WSR S&D Spring Steam Gala, 5-6 and 10-13 March 2016

Indeed, will know more when working timetable is released and £3 well spent

 

I can't give the details (rules is rules) but those who are hoping for some double-heading will not be disappointed.

Steve
(non-exec SEPT person)

 

The Quantock Belle catering team will be offering hot food - all day breakfasts - during the 2016 Spring Steam Gala weekends. More info on www.wsr.org.uk

Steve

 

Any news on footplate rides during gala excluding the steam engineman experiences, i rang wsr but they said no further details as yet.

 

Is the link available for the brochure? I know that it hasn't been completed but is it available to buy?

 

It's on the Shop page of the WSR website.

 

Done!

 

what jinity the having at midsomer norton on the 5/6th then

 

Happened to be present at Quantock Brewery yesterday when the WSR's 40th anniversary commemorative beer got it's very first sample tasting. And very tasty it is to. Some rather unusual hops have been used in the brew, making for a very distinctive beer.

Cask conditioned Quantock Gold '76 Ale will be available throughout our S&D gala from Quantock Brewery's festival bar on Minehead Station and also from the Brewery tap. QB (no, not that one!) is adjacent to Bishops Lydeard Station and a very agreeable place to take a short break from the gala (if you can tear yourself away). If not, a bottled version will be available from service train buffet cars. Rest assured though, cask version has the edge on the bottled.

Barrie
Somerset CAMRA committee member

 

In general terms, I don't like unnecessary double headings, as they can look childish if you get a silly combination of locos in pre-grouping livery from different companies at opposite ends of the country!

However, the S&D was noted for double heading on those summer Saturdays, so won't be altogether out of place. Even better if there were 12 coach formations - the climb out of Watchet or BL must rival Masbury of old!

John

 

Steve

 

On Monday 7 March 2016 the planned locomotives are LMS Black 5 no 45379 (start from Minehead) and SDJR 2-8-0 no 53809 (start from Bishops Lydeard) whilst next day the planned locomotive is BR Class 9F no 92214 (start from Minehead). These engines are only on the Railway for the Gala so this will be a special opportunity to see what life was like for crews on the Somerset and Dorset.

Please visit the official website for full details of locos and pricing.

Steve

 

Just to support what Steve has posted, I’ve just also had the same info directly from ‘the man’ at Minehead shed. The Footplate Experience courses have been extended as Steve states to a choice of 3 engines: Black Five, 7F or 9F. Part of the email I received is below for some more details.

So it is-
Mon 7th
45379 MD start doing 2 round trips. 4 customers each Driving 20 miles / Firing 20 miles plus train ride around that.
53809 BL start doing 2 round trips . 4 customers each Driving 20 miles / Firing 20 miles plus train ride around that.

Tues 8th
92214 MD start doing 2 round trips. 4 customers each Driving 20 miles / Firing 20 miles plus train ride around that.

So drive one way and fire back plus a round trip ride with the Guard, 80 miles with steam in one day. Big engines, big trains, tough and long gradients through 5 signal box sections, time to get your relatives to give you that once in a lifetime early birthday/Christmas treat (or of course just pay for it yourself).

Having fired on this line (and recently passed out as a Passed Cleaner to fire) after having previously experienced being on the footplate as a Fireman on other much shorter and less ‘inclined’ heritage lines this really is an experience you do not want to miss, it’s the nearest to the real S&D as you will ever get, the 6 miles of gradient up from Williton to Crowcombe is a particular treat. !!

Go on treat yourself, be brave but be quick.

 

Was hoping for a rather cheaper foot plate ride trip between lydeard and Norton

 

Love to be on a footplate of a 9F for short trip

 

Blimey Steve. I didn't realise that the distance from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead is identical to the length of the Somerset and Dorset.

 

Feels like it sometimes And look - the WSR climbs to almost the same height as the S&D! Amazing ;-)

Steve

 

I'm sure your wish will be noted by SEPT for future events, TT.

Steve

 

Hello,
I would have liked a discount for the Brake Van rides.....seeing as I 'own' one of the possible vans to be used!

nick