West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Thank you so much!

In one of the many lives I have not lived, I would also have been a historian. I love reaching back into the past.

Robin

whose father was Robert
whose father was Alfred
whose father was Ebenezer
whose father was Charles x 6 .....

 

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It is quite noticeable, possibly because most of our visitors are on holiday. On warm sunny days with light winds the numbers drop, warm but overcast, much the same - all off to the beach I suppose. And when it's pouring with rain - everybody's staying in the caravan and playing Trivial Dispute(?)
Our ideal day is warm(ish), overcast with a fresh breeze. One that's not really good enough for sun bathing and the breeze is kicking up the sand on the beach enough to make your ice-cream a bit crunchy. The sort of day when they say "Well lets find something else to do." (Usually followed by "...before it rains" - well this is Wales! )

 

West Somerset Railway - Then and Now #115

Dunster 1977 / 2017

Dunster signal box 'goes for a stroll' along the line to Minehead behind Loco 'Whitehead'.

40 years later the overhead electricity supply is still in the same place.

Copyright Nick Jones / Robin White

1977


2017

 

I cant make my mind up if its the same pole or an in situ replacement. Never had much to do with poles but towers / pylons have a nominal life of 40 to 60 years if kept painted. If there is no need to deviate the wayleave / easment will remain in forse and the route remain unchanged. Many wayleaves / easments date back to the 1930s

 

Yes, the Edmonson is still alive and well on the WSR. For the statistically minded among you last winter 103750 ticket were printed at Dunster of which 68238 were distributed to the stations in February ready for the season. During the 2017 season the booking offices sold 101462 Edmonsons and getting ahead of ourselves 42693 were printed in preparation for 2018. I am about to send a print order for a further 64023 to Dunster to complete our needs for next season. Then with the pre-season distribution early in 2018 it will all start again!

 

In the north of Scotland here, wooden telegraph poles have a 25 year life, with production date cut into it, after which replacement is mandatory.

I have one at the bottom of my small back garden, and the BT staff were not allowed to climb up to re-attach some lines until the pole was changed with the aid of an enormous hydraulic crane which travelled 80 miles from Aberdeen for the job, and swung the outgoing and new poles over the top of my drive, carport and garage, which completely blocked the housing estate road for a couple of hours. Some neighbours were upset, thinking it was all my fault .........

 

IRO WSR Event

Members of the Institute of Railway Operators were guests of the DEPG at Williton on the West Somerset Railway today to learn about the restoration, maintenance and operation of heritage diesel locomotives.

 

About as pretty as a diesel can get.

 

West Somerset Railway / Then, Now and Hornby

Dunster station 1972 / 2017 / R418

Not looking too bad about 18 months after closure but the weeds are creeping in. Someone has thought to Board up the box windows as they also did at Blue Anchor. Care over the internening years is evident in the 'Now' shot.

I wonder how many R418 Dunsters are out there in model Railway land? Interested to see some pictures. I trust the correct pattern GWR lamp posts adorn the miniature platforms?

Copyright Nick Jones / Robin White

1972


2017


R418

 

On a number of visits to The White Horse mainly during the annual Spring Steam Gala, the Sunday roast dinner with Exmoor beef has been top notch every time. I make a special point of visiting! The walk from the station is indeed generally uphill, along a narrow-ish road with no pavement.
Robin L.

 

One small point - the 'D&EG' ceased to exist 30 years ago. It was renamed the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) in 1987!

 

Statistics are not kept in order to keep someone busy! They provide a source of information when analysed, and the reasons for increase/decrease in takings are very relevant on any given day. All data which is possibly relevant such as Watchet Carnival, a visit by a celebrity, a feature in the local press, a mention on local radio, advertising, etc... should be noted.
The weather is surely one of the MOST important things to note.
Robin L.

 

It was great fun driving her up and down. I am now a bit of a convert to class 33's. The Diesel boys looked after us handsomely and their presentations on the technical and historic aspects of the site were of great interest. Thanks Robin for organising this, everyone had a most enjoyable day.

 

I stand corrected. But then, I have known them since 1979!

Robin

 

Glad you enjoyed the day. Principal plaudits must go to Ian Robins of the DEPG who lead on the organisation of the day.

Robin

 

Not sure about the ornamental tops on the model chimneys though... or were they once like that and have been 'trimmed' over time. Anyone know?

 

The model is not entirely accurate - note the number of doors, position of fire buckets etc,

Robin

 

My "plumbers" eye has picked out downpipe anomalies in all three examples!

 

Ah, yes... Makes me wonder if there happens to be a local authority preservation officer moonlighting for Hornby - Just to make sure the details are rite and akkarut. Roof pitch doesn't seem too bad...