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West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Discussion in 'Heritage Railways & Centres in the UK' started by gwr4090, Nov 15, 2007.

  1. Robin Moira White

    Robin Moira White Resident of Nat Pres

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    When Mark Smith was still a WSR Director and there were active steps to set up a heritage committee he and I brokered a rather tense meeting between the relevant individuals..After listening to the arguments, Mark ruled that the levers at Williton would not be shortened.

    Regrettably, some years ago, when a motor point was installed at Blue Anchor, the then signal engineer, after being specifically instructed not to shorten the point and FPL levers, sat up all night with his hacksaw and hacked (not very neatly) the tops off the levers (of a very rare and historic frame) and insultingly then delivered the sawn off lever tops the following morning to the then Managing Director in a petulant demonstration of his authority.

    Over the years, some of us who have been around heritage railways, in my case for a shade under 4 decades, have had, on occasion, to endure bad behaviour from those we have a right to expect better from.

    No parallels with recent events, then.

    Robin
     
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  2. Andy Norman

    Andy Norman Member

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    As with all things the event is subject to change so critising us as unorganised and "pure fiction" is a bit unfair. Originally the Spitfire was going to be at Minehead, the leaflets were printed but then a change was forced on us as the event grew and more people wanted to be involved so there was just not enough space at Minehead. Therefore we changed it to Bishops Lydeard for the RAF display and some military vehicles at Minehead (as well as other places along the line) . Its now being joined by a Hurricane replica as well. The event has grown as more people want to be involved so changes may continue as the popularity increases. I would suggest if you are on Facebook you join the "West Somerset Railway Forties Weekend 2018" group if knowing the exact location of all the various exhibits is important as its updated by the organisors daily. Watchet in particular will be worth a visit as the Town as a whole has embraced the event.

    The Military train (again subject to change) is currently planned to be hauled by the S160 leaving MD both days at 11.15am arriving BL at 12.43 Returning from BL on Saturday at 13 15 and Sunday at 15 15. Its been difficult to publish these times to date due to other specials running through the Timetable such as the QB, a Murder Mystery and the Saturday night Minehead 1940's dance special so as well as the normal passenger services we have had a lot to cram into a busy schedule with 4 steam and 1 diesel running both days and some on double turns. Needless to say if you visit the WSR that weekend (15/16 September) there is lots to see.
     
    Last edited: Sep 4, 2018
  3. DragonHandler

    DragonHandler Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for that information. It looks like it's going to be a very good event.
     
  4. ikcdab

    ikcdab Member Friend

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    I'm thoroughly looking forward to the event. My army uniform is on hire and I can't wait to trymit on. Mrs C and I have the job of escorting the King and Queen around the railway. Unfortunately the Rolls Royce is not available, but I understand that we will be transported in army jeeps etc. Quite exciting.
    I'm out all weekend as an army colonel and hope (Andy?) to get at least a short trip on the freight brake van!

    Ian Coleby
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2018
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  5. Copper-capped

    Copper-capped Part of the furniture

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    Robin, what is the reason for wanting to shorten the handles?
     
  6. Jamessquared

    Jamessquared Nat Pres stalwart

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    It is (or was) customary to shorten handles on motor worked points to remind the signalman that they did not require a heavy pull.

    Tom
     
  7. Copper-capped

    Copper-capped Part of the furniture

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    Thanks Tom.
     
  8. GWR Man.

    GWR Man. Well-Known Member

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    I see that the working party for the WD brake van was working overtime, as two were working on Saturday putting a coat of preservative? on the planking for the sided etc.
     
  9. Robin Moira White

    Robin Moira White Resident of Nat Pres

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    Important in a busy box where a signalman might forget that a lighter touch was needed. Perhaps less important in a heritage box where the stress levels are lower.

    Robin
     
  10. johnofwessex

    johnofwessex Resident of Nat Pres

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    Been there, seen that done it at Worcester Shrub Hill.
     
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  11. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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    Does anyone have the email address for the lady needed plastic sheets for protecting
    Toplight no 7538. I have numerous 2x1 metre clear polythene sheets that are quite thick but can’t find her details. Just wondered if these would be any good, theyre only going to be recycled anyway. 4933FE2F-706B-4AB3-8A71-53BFD52293B2.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2018
  12. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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    What’s the diesel in service for 1940s weekend? There weren’t any in 1940?
     
  13. Robin Moira White

    Robin Moira White Resident of Nat Pres

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    PM me with the same offer and your e-mail address and I will pass it on.

    Robin
     
  14. DragonHandler

    DragonHandler Well-Known Member

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    You could stretch a point and use an 08, I read somewhere that they were based on an LMS design. ;)
     
  15. 45076

    45076 Member

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    Same could be said for the 2 Manors working over the weekend. Both were built in 1950.
     
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  16. Ian Monkton

    Ian Monkton Member

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    .....and the Mk1 coaches - all built in the late 50s/early 60s!
     
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  17. Forestpines

    Forestpines Well-Known Member

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    The LMS shunters became BR Class 11 (and NS class 500). There are a number of them preserved, although I don't think there are any pre-nationalisation examples among the survivors.
     
  18. fergusmacg

    fergusmacg Resident of Nat Pres

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    My understanding is 2 of the LMS built ones survived but these are part of a batch for the WD - only one of these are in the UK @ the L&HR (the other one is in Holland).


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
     
  19. AnthonyTrains2017

    AnthonyTrains2017 Well-Known Member

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    Are the manors out, just showing 7F and hall and S160 on military train
     
    Last edited: Sep 5, 2018
  20. GWR Man.

    GWR Man. Well-Known Member

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    Sorry the 7F is also out as it was still carrying its larger boiler/firebox/smokebox until the 50's. Also two of the open wagons in the WD livery wasn't built until the 50's so nothing much left. Looks like it will need the Hollywood touch then to run anything much.
     

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