West Somerset Railway General Discussion

"No 53808 - firebox lagging and cladding completed and all of the lagging fitted to the boiler barrel. All still going well for early completion ready for the grand S&D gala. Note the tender in the right foreground which still has traces of Prussian Blue paint and lining, this may be the last photographic record of that livery." (Andy Forster)



Steve

 

Does anyone know if 3850 has started it's overhaul yet & if so, where?

DJB.

 

Already in a number of pieces at Toddington for overhaul.

 

Some photos of 3850 being stripped here:


http://gwsrsteamloco.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/gorgeous-blonde-on-footplate.html

 

I've just come back from the Winter Steam event with middle son (7)

We did the last round trip from BL in a Blood & Custard TSO which he was very impressed by. The interior & underframe sadly hadn't had the same treatment but it was fine.

Coming back as always the climb from Williton to Crowcombe Heathfield was sublime

 

Further to the posts about 3850 - Yes the overhaul has started at Toddington on the GWSR. Many parts have been removed and some already overhauled ready for when it goes back together. The intention is to complete the overhaul as quickly as we can and bring her back into service as soon as possible - we will be open to offers from any Heritage Railway that wants a reliable and economical loco. We are always open to extra help - details from the website!

If anyone would like to follow the progress of the restoration, a blog site has been created at : http://3850steamlocomotive.blogspot.co.uk - further information on the owning group (Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd) can be found at : http://www.dinmoremanor.co.uk or follow the group on Facebook at : https://www.facebook.com/DinmoreManorLocomotiveLtd

For Dinmore Manor Locomotive Ltd.

 

My footage from the Monday of the Winter Steam Festival.

 

Many thanks for sharing that with us Kristian , I was planning on being down yesterday but I managed to crock my knee so not able to make it . Last year at the Winter Steam Festival I treated myself to a footplate trip on 6960 , it was awesome . That is what I like about the winter event is that there is an intensive time table but they always use the home fleet , so plenty copper and brass about .

Paul .

 

After seeing the weather forecast for Minehead for Tuesday (29th) I thought it would be rude not to attend the WSR Winter Steam Festival . I was not disappointed.

By chance I visited the festival on the same day last year. The first train departed from Bishops Lydeard yesterday in temperatures of about 10°C. In comparison the temperature last year was -2°C.
What a difference !!

The sky was crystal clear yesterday for the first few services but the cloud quickly built up by about 11:30. I thought that was it for the day but then the sun returned once again and the light was stunning for most of the afternoon. I spent my day around the Leighwood crossing area and it was a pleasure to enjoy the beautiful, peaceful countryside as well as the railway.

All locos were were facing BL for the festival and all of the trains I filmed were running to time and were well loaded.

Next year should be very interesting with the return of the 7F and the WSR based 4F.

Well done to the WSR for another great Winter Festival using their home fleet. <BJ>

 

The Railway reports a successful Winter Steam Festival

John Simms, the West Somerset Railway's Publicity Officer, reports: "The weather held off for the two days December 28th and 29th and we had a successful Winter Steam Festival. Four steam engines were in action, 4160, 4936, 6960 and 7828 with seven trains a day in each direction and we carried 751 passengers on the first day and 810 on the second. [pictures here]

Trains are running on 30 and 31 December and on New Year's Day.

Also please note the Turntable Cafe at Minehead station will be closing between 2 and 9 January 2016 after which it will reopen on a daily basis for the rest of January.

30 December 2015
Details kindly provided by West Somerset Railway Plc

 

My video from the second day of the Winter Festival.

 

As an aside for those who may not have seen it. I borrowed a book from the library over Christmas.
3850, 88, 4160, Odney Manor, Kinlet Hall, Raveningham Hall plus many others(all ex Barry) are featured in it's pages with photos while still in traffic, in the Barry yard and in preservation.
The book is BARRY, the history of the yard and its locomotives by Peter Brabham. Well worth a look if you can find a copy.

Sorry - no pics for obvious reasons.

 

The book is available here. <BJ>

http://www.bookdepository.com/book/...JYHZFZA8Z94X&gclid=CNictru-hsoCFWnmwgodlbwBXQ

 

Lovely photo-charter for 4160 today. There should be lots of pics of her last day in steam before heavy overhaul. (hint - some people could post a few here!)
Huge big thank you to Kate who opened the BL café as well so I could have a nice cuppa before we set off, it was very welcome after getting up at 4.00am to light up the loco.

 

A couple from the photo charter, will post some more later.

 

Further photos from the Don Bishop Photo Charter can be found at http://paulsimpson.zenfolio.com/p718897559,
Thanks to Don, the crews, Kate for opening the cafe etc.

 

Times are a-changing at Williton.....

Robin

 

Can I say that I am grateful for the messages I have received, thanking me for posting this shot.

It is a matter of amazement to me that my old and increasingly battered i-phone 5 still takes decent snaps. Its great advantage is that I always have it with me!

kind regards

Robin