‘Bath & Beyond’ for WSR autumn gala

‘Bath & Beyond’ is the theme of the West Somerset Railway’s autumn steam gala on October 5-8, with both Somerset & Dorset and GWR motive power.


A true S&D feel, as West Somerset Railway-based ‘7Fs’ Nos. 53808 and 53809 pass each other at Crowcombe Heathfield during the ‘S&D 50’ gala on March 6 2016. TOBY JENNINGS/SR

Making its first visit away from the Bluebell Railway in preservation, BR ‘5MT’ 4-6-0 No. 73082 Camelot will be joined by a former WSR resident, Jeremy Hosking’s ‘West Country’ No. 34046 Braunton (still running as ‘BB’ No. 34052 Lord Dowding).

They will make for classic S&D combinations with resident ‘4F’ No. 44422, ‘7Fs’ Nos. 53808 and 53809, and the WSR’s newly repainted ‘blood and custard’ Mk 1 stock.

Representing Swindon will be ‘Manors’ Nos. 7820 Dinmore Manor and 7822 Foxcote Manor, and resident ‘Modified Hall’ No. 6960 Raveningham Hall.

Themes planned for 2018’s galas include ‘Great Western routes and branches’ (March 22-25) and ‘Cross Country rail routes’ (September 27-30).

With the retirement of John Cronin as Chairman of the WSR’s gala planning committee after nine years, photographer Don Bishop is now heading up the team, joined by WSR Head of Operations Richard Jones.

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