West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Many don't realise that much rationing lasted into the mid fifties. Growing up in the 60's, my father had several wartime screw top powdered milk tins (white with blue panel), retained to store twist drills.

 

I am sure I have seen customers shaking their trouser legs to get rid of some earth close to the boundary fence. Perhaps I have discovered the real reason why the track moved just after the crossing.

 

Andy, your thoughts are entirely logical.

In 1950 when I went to Boarding School there was an open air unheated swimming pool: the roof had been blown off in an air-raid. (Much of South London had suffered very badly with air raids, the school likewise, not just the luxuries. ) At half term the key element on going home was to ensure I had the appropriate piece of paper to transfer the ration allowance from the School to my home. I had a very happy childhood but with hindsight the environment was colourless. However that environment probably conditions my prejudice.

I admire and always have done our armed services. I have always thought that they are an essential part of our democratic system. Regrettably IMHO 'Pacifism' is a luxury that unfortunately we cannot afford.

I am sorry if you thought I was suggesting my interests in steam locomotives are superior to any other interest (I do have others that are equally consuming). I think I was reflecting on the fact that we run a Public Service (Heritage Railway) and the public is entitled to think we take it very seriously. (Whether I am an anorak or not is irrelevant ?) My post was reflective following Forest Pines, perhaps a mistake.

As a supporter of the WSR I hope the weekend goes well.

Michael Rowe

 

I never saw an SAC (Senior Aircraftman) with pilot's wings during my 25 years' RAF service but I did in 2016 at the NYMR wartime weekend! If we're talking about delusions of grandeur then, in RAF re-enactors, it tends to be whether one's an aircrew mate or not. Close inspection tends to show that these re-enactors fall into broadly 2 camps, either their uniforms and kit are totally authentic for the period or they collect badges, medals and insignia to wear like a bloomin' Christmas tree.

 

Come along in September. I’ll bet that examples of both species will be in evidence.

Robin

 

WSR DRAFT CORPORATE PLAN 2018
We have now produced a new draft corporate plan for consultation amongst the wider wsr community. This new plan is much more concise and meaningful than previously. It has been produced by the board and the senior management team.
We will start a consultation period on Saturday at the supporters day and this will run until 7 April after which we will consider the responses and produce a final version. In order to get as wide a circulation as possible, here is the document. Fuller guidance on supplying feedback will come out soon.
Ian Coleby

 

I often have a quiet chuckle at the rank some re-enactors assign to themselves. Very telling at times!

 

Did he wear a Red Army uniform?

 

There was an episode of Dad's Army which featured a Russian Army officer. She came on a kind of fund raising affair as far as I recall. As usual it was a fiasco and Sgt. Wilson became the hero.

 

Having had a brief read I dont think that there is much to add to it, other than to say why nothing about carriage sheds..................

 

Parag 3,4 - Covered carriage accommodation gets a mention. Presumably more than tarpaulins.

 

Or wagons. Or costings. Or business cases. Or.... or...

 

Good to see mention of a paint shop - it will absolutely transform the appearance of the carriage fleet!

 

It might. We have painting facilities now. The problem is getting the stock withdrawn to do the painting.
Now I agree a modern, purpose built, heated shed would give us more flexibility in this area.

 

Somewhat related.....

The PLC has planning permission etc for sidings & carriage sheds behind the BL water tower - the Station Farm site.
Was this overtaken by the Southern Gateway idea? Or is it still possible it could go ahead?
I don't think it included a paint shop. though I suppose it could.
(I have not yet reviewed the most recent plan).
Edit: section 3.4 noted for 2020+

 

Planning permission normally only lasts for three years from the date of grant. After that a full aplication has to be made again. Renewal is not a given as rules may have changed.

 

How? - the majority are quite presentable now.

 

In our experience it just makes doing a quick repaint so much quicker and more doable operations wise and without having to worry about impact on more involved overhauls. To my eye most of the coaches on the WSR are well maintained inside but somewhat faded on the exterior.

 

Quite a few of the exteriors are fairly recently repainted in carmine & cream so perhaps your comment is somewhat dated though clearly a dedicated paint shop would be an advantage.

 

Last visit was for the S&D gala, so no not for a while. The Blood 'n' Custard coaches do indeed look excellent from photos I've seen.