West Somerset Railway General Discussion

West Somerset Railway - Then and Now

Minehead - 1916 / 2018

A change of flavour as we reach back to Minehead over a century ago with mules gathered in the station yard intended for use on the Western Front. The station has been extended since, so the point of reference is the distinctive doorway. In both cases the photographer is at a window of the Beach Hotel, part of the Minehead scene since just after the coming of the Railway.

 

Peak class loco 46.010 c/o Great Central Railway and a Class 50.

The diesel gala is held between 20th and 22nd June so keep an eye on the WSR website.

Perhaps the railway has more important issues to sort out at present. <BJ>

 

I won't ask where the donkeys on the WSR are in 2019.

 

The Diesel Gala certainly is 20th to 22nd June, but I'm sure I read somewhere that Sunday 23rd June is scheduled as a mixed traction day.

Maybe somebody can confirm or deny.

 

That is confirmed on the WSR 'official' website.

 

Ha! Ha!

Fortunately, we have a few lions as well.

Robin

 

Maybe that is what happened to the mules: the lions ate them!

 

Lions led by Donkeys?

 

New director and other appointments to strengthen the board etc.

https://www.west-somerset-railway.c...f-directors-with-three-new-roles-and-advisors

 

Looks like excellent decisions. I as surprised to learn that signalling and guard inspectoring previously came under the same umbrella. Are these appointments all voluntary or paid?

 

Progressive and forward thinking I believe. 19th. and 20th. century atmospheres and artefacts are pleasant enough, but we are almost out of the second decade of the 21st. century and the company has to work within that time frame.

 

Much going on out on the ground on the WSR including new rails and progress at Tyseley on WSR affiliated loco 4936 as can be seen here: http://cgibin.wsr.org.uk/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?h=Latest+pictures&t=pics

 

Why does it look like an excellent decision?

 

Splitting the inspector roles must surely allow a greater focus and a newly appointed H+S director surely goes some way to addressing some of the biggest deficiencies as far as the ORR is concerned?

 

How could appointing extremely experienced and well-qualified people to these posts not be an excellent decision, and wholly positive for the WSR?

 

I am sure that these appointments will be exactly what is needed to address the ORR's concerns

 

I have read and re- read the announcement.
Mark Smith has been a Director since November last Year. He has been made Vice Chair.
The H&S chap in not yet a director.
The signalling/ Guard split, I have insufficient knowledge to say if this positive or negative.

Time will tell if this is an excellent decision(s).

May be it is best to get the Chairs full statement before getting to enthusiastic.


My view.

Nick

 

A famous Steptoe & Son line I believe , or does it pre-date Steptoe ?

 

As far as I recall it was a saying by WW1 soldiers when referring to their Generals who they felt were incompetent.

 

According to Wikipedia (so with due caution). A version of it (lions led by deer) was used by a fourth century BC Athenian general. Lions led by donkeys appears to originate from the Crimean War and certain appears before WW1.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lions_led_by_donkeys

Marx and Engels used the phrase in 1855

Marx of course also said ‘history repeats itself first as tragedy and then as farce’.