Great Western Coffee Shop

....and to think I prefer Diesel-Hydraulics!  ;)

A Bridgwater writer^s work has been published in a collection of stories on the West Somerset Railway.

Joe Tiernan, of Halesleigh Road, has written A Special Delivery for the book Ticket To Read.

The book is a selection of 16 short stories that will make you think, laugh and give readers a glimpse of life on and around the West Somerset Railway.

He is part of a Somerset-based writers^ group that came up with the idea to write a book surrounding a local tourist attraction.

Joe said: ^We approached the West Somerset Railway and they thought it was a good idea.

^It has been a really good experience writing the story. The group writes about anything.

^I enjoy writing black humour stories and there are parts of this in my story.^

The book is on sale on a trial basis at Bridgwater Bookshop and Joe will be signing copies of Ticket To Read at the Quantock Gateway on Thursday, September 16 from 6.30pm.

Following a hugely successful visit by the A1 Pacific locomotive 60163 ^Tornado^ to the West Somerset Railway in 2009 the WSR is delighted to welcome back this historic machine for two more visits in 2010.
The locomotive will be working trains between 4 and 19 September Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) to Minehead.

The Locomotive will also be working on the 4th and 5th September for our Late Summer Weekend and the 11th and 12th September for the CAMRA Real Ale Festival Weekend on our Minehead Service (1015 and 1415).
We would like to apologise for the non-running of Tornado on Friday 17 September, however it will now be running on the 18 and 19 September. Please see the timetable below.

Tornado will work the following Train services over the CAMRA Real Ale Festival on the 11 and 12 September: On Saturday 11 September 1015 from Minehead; 1230 from Bishops Lydeard; 1405 from Minehead; 1600 from Bishops Lydeard and the 1755 from Minehead. On Sunday 12 the locomotive will work the 1025 from Bishops Lydeard, 1220 from Minehead, 1425 from Bishops Lydeard and 1605 from Minehead.

Two round trips per day will be run and normal fares will apply on the trains headed by ^Tornado^. Advance booking of tickets is possible and although this will not guarantee a booked seat it will allow ticket holders to walk past any queues that have formed at the booking offices. The tickets will also be valid on other WSR service trains on the day. During the two weeks ^Tornado^ will head the 11.40 a.m. and 3.05 p.m. from Bishops Lydeard and the 1.15 p.m. and 5.35 p.m. from Minehead on Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays whilst on Tuesdays and Wednesdays the first departure from Bishops Lydeard will be at 11.05 a.m. with the departures for the rest of the day being at 1.15 p.m. from Minehead, 3.05 from Bishops Lydeard, and 5.35 p.m. from Minehead - see the timetables below

A heritage railway is working with the Environment Agency (EA) to move rock in order to repair coastal flood defences in Somerset.

West Somerset Railway will take stone-carrying trains from the mainline network to Minehead.

The EA is installing a 130-metre (427ft) section of rock in front of an existing ridge to protect homes and businesses in the town.

A spokesman said the trains would reduce the need for lorries.

Headed by diesel locomotives, the trains will begin their journey with stone from the Mendip quarries.

Paul Conibeare, general manager of West Somerset Railway, said: "We were pleased to see heavy freight trains back on the branch line and being worked by us in what over the years has become a well-tuned operation. We will always be pleased to help in the future and where possible reduce the number of lorry movements on the local road network."

Councillor Chris Morgan, from West Somerset Council, commended the partnership, which he said "significantly reduces the need for heavy lorries to use our narrow country roads".

Im surprised this subject hasn't come up on here yet.

Twin Engined diesel-hydraulic to the seaside anyone?
 ;D

http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/FGW.html (http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/FGW.html)

Oy! Stop pinching my jokes!!! ;) ::)

A new service is launched to bring more tourists to Dunster Castle in west Somerset by steam train.

the a39 is a nightmare its a shame that the wsr can't also offer a faster service between the steam service

well there is the triangle at norton fitzwarren

Has WSR got any asperations to run to a mainline station or is it in the too difficult for NR to deal with folder

Access to the bays pictured would involve a substantial alteration to the signalling system. 

Would it not be possible for the WSR to run a track alongside the current running line into the bays pictured.  AIUI it used to be four tracked all the way to the junction and it looks like there is sufficient space to lay an extra track.

This would not require any extra signalling and run independent of the current railway.  I noticed when they replaced the level crossing at Norton Fitzwarren with a bridge they seem to have left room for an extra track.

Still wouldn't solve the run-round problem, leaving only WSRs heritage DMUs able to run into Taunton.

Two innovative Minehead developments received the royal seal of approval when the Duke of Gloucester officially opened them.

The town's new ^25.5m community hospital and the recently completed ^300,000 Joint Cadet Centre were opened by the Duke yesterday.

Former and current West Somerset Railway staff members welcomed the Duke as he arrived at Minehead Railway Station on the steam train from Bishops Lydeard.

West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare said: ^It went very well and what a great time for him to visit - on our 35th anniversary year.^

He said a lot of background work was done to make the visit memorable for the Duke who was presented with a model of the train he travelled on.

He added: ^It all went to plan and were running a few minutes ahead of schedule.^

Dream come true as Duke shovels coal on Somerset steam loco

Royal steam enthusiast the Duke of Gloucester realised every steam fan's dream when he rode a steam locomotive footplate during a busy day in the West, even helping to shovel coal.

The Duke was in Somerset, yesterday,to open the new ^25 million Minehead Community Hospital and Minehead Joint Cadet Centre, and his official duties offered the perfect opportunity for him to become a volunteer on the West Somerset Railway

The heritage line runs from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead so the Duke boarded a special train at Bishops Lydeard, carrying VIP guests to Minehead

He rode the footplate for the first few miles, as far as Crowcombe Heathfield station, before joining the coaches for the remainder of the journey.

Lord Lieutenant of Somerset Lady Elizabeth Gass, West Somerset Railway Chairman Humphrey Davies, the Railway's general manager Paul Conibeare and Don Bishop representing the volunteers and supporters of the West Somerset Railway Association were also aboard.

When the train arrived at Minehead the Duke met some of the Railway's volunteer workforce before watching a steam locomotive turned on the turntable which is a big feature of the tourist attraction line.

The Duke is a Patron of the Severn Valley Railway.

It's a shame they can't offer a service from Taunton station.  :(

The issue of a higher-then-25mph linespeed is a complicated one - most (if not all) heritage lines operate under light railway legislation. This is considerably less burdensome and bureaucratic than the mainline system, but comes with certain limitations, notably a maximum 25 mph speed in normal service.

