West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Looking at at Seaward Way camera there appears to be Pway (?) activity near the Alcombe pedestrian crossing.

 

Great only another 21 odd miles to go...

 

Two things

firstly the full time CME and Director responsible is the notably qualified and successful Bob Meanley

and secondly I do not read anything that Michael Rowe has written to indicate he approves of the actions of the board just that there is no Alternative - Presently!

 

That is why the level crossing should have a provision for double track which it doesn't

As usual there is no forethought and foresight but the WSR is particularly bad at that!

No point Dunster to Blue Anchor but the prospect of a train leaving Minehead and one arriving is tantalizing to say the least

 

Considering the problems they have had with the cylinders it is remarkable how much work has been done - congratulations to the Dinmore crew!

 

Looking at the Bishops Lydeard webcam, I've just noticed that the chairman has put up an enamel sign on the platform fence proclaiming his ownership of the line

 

If he's working full-time as the WSR's CME, does he no longer work at Tyseley?

 

Sad ? Is it not the Dear Leader's plan to run down the steam fleet and then come to the rescue ?

 

Not on his own........

 

It is my understanding that he is 'retired' from Tyseley but still involved - he still lives in Warwickshire to the best of my knowledge so I do not know how much time he spends at Minehead?

 

There does seem to be something narcissistic, in creating a motive power crisis, to enable your self to be seen as the saviour of the line when you bring an engine you own to the line. after creating the problem in the first place, it's look at me, aren't I so great, It's almost like Donald trump is running the railway.

 

So on that reckoning the diesel groups will be next to be told to go away.

 

BUT both his loco's are 'Red' while the WSR is currently 'Blue' so it isnt going to happen

 

Remind me, who appointed and pays the CME ?

 

But I bet no one thought 53808 leaving would happen.

I'm sure he's looking for a loop hole to be able to run said locos on a line not fit for them.

 

Ah! I see the sign. But it is a sad sight. Presumably three empty carriages, no locos, no cars in the car park and worst of all no passengers! Some testimony,
At least the weeders seem to have been busy.

 

They have gone home now it appears. Minehead station seems to have had another quiet day.

 

So how big were the numbers this weekend.

Least if they are low they can point to the weather at least.

 

I don't think the webcam gives a true picture of the number of visitors, as most of the attractions are at the buildings end of the station, so people will tend to stay that end.

I've heard an unofficial figure of about 350 yesterday.

 

In the early days of WSR restoration I recall that one of my S&T colleagues was quite enthusiastic about retaining the double-track from DR to MD and working the DR remotely from MD. However there was a general view that, even for the most optimistic volunteers, there was little if any perceivable likelihood that the level of traffic would ever justify the expense of installing and maintaining the signalling etc.

The running time between MD and BA is not that long in terms of 'typical' single-line sections. Splitting that section very roughly into two would not provide much advantage when the main problem if the BA - WN section. Being able to see trains arriving at, and departing from. MD simultaneously might well be 'nice', but sadly 'nice things' don't always pay the extra bills that arise