WSR Spring Steam Gala 1-4 May 2026

Does anyone have an idea what the last guest loco might be, and when the timetables will be published? There are only two weeks left until the gala.

 

Hotel booked, rover tickets booked, looking forward to the event as usual.
We attend a large number of galas in a year and have done so for a long time, however, I would have to say the WSR online booking for the said tickets is the most baffling/difficult/confusing one when compared to other railways/ticketed events. Even though I followed the instructions I still ended up with more tickets in my basket than I had requested. I am no doddering old technophobe, I have been using all types of computer and systems for over 50 years! It needs simplifying!

 

Newstead.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1J6ncYeLzE/

Interesting choice of double header.

 

Yes we are pleased to confirm that 'Newstead - The Lost Engine' is our final visiting engine.

We always find a way to slot in an unusual little and large Double Headed combination. We've done 'Jessie' and 'Mayflower', and 'Fenchurch' and 7812. The younger generation seem to love such a thing and it is vitally important we appeal to them if these events are to have a future.

The event timetable should be available in the early part of next week.

 

"We always find a way to slot in an unusual little and large Double Headed combination. We've done 'Jessie' and 'Mayflower', and 'Fenchurch' and 7812. The younger generation seem to love such a thing and it is vitally important we appeal to them if these events are to have a future."

- not my cup of tea, but I'm sure there are some who will like it. The timetable should allow me to navigate around it

 

Timetables are up on the website:
https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/spring-steam-spectacular-2026

 

From a quick look is 60007 not able to use the Minehead turntable?

 

Strange and complicated timetable, some double headers not to my liking, other great. The attach/detach combinations likely to increase running problems if the t/t slips. Looks like 60007 does not fit on the turntable with the amount of tender first working. With the gala being Bishops centric there are are few occasions at Minehead with next to nothing going on.
It will be a great weekend whatever, the weather forecast is for a change to wet on the first day!
Edit: from internet search, Minehead t/t 65 foot. 60007 71 foot.

 

Interesting comments. I'll say we have intentionally put the shuttles and shunting demos at Minehead to keep that end of the line busy! Monday in fairness changes that a little but that was to try something different with the banking. Timing has been allowed for the detachments and there is recovery time baked in so all being well, slippages should be few and far between... just pray for some rain!

 

It can't take the Eastern and Midland Pacifics as well as Merchant Navies. All other types fit.

 

I'm very much enjoying trying to get my head around all the things I want to do across that timetable and I'm fortunate enough to live under an hour away so as usual will get chances to pop up there before and after work on a few extra days as well as having a full-ish day there on the Friday. Absolutely love all the imagination and inventiveness across the four days, and will keep an eye on this thread and the WSR gala Facebook page for any hints of pre-gala stock moves on the Thursday too as I think I'll probably pick up my wristband from Minehead in advance as my 'plan A' Friday moves start at Blue Anchor.

 

60007 will turn at Norton Fitzwarren on the Sunday afternoon, so anyone looking to see it working forwards will only get one chance for it solo (9.25am off BL) as the 4.20pm will be double-headed with Newstead.

Speaking of, time to play rock-paper-scissors with the other reps to decide who does what trip(s)...

 

The bus does stop at BL. It is around a 3 minute walk from the station the newish underpass. I'd say its a similar or lower distance to that as arriving by train to the South Devon if you are familiar with that.

 

You need bus stop named Bishops Lydeard Lethbridge Arms. The stop is actually south of the pub, just off the A358 on the opposite side of that road to WSR. Use adjacent underpass to walk short distance to platform.

Here's Friday's bus timetable. Just change the date to access TT for other days:

https://bustimes.org/services/28-ta...2026-05-01&service=56679:28&service=56679:28A

 

It may be 3 minutes walk for you but it would take me at least twice that. Also to get the 1158on Saturday I would need to catch the 0643 ex Swanwick as the 1127 bus would be a very tight connection. Just not attractive for a limited amount of steam

 

Doesn’t the bus come into the station yard anymore?

 

No. The bus company changed the route around September last year.

 

Super, looking forward to the gala and planning how I travel behind smaller engines.

As a boy in the 70s and young railwayman in the early/mid 80s I enjoyed my many WSR trips - once having Victor and Vulcan double headed and in 1978 Vulcan and 6412 double headed.

Does Victor stay post Gala to work any turns?
TIA.

 

It was reported the WSR have 7 steaming days with the loco, and it ran the day before the 50th reopening anniversary so I'd say this event is it.