West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Indeed, one should not ignore police advice on travel in bad conditions but give it a bit of individual thought. I recall advice being given at the time of the "Big Storm" to leave motorways in favour of secondary routes. One colleague did this and was promptly trapped fore and aft by fallen trees. Had she kept to the motorway at moderate speed there would have been no problem.

PH

 

I have just got back from sledging on the top of the Quantocks. The wind is whipping over the top and it's a good 20 kts at -4 with drifting powder. Any exposed skin became very painful after a few minutes. The untreated roads are covered in sheet ice in places which caused a few choice words.

 

Surprised the WSR shut down if the buses are running OK

 

Maybe the bus company were catering for local traffic, whereas the railway did not wish to encourage folk to make journeys from further field. If that is the case it made sense and at least it says they consider potential passengers safety and wellbeing above the balance sheet. Of course that may not be the only reason for the stoppage as Steve hinted.

 

Sods Law would say if you hired them and had them lined up and ready to go.... you'd be guaranteed to have a heatwave...

Quick, book them for the steam festival days !!!

 

Had planned a visit to BL this afternoon, too see the S160 and get a programme for the gala also to plan my visit on Thursday for gala, I’m stuck now as I’m not aware of the requirements of locos on thurs. is the shop open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday around 4pm please.

 

The Shop at Bishops Lydeard is open on all running days. Contact details here https://www.wsra.org.uk/the-station-shop/

Steve

 

A small broom would be more effective.

 

But there’s no trains till thurs?

 

You will find all the information on the WSR and Steve Edge’s site.

 

The diesel gala then. But only if the services start a little later.

 

Yes but there’s no WTT. hence the need to purchase one and make plans before arriving thurs for gala to maximise loco movement

 

Contact the Minehead Shop or the Commercial folks and see if they can post you one. See west-somerset-railway.co.uk for contact details.

Steve

 

Some railways publish their WTTs on their websites which is very useful for visitors. I don't think the WSR has ever done this, no doubt they have their reasons for not doing so. I've just got used to it and have a provisional plan of campaign for the Thursday and when I arrive I'll compare my plan with the WTT and make adjustments as needed. So far I've been fortunate and my provisional plan gives me an interesting mix of locos, and I've got the Friday and Saturday to 'fill in the gaps' as it were.
At least on the WSR we don't, ususally, have to worry about which way round the loco is when deciding where & when to take pictures.

 

I don't care what's running but my partner does so that's a big minus point from his point of view. An even bigger minus point is that we cannot reach Bishops Lydeard station before breakfast departs so we're not attending this year.

We would happily miss breakfast to see the snow ploughs though. No snow needed. Just the chance to see them running would be enough.

 

Surely if staff can't get in , passengers would have the same difficulty .

 

I would imagine there are a few key areas that prevent the railway operating, signal boxes for one.

 

Exactly the sort of post which makes my blood boil. What is running may well be important to your partner, but surely you could ring/check the website the day prior to visiting. Those railways which do publish rosters in advance almost invariably change them several times before, or even on, the day.

Since you obviously place great significance on your own breakfast preferences perhaps if you emailed QB Steward re your 2019 planned arrival time he might tailor next years timetable for the diner to depart BL to suit your personal requirements.

Given the obvious importance you believe your presence bestows on the railway had you considered getting in touch with the Almighty with a view to him/her causing the weather to be heavy snow?

 

I have a couple of feet of the white stuff in my back garden that I'd be glad to see the back of.
Flying into Dublin & Bristol tomorrow; should I bring some with me?

 

Good idea, but best check with Anne C-B first in order to confirm her wishes in terms of consistency, required depth and a synchronised arrival time at BL