My knowledge may be out of date, but (at least as I understood it at the time) the GCR was only authorized to operate at maximum speeds of up to 60 mph under certain, very controlled, conditions, and certainly not in normal service.

The issue of a higher-then-25mph linespeed is a complicated one - most (if not all) heritage lines operate under light railway legislation. This is considerably less burdensome and bureaucratic than the mainline system, but comes with certain limitations, notably a maximum 25 mph speed in normal service.

My knowledge may be out of date, but (at least as I understood it at the time) the GCR was only authorized to operate at maximum speeds of up to 60 mph under certain, very controlled, conditions, and certainly not in normal service.

ROYAL Marines from 40 Commando paraded at Minehead's railway station to mark the renaming of one of the trains in honour of the unit.

The train formally called the 7828 Odney Manor is now the Norton Manor - 40 Commando, commemorating their base at Norton Fitzwarren, near Taunton.

(http://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/resources/images/1688989/?type=display)

Major Renny Bulmer of 40 Commando said: ^It is a great honour for the unit to be recognised in this unique manner.

^We have forged close links with West Somerset Railway over the years and it is fantastic that they have decided to name one of their locomotives after the unit's home base.^

Many of the marines on parade during the naming ceremony served last year in Afghanistan.

West Somerset Railway General Manager Paul Conibeare said: ^The railway felt that with 7828 due to return to service with us this year, we should take the opportunity to commemorate the Battalion and its sacrifice with a locomotive nameplate that also continues the naming traditions of the Great Western Railway.^

The day after the naming ceremony families of the marines were treated to a day out in Minehead.

West Somerset fire crews have tackled one of their most ambitious challenges yet - a simulated fire on board an actual passenger train.

Over 30 volunteers took part as live casualties in the training exercise on West Somerset Railway, complete with injuries and make-up supplied by Minehead's ambulance station.

The scenario was designed to mimic a fire breaking out on a passenger rail car as it approached the outer limits it Minehead Railway Station.

The train and its four carriages stopped away from the platform next to Minehead's Morrison's store so as to make accessing the train even more difficult.

Breathing apparatus crews were tasked with rescuing mannequins from a heavily smoke-filled carriage, while other crews evacuated the volunteers, which included wheelchair users.

Five fire engines from Minehead, Williton and Porlock along with Incident Support Units from Taunton and Wiveliscombe also took part, accompanied by trainee paramedics and a clinical lead paramedic.

Watch Manager Chris Jones, of Minehead Fire Station, said: ^Opportunities like this do not become available that often and this gave all three partners the chance to practice techniques, contingencies and procedures. Following excellent efforts and professionalism from all the crews, all the casualties were located and rescued.^

Tributes have been paid to a retired policeman and railway enthusiast from Stogumber who lost his battle with cancer last week.

Nigel Lee, 54, moved to the village with his wife Sandra and son Oliver in 2005 because of his love for the West Somerset Railway, after 30 years of service with the Surrey police force.

Otherwise healthy, Nigel was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in April last year, which resulted in him becoming paralysed from the torso down. After lengthy stints in both Musgrove Park Hospital and a hospital in Salisbury, he was looking forward to spending some quality time with his family, but sadly never got a chance to go home.

Wife Sandra said: ^Nigel fought long and hard this last year and even through it all, still supported everyone else. He was always thinking of others. If he could help people he would. He was a good family man, a loving and caring husband, my best friend and soul mate. We had many happy years together. Oliver and I would like to thank all the staff from Ward 9 at Musgrove for their support, they have been absolutely wonderful.^

Nigel was passionate about his volunteer work on the Quantock Belle Dining Train, where he contributed in a variety of ways from stewarding, helping behind the bar and in the kitchen, before taking up the role of roster clerk to organise his fellow volunteers.

The Quantock Belle train manager, Richard Knight, met Nigel seven years ago while he was dining on the train. He said: ^He used to come down from Surrey on a Sunday to work on the train - it was amazing that he used to drive all that way. He absolutely loved it here. He had a wicked sense of humour - when Nigel was on the train there was always a lot of laughter. He was a great man and will be sadly missed.^

Nigel's funeral will take place at St Mary's Church in Stogumber at 1pm next Tuesday (February 28), with the cortege being escorted by police outriders in honour of his service as a traffic motorcyclist, before a service at Taunton Deane Crematorium.

Celebration of working together at railway crossing opening

(http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/resources/images/2341836.jpg?type=articleLandscape)
Father Vincent Woods with West Somerset Railway chairman Humphrey Davies and Watchet town councillor John Irven on the train behind campaigner Linda Stacey and West Somerset Railway general manager Paul Conibeare. PHOTO: Steve Guscott

(http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/resources/images/2341837/)
Representatives of Jim Kelly's family, Margaret and Phil Moulder at the new crossing. PHOTO: Steve Guscott

Successfully working together was the theme of the official opening of the new wheelchair-friendly Goviers Lane railway crossing in Watchet on Monday.

Campaigners, volunteers, townspeople and railway representatives celebrated with passengers of two special trains which ran from Minehead to Williton with 50-minute breaks at Watchet.

The former layout proved difficult for less mobile and elderly people to negotiate, including Jim Kelly who died after his mobility scooter tipped over at the crossing in 2010.

The new ^66,000 chicane system, funded by Somerset County Council, West Somerset Council and West Somerset Railway, has made pedestrians^ journeys to the town centre, Esplanade and marina much easier.

John Irven, who was instrumental in getting the project off the ground, said: ^This is now our own crossing, reconnecting the town, and I ask everyone as a community to ensure our crossing is used safely and properly, and is kept in a condition we can all continue to be proud of. I hope our brilliant new crossing will continue to bring all of us closer as a community as we move forward together.^

A message from the late Mr Kelly^s family was read out at the ceremony, thanking everyone involved for making the crossing possible: ^Our dad would have been very happy and proud to see this ^ he knew very well that when people work together, have a positive attitude and don^t give up, they can achieve beautiful results, such as this new crossing. Thanks very much on behalf of dad, too, and have a safe crossing from now on.^

West Somerset Railway general manager Paul Conibeare said: ^It was good to see stakeholders and the local community coming together at the official opening of the Goviers Lane crossing, for which we have all been on a long journey.^

3:00pm

 A Somerset County Council spokesman said: ^There has been some superficial damage to the Norton Railway Bridge which we will repair as soon as possible.
 
"One coping stone has been knocked out from a parapet and two others dislodged.^
 
2:34pm

 THE scene of the incident on the B3227 has been cleared and the road is open as normal.

