West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Meanwhile back at the ranch....

I was nice to get behind 2 different Double Headers today and the paired 4f's were certainly popular..

 

I see from the link on the previous page that the removal of the trees at CH has in fact, made the station more historically accurate. Not only have the drainage and operational problems been resolved but it enhances the wonderful "then and now" pictures from Robin.

In other news, well done to the duty fitters at Minehead yesterday who swapped out a troublesome snifting valve on the visiting Standard in double quick time. Fire bars were also fixed on 5199 while the firebox was rather warm.

I also read on Mr Edge's web site that 6695 currently undergoing a rebuild at Williton will stay for another 25 years. I hope that all of the WSR "improvements" to grates, ash pans etc. will be included in the work as she will be a very popular addition to the home fleet.

 

The engine was 6960. I had the great pleasure of riding the footplate on the engines next service, the 12:45 from MD to BL.

The driver was Trevor and the firemen were Steve and Mike. A very impressive team!

Stef.

 

Thank you! A number of fellow passengers also remarked on the smoothness of the journey. The return journey, when you were on the footplate, was just as good.

 

There are a number of advantages to viewing Bank Holiday Somerset from an FO table....

Robin

 

News for those who, like me, enjoy watching the line side cameras.

WebCam have re-activated the camera at Bishops Lydeard station. The camera has been repositioned to give a much better view than was available previously.

In addition, a second camera has been installed at Minehead station, giving a splendid view in the direction of the crossing and the track beyond towards Dunster. The original camera has not changed.

Stef.

 

Indeed, Stef! The earlier webcam attempts were wonders in their day but there's no doubt the railcam.uk solutions are truly superb. The current set-up at Lydeard is all new. Railcam.uk are the guys who deserve the praise for the new and existing cams also the organisations at Minehead, Crowcombe and Bishops Lydeard for enabling access to broadband, and the WSR folk who work hard to make it all happen. I'm just grateful for permission to re-use the webcam feeds. The WSR cams can be viewed at railcam.uk or on wsr.org.uk (look under "Pictures" on top menu).

Steve

 

A WSR 'then and now' with a little difference..

The first shot shows the signal box in place at Dunster in the early 60's controlling the single to double line Junction and the crossing.

The second photo shows the same spot this afternoon - use the platform end as the point of reference.

The third shot shows the same box in its present position at Minehead.

Now then, this box came to Dunster from South Wales in the 1930's, so can anyone provide the missing fourth shot?

Robin

Dunster ca. 1961


Dunster 2017


Minehead 2017

 

Do I detect a welsh location in the caption in the first photo?

 

Yes. Does anyone have a photo of the box there?

Robin

 

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Nelson-Ll...oed-Treharris-and-Merthyr-Lines-/251570233579

Does that look like it? I think not, brick not timber.

Being that the caption says NEW Station then a remodelling may have thrown the Signal box up as not required and possible to relocate.
Would that fit the plot?

 

My guess is that that shot shows N&L after the remodellingvwhich made the now MD box redundant from there.

So an earlier shot required.

Robin

 

Out of interest, is Dunster now an "open crossing" i.e no gates, lights or barriers? The period photo does show gates of course.

Regards

Matt

 

Yes.

Robin

 

It has lights and the track speed limit is 5 m.p.h.

 

The crossing pictured here at the MD end of the station is now open - just a Give Way sign on the road - no lights.
Sea Lane crossing at the BA end of the station does have wig wag lights but no barriers.

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When were the lights removed? AFAIK they are still operational but I am happy to be corrected.

 

Not there July 2009 https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.1...4!1shi3YF023npTvILZ5mVi0-Q!2e0!7i13312!8i6656

 

To be honest I'm not a regular visitor but I can't remember seeing lights at that end of the station at all. A quick Google shot reveals a Give Way sign and X crossing sign. Certainly no lights last time I visited by road which was 5 years ago. I guess you don't always notice from the train.

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Thanks. Please can you tell me if the other Dunster crossing light controlled? TIA.