West Somerset Railway General Discussion

When Mark Smith was still a WSR Director and there were active steps to set up a heritage committee he and I brokered a rather tense meeting between the relevant individuals..After listening to the arguments, Mark ruled that the levers at Williton would not be shortened.

Regrettably, some years ago, when a motor point was installed at Blue Anchor, the then signal engineer, after being specifically instructed not to shorten the point and FPL levers, sat up all night with his hacksaw and hacked (not very neatly) the tops off the levers (of a very rare and historic frame) and insultingly then delivered the sawn off lever tops the following morning to the then Managing Director in a petulant demonstration of his authority.

Over the years, some of us who have been around heritage railways, in my case for a shade under 4 decades, have had, on occasion, to endure bad behaviour from those we have a right to expect better from.

No parallels with recent events, then.

Robin

 

As with all things the event is subject to change so critising us as unorganised and "pure fiction" is a bit unfair. Originally the Spitfire was going to be at Minehead, the leaflets were printed but then a change was forced on us as the event grew and more people wanted to be involved so there was just not enough space at Minehead. Therefore we changed it to Bishops Lydeard for the RAF display and some military vehicles at Minehead (as well as other places along the line) . Its now being joined by a Hurricane replica as well. The event has grown as more people want to be involved so changes may continue as the popularity increases. I would suggest if you are on Facebook you join the "West Somerset Railway Forties Weekend 2018" group if knowing the exact location of all the various exhibits is important as its updated by the organisors daily. Watchet in particular will be worth a visit as the Town as a whole has embraced the event.

The Military train (again subject to change) is currently planned to be hauled by the S160 leaving MD both days at 11.15am arriving BL at 12.43 Returning from BL on Saturday at 13 15 and Sunday at 15 15. Its been difficult to publish these times to date due to other specials running through the Timetable such as the QB, a Murder Mystery and the Saturday night Minehead 1940's dance special so as well as the normal passenger services we have had a lot to cram into a busy schedule with 4 steam and 1 diesel running both days and some on double turns. Needless to say if you visit the WSR that weekend (15/16 September) there is lots to see.

 

Thanks for that information. It looks like it's going to be a very good event.

 

I'm thoroughly looking forward to the event. My army uniform is on hire and I can't wait to trymit on. Mrs C and I have the job of escorting the King and Queen around the railway. Unfortunately the Rolls Royce is not available, but I understand that we will be transported in army jeeps etc. Quite exciting.
I'm out all weekend as an army colonel and hope (Andy?) to get at least a short trip on the freight brake van!

Ian Coleby

 

Robin, what is the reason for wanting to shorten the handles?

 

It is (or was) customary to shorten handles on motor worked points to remind the signalman that they did not require a heavy pull.

Tom

 

Thanks Tom.

 

I see that the working party for the WD brake van was working overtime, as two were working on Saturday putting a coat of preservative? on the planking for the sided etc.

 

Important in a busy box where a signalman might forget that a lighter touch was needed. Perhaps less important in a heritage box where the stress levels are lower.

Robin

 

Been there, seen that done it at Worcester Shrub Hill.

 

Does anyone have the email address for the lady needed plastic sheets for protecting
Toplight no 7538. I have numerous 2x1 metre clear polythene sheets that are quite thick but can’t find her details. Just wondered if these would be any good, theyre only going to be recycled anyway.

 

What’s the diesel in service for 1940s weekend? There weren’t any in 1940?

 

PM me with the same offer and your e-mail address and I will pass it on.

Robin

 

You could stretch a point and use an 08, I read somewhere that they were based on an LMS design.

 

Same could be said for the 2 Manors working over the weekend. Both were built in 1950.

 

.....and the Mk1 coaches - all built in the late 50s/early 60s!

 

The LMS shunters became BR Class 11 (and NS class 500). There are a number of them preserved, although I don't think there are any pre-nationalisation examples among the survivors.

 

My understanding is 2 of the LMS built ones survived but these are part of a batch for the WD - only one of these are in the UK @ the L&HR (the other one is in Holland).


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

Are the manors out, just showing 7F and hall and S160 on military train

 

Sorry the 7F is also out as it was still carrying its larger boiler/firebox/smokebox until the 50's. Also two of the open wagons in the WD livery wasn't built until the 50's so nothing much left. Looks like it will need the Hollywood touch then to run anything much.