12:46pm

 THE crash is the second railway-related incident to happen in Somerset in the space of two days.
 
A man, believed to be local and in his 60s, died on Thursday morning after his car was struck by a train at a level crossing in Athelney, near Langport.

12:43pm

A SPOKESMAN for South-West Ambulance Service said: "We were called at 11.19am to reports of a single vehicle that had come off the road before the Allerford Inn at Norton Fitzwazrren.
 
"Two ambulances were sent and found a single female patient in her early 20s. She was taken to Musgrove Park Hospital with head injuries but these are not life-threatening or life-changing."

12:38pm

THE woman driver of a car that crashed off a bridge onto a railway line has walked away unscathed.
 
She ploughed through a fence beside the bridge on the Milverton side of the main road at Norton Fitzwarren, and plummeted 20 feet down onto the track below.
 
Her Ford Fiesta was written off, but she was able to get out, although she was taken to hospital for a check up.
 
Paul Conibeare, general manager of the West Somerset Railway, which owns the line, said she was not believed to have been seriously injured.
 
He added: "She was coming from Milverton and ended up going through the hedgerow and onto the railway line, across the clavert.
 
"Thankfully, she walked away unscathed."

Mr Conibeare said the car had been removed from the track and the WSR's steam gala, which started on Thursday and ends on Sunday, has resumed after a brief break.

12:24pm

 IN a statement, Avon and Somerset Police said: "We were alerted to a collision on Norton Bridge at around 11.17am this morning.
 
"A car had left the road and come to rest near to a railway line.

"Highways and the Council are in attendance."

No-one was seriously injured.

Railway line crash woman had a 'lucky escape'

A young woman had a lucky escape today after her car plunged 25 feet from a bridge onto a railway line.

The car hit track owned by the West Somerset Railway at Norton Fitzwarren near Taunton and then bounced backwards into a ditch.

The driver escaped with a few scratches and managed to make her way back onto the main road as help arrived.

Interviews: Andy Berry, digger driver, and Paul Conibeare from West Somerset Railway (http://vimeo.com/62437589)

Writer calls for reopening of Minehead to Taunton rail service

(http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/resources/images/2396807.jpg?type=articlePortrait)
David Henshaw, author of The Great Railway Conspiracy.

A new book calls for the return of modern through trains to Minehead, after the line fell victim to the Beeching Axe in 1971.

The Great Railway Conspiracy by David Henshaw explores the influence of British Railways Board chairman Dr Richard Beeching^s pivotal 1963 report, The Reshaping of British Railways.

The infamous ^Beeching Report^ suggested a third of all 7,000 stations in the country should close and that passenger services should be cut from thousands of miles of track, including the line linking Taunton and Minehead.

The new book examines the Beeching legacy and how many axed lines are now successfully reopening, as well as analysing the top 30 potential rail reopenings inthe country ^ including the Minehead line.

Mr Henshaw, editor of A to B and Miniature Railway magazines, said: ^Reconnecting Minehead to the national network would transform the railway into a genuine commuter route to Taunton and Bristol, as well as bringing visitors direct to Minehead, while cutting traffic congestion on the A39 in the process. The West Somerset Railway has done a great job of running this as a heritage line but unlike many other heritage lines the Minehead-Taunton route is already connected with the national rail network. Even if a summer-only service was offered, this is the perfect opportunity to get Minehead back onto the modern rail map.^

Paul Conibeare, general manager of West Somerset Railway, is hopeful ongoing talks with train operators could enable a viable link to open in the future. He said: ^We have had meetings with First Great Western about the possibility of mainline trains continuing from Taunton to Bishops Lydeard. There is a mainline link which is used for freight already, so the infrastructure is in place, but it would need to be viable and sustainable. We would not look at running our steam trains to Taunton but to have mainline trains come to us and connect to what is already a very successful tourist attraction.^

It was tried half heartedly about five years ago, but was not a success. However, I think that was down to the fact that it was only announced when most people would have already made their arrangements (or, more to the point, those people who might have holidayed at Minehead had a rail connection been available, had by then made alternative plans.)

So if it's going to work it needs to be in place at the start of the year, so that people can plan accordingly.

That will be the West Somerset Council that is already on the verge of going bust, then?  ::)

See Why West Somerset Council is at risk of going bust (http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-somerset-20731232)  :-X

... perhaps a "Butlins Halt" between Dunster and Minehead would be a possibility!

The m5 is not the issue, the a38 around carhampton is a major bottleneck

------- Butlins is only a moderate stroll along the seafront from Minehead station, but those with heavy luggage might be put off. The line does run right along the back of the camp - perhaps a "Butlins Halt" between Dunster and Minehead would be a possibility!

A JOINT bid for a multi-million pound grant which could have made a rail service possible between Minehead and Taunton has been unsuccessful.
 
Somerset County Council joined its Devon counterpart and Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks in requesting ^3.6million from the Government for a sustainable transport project.
 

The problem with extending the Bristol - Taunton services is the time it takes to get to and from BL, so an extra unit is inevitable, which would make it uneconomic. However, recent improvements at Norton mean that it would be possible to build a second platform there, and have one for WSR trains, and the other for FGW services. This would cut quite a lot off the return journey from Taunton.

One possibility might be to run a limited service, targeted at giving periodic opportunities for those who would want to use the connection ...

Have not heard that suggestion aired before, and it is an interesting possibility. But surely a station in that location would essentially become a park-and-ride for the Dulverton/Bampton/Wiveliscombe area (as well as the recently expanded Norton Fitzwarren village). I cannot see the WSR considering it worth running connecting services for commuters, and as for leisure travellers heading for the WSR, they already have a half-hourly bus which picks up adjacent to the platform in Taunton and drops them right outside the station at Bishop's Lydeard.

I believe there are strict planning considerations that preclude the use of Norton platform for anything that involves driving there, so a park and ride would be out of the question, and the only viable use would be as an interchange station.

As for the half hourly bus service, I suspect anything that involves a bus connection immediately puts a lot of prospective punters off ...

... direct service (eg from stations Bristol to Taunton) to Norton, where you conveniently change onto a WSR train to Minehead. One through ticket.

... train to Taunton, then you have to get (OK, where from?) a bus connection to Bishops L (what if the train's late, what if the bus is late ...

West Somerset Railway sell-off considered by county council

A heritage railway in Somerset could be sold off under plans being considered by the county council.

