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

This is most likely not the shot you want but the nearest I have,

 

Mobile signal can be very variable. Last time I went to the WSR, Minehead had good signal, the rest not really. When I went to the Moors in 2014, Pickering was 4G (I'm with O2) while most of the rest was barely anything. The GWSR was quite well covered when I went on Saturday, while the SVR goes from H/4G at Kidderminster, Bewdley and Bridgnorth to nothing at Arley and Hampton Loade.

The weirdiest one was Dovey Junction last Easter, I had absolutely nothing but my friend had 3G!

 

I was on the train and standing by the level crossing as SKP was being draged backwards over the crossing and it's driving wheels were not turning.
This was noticed by several other people including some non enthusiasts who thought we were joking with them when we mentioned it could be serious aand expensive if it caused ' flat tyres '.

I wondered how far it got before it was noticed? I was pleased to see the loco back out on the first out of BL on Saturday.

 

Highlights from my footage from Friday and Saturday (extended footage coming soon)...

 

Not very far.

This problem was identified and corrected by the train crew, declared to the engineering staff and Control on arrival at Minehead, and dealt with before the loco took up its next working an hour or so later.

Robin

 

Best Gala I've been to for years aided by the beautiful spring weather we were blessed with. I was there for all 4 days and enjoyed every moment of it even if the running was a little on the late side. Back to the glory days of WSR galas!

Thanks to all those involved with putting on this fantastic spectacle. As close to the old S&D as I'm ever likely to sample and a truly fitting tribulte - Well done WSR

 

I got a signal in Minehead, very poor at BL, not too bad at Stogumber, and text only on Williton footbridge with my arm in the air!! Elsewhere, forget it!

 

My footage from the two weekends (excluding the first Saturday) is now live. Hope you guys enjoy.

 

A hypothetical question for Robin & the controllers, - if you could put a new loop in , as has been suggested at various times , where would you place it? Kentsford area maybe? And how would it be signalled?

 

A personal view....

Kentsford first, without doubt, then Leigh.

But we have a lot else 'on' in coming years, so that is likely to be a fair way off.

How signalled? Well, we are a heritage railway.

Robin

 

Arr ,I know how it would be signalled, with semaphores! But I mean the practicalities of it. But I guess apart from galas its not a priority.
s

 

I had a brilliant day on the last day 13th March, many thanks to all those that made it happen..

Heres my video of the day...

 

Word of the Gala had plainly spread far and wide. I caught the 0517 from Yeovil Junction this morning and called in to the buffet there (open from 0500!) for a bacon roll and a coffee.

The lady and gentleman who run it had visited on Sunday and described it as a brilliant day. They commented in particular on the line, the stations, and the countryside / coastal scenery, so I don't think they had visited before.

Robin

 

That's an important point. Thanks must go to the WSR teams that keep the lineside vegetation in check. It helps no end for the photographers amongst us but much more importantly, the passengers on the train can fully appreciate the beauty of the Quantocks.
There is nothing worse than riding on a preserved railway that runs through a particularly beautiful part of the country when all you can see is an avenue of trees. <BJ>

 

I fully agree Bill, they always do a great job clearing the vegetation on the West Somerset Railway. But why would they choose to do the clearing of the lineside on the last Sunday of the gala??
There were about 8 people with Hi-Viz on and 2 using strimmers on the climb to Crowcombe Heathfield on the Minehead end of the station.I did video the for one shot, 53808 and 34070 Manston on the 09.25 from Minehead in full sun but with lots of orange about. It didnt spoil my day but I just couldnt understand why the work was being done on a Gala day..

 

They work on pretty much every Sunday.

That's how they achieve what they do.

Robin

 

Robin I didnt want my post to come across as having a go at the line or the workers.. apologies if it did....it was just a query as to why they programmed work on such a big Gala, dont the volunteers want to enjoy the Gala??

 

I think they get to enjoy both.

They enjoy their 'napalming' of the vegetation and get to see the trains going by as well!

Robin

 

I was just about to comment that I bet they especially wanted to be out during the gala - I would!

 

Extended footage from my days at the gala on Friday and Saturday, a very enjoyable couple of days at an excellent line.