WSR Autumn Steam Gala - 'A Country Railway' - Thurs-Sun 3-6 October 2019

The other issue to be born in mind is that judicious use of a diesel might allow a more 'commercially attractive/operationally feasible' timetable to be run at a reasonable cost

 

Without wanting to start a gala wishlist, bearing in mind the theme of country railways and the position the WSR is financially, maybe 46447 would be good option if they can get it - would look great doubled up with either manor for example. Also a small Prairie, possibly 5541, again looking good with 46447, 6412, 7822, 7828, 9351 - and not too far to travel.

Hope the rest of the line up can be announced soon.

Anybody know if the QB will be serving breakfasts/meals at the gala?

 

Timetables for this event are up, the same as recent WSR steam galas.

QB breakfast runs Thursday to Saturday only, 0905 off BL & 1055 from MD.

 

That means that the first service from Minehead each day and the last back will be of limited accommodation and probably not include a buffet. Much as I prefer to stay in Minehead, looks like I'll go back to staying in Taunton and drive to BL each day.

 

Where does it say that?

 

".. the same as recent WSR steam galas". That's what happened at the ASG last year.

In any case, if you check the timetable:
* 9:00 MD -> 10:50 NF
* forms 11:15 NF -> 12:24 Williton (terminates)
* then forms 13:40 Williton -> 14:35 NF
* whilst it's at Williton, 11:55 ex MD and 12:05 ex NF cross at Williton at approx 12:55, therefore it will need to be shunted out of the way. At the last ASG, this was done using the siding at the north end of the Swindon shed (really nowhere else it can go!).
* it then does a couple of trips from NF to BL and back again, eventually forming 16:40 NF -> 16:50 BL and 17:45 BL -> 19:08 MD.

If you're going to shunt this service out of the way at Williton while two other services pass, it has to be short to fit the available siding space.

 

Yep I get you, that's well researched, I think one year they did that it was 4 maximum in the headshunt at Williton

 

Just go to wetherspoons in Minehead for breakfast and the cafe at BL before last departure!

 

Maybe that's what 6412 will be doing. I believe it has a maximum load of 4 on the WSR. May even be an auto-train?

 

So there's 5 passenger sets and the goods for this timetable.

The WSR had 21 coaches in traffic when I went there two weeks ago (24th Aug) when 4 trains were out (rakes of 3, 5, 6 and 7), all four rakes had buffet coaches (a BSO had a counter on the 3 coach set). The BG wasn't in traffic but I assume it will have entered by the gala, having recently been outshopped and it looked like one of the BSOs was available for traffic too. WSSRT put a facebook post up which looks like GWR BCK 6705 could be running in time.

So that's 24 coaches if all are used, and then you have the QB set which I imagine would be with 2 TSOs and the BG as at previous recent events. The QB isn't out on the Sunday but I guess they may keep the RMB out as a buffet? If that was to happen they could have 5 buffets in service. I guess they could keep the FO out as well and charge people for the privillige.. shame there's no breakfast service Sunday!

So 21 then for the other four rakes. Probably a rake of 3 for the set that goes into Williton sidings? Then three rakes of 6? Or one of 5, one of 6 and one of 7.

 

Could be some capacity issues, given an expected large turnout of support for this much loved but troubled line, should be the best of the autumn galas this year.

 

Certainly has the potiental hopefully news on the other guests comes in soon.

 

Bodmin's Pannier number 4612 has been added to the line up, one more guest to be announced soon.

 

Surely since it’s the only WSR steam autumn gala this year, is will be the best if it’s terrible

 

The Gala timetables seem to have disappeared from WSR.org. Does that mean they will be different this year from the rather predictable full line every hour format of recent galas?

 

Still on plc website.

 

S

Sorry, I meant PLC website. They did not show up when I looked to check bus times etc but, as you say, they are there now.

Any news on the final guest? In SR there is an advert which includes 5542. There is also an article which mentions 7714. Either or both would be welcome.

 

7714 announced as the final visitor.

 

Can you give a link please as I can not find them on there.

 

https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/timetables - click the date and then 'view timetable'.