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/71424000/jpg/_71424850_apex_steam_train_01(3).jpg)
The branch line was closed in 1971 and bought a year later by the council

Minehead's West Somerset Railway (WSR), which uses historic steam locomotives, is run by West Somerset Railway plc. The company leases the land from the authority, which owns the freehold, but now the council is looking to sell.

A council spokesman confirmed it was "exploring potential interest from two parties who have expressed interest" but no decisions had been taken.

The 20-mile (32 km) line between Minehead and Taunton was closed by British Railways in 1971 as part of the Beeching cuts. The following year, the council bought the branch line and leased it to the WSR.

Independent councillor Mike Rigby, said the railway now attracts more than 200,000 visitors a year and "puts ^10m into the local economy".

"There's a bid from the West Somerset Railways Association, a support charity, and a bid from the West Somerset Railway PLC that currently operates the railway," he said. "Whatever comes out of this process, we have to make sure, very sure, that the railway can continue to operate."

A West Somerset Railway Plc spokesperson said it was unable to comment at the present time.

West Somerset Railway future 'secure'

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/71424000/jpg/_71424850_apex_steam_train_01(3).jpg)
The branch line was closed in 1971 and bought a year later by the council

The immediate future of a heritage railway in Somerset is secure because of an increase in ticket sales during 2013, its general manager has said.

Paul Conibeare said they were "about ^50,000 up on the fares budget which is just over ^2m".

The county council is currently considering selling off Minehead's West Somerset Railway (WSR), which is run by West Somerset Railway plc. A decision is expected at the end of January.

Independent councillor Mike Rigby has said previously that, whatever the outcome, the council needed to be "very sure that the railway can continue to operate". He said there was a bid in from the West Somerset Railways Association, a support charity, and a bid from the West Somerset Railway plc.

Mr Conibeare said: "That ^2m in sales at the ticket office just about keeps the railway going with the coal, salaries and expenses we have throughout the year. Without that we couldn't survive. Any profit we make is reinvested in the business."

He said the heritage line had also been left more than ^1.7m over the last five years through people's wills.

The 20-mile (32 km) line between Minehead and Taunton was closed by British Railways in 1971 as part of the Beeching cuts. The following year, the council bought the branch line and leased it to the WSR.

Plans to sell off a heritage railway have been shelved by Somerset County Council after a bidding process failed to find a suitable buyer.

The two bidders for the freehold were West Somerset Railway Plc and the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA).

As a result of the decision, the WSRA has said it wants to begin negotiating with the West Somerset Railway Plc to make a joint bid.

A WSRA spokesman said: "We believe that the best interests of the heritage railway will be served by a further unified bid to be submitted without delay which satisfies the requirements of both parties as well as ensuring the long term future of the railway."

Whilst nobody likes a cartel, I can see little point in having competing bids from complementary charities. I hope this sale has the interests of the WSR in mind, rather than those of the county council and its taxpayers.

What are the EuroMillions numbers for this week please.  :P ;) ;D

I got the right numbers, but not necessarily for the right weeks... (Cue Andre Preview)

Somerset councillor David Huxtable censured over conduct in railway bid process

(http://news.bbcimg.co.uk/media/images/74969000/jpg/_74969761_74969760.jpg)
Somerset County Council wanted to sell the freehold of West Somerset Railway but shelved the proposal because neither bidder met the council's criteria

A politician has been censured for bringing his office into disrepute over the sale of a heritage railway.

An investigation found Somerset County Council cabinet member David Huxtable breached the authority's code of conduct during the sale of West Somerset Railway's freehold.

His impartiality was questioned after a Freedom of Information request released emails he shared with a bidder.

The council confirmed Mr Huxtable had now resigned from his cabinet position.

Two groups - the West Somerset Railway Association and West Somerset Railway Plc - bid for the railway's freehold. Mr Huxtable was to sign off the sale.

However, after emails between Mr Huxtable, a Conservative, and Roger Bush from the West Somerset Railway Association were released, their relationship was described as "cosy" by fellow councillor, Mike Rigby, an independent.

The emails showed various statements from Mr Huxtable including:
"I would have thought Mike Rigby would be making a big mistake if he made too much of this proposed transfer of freehold. Perhaps that needs pointing out to him. The quieter this is kept, the better, and making a fuss could be construed as damaging for the railway."
"I think I might open my 'media campaign' which will point out that it is not in the public interest for the Plc to hold the freehold."

A standards committee hearing panel found Mr Huxtable had used his position improperly to give another person an advantage, and conducted himself in a manner which could bring the council into disrepute.

Council leader John Osman said: "This is obviously a devastating outcome for a councillor who has devoted more than 30 years to public service."

He described Mr Huxtable's decision to resign from his cabinet position as an "honourable step to take".

The sale of West Somerset Railway's freehold is currently on hold because neither bidder met the council's criteria.

Steam trains have been suspended on a heritage railway after an "old military device" was found near a station.

West Somerset Railway (WSR), which runs steam and diesel trains, said services had been suspended "for safety reasons".

According to reports, the device was dislodged from a bank and rolled on to the track.

Police have cordoned off a large area near Watchet station and Brendan Road has been closed as a precaution.

An Avon and Somerset Police spokesman said officers were at the railway station following the discovery of "what is believed to be an old military device".

"The small device will now be examined by experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal unit," he added.

There's a photo somewhere of the rusty item somewhere I've seen, will find it tomorrow. It's not modern for sure

It's on the page I linked to above  ;D or directly at http://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/624/cpsprodpb/A692/production/_89724624_img_5128.jpg

It seems one has to tread carefully in this part of Somerset.

You never know what you might find, so just Watchet, okay.

Never take a trip on the WSR with BNM, he'll be Taunton you to the end of the line. 

I know: I did once, and it nearly did mine head in.  ::) :P ;D

GWR invite you to a special charter on Sunday 19 June 2016 for the launch of the new WSR Away Day
The Charter will run from Taunton through to Minehead via Bishops Lydeard & Return

Taunton to Minehead
•Departing
•Taunton 1115
•Bishops Lydeard 1135*
•Arriving
•Minehead 1255

Minehead to Taunton
•Departing
•Minehead 1525
•Arriving
•Bishops Lydeard 1630
•Taunton 1705

An on-board trolley will be serving a range of refreshments with all proceeds going to charity.

On arrival at Minehead a launch party will take place with special guests in attendance.

A limited edition "E-ticket" is available for travel on the charter, priced at £25.99. There is only a limited number of tickets so book early.

*Inclusive connection at Bishops Lydeard for those wishing to travel behind a Great Western steam loco to Minehead.

