West Somerset Railway General Discussion

And one of the lamps is missing on the 2017 footbridge.

Page 200 on the horizon

J

 

As are the walls to the west of it. They look as if they have just been built.
Is that one of those perforated disc signals half out of shot by the new wall?

 

Yes, a disc-and-crossbar.

Robin

 

Is this some kind of Military campaign medal??

J

 

Bayard,

All of the railway to the west of the footbridge is new in the photograph. This is because what is now known as the Minehead branch was built in two parts. Firstly the West Somerset Railway Company opening it's line in 1862 from Norton Fitzwarren to Watchet. In 1874 the Minehead Railway Company opened an extension from Watchet to Minehead. The junction between the two was about where the footbridge is today. Both sections were worked by the Bristol and Exeter Railway and later by the GWR. The Minehead Railway sold out to the GWR quite early on but the West Somerset Railway retained ownership of its line until the 1920's.

The present day WSR operates the entire route mileage of two separate railway companies, perhaps only the Ffestiniog can match this in the heritage railway sector.

Andy.

 

Been looking for information on the official site for getting a lineside pass doesn't seem to be any on there,
Seen the rumor on the spring gala thread, That cause of Scotsman, these won't be renewed or applications took up,
Any truth in this?

 

Silly!

A bar would mean two medals...

Robin

 

I can't see it on WSR website, Is the £25 seven day ticket available this year? Thanks

 

@AnthonyTrains2017
Go onto the WSR website, click on FAQ's, then 'Plan Your Visit', then 'Freedom of the Line'.
Tickets for 7 days consecutive travel are £35.
Stef.

 

It's mentioned on the front page.
http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/

Steve

 

Advice from the Railway is to contact them.

Steve

 

So it is. Must have missed it. Thanks

 

Sure it was £25 last year

 

Bit of better advice would be to quell the rumors,
Is to use the Supa Dupa website to put out a statement about the lineside passes, Instead of the rumors running wild like they currently are.

 

I'm sure many would agree with you. Perhaps you might put your message in an email to the Railway?

Steve

 

I think you're right, but at 35GBP it's still a bargain for 7 ordinary days.
Note that it doesn't work for Special Events (if that's what you were thinking!).
Note that the WSRA discount (you are a Member, right?) may not apply & since you have to call the MD office or buy in person for that anyway, a quick phone call will soon get the answers.

 

As today sent to West Somerset Steam Railway Trust members....

Dear All,

You will probably be aware that the National Railway Museum is to loan Flying Scotsman to the West Somerset Railway, where it will be hauling special trains. In recognition of all the efforts and support that you all put in over the year, the company has decided to offer you the opportunity to purchase your Flying Scotsman tickets before the tickets go on sale to the general public as a thank you. This special advance purchase offer is available only to working volunteers (holding a current company identity card), PLC shareholders, and current WSRA and Steam Trust members.

You will be limited to 2 tickets per individual. On your day of travel, you will need to bring your ID card, Membership card or evidence of shareholder status (e.g. shareholder vouchers sheet) with you as these may be checked, so please make sure you will be with your travelling party. Tickets can be purchased over the phone by calling 01643 700396 on either Wednesday 29th or Thursday 30th March between the hours of 9 and 5 ONLY. We regret there is no reduction in fares in this advanced purchase offer.

The phone lines will be busy, we have 5 members of staff to answer calls, and so you may need to ring back a few times to get through. We will be as fast as we can, and your patience is greatly appreciated. The number of seats sold under this advanced purchase for each train, may be limited depending on demand.

If you are unsuccessful in getting through to us within the timescale, tickets to the general public will go on sale on 3rd April so you will have the opportunity to buy any tickets that remain online.

Information that you will need regarding the event:

Flying Scotsman trains run only on September 5th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th (NOT September 8th). Tickets will not be on sale for the 1000 and 1041 departures from Bishops Lydeard on Tuesday 5th September, which will be reserved for local school children.

Passengers travel one way behind Flying Scotsman and the other way behind a named visiting locomotive (details to be announced). All journeys commence and end at Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) and travel the complete length of the West Somerset line to Minehead (a forty mile round trip). Passengers change trains at Minehead. Both journeys are in fully reserved non-stop trains. Both trains will convey a buffet car with a fully stocked licensed bar selling hot and cold drinks and light refreshments. On the Flying Scotsman, tea, coffee or fruit juice will be served free of charge at your seat.

There will be other scheduled stopping trains on the special days. Flying Scotsman tickets will also be valid for travel on other scheduled stopping trains, either before or after your Flying Scotsman trip. Places will not be reserved on other trains, which will also be available to passengers not travelling on Flying Scotsman trains.

Reduced fares are available for young people, aged 3 to 16 (inclusive), and children under the age of three travel free, so long as they do not occupy an individual seat. There are no other concessions of any kind, and free passes and other reduced fare tickets are not valid. A limited number of spaces for wheelchair- bound passengers are available.

Flying Scotsman will operate tender first on some journeys. Each day the options are:

Excursion 1 Bishops Lydeard depart 1000 behind Flying Scotsman; arrive Minehead 1107

Minehead depart 1317 behind a named visiting locomotive; arrive Bishops Lydeard 1449. This gives over two hours in Minehead.

Fare £38.00 (adult) £25.00 (child)

Excursion 2 Bishops Lydeard depart 1041 behind a named visiting locomotive; arrive Minehead 1148

Minehead depart 1218 behind Flying Scotsman; arrive Bishops Lydeard 1325. Fare £38.00 (adult) £25.00

(child)

Excursion 3 Bishops Lydeard depart 1413 behind Flying Scotsman; arrive Minehead 1520

Minehead depart 1742 behind a named visiting locomotive; arrive Bishops Lydeard 1852. This gives over two hours in Minehead.

Fare £38.00 (adult) £25.00 (child)

Excursion 4 Bishops Lydeard depart 1530 behind a named visiting locomotive; arrive Minehead 1639

Minehead depart 1700 behind Flying Scotsman; arrive Bishops Lydeard 1807. Fare £38.00 (adult) £25.00 (child)

Want to start from Minehead or Williton?

Select and purchase your Excursion Ticket (as shown above). Then you can travel by normal scheduled train to Bishops Lydeard to start your reserved trip. (A connecting service will depart Minehead at approximately 0820*, Williton 0915* to connect with the 1000 Flying Scotsman departure from Bishops Lydeard.

* - exact times to be confirmed with your ticket.)

 

You ever tried to get an answer from them that way? It's like banging your head against a brick wall, That's if you are even acknowledged,

The communication from them is poor at the very least, Says a lot when most questions get answered on forums before the railway attempts to answer any questions at all.
That being said I have just fired off an email, I won't hold my breath for a reply,

 

When did the disc & crossbar signals go & semaphores replace them?

 

I like the mayBach memories turns, 2 full line trips in a day.