West Somerset Railway General Discussion

That's the one, right next to Shire Park. Whenever there was a game on, the fans used to look over the fence at what was going on. It was often more interesting than East Stirling v Cowdenbeath and the odd stray ball that landed in the yard was quickly hidden away by the young volunteers. Sadly, John Burnie is in the big shed in the sky, a really nice chap who coincidentally, gave me my intro to steam by handing me a bucket, a rag and asking me to clean the rods on Kelton Fell.

Willie Bell was the old guy who used to make the tea and generally look after the mess facilities. During his driving career, he spent time on 419 hence he was commemorated with a sign in the cab. I hope it's still there.

One thing I do remember about 419 is that she was sensitive to the water in the tank warming up and making the injectors a bit hit and miss. I'm sure that has been sorted out. The coal will be interesting as she ran on high volatile hard coal.

 

We've got a supply of Columbian Hard coal which will likely be used with 419.

 

Would that be Black Monkey bridge?

 

Yes, and it’s been subject to a speed restriction as long as I can remember.

 

The photographers will be in for a treat.

In other news, the Steam Trust have announced a departure.

Bob Meanley: Retirement from the PLC Board – West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (wsrht.co.uk)

 

Strange that this news comes from the Trust and not from the plc. Latest news on their website is from 5 weeks ago.

 

They've only recently updated Companies House with an appointment made in September last year. Apparently the guidance is within 14 days of a change, shame it isn't mandatory.

 

Moguls, of which Manors are very similar, and Large Prairies, Hymeks and DMUs all ran on the line pre1971.

 

Only since 2018 AFAIK.

 

To be fair a lot’s happened since 1971, Decimalisation for a start…

 

Word is that the WSR plc wanted the departure to be kept quiet - presumably while the usual open and transparent appointment process is used to find a successor - but that message seems not to have reached the WSSRT note taker.

 

For the record:

There was an announcement re Mr.Meanley’s resignation from the General Manager posted on HOPS on March 30.

i.e. an announcement to all staff ( paid and volunteer )

Michael Rowe.

 

75069 announced as second visiting engine for the Spring Steam Gala!

Visiting us from the Severn Valley Railway, we will be welcoming this engine for the first time in 28 years!

 

Yes, Michael. I have it. Thank you.

 

That really is good news. Shame it's no longer possible at the gala to double-head with 53808. <BJ>

 

but not, it seems, to the owners of the company.

 

How many Companies inform every individual shareholder each time there is a change in Board Membership ?

There are c. 6000 individual WSR Plc shareholders.

Sorry to be blunt but please get real !

Michael Rowe

 

Given that the Steam Trust and Mr Edge both managed to put it on their respective websites, that may be a bit of a clue.

Sorry to be blunt.

 

Quite right Michael. If only someone could invent some sort of communications device that allowed information to be sent to lots of people instantaneously?

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