West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Absolutely! Cos there's no "H" in Crowcombe (as it was known back then)

Steve

 

Today North Star on 1150 BL-MD. 53809+47840 1330 MD-DD and return top/tailed with the 7F leading from Minehead.

At 1610 D1010 arrived BL L/E from WN, whether a test run or to work 1150 BL tomorrow?

Loadings have been disappointing recently but today was much busier. Good old school holidays.

 

Quantock Belle working this eve. At Minehead right now - see http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-md1.htm

Steve

 

A very pleasant evening.

Robin

 

West Somerset Railway -Then and Now

Two shots of Blue Anchor station taken from the top of the up home signal in 1972 and 2017.

Robin

 

Shows the great progress made. A question. On the first shot, one set of point rodding and 2 signal cables go out of shot to behind the camera and on the second shot only one signal cable. One is to the signal being used by the photographer, shown in both. What were the others for?

 

A very interesting pair of shots, and extremely well aligned, even the focal lengths appear very similar, which can't be easy unless the photographer stands atop the signal with the old picture in hand!

Other than the obvious change from semi derelict to beautifully cared for and maintained, the stand out feature to me is how unchanged the two views are.

 

My guess with regard to the rodding is that it is to operate the FPL nearest the camera in the picture. You can see the FPLs both have mechanical lock bars; the drive to the nearest one will therefore be out of sight at the far end of the lock bar, behind the camera.

 

D6575 back in service today on the vice DMU turn.

 

D1010 returned LE to Williton earlier this afternoon, having hauled last night's most enjoyable QB private charter.

D1661 remains at BL as a standby locomotive for the time being.

Next scheduled diesel haulage for the QB is on Sunday 20th August when we look forward to D7017 doing the honours.

Barrie

 

[QUOTE="QB steward, post: 1880861, member: 3373]"Next scheduled diesel haulage for the QB is on Sunday 20th August when we look forward to D7017 doing the honours.
Barrie[/QUOTE]
From what I overheard from two of the station staff that wont go down very well. I think the two in question would like to get rid of all diesel on the railway.

 

From what I overheard from two of the station staff that wont go down very well. I think the two in question would like to get rid of all diesel on the railway.[/QUOTE]

I'm no fan of diesel but I do think that it does please many , it does add some variety to the WSR . Fortunately they all have Western Region roots so are appropriate for the WSR . How many class 52s or 47s in use under BR I just don't know . It is always good to have a back up so the passengers aren't left stranded .

Paul .K

 

The "Modern Image" brigade, who refer to our beloved steam locos as "kettles", might have a thing or two to say about that!

 

What's the "somerset coast express" doubled head 7f and Hall on Friday 4th? A railtour or private charter? Thanks.

Also any one if any diesels out on Sunday? Instead of DMU. Loco roster showing DMU but hoping for a ride being either the 47 or 33 as we are at butlins this weekend. Thanks

 

The SCE is a special from the WSRA rally site at Norton Fitzwaren to Minehead and back on the friday night. A private charter for exhibitors and campers at the rally. As of this morning its going to be single headed with the 7F 53808 pulling 10 coaches (8 + 2 buffet cars).

 

Pity the mechanical lock bars have gone, they are quite rare..........

 

From the latest picture on WSR.org of the QB leaving MD last night you can see from the uneven rails why springs are breaking lately.

DJB.

 

Thanks!

Since I produce my 'Then and Now's with my trusty I-phone 5, aI always have the 'then' with me. And yes, I was 'atop' the signal switching between 'photos' and 'camera'

They are not gone - the loop points still have their locking bar.

A couple of years ago there was talk of replacing these points with a motor. Most of the Signalmen adopted an 'over our dead body' posture to that suggestion.

Behind the signal / photographer towards Minehead was an advance starter and a working distant signal.

Robin

 

The DMU is not expected back in service until 5 August, so will still be loco-hauled this weekend, the 33 being the most likely motive power.

 

A long lens will always exaggerate small dips. If you stood in the same place, your eyes would not notice any unevenness.