring-steam-spectacular-2026
     
    SebWelsh, Feb 16, 2026 at 6:10 PM
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