East Somerset Railway

thanks for reply ref Pannier

 

Anyone know if L.92 is out this weekend? Thanks

 

Yes, I believe it is.

 

Thank you hopefully see it on sunday for the first time!

 

I visited on Sunday (yesterday) for the first time in a couple of decades.

Ivatt 46447 had failed early that morning (6 a.m.) and pannier L92 was steamed instead, running three round trips. Unfortunately, it didn't have enough steam in time and the 11.00 eventually left 100 minutes later, in effect the 11.00 was cancelled and it ran as a 10 minute late 12.30. I skipped the first train which was quite crowded, and took the next train at 2.00. These things happen and kudos for steaming L92 for just 15 miles running.

Part of the reason I waited was I fancied a bite to eat and lunch would finish at 2.30, so there'd be a rush from returning passengers at 1.20 and those trying to get the 2.00. Lunch was good: three Greek dishes and I had the souvlaki at £7. Really good, and I told the cooks that too.

Cranmore West is out of use for work, as is the signalling at Cranmore. The flooring on the Mark 1 TSO was noticeably quite worn and the tables loose. There's obviously some catching up to do.

Everyone was friendly and welcoming (though the informative briefing at the ticket office caused a long queue first thing). It's off season so as would be expected a number of attractions were closed to the public, such as the signalbox and miniature railway. The works was open though and you could see (and hear) rivetting to the lower firebox of 4110. Partly dismantled was 'Nan'. Outside was GWR 4247 and the Ivatt which was under investigation/repair and in steam. It's a real attraction to be able to wander safely through the works. The shiny LU carriage is a picture. The age profile of the volunteers is encouragingly young. The 'trail' and exhibits are well done.

A few bugbears. A personal dislike is the canned music in the station and platform (Do they know it's Christmas?). The family in the bay behind me were cleaning their own table. There's a fair bit of linear scrapyard although there's a lot well concealed by trees in the yard.

There's information about being able to combine a ride with a walk back, but it's not signed or routed in the handouts. With such a short run I think that would be an advantage.

Communication was sporadic, waiting for the 11.00 we were told at quarter past that 'I've just been told there'll be no steam for quarter of an hour. At least'. It was another 80 minutes. As I was lunching a chap went to the car park (12.30) and had been told they hoped there'd be steam for the 2.00 departure: then the Pannier turned up and the train went!

One last thing, I was surprised there wasn't a bar of some sort, which might earn more money?

Thanks to all at the ESR.

 

Thanks for the warning as that's a major bugbear for me. I won't be going -- though to be fair I would not have been very likely to visit anyway.

 

If late May double bank holiday week is out of season when is in season ?

 

Does anyone know if 46447 going to be in use this wekend?

 

46447 is due to be in service over this coming weekend subject to availability.

 

I made my first visit to the East Somerset back in October and was really impressed!

What a great line, and very friendly volunteers. I was pleased to see No.4555 in service and looking very smart and it was interesting to ride in the Mark 1 suburban carriage too, I hadn't been in one of those before.

I also really appreciated the demonstrations in the signal box - very clear and informative - and a rare opportunity to be in a signal box by an operating line. I got a few nice angles for photos too.
It was also great to be able to go round the engine sheds, not many places you can do that now! And thank you to the crew member who let me look around the cab of 4555 at Cranmore too - a lovely way to finish the day.

I'm already looking forward to going back!

Here's my video if you're interested, starting off with 4555 on the climb out of Mendip Vale - a brilliant sound track

 

Great video. Reminiscent of other days on SDR an Dartmouth lines.

 

Thanks very much! Glad you enjoyed it

 

Our son had his delayed (due to COVID and then other complications) 18th birthday premier driving experience today. He had a really good time , well run, very friendly. Really impressed how it was all run and would heartily recommend.