Visitors to Minehead, in the heart of Exmoor, will now be able to travel on the West Somerset Railway, the largest heritage railway in the UK, with an all-in-one ticket as GWR trains complete a new ticket initiative.

The initiative sees the launch of a ‘one ticket’ solution enabling passengers to explore Britain’s longest heritage railway, the West Somerset Railway, with GWR rail and a local bus service fare included. The one ticket solution will include train travel from mainline stations and a connecting bus service (at present) from Taunton to Bishops Lydeard.

Visitors travelling from outside of Somerset could see significant savings with the removal of a peak time ticket restriction on a service from London.

Paul Conibeare, West Somerset Railway General Manager, has said; “We are delighted with this news. There has been months of planning and engagement between West Somerset Railway, the Visit Somerset team and the GWR team.  This will be a huge boost for the WSR and the local economy”.

John Turner, Visit Somerset’s Chief Executive and member of the executive board for Exmoor Tourism said; “We have studied a previous example of this kind of development in East Grinstead on the Blue Bell Railway.  Although it was a cross platform link we still believe that we can derive connections between the two schemes due to West Somerset Railway as an attraction being far larger. The Blue Bell team saw 60,000 more visitors and an increase of over a million pounds. With some extensive marketing for West Somerset Railway we will hope that we can see this type of increase over a five-year period”.

Have not seen this mentioned anywhere yet:
http://westsomersetrailway.vticket.co.uk/article.php/1279/joint-statement-by-wsr-plc-and-minehead-chamber-of-commerce

Perhaps they could use one of these on the new service ;)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xy72b2VrQRk&feature=youtu.be

Funny looking thing  :o looks like an underground train, yet sounds as though it is diesel powered and not electric.
Wonder what it is for ? perhaps some sort of rescue unit for LUL in case of traction current failure ? Or a staff shuttle for when the current is turned off at night ?

I suppose it could be used, certainly different and borderline heritage if it is actually an old underground train.

A through service from the national network to Minehead would be preferable IMO, but a connecting service with a RELIABLE connection at Bishops Lydeard would be a good start and a lot better than nowt which is what we have now.

The Minehead Chambers of Commerce and the West Somerset Railway plc both wish to see regular services linking to the national network return to the West Somerset Railway, where they are viable and sustainable and are complementary to the heritage and tourist services established during the 40-year history of progress by the West Somerset Railway since the line re-opened in 1976.

The next stage of fulfilling those ambitions is hoped to be a two-year trial of services on a regular basis linking the national network to the WSR’s southern gateway terminus of Bishops Lydeard. It is hoped that trial can commence in 2018 so that the results from it can be taken into account in the next round of railway operator franchising on the national network.

....and I'm sure that Grahame would love one or two of these on his local line.... ;)

Demands for a regular through service between Minehead and Taunton are growing.

http://www.mineheadraillink.org.uk/ (http://www.mineheadraillink.org.uk/) Link to latest news re this. I feel this would be a considerable step forward for the local economy in view of the poor and worsening bus service.

A great many WSR staff have recent or ongoing experience on the national network and are suitably experienced in higher speed operation.

Whatever their experience I don't think you could run a regular scheduled service from the mainline to Minehead with a pool of retired or semi-retired volunteers.

Faster running might not be that hard.
Signal spacing and braking distances are largely unaltered from BR days, when much of the line was 45 MPH with a few bits of 60MPH.
Modernish stock such as a 158/159 or an HST should be no less safe at 40MPH than heritage stock at 25.

A great many WSR staff have recent or ongoing experience on the national network and are suitably experienced in higher speed operation.

The fact that no preserved railway has felt able to justify passenger services beyond 25mph (on its own metals) is a bit of a clue to that.

Nearly a fact. But the Great Central Railway is not limited to 25mph. On my recent visit there I timed both steam and diesel hauled services at 40+mph.

passenger hauled trains

I would foresee a mixture of heritage services that call at every station and are limited to 25 MPH, and through commuter services running at 40MPH and calling at principle stations only.

HSTs are the obvious choice ...

 ;D ;D

I would suggest that an excellent way to finance the new service would be for developers to build Stogumber New Town and Blue Anchor Harbour Retirement Complex served by some of the more minor stations, and finance the build up operation via CIL / 106 funding ... of course, that would turn Stogumber and Blue Anchor into principle stations


Are you sure - can't get to Minehead any more?    / 13th May

As for the prohibition on HSTs to Minehead, they have been there before so presumably whatever the impediment is, it can be removed.

More staff required if longer hours or a year round services proposed. Its a long single track railway and the 'heritage' feel will be greatly diminished.

I would foresee a mixture of heritage services that call at every station and are limited to 25 MPH, and through commuter services running at 40MPH and calling at principle stations only.

The faster services would use older main line stock that is passed for use on the national network. HSTs are the obvious choice as some will soon be surplus to requirements elsewhere and these now old trains should be affordable to purchase or lease.
The "get you home redundancy" of two power cars would be most valuable on the national network to avoid hugely costly delay minutes in case of breakdown.
HSTs ARE borderline heritage now!

Having done some additional research, the Great Central Rule Book (as at 3/5/15) specifically states that the maximum permitted speed under normal circumstances is 25 mph, and I'm guessing that anything other than normal circumstances would not involve passenger hauled trains.  It also states that checks can be made at any time.

http://www.orr.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/22745/raib-loughborough-central-2016-05-09.pdf

given the reason those documents are on the ORR site I can't imagine that anyone would flout the rules.

Signal spacing and braking distances are largely unaltered from BR days, when much of the line was 45 MPH with a few bits of 60MPH.

In the event, the shuttles were cancelled and a rail replacement bus with GWR representative on-board was substituted, for "operational reasons", I gather.

[Edit to correct spelling - on-board, not on-beard  ;D]

As someone who has worked on a large heritage line's track gang for many years and been a member of the Permanent way institute, I can confirm that the limitation to 25mph running is often nothing to do with the track quality but simply a limitation of the light railway order. ie - to run faster requires a mountain of extra paper work ! It doesn't always require a track upgrade. Some heritage lines have superior track to parts of the national network.

As someone who has worked on a large heritage line's track gang for many years and been a member of the Permanent way institute, I can confirm that the limitation to 25mph running is often nothing to do with the track quality but simply a limitation of the light railway order. ie - to run faster requires a mountain of extra paper work ! It doesn't always require a track upgrade. Some heritage lines have superior track to parts of the national network.

Probably worth splitting this off / separate IOW thread under South Western Railways?

