West Somerset Railway General Discussion

I used to visit (as part of my day job) many of the old type sewage works that had what were known as settling tanks, where the 'solids' (now called "Bio Solids" - they think it sounds more technical) used to settle and the tank allowed to drain and dry out so the solids could be used by the local farmers. Almost all of these tanks produced a good crop of tomatoes if the farmers left them. Never did tell the misses where the tomatoes actually came from- used to say they were from the old attendants abandoned garden - and yes, they were eaten - after a good wash of course!

 

Fully latched, but some air gaps here and there.

 

Ah, That must have been the replica 1940's air conditioning then.

 

And no flight attendants and I had to do the navigating!

Robin

 

Yes, I've seen that. Growing in the up line near the furthest bench seat.

Probably the reason that Blue Anchor won first prize in the Best Kept Station competition.

Stef.

 

Thanks to WSR volunteer Adrian I have recently added a number of images showing the WSR in 1982 and 1985. Adrian has provided a lot more scans of his photographic record which I will add as time permits.


Copyright Adrian Read. This work is licenced under a Creative Commons Licence.
Any re-use of the above image must conform to the requirements of the Creative Commons Licence.

Steve

 

For me, the growing of any vegetation in the ballast would be a negative.

 

Is the picture the foot crossing into the Butlins area prior to the seaward way crossing & the supermarket being built? If it is it's a shame that the twin road has been removed.

DJB.

 

Hi @Dennis - the former Up road was recovered over the years. Pic taken long before Seaward Way was even thought of, let alone supermarkets. The landward side of of the railway was just nice saltmarsh pastures back then. The footpath crossing is still there although currently closed due to vandalism.

Steve

 

Good evening Steve
Has the footpath crossing been closed since the finish of the Autumn Gala? It was open then as I used it many times walking the dogs onto the fields.
Did see the P Way guys fitting good sturdy gates either side of the crossing whilst we were down in West Somerset and wondered at the time why that was
Thanks
Dick

 

The vandalism took place after the Gala. Like you I noticed the new wooden gates each side. Not sure why these were needed but the work was planned some time ago.

The recent closure led some of us WSR "oldies" to work out when the crossing was put in place. Seems likely the GWR installed it during the doubling. Previously there was a footpath crossing near to the spot now occupied by Seaward Way Crossing, and a (former) cart crossing one field up the line. The new crossing replaced these, I believe. None of the footpaths/cart tracks were designated public rights of way, and neither is the current one (known as the Alcombe Footpath).

Here's a picture of the crossing in early WSR days when trains used the Up line to Dunster:

I wonder if the crossing may have seen its last days as some locals think it would seem sensible and more useful to put in a footpath alongside the railway fence on the Marsh Common side (the Down side) along to Seaward Way Crossing and abandon the now-severed footpath and the crossing itself.

Sorry all if the above is a bit too "WSR"

Steve

 

Thanks Steve for the interesting reply
Sad to hear about the vandalism.
Had wondered if gates were to stop or at least try to stop stray animals getting on the line.
Be interested to see what happens in the spring
Dick

 

Spent Saturday at Swanage. Duchess 46233 Would make a fantastic gala guest for next year

 

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Would look fantastic hauling blood and custard coaches

 

Doubt if the PW team would agree.

 

No heavier than Flying Scotsman - max axle load 22.5T, Tornado 22t 7 cwt. The Coronation pacifics are 22.5T. Therfore a Coronation is no worse than previous visitors. The only issue which mighy bee a probjem is if there are any tight turnouts, crossovers etc. Even that can be overcome using shunt release if the run round lines are too sharp

 

Can you imagine the carnage if there were a lurcher type dog around ?

 

Is this the lull before the storm? Things have gone very quiet.

 

For the sake of everyone's sanity, especially the mods, let us hope it stays this way.

 

Just what is people's problem with a WSR thread going quiet for more than 24 hours!? That is the norm for most other railways' dedicated threads here.