West Somerset Railway General Discussion

What has been built is entirely in accordance with the lodged plans passed by the conservation officer. But the incorrect pitch is very noticeable, giving the new build a much more 'squat' appearance. The other details are very apparent, given 30 seconds studying any historical photo.

A poor job by the conservation officer for the Council and by those responsible for approving the plans on the WSR.

Robin

 

West Somerset Railway - Then and Now #59

Watchet station building 1966 / 2017

A much more recent 'then and Now' unusual for the 'double arrows displayed on the station building.

Apart from the missing telegraph pole, some of the road transport has changed a bit in the intervening years....

1966


2017

 

Is that your light blue sports car?

 

It is - a touch of the 'Ivo Peters'...

A rather wonderful colour called 'Iris Blue'.

Robin

 

Is that an original MG colour ? TIA.

 

It is.

But to be strictly correct, it was not introduced until the 1600 appeared in 1960, and mine is a '58 1500.

Thus car started its life in 'Tyrolite Green' an awful soupy green. Think British Racing Green with all the joy taken out. Somewhere along the way it was painted red (aren't all MGA's?) but I wanted a '58 (simple side lights) in this colour. So the sensible course was to find a mechanically good one with tired paintwork.

And now it is my dream car.

Two new SU carburettors during the refurb and it goes like a bomb....

.....officer!

Robin

 

Thank you. A quick Google shows just how nasty Tyrolite Green really is!

 

Have either the wall or the steps up to the bridge been rebuilt? They seem to have moved closer together.

 

The bridge was extensively refurbished by 'Steelway' some years ago.

Robin

 

A real pocket rocket particularly if breathed upon. Improved lubrication and oil cooling was the secret to longevity.

 

Partly sponsored by Ron Smith the husband of my cousin Carole , who died a few years ago . If you go up the steps on the station side you will see a small brass plaque with her name on it .

 

Would yours be an overhead camshaft version ?

 

No, just the ordinary 1500. Not into setting new land speed records, just getting me from station to station to take a few photos!

Robin

 

My friends had a Volvo with an even worse green, known by their children as "sickie green" which was an accurate description.

 

No doubt with a big silly grin on your face

 

A wise choice since the TC had a dreadful reputation for unreliability. It was really a homologation special to support the MG racing program.

A wise choice. Details on the MG world speed records here

https://columnm.com/mg-broke-world-speed-record/

 

Meanwhile on the Railway itself (could non-railway stuff be discussed elsewhere?) there has been a bit of disruption and trains are running late.

Steve

 

Wouldn't be a proper NP thread without going off on a different tangent now and then.

 

Heavy rain in the area at present. Perhaps wheel slip is an issue ?

Flying Scotsman departed from BL at 10:00 this morning but came to a halt on the climb to Crowcombe. It eventually passed Nethercott at 11:20 with rear end assistance from a Manor !! The train returned to BL this afternoon arriving some 36 mins late. It has just returned to Minehead 28 mins late with a class 33 pushing like mad at the back.

At Williton the diesel was detached and FS managed the climb to Washford unassisted. <BJ>