Now done: see http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=18706.0

CfN.  :)

...Kinda Judge and Jury thing

It's not just the track, is it? A lot of the rolling stock used on heritage lines, while safe enough at 40km/h, soon starts to look a bit dodgy if you start pulling it along any faster. As well as insecure doors and windows, many of these carriages (which would not have met modern safety standards when new) are now weakened by rust and rot.

...which in turn will prevent the railway signals from clearing

Depends... if this is an AHB, then as I understand it there is no connection between the barriers and the signalling system.

It's listed (Trackmaps 2010) as an ABCL, meaning locally monitored. The barriers are still half-length, since their fall is triggered by the train - at least usually it is. The local monitor is the driver, who has to be going slow enough to stop if the crossing isn't clear when the train gets to it.

If it is to have full gates, presumably it will be operated from the nearby signal box - though it's not that close, so it would need some heritage CCTV (lenses and mirrors?). All of this supposes that the only types available are the same as on Network Rail, though that's likely as it's down to the ORR in both cases.

I went for a trip last week and was surprised how busy it was for late October.  Looks as though it was the same for your trip.

I went for a trip last week and was supprised how busy it was for late October.  Looks as though it was the same for your trip.

An interesting development that will see the line closed between the 2nd of January and the 01st of April .

http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm

WSR bid to link with Taunton in 2019
Published: 2nd November 2018

(https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/userfiles/news/150%20gwr%20jon%20simons%202.jpg)

The West Somerset Railway has submitted proposals to Great Western Railway for a shuttle train service connecting Taunton and Bishops Lydeard on peak days during the summer of 2019. 

The bid is to GWR's Customer & Communities Improvement Fund and is in competition with hundreds of others from around the Great Western Network.  The results should be known later this year, and if successful, the service could start at the end of May 2019.  The diesel trains, run by GWR, would connect with the WSR steam trains from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead.   

Full article: West Somerset Railway (https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/news/detail/wsr-bid-to-link-with-taunton-in-2019)

I find it surprising that deficiencies found during the recent inspection warrant a prolonged closure, but would defer to the expertise of the inspectors regarding this.

On another website there is a downloadable letter that can be viewed here (note the date): https://www.wsra.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2018/10/WSR-PLC-Briefing-23-10-18-3-WSRA.pdf

... we need an annual figure of 500k per year to continually maintain our track bed etc. That provides for no improvement legacy but is simply to conform to the standard which we are required to meet. ...

There is some very interesting data in there ...

Repercusions have started: http://www.thisisthewestcountry.co.uk/news/17215031.two-board-members-of-west-somerset-railway-announce-resignations/?ref=mr&lp=1

And sad to see repercussions on the repercussions ... the public comments seem less than helpful!

Obviously they've not achieved what there role was, and there out before there pension is reprimanded, cowards.

The West Somerset Railway PLC Chairman, Jon Jones Pratt, has released an update on the situation at the West Somerset Railway, which sees the railway close for 3 months in 2019.

The chairman has explained a number of key changes that will be made in the future, this follows on from the most recent board meeting.

The first change comes as Jon Jones Pratt has been elected unanimously to take on the role of Chairman on a permanent basis, rather than the current interim basis.

He is now working to restructure the board and focus on recruiting new professional directors with key portfolios in order to take the railway’s 2019 business plan and to deal with the recommendations from the Office of Rail and Road.

The board has seen a number of resignations from current directors recently (more information here). Mr Jones Pratt has thanked them for their good service.

Long-serving WSR plc managing director and HRA Vice Chairman Mark Smith has agreed to re-join the Board as our Policy & Business Development Director.

Now, what we must point out is that the ORR has NOT issued either an Improvement or Prohibition Notice on the West Somerset Railway, this is highlighted by the fact that all of the Santa Specials and Winter steam trains in December are running, and are filling up quickly. Make sure you give them a visit, I’m sure they would love to see you!

The railway also hopes to see GWR Manor Class loco No. 7828, originally named ‘Odney Manor’, to return to traffic in December. However – it will probably return in the guise of ‘Norton Manor 40 Commando’

Jon Jones Pratt is currently working on a specific action plan alongside the ORR about their recommendations. He has also made it 100% clear that there was never any major safety threats or unreported dangerous occurrences.

The decision by the West Somerset Railway to close for three months in 2019 has been seen as a positive and responsible decision by the Office of Rail and Road and demonstrates a commitment towards the safety of staff and visitors.

In reality, the closure of 3 months only contains 17 days of normal railway operations and four gala days. Jon Jones Pratt has pointed out that this will hurt the railway financially but it is a short-term pain for the long term as they address the action list.

The ORR letter to the chairman runs for a full eight pages long, however, there is only 5 key points that they have raised that the railway must take action for. Some of these changes are already underway, such as improvements in safety and infrastructure, tightening up procedures, record keeping and compliance, and staff and director appointments.

The West Somerset Railway has already had kind offers of help and assistance from other heritage railways for the postponed Spring Steam Gala. This includes the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the Welsh Highland Railway and Tyseley.

This shows a big family relationship that exists when it comes to the heritage railway industry, and it is great to see. A new Acting Chief Mechanical Engineer post will be announced shortly.

In terms of more improvements, the railway will be focussing on the training and competency of all staff who hold safety critical roles, such as Drivers, Firemen, Guards, Signalmen and other operating staff. So a new SMS will be written shortly and the HOPS system set up to operate correctly.

Two areas have already begun, along with a department by department review and audit. Mr Jones Pratt has also invited the ORR to deliver some key learning messages and to assist with their training programme of which mandatory dates will be sent out soon – this will also be attended by an ORR representative.

To embrace the changes, the railway needs to tighten up its procedures to improve the heritage culture that the West Somerset Railway offers.

Jonathan Jones Pratt has made a personal commitment and the board must:

- The railway must turn this business of ours around

- The railway must operate in a fully compliant manner to satisfy the ORR

- The WSR must improve our revenue and cut our costs where we can

- They must build our business markets further, and focus on the future.

- A recovery plan will also be drawn up at Board level and with senior management

Jonathan Jones Pratt has spoken with members of the Planning Team to let them know about the gala cancellation, and are now looking into holding a gala at a later date to coincide with their 40th Anniversary, once a date is agreed, we will update you.

West Somerset Railway (WSR) has vowed to overcome "disharmony" as it carries out a "recovery plan" following an inspection.

WSR decided to close for three months from January following an audit by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR).

The heritage railway was told it had a "significant number of important actions to take" earlier this month.

