West Somerset Railway General Discussion

No, All WSR cameras are "free to view".

 

Thanks for the clarification. My (mis)understanding was based on the fact that it doesn’t seem to be accessible through Steve Edges website whereas the other Williton camera is.

 

That may change over time but there are local issues at Williton which are resurrected when Willi 2 is relayed via wsr.org.uk

 

Was anyone out filming 7822 on Dave Randles' Memorial Train at Ker Moor on the 30th October? Haven't been able to find any footage on Youtube. If anyone has any footage could you please post a link here?

 

David Randles Memorial Train
On behalf of the family of Dr David Randles, I would like to thank @1020 Shireman for his request above, but I believe none have been made available so far (if anyone knows filmers who may have material, even from afar, we would be pleased to view it). He was an invited guest on the train and made a sound recording during that part of the journey and this has been made available to family and friends. The day was very special and our thanks to all the invited guests that came and to the whole of the Railway (WSR), together with the many Organisations who, through their respective staff and volunteers, made the day so Special for all of us attending! If ever there was a showing of unity and a One railway family, this event in ‘David’s’ memory truly reflected this and gave the Railway the opportunity to say their own ‘goodbye’.

 

I've not yet posted about our Wagon Division's latest project, PMV No.1464.

This vehicle was identified as the most suitable to convey the two generators required for the WSR's upcoming Winterlights trains. However, the vehicle has not ran (save for positioning moves) in preservation, and hence it needed a bit of work. Having completed most of the work on GWR Toad 68765 we had moved on to working on repainting the Gunpowder Van 105493. Priorities changed and our focus moved to 1464. We had chosen a livery of BR Crimson in order to match the WSR's MK1s better, with the benefit of the paint already being in stock at Minehead.

The owner had done much of the replanking which was very helpful to us, he had also collected most of the missing bits. After a quick trip up the M5 to see the vehicle owner and to collect various parts, we made a start on undercoating. We have used Craftmaster paints throughout, with Dark Red undercoat on the sides, and Black undercoat on the ends.

For the time being we have applied a single coat of gloss. The vehicle is far from complete, we have various small parts and details still to fit, alongside applying the number transfers. We also need to complete the needle gunning and painting of the bottom end. We will work on these jobs after Christmas when the vehicle will return from Bishops Lydeard.

All in all, not a bad result. It is looking far more presentable after just over two weeks work, undertaken by 5 young volunteers all under 30 years old in their limited spare time.

 

It's looking excellent already Seb, nice job. But...

Painted numbers would finish it off even better!

 

I will take that as an offer of your signwriting services!

 

Ah well now...

Anyway, you did a fine job of the Toad

 

If it is in later BR livery, number transfers are not inappropriate - some NPCCS vehicles had these applied.

Happy to assist with sign-writing in future if required.

Robin

 

Watching the Christmas train shows that the WSR is heading for a bumper festive season and I would like to congratulate everybody on the railway for the fantastic effort by all to bring this event to fruition. If you would like to become part of the team then drop an email to volunteers@wsrail.net
See www.wsr.org.uk for pictures

 

Tender manufacture at Minehead.

Progress on tender T2061 during November has been good. Saturday Nov 13th saw the fitting of a total of four hundred and thirty five 3/8" diameter snap head rivets that attach the top angle iron to the sides and rear of the tank, a record for us. Since then the central longitudinal baffle has been trimmed to shape and tack welded in place ready for the welder to perform his magic and make the permanent joints during this week.

Other work has seen the rear corner panels welded to the side and rear panels, seam welding of the lower riveted joints to help reduce future corrosion, manufacture of all the cross stays and attachment of the rear steps.

Work is now progressing on the drawings for the the front of the tank and the sloping panel between the water tank and the coal space. Originally this would have been plate work joined together by angle iron and riveted joints. In this area the surfaces are normally covered with coal and hardly ever seen so we will be having welded joints throughout where it's covered by coal.

At the back there are two small reinforcing panels in each top corner to which the lifting rings attach. These have been drawn out and await manufacture/fitting, once done the large rear top sheet can be made complete with all rivet holes for angle irons, dome and filler.

To recap for those who have not been following progress so far:- T2061 is a GWR Churchward design well tank 3500 gallon tender which was purchased to replace T2206 which has run with Odney Manor for a number of years. T2206 has a number of issues which means that it's active service life is limited before a very extensive overhaul will be required, including new frame sections and tank. To have T2061 available and as near to new condition as possible is the target, completion during 2022 is expected. T2061 was purchased from Pontypool and Blaenavon some time ago along with locomotive 2874 which was later sold and now under restoration at Toddington.

A few pictures taken yesterday, in the background is T2206 which is awaiting attention to vacuum brake cylinder mounting brackets.

Andy.

 

I note the WSR isnt running between Christmas and the New Year, unlike Swanage

 

For many years the GCR had the mantle of starting Santa (as it was then) trains "in the Autumn". I see the WSR has picked up the baton for that this year. Hope they are a success for them.

 

Yes I realise it is not Santa, which now at most places seems to be yesterdays chip paper, but Steam Railway always seemed to have some dig about how early the GCR started. Most railways seem to be starting their lights trains next weekend, and you are correct the season has grown both before and after Dec 25 as the demand seems to be there, at least until people tire of it as an offering ans something else needs to be found to boost the heritage lines' coffers.

 

Neither is the NYMR. Is there a problem with not doing so?

 

If decently done Santas remain successful.

 

One aspect of Festival of Light trains is that they can usually be seen over a large area, adding to interest and of course good publicity.
For instance, the Paignton line train can usually be seen over a large part of Torbay and the Dart estuary.

 

The WSR are running more Winterlights trains from 27th - 31st December.