WSR SSG 2024 May 3rd to 6th

We are absolutely delighted to be able to reveal the first visiting locomotive for the Spring Steam Spectacular 2024 as LNWR 'Coal Tank' 0-6-2 no.1054.

The 'Coal Tank' is the only operational locomotive owned by the National Trust and is cared for by the Bahamas Locomotive Society. We are grateful to all involved for providing the locomotive to our event. No.1054 is usually based at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, so the locomotive's appearance in the West Country will be a rare one.

The 'Coal Tank' has never visited the WSR before and indeed has never appeared in this part of the country. She is sure to be a popular visitor and being of 1888 vintage, will provide an interesting comparison to our home fleet and other visitors. Whilst at the WSR, the loco will work local passenger trains and short formed parcels trains.

Our event dates this time are between Friday 3rd May and Bank Holiday Monday 6th May 2024 inclusive. Ensure you have the dates in your diary, you really won't want to miss what we have planned! Further information about the event will be provided when available, stay tuned for further updates!

Tickets will be on sale soon, making an ideal Christmas present.

 

Thought the bahamas society had been transferred ownership of the coal tank in recognition of the work they have done over many years

 

Indeed, ownership was transferred in September, announced at Blaenavon's Gala by the Chair of BLS. Somebody has put the video of this being stated on the WSR post about 1054.

 

The hire agreement states the hirer must state it is owned by the National Trust and cared for by the Bahamas Locomotive Society so that's what I have stated, possibly not quite up to date then

 

OH GOD YES!!
PLEASE let this be a "Welsh" theme!!

 

It’s just hair splitting isn’t it? Certainly something I’m not going to lie awake and worry about.

 

Begs a question... how many non-operational steam engines does the National Trust own?

 

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Penrhyn_Castle_Railway_Museum

8 of various gauges, plus operational Hugh Napier. I don't believe there are any others, but happy to be proved wrong.

 

Tickets are now on sale for our Spring Steam Spectacular event in May.
Prices have been held at 2023 rates, and we are continuing to offer our Kids for a Quid deal. Child tickets on the Sunday and Monday are priced at only £1 when purchased with a full price Adult Rover. These must be booked in advance.

As a reminder currently the loco lineup is as follows. We expect the final number to be up to 8 locos.

LNWR 'Coal Tank' 0-6-2 No.1054 courtesy of the Bahamas Locomotive Society
BR(W) 'Manor' Class 4-6-0 no.7828 'Odney Manor'
WSR Mogul 2-6-0 no.9351
BR(W) 94XX Pannier Tank no.9466

Not long until the next loco announcement and it will be another rare one for the West Country.

Tickets are available here - https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/spring-steam-spectacular

 

828? About as rare as it's likely to get

 

5199 not running?

 

IIRC Possibly out of ticket by them. Last running days probably at Didcot in Feb.

 

If that happens I will be needing to work out how I can be in Somerset, Snowdonia and Staffordshire all at the same time...

 

Clone yourself

 

She could be present if the boiler ticket extension bid is granted.

 

How much longer before we see 4561 at a WSR gala?

 

61306 "Mayflower" announced as guest 2

 

@Ben Jenden beat me to it but I shall post anyway!

We are delighted to confirm that LNER B1 4-6-0 no.61306 'Mayflower' is the second confirmed visiting locomotive for our Spring Steam Spectacular in 2024! This will mark the first occasion that 'Mayflower' has hauled WSR services, this will only happen over the four days of the event, so don't miss out! No.61306 last visited in 2015 at the head of an incoming railtour, but on this occasion did not haul WSR services. 'Mayflower' is usually found at the head of Locomotive Services operated mainline charter services.

No.61306 will join previously announced LNWR Coal Tank no.1054 at the event, plus more to be announced.

The visit will not only be a rare appearance on a preserved line for 'Mayflower', it will also be a rare opportunity to see an ex LNER locomotive operating over WSR metals. We are looking forward to seeing what this mainline engine is capable of. She will make an interesting comparison to the GWR engines our crews are used to.

If you haven't done already, ensure the dates are on your calendars, it is shaping up to be an unmissable event between Friday 3rd May and Monday 6th May 2024. More updates will come later in the year. We are still in discussion with a number of visiting locomotives and we can't wait to be able to reveal them!

We thank Locomotive Services Ltd and Locomotive 61306 Ltd for providing the engine for the event.

Tickets available now for the Spring Steam Spectacular

https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/spring-steam-spectacular

 

Can you ask to use whatever they plan on using on the 4th May English Riviera Express to be part of the gala on the 5th and 6th too?

61306 is a great guest!

 

A reminder of what's announced so far...

VISTING LOCOMOTIVES

• BR ER B1 61306 'Mayflower' Courtesy of LSL & 61306 Ltd
• LNWR Coal Tank '1054' Courtesy of BLS
• Further Guest Locomotives to be announced!

HOME FLEET

• BR WR 78xx 7828 'Odney Manor'
• WSR Mogul '9351'
• BR WR 94xx 9466

ATTRACTIONS

• An intensive timetable across 4 days including some evening running on Saturday 4th
• Up to 8 Locomotives in Service (Usual T&C's of course...)
• A mix of Express, Local, Stopping & new for 2024, Parcels trains
• Brake Van rides across the full Minehead Branch aboard our Goods Train.
• Also returning for 2024 is Shunting Demonstrations.
• QB Dining Train Catering available alongside our buffet cars & cafe's
• Kids travel for £1 with a fare paying adult (Sun-Mon Only)

Hopefully this entices visitors old & new to come to & support the WSR in 2024. I'm sure you won't be disappointed!