West Somerset Railway General Discussion

Dare we hope that the whole restoration is being entrusted to Williton, and that she may do some running in over the WSR?

 

I am not party to the discussions between the private owner and Restorations.

The current difficulty with the scenario you suggest is that the loco is substantially overweight for the majority of the WSR which is a ‘blue’ route (‘red’ from Bishops Lydeard to the main line).

Robin

 

Apologies for identifying the tender incorrectly. As Robin says, the light was challenging.

I was trying to follow events using an iPad and a magnifying glass!

Stef.

 

Thank you for the reply, but hasn't KE1 worked over the line in the past? I thought that was a double Red. Maybe the line has been downgraded in recent years?

 

In order for the Castle to go in, something must have been kicked out.

 

‘Spud1’ has certainly run occasionally in the past.

The WSR has always been a ‘blue’ route.

The movement of exceptional loads was something I had involvement in (and training on) when I worked for the Big Railway. There are a number of factors which may combine in engineering and operational terms to allow an exceptional move. They include weight, speed and other factors to mitigate effects on the infrastructure. ‘Hammerblow’ is a particular factor with steam locomotives. What can be accommodated occasionally with exceptional care and management of risks may well be different from what can be allowed everyday by any member of staff.

I should make clear that I have no involvement with such judgments on the WSR.

Robin

 

I was under the impression that the Castle is there for contract work, so why would something have to be "kicked out" ?

 

Thank you. We live and learn!

 

I think the poster may mean that something has to move out of the shed while the other loco is in for work.
Not Kicked out or off the railway.

 

Very heartened tonight, travelled on the 1900 Carol train ex Bishops Lydeard, good numbers on board and buffet doing a steady trade, on train. Train stopped at Crowcombe and Stogumber, band played carols at each, then train terminated at Williton. After sister train arrived ex Minhead, 7822 off Minehead train and onto return set to BL. Similarly Raveningham Hall off 1900 BL to WTN, at WTN to attach to returning train set to MHD. So a Hall and a Manor for 15.00 pounds each for Mrs Devonbelle and I plus Christmas Carols. Excellent.

After ‘We wish you a Merry Christmas’ as last carol back onto train, at 21.10 for what I can say is one of finest runs in preservation I’ve had - Foxcote Manor absolutely barked non-stop Williton Bishops Lydeard, throwing sparks into the starry sky - with a good display from the moon; magical. My ears are still ringing from the noise. Back for Winter Steam Gala. Well done WSR.

 

I have written to the WSR suggesting a 'Night' event of some sort..............

 

That would be great. I’m in.

 

A quick couple of Google’s show the loco is owned by JJP Holdings that is owned by the Chairman so why anything should be kicked out is simply wrong. The loco website states that the intention is to return it to full mainline running order for hire to rail tour organising companies.

 

Well as far as I know the Autocoach that has been having work done in there for a few years but it still unfinished has been invited to experience the winter weather

 

If that is so one can only hope for less rain than at present and no snow!

 

If that is the case, not a good move being "kicked out" of the shed .

 

Mates rates?

 

Do we have any castles in Pres?

 

Yeah well one or two like

 

Just been watching the carol singers at Wiliton on Rail Cam they were very good