West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Can anyone advise what the status of DMU 51887 is? I visited 5 years ago and it was part way through major bodywork reconstruction inside the shed at Minehead. It was intended at the time to finish the overhaul so that one of the other Class 115 power cars (currently I'm service) could be dropped out for maintenance and/or overhaul...

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It has been dumped in the sidings opposite the signalbox covered in tarpaulins ever since. An engine swap was done in one of the other power cars a couple of years ago (I think it was 51880), and both it and 51859 have been repainted, together with 59678. The other TCL, 59493, has been withdrawn pending a heavy overhaul, but that is probably at the bottom of the overhaul list!

 

Thanks for sharing that information. The WSR is now the only place with a Class 115 set in service, so I've always been interested in how the vehicles are doing. I did visit more recently for a Mixed Traction Gala but was too busy enjoying the trains to have a detailed look at the stock not in service that day!

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Still grinding along at Williton.

Robin

 

Is the mixed traction weekend replacing the diesel gala? Or will there be addition diesel weekend with visitors

 

The Mixed Traffic Weekend will be the last time that Warship D832 will appear. <BJ>

From the Bury Hydraulic Group: ''The intention is that the loco will depart the WSR by road after the
June Mixed Traffic Weekend (10th, 11th and 12th June) where it will be appearing for one last time''.

 

We haven't had an official 'diesel gala' for many years - it's always been a 'mixed traction gala' because there is always a token steam engine rostered to cater for those who turn up not knowing it's a 'diesel gala' and wanting a steam train ride, except on the Friday of the gala of course.

There will be diesel hauled trains using the DEPG fleet most Saturdays and Sundays from May to September replacing the DMU on the trains marked 'diesel' in the timetables. The definitive list of dates and loco allocations have yet to be published, but keep an eye on the websites for details.

 

Unfortunately the cover over the power car has not stood up to the weather and the cab is exposed to the elements.(with no roof or windows!) I fear that the work needed now may never get done!
I hope I am wrong, I would like to drive her again!
Robin F.

 

Is there a dedicated DMU group involved with restoration or do they join the queue?

baz

 

There's a small number of the regular drivers who do general upkeep on the DMU, but for large jobs like restoration, it would have to join the queue!

 

Rails over the new bridge at Williton.

Robin

 

Over?

What's happening to the signalling? Presumably the up starter needs repositioning in order to make use of the extra loop length obtained?

Tom

 

Well, the tracks can hardly go under the new bridge!

The present up starter is staying where it is, a new advanced up starter by the road overbridge will be put in next winter.

 

They can be placed on the new bridge, though.

 

True, I hadn't thought of it that way!

 

Much work still to do by the look of it and we are operating in less than a week. Will be brushing up on hand signalling before Tuesday just in case.

 

D'oh! I was looking at the wrong bridge...

I'm intrigued by that: wouldn't it be easier simply to move the existing up starter forward? Presumably if you sited it at the end of the platform, but short of the level crossing, that would get you some more useful extra length. Or is the issue that you want a signal as far forward as possible to maximise the available length of the loop, but want a signal to the rear so that you can stop shorter trains without needing to block the level crossing?

Tom

 

Tom, your last sentence is the answer! Trains up to loco + 5 can be accommodated in the platform under the existing arrangements.

 

Carriage rake including 3 blood and custard Mk1's being shunted at Minehead today. Should look good at the S&D Gala behind a black loco......

Robin

 

Those three coaches make the next coach look tatty.