One of the key issues was tension which had existed between the two main parts of the railway, WSR bosses said.

Chairman Jon Jones Pratt said "disharmony" between West Somerset Railway Plc and West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) was well known, but the two parts were "working very closely together" on the modernisation plan.

The railway is run by the plc, which employs paid staff. The association is made up of some 1,000 volunteers.

"Ultimately the two organisations need to work aligned for the greater good of this railway," said Mr Pratt.

"It is poor there have been issues in the past, but we've got to move forward."

Following the report by the railway watchdog, WSR promised to "focus on qualifications and effective record keeping".

Mr Pratt said a new board was in place and volunteers were now getting regular updates and being "up-skilled".

He added the structure of the board was also changing with each member getting a specific portfolio responsibility, such as compliance or health and safety.

The closure will only affect 17 days in February when a service normally runs, but the tracks will be in use for engine testing and general maintenance work.

The railway is also hoping to grow its service and has submitted a bid to Great Western Railway (GWR) to run a commuter service from Minehead to Taunton next summer during its 40th anniversary year.

The trial period will run for 50 days during peak times, with the aim of bringing in a regular service, if there is enough local demand.

A GWR spokesman confirmed the bid was made in October and will announce the successful bids in the new year.

From the BBC: (https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-somerset-46360510)

Unless, I've missed something ground-breaking news-wise, isn't the bid for Taunton-Bishop's Lydeard connectors only?

An interesting development that will see the line closed between the 2nd of January and the 01st of April .

http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm

Jobs go at West Somerset Railway amid three-month closure after safety inspection

THREE jobs have been axed at West Somerset Railway (WSR) as the organisation confronts a need 'to reduce costs'.

The head of commercial, head of human resources and head of operations roles have been axed in the shake-up, which the railway says is in a bid to 'improve the efficiency and sustainability of the railway in the long term'.

It is not clear how many other positions are under threat.

Chairman of the WSR, Jonathan Jones-Pratt, said: "This is a very challenging time for the railway and we recognise that these decisions have a very significant impact on all our staff, but particularly those directly affected.

"We are very saddened indeed when we have to lose any of our highly committed staff team, but we must act in the interests of the future of the railway as a whole.

"All the staff who have recently left and those who may, following consultation, be leaving in the near future, shall go with our very best wishes for the future."

The Chairman had clearly flagged up that a restructure of all departments would take place in early 2019, and this would be consistent with that.

For me, the test for the future of the railway will be whether the WSR genuinely moves on after the closure period, or whether there are further issues beyond that point.

Dear Shareholders, Volunteers & Staff Colleague’s

We have now been able to confirm a new date for the meeting previously due to be held on Saturday 2nd February 2018.  We would like to invite you to the meeting on Saturday 2nd March 2019, 11am at Oake Manor, Oake, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 1BA.

We will discuss how your railway will be facing up to the challenges of operating England’s Longest Heritage Railway.  What work is planned and what will be deferred for future closure periods, in order to operate our Steam Railway using locomotives which would not have operated on our line in British Railway days.

There will be a series of presentations, at the end of which there will be plenty of opportunity to ask any questions you may have.

If you would like to attend the meeting, please register your attendance with Kerry Noble on 01643 700407 or kerry.noble@wsrail.net

Jonathan Jones-Pratt

Chairman

The volunteers are doing an excellent job trying to keep the show on the road.

The board of directors on the other hand...

The West Somerset Railway (WSR) plc has taken steps to further strengthen the Board of Directors with three new role and advisor appointments.

Former WSR plc Managing Director and Heritage Railway Association (HRA) Vice Chairman Mark Smith, who became a plc director late last year, now becomes the company's new Vice Chairman and he will bring his wealth of heritage railway experience to bear on operations.

Mark Smith was MD of the WSR for 18 years from 1988 to 2006 and oversaw one of the biggest growth and successful periods seen on the 23 mile line before 'retiring' and taking on various roles with the HRA.

Martin Brown has been appointed as Safety & Compliance Adviser to the board initially, but with a view to him becoming a full director in due course after a trial period. Mr Brown is currently Crossrail's, or the Elizabeth Line's, Health and Safety Director.

He has a Mechanical Engineering Degree (Sheffield), an MA in Industrial Relations (Warwick) and undertook post graduate research work at Imperial College on impacts of the changes from the Health & Safety at Work Act.

See full announcement on WSR website (https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/news/detail/west-somerset-railway-plc-moves-to-further-strengthen-board-of-directors-with-three-new-roles-and-advisors)

Without good leadership, no amount of goodwill will keep the show on the road. I note that the WSR is taking steps to beef up its board - I don't have a view on whether this will be effective, but I certainly wish them well

AFTER undertaking more than £100K of infrastructure work, overhauling stall training and sorting out its finances - West Somerset Railway is ready to reopen.

The railway faced an extended winter closure following an inspection from the Office of Rail and Road in November.

Bosses at the railway ordered the closure from January 2 until April in order to carry out a ‘significant number of improvements’ highlighted by the inspection body.

But things are back on-track for the beloved railway, as service begin to return to normal on Saturday, March 30.

The reopening announcement comes following another inspection of the ORR on Friday, March 22.

WSR plc chairman, Jon Jones Pratt, said: “The ORR inspectors were very impressed by all of the massive progress across the board that we have made during a relatively short period, and I’m delighted they gave us a clean bill of health to re-open this coming weekend.

There is an article on the WSR in the Railway Magazine for April. Starting on p24 it is titled “Back from the Brink”

The business is safe. We're able to trade for 2019. We will need to review the business model again in July, ahead of the next trough when winter comes around again.

However, it is my intention that we act as responsible directors and as a responsible business so that we never again find ourselves in the situation we're in today.

^{Source: The Railway Magazine, April 2019}

This appeared via Twitter this morning
https://www.somersetcountygazette.co.uk/news/17576597.west-somerset-railway-train-services-from-taunton-to-bishops-lydeard-could-be-set-to-leave-the-platform-after-60000-boost/

A West Somerset Railway coach has been targeted by vandals in what's being described as "mindless vandalism".

The coach, stabled overnight at Bishops Lydeard in sidings, is believed to have been struck on Monday evening (April 29) at around 9pm.

A spokesman for the railway said the coach sustained damage including broken glass, with three large carriage windows and two droplight windows in doors being smashed in the attack.

A member of the public contacted the West Somerset Railway about the damage, and general manager Paul Conibeare attended the scene and informed the police.

It's estimated the damage will cost £1,000 to replace and repair.

The railway station has since launched a fundraiser to fund the repairs.

