WSR Autumn Steam Gala, Thu 2- Sun 5 October 2014

So then what is the issue with the renumbering of the other engines?

 

I just think it's silly. Were I to go to the gala, I'd like a ride and to take some pictures. If I was just going for a ride, it wouldn't matter what number the loco was bearing or what other accountrements had been added. One of the most exhilarating performances I ever enjoyed on a preserved line was on the Mid Hants behind 34105 with a "Thomas" face on the front, when my family took my nephew for an outing, but then I didn't bring my camera on a trip like this. Howwever, if I want to take pictures, I wouldn't waste the effort to photo a loco with a false identity. Personally, I think it's pretty weird to want to photograph an engine that doesn't really exist, but each to his own.

 

I have a photograph of 71000 at Bishops Lydeard on a previous WSR gala with a 5542 smokebox number.
Now that does look silly?

 

Like the NNR running pannier 1638 at its gala with the smokebox numberplate of the engine it substituted for - 60007, I'd put this in the "silly but very amusing" category!

 

The ASG2014 leaflet gives the basic timetable which is also now on wsr.org.uk under "the railway" > "train times". Use the calendar to get to October and click 2,3,4 or 5.

It looks like an hourly-ish service

Steve

 

Visitors to the Autumn Steam Gala who would like to travel over the whole length of the line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead aboard Mike Little's Autocoach or the former Taunton District Inspection Saloon owned by the WSRA will have two opportunities to do so. Pre-bookable trains will run on the Saturday and Sunday of the event. [EDIT: These trains are planned to be hauled by 1450, and not by 5542 as previously stated on wsr.org.uk]

It has been a while since it was possible to look behind the scenes at the Locomotive Department at Minehead but on 4 and 5 October during the 2014 Autumn Steam Gala, part of the workshops will be open. Visitors will be able to see the restoration work which is being carried out there on GWR 4-6-0 no 6024 King Edward I and the WSR's Mogul no 9351.

Steve

 

10 trains in each direction is also pretty good in my book.

 

They will still be those locos - whatever false identities they assume for the gala.

 

Is there going to be a Gala Timetable to pre-order again, I looked at the various websites and can't find anything other than tickets, unless terminal myopia is setting in?

 

Also please note the Autocoach (with no 1450 providing the power) will be running between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield on the Thursday and Friday and between Minehead and Dunster on the Saturday and Sunday.

Steve

 

Timetables for the weekend have been uploaded onto the WSR plc site.

2nd - http://westsomersetrailway.vticket.co.uk/shopimages/ASG October 2nd.pdf
3rd - http://westsomersetrailway.vticket.co.uk/shopimages/ASG October 3rd.pdf
4th - http://westsomersetrailway.vticket.co.uk/shopimages/ASG October 4th.pdf
5th - http://westsomersetrailway.vticket.co.uk/shopimages/ASG October 5th.pdf

Slightly disappointed the Goods train just does a MD-WN return in the morning Thurs/Fri, if they just wanted to use the one set rather than two it's a shame they couldn't do a morning MD-BL run and then return in the 1745 slot, as they used to do approx 5 years ago. Other than that it is what is expected, nice to see the Auto doing 7 Crowcombe returns and a trip down to Norton in the morning. Pitty no non stops through Stogumber on Thurs/Fri, again, however!

 

No 3802 is now not available for hire and thus will not appear at the Autumn Steam Gala. Replaced by BR(W) 4-6-0 no 7820 Dinmore Manor.


Steve

 

darn. Third time I will miss that one...

Although a Manor....

 

5542 looking pretty in the compound at BL today. some atmospheric photo's on Steve's site.

 

Minehead Workshops being partially open on Saturday 4th and Sunday 5th October to view restoration work on 6024 "King Edward I” and "Mogul” 9351. A great chance to see the inner workings of our locomotive department!

Steve

 

The Souvenir Guide for the Autumn Steam Gala has been received from the printers and can now be purchased at WSR stations or online from www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk. Full colour throughout the 20 pages give details of train times and which engines are due to work which trains, an outline of the history of Taunton shed, and potted histories of the featured locomotives. Plus what can be seen and done at stations along the way. There is still time to buy discounted Rover Tickets for the Gala from the website or by calling 01643 704996 with your card details.

Steve

 

Visitors to the Autumn Steam Gala in early October are encouraged to stop for a while at Williton. Over the weekend of Saturday 4 October and Sunday 5 October, the works of West Somerset Restoration will be open so that visitors can look at ongoing restoration projects. These include the latter stages of the overhaul of Andrew Barclay 0-4-0ST no 1219, ongoing assembly work on the frames of GWR 2-6-2T no 4561 and the restoration work on Collett BCK no 6705. There will also be a riveting demonstration at selected times throughout each day to show just a little of the work that goes on there. For younger visitors, and older visitors with an interest in model engineering, the Taunton Model Engineers will again be bringing a selection of locomotives in three and a half inch and five inch gauge, and offering rides to children alongside the West Somerset main line. Other displays and stalls are expected, including the 6880 Betton Grange Project sales stall, two stalls selling 00 Scale model railway equipment and one selling 0 Scale tin plate. The marquee adjacent to the works will again be offering teas, coffees and cold drinks, bacon rolls and similar, plus a selection of cakes to tempt you. Further along the yard, the depot of the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group will also be open so that visitors can take a look at the ongoing restoration work on Hymek no D7018 and other locos. Well worth allowing a couple of hours to stop off and look around!

Steve

 

7820 & 3850 to double head the opening train of the gala, more here: https://www.facebook.com/DinmoreManorLocomotiveLtd (No Facebook account is required to view content)

Regards,

Mike Solloway

DMLL

 

They aren't. They double head on opening day though, but not the first train off either end.

 

Apologies, misread the diagram that had been forwarded on to me. 7820 to haul first train out of BL on the Thursday to then return double headed with 3850 on the 12:45 ex MD

Thanks for pointing that out!

Regards,

Mike Solloway

DMLL