WSR Spring Steam Gala 1-4 May 2026

What caused these heavy delays today? The 7:57 Minehead to Bishop train ist still in Blue Anchor, alredy 45 down.

 

I am watching on various webcams, the train waited for the booked cross with 9351 on the last train from BL to MD, despite crossing with the Goods at BA when it was booked to do so at MD. 9351 left WN after 7812 arrived at BA. Not sure why 7812 just didn't wait for the Goods to get to MD instead if it was going to sit at BA for an hour or so.

 

From WSR FB page

Unfortunately due to a small issue with the grate on 7802 Bradley Manor, this loco will not operate it's booked diagram today. Spare engine 7828 Odney Manor will work her diagram today.

On Monday, the 0843 service from Bishops Lydeard will be worked by 7828, and if repairs are successful, 7802 will resume her booked diagram from 1035 onwards.

 

Triple headed Manors in the pouring rain !

 

A day with up and downs. Personal highlight was Odney Manor climbing from Williton to Crowcombe Heathfield with 7 coaches and a van. Manors as impressive as always.

 

Yes, very noisy, even at the back of the train.

 

I remember triple-headed Manors at a WSR Gala many years ago, working a down train. 7820, 7821 & 7828 I think. Ditcheat Manor was owned by Ken Ryder at the time.

 

A very enjoyable three days despite the annual delays which now feel part of the product. Some great combos and performances !

 

80078 vice 60007 on the 16:45 off Minehead

 

60007 did have a small defect and was swapped with 80078
60007 is repaired and will be double heading with Victor on the last train

 

Thanks to one and all for making this an enjoyable Gala not withstanding the unhelpful weather and the problems on Friday with Sir Nigel. I was on that trip and remember the sudden stop after starting to leave Dunster which may have fed into the subsequent delay at Blue Anchor (we were initially told that 60007 had stopped dead centre before the problem with the tender brake was identified.

Sir Nigel then slipped to a stand on Washford bank a few times (the rails were wet and the weather rather gloomy which probably didn't help. At one point the crew (very carefully) rolled the train back down the bank a short distance to allow the sanders to coat the rail - which seemed to help.

Needless to say Sir Nigel performed much better on Sat and Sun.

All in all I really enjoyed my annual trip to Somerset so my thanks to one and all for organising the event and delivering in spite of the poor weather.

 

Appreciate post gala but are any of the visitors expected to be used on either Wednesday or Thursday this week? I don't seem to be able to rind any info online.

Both steam and diesel will be off BL. All manors are at MH along with 9351 so guessing one of 80078, 3850 or 60007 unless I've overlooked any others?

 

Thanks that's great

 

It never comes as a surprise, as every previous gala I had a really enjoyable time on Friday, fantastic breakfast (again) on the first train out of BL, enjoyed looking around the stalls at Minehead, chatting with station staff at Dunster and visited the cabs of 3 diesels at Williton, great knowledge off the DEPG volunteer I spoke to there, can recommend the 50th anniversary ale too!

I was sat on SNG's train at BA which caused the delays but these things happen. Maybe an idea could be to just have 3 'main sets' for future events, so that possibly when late running occurs trains can 'move up' the next section? It may appear big gaps in the timetable on release but when delays occur with four sets this happens in reality anyway. I'm sure the Autumn Steam Weekend last year had one short maroon set with the T3 mainly running as a local, so maybe this could happen again, but I'd rather delays than the old hourly timetable!

Seen so many wonderful photos and videos of the event, the weather was totally different from one hour to the next all weekend it seemed!

Enjoyed watching the webcams Saturday evening and when I could Sunday and Monday. Such a spectacle!

Victor & SNG double heading I felt was really fitting, what a way to sign off the event!

Thanks to all involved, planning and operating, cracking event and look forward to September.

 

And here's my video, covering all four days of the Spring Gala......

 

Even though the weather was dreary at times didn't stop us enjoying ourselves. Three days of rovers and half day on Monday at Minehead before we had to leave for the 5 hour trip back north. Time keeping left a little to be desired, but not a gala weekend without late running! My hips don't allow for much yomping along to the lineside now, so these shots are what you can get from stations whilst travelling. Part one, Friday:

 

Part two, Saturday: