West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Due to a mechanical issue, the 12.35 from Minehead, the 2.35 from Bishops Lydeard and the 16.30 from Minehead will now be diesel hauled (as well as the 17.20 from MD) - the 14.30 and 15.30 from MD are both steam!

 

The loco department are good at polishing the locos - perhaps they would like to lead the way?!

 

Update on social media from the loco department today.

Locomotive update from the MPD, 7820 has today re-entered service following a routine boiler washout and running repairs. 53808 currently working the Minehead diagram services. 53809 was stopped this morning during a routine 7 day examination with a small defect with a pony truck spring which is now resolved and ready to re-enter service on Thursday. 6960 is nearing completion of its annual piston and valve examinations plus boiler washout/running repairs. 7822 "Foxcote Manor" is to receive some repairs before she steams to MD on Thursday to be stopped for a full mechanical examination and boiler washout before entering WSR service properly. Whilst the 4F 44422 is spare locomotive currently for the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend. Many thanks go to the Staff and many Volunteers who keep the current busy schedules going.

 

Has anyone got pictures of the points removal & re-alignment of the track at Dunster please?

DJB.

 

We all hope and you .
Paul .K

 

You and me both .

 

West Somerset Railway - Then and Now #43

Minehead signal box 1978 / 2017

In the same way the goods shed provides a reference at the western end of the site, so the signal box, for the preservation era, provides a reference at the eastern end. Moved from Dunster very early in the life of the new company, it was not to come into full use until 1991 and in the 'then' shot the pointwork is controlled by the ground frame which can be seen beyond the signal box. The arrangement was that there were two train staffs for the MD to BA section (main/red/octagonal and bay/blue/triangular). Only one could be withdrawn from the ground frame and this required the yrackwork to be set, as appropriate, for main or bay platform.

It was not uncommon for a DMU arrival in the bay to be followed by a steam departure from the main or vice-versa. Practice was then for the guard of the outgoing service to meet the incoming train at the ground frame, 'do the necessary' and trudge back to the station to deliver the appropriate staff to the driver. This usually worked well, but not always, as we shall see tomorrow.....

So much easier for crews now that we have a signalman at Minehead.

Robin

1978


2017

 

Surely there is a better colour to paint a carriage shed on a heritage railway than yellow?

 

What locos are in steam for day rover ticket holders for Scotsman week?

Will it be one of named locos ? Out of the pool or are they kept as spares for braunton

 

Disappointed no one has answered with "yes, and don't call me Shirley".

 

I'm going to have to dig out Airplane now!

 

It isn't painted. It is powder-coated metal.

And don't call me -I'll call you....

Robin

 

Presumably because the metal cladding was not available in GWR colours. I must say it does look rather stark.

 

I dont think it looks too bad in the flesh, and give it a year or so and the soot from the locos will weather it a bit.

 

Unlikely. Half of it has been there since 1991. That's the beauty of powder coating...

Robin

 

What it needs is a great big mural or perhaps the WSR PLC badge. All we need is a good sign writer like they have at Stogumber.

 

Watch this space. More sign writing to come at Stogumber.

Murals are a mixed blessing - not everyone likes them. I hated the one on the back of the parcels office at Williton (now removed). One mans mural is another's Muriel....

Perhaps some nice enamel advertising signs?

Robin

 

LOL! Or even Moira. Seriously though the WSR badge would look very good, but advertising signs seem tacky to me particularly tatty period ones. Food for thought anyway.

 

Adverts for Bile Beans were regularly painted on the plain walls of buildings up here in Yorkshire. How about that, then?

 

We've had enough bile in Somerset to last a lifetime, thanks.....

Robin