The coach has now been moved to Minehead for repairs in the workshops there, which will hopefully take just a few days to complete if replacement glass is in stock.

There's video floating around on social media apparently showing the eejit doing the damage while being filmed by a mate.

Hopefully that will aid the police in their detection of the miscreants and aid in their prosecution.

Perhaps the next generation of filming everything will include bank robberies, etc?  ::)

A trail-blazing trial shuttle service linking the national rail network with West Somerset Railway - due to begin this month - still has no known starting date, timetable or details of prices, frustrated railway supporters claimed this week.

Article continues ....

What on earth happened to the "loads of spare stock" that would result from IETs and class 387 EMUs displacing older units.

It would have started by now but given your close interest, GWR is still trying to find a set with a buffet car.

Does anyone know what is happening ?
Summer* is now one third* over, and presuming that a couple of weeks notice is to be given of starting the through trains, then summer will be half gone by the time it starts.

I'm hearing on the jungle drums that it's unlikely to happen this year, bar one or two 'proving' runs. WSR are being overly cautious after nearly losing their safety certificate before the operating season started this year.

There was a general consensus that GWR do not have the stock to operate the service ...

15:19 Swindon to Westbury due 16:00
16:21 Westbury to Swindon due 17:03
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:18
17:36 Swindon to Westbury due 18:18 will be cancelled.
This is due to a fault on this train.

Perhaps (if and?) when the 769s arrive they could be run for testing on this route as part of their acceptance trials?

If they do not arrive on time presumably the GW fleet will be under strain.

Yes, but that's now a commercial decision to keep the size of the fleet to a manageable minimum and to expect the class 143 pacers to be displaced by incoming trains.  Should the powers that be wish, plenty more 2+4 castles or classics could be taken out of store and run ... to destinations such as Barstaple, Weymouth, Swindon as well as them taking a higher proportion of services on the Cardiff to Penzance service and shorter workings along the way.

With an ageing fleet and a lack of investment by TOCs and government leading to short forms and cancellations.

Then is it my imagination that every new franchise recently been ordering lots of new trains even sometimes when the existing ones weren't very old (or in SWR's case barely out of the box)?

And how many years has this taken and how many franchises are still running ex BR stock that is 30+ years old? I’m thinking about the franchises like Northern and GWR where on local lines these trains are set to continue for a good few years yet.

Take a look at today’s GWR Journeycheck where you will see 31 services listed as shortformed due to ‘train faults’ and the 29 on Northern’s Journeycheck page. All local services, where old tired rolling stock continues to operate these services. Not much investment there.

Northern has got a massive order of new stock (in fact the first 9 units started this week), so lots of investment there. It just takes time to deliver.


If you think the trains should have a lifespan of 30 to 40 years then it's not surprising that there is still BR stock running around, 20 years after privatisation.  And I'm sure BR had lots of short formed services every day - we just didn't know about it pre-internet.


And of course, it's the government that really decides which franchises are going to order new stock and how much, so in reality no change there since BR days. 

Taunton Link for WSR 2019

The WSR and GWR are together providing a rail link between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard on seven Saturdays during the summer of 2019.  Details at a glance are:

Dates.  Trains will run between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard on the following Saturdays:

July 27

August 3, 17, 31

September 7, 21

October 5

(on 3 August, trains will call additionally at Norton Fitzwarren)

Glad to see this, but just 7 days a year and that only after missing the first two thirds of the summer is not very impressive.

I expect to use at least one of these services, do not know which one as yet.
If any coffee shop members intend to travel, perhaps we might meet.

Full Independent Track Survey to raise standards on the West Somerset Railway

The West Somerset Railway is delighted to announce that it has commissioned a full independent track survey of the complete line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, to be carried out by a fully qualified heritage railway civil engineer

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, the WSR PLC Chairman commented “This is to ensure that a proper audit and independent evaluation is made of the work currently being carried out on our track infrastructure, so as to provide absolute assurance and transparency for those people who kindly support us with donations. The survey will also enable us to clarify all of the core assets involved along the track in a greater level of detail than we have today”.

The evaluation will be carried out using a traffic light system to identify which of the assets require most immediate attention versus those that can be maintained over a longer term basis. It will also help ensure we are maintaining the West Somerset Railway to fully meet the requirements of the government’s light railway order, both now and into the future.

One of the key objectives for the railway has been to restore the previous ‘red route’ status which allows the heavier locomotives, such as Flying Scotsman, to make high profile visits to the line, giving the railway much needed publicity and additional revenues. This survey will enable the board to accurately assess the work needed to restore red status to the line.

Jonathan Jones-Pratt comments “The output from this survey is expected to be a 5-10 year plan that can be delivered by teams of volunteers and a core group of paid staff working together to raise overall standards on the railway. The board will empower these people to ‘get on with the job’ by giving them sensible budgetary guidance and being prepared to listen and react to support the various initiatives arising from this survey”.

This initiative is part of a much wider strategy to raise standards across all areas of the railway; to achieve best practice in all areas of maintenance and repair; and to restore pride in the overall operation of the Railway by bringing in fresh new people who are best qualified to provide the railway with the right level of detail and assessment.

https://www.tauntontrains.co.uk/newsarchive/2019/07#571 Returns on the Bishops Lydeard - Taunton shuttle are £6.00 for adults and seniors and £3.00 for people aged 3 to 17; singles will cost £4.00 and £2.00. The service will connect with WSR train services allowing passengers who travel out on the first train of the day and back on the last train can have around four hours in Minehead (or less if they wish to travel back on an earlier service). Trains are most likely to be formed of a two coach Class 150 unit and depart Taunton at 09:39, 10:28, 12:10, 15:37 and 16:36, and depart Bishops Lydeard back to Taunton at 10:03, 11:45, 12:53, 16:09 and 17:28..

The Taunton to Bishops Lydeard shuttle starts tomorrow and then every Saturday thence  August 3rd, 17th, 31st, September 7th, 21st and 5th October

Planning to do this trip on a Saturday. The 0730 Ex Truro gets into Taunton at 1022 and the Bishops Lydeard service goes out at 1028. Looking at RTT last week that wouldn't seem a problem. If the 0730 was late running how would anyone recommend getting to BL for the 1100 to Minehead? I am presuming a taxi would be the only option. Would GWR hold the BL service for a few minutes if a connection could be made with a slightly late running PZ to Paddington service? The other option would be to use the XC service leaving Truro just after 0700, I'd prefer not to use that though.

Guidance would be welcomed.

The West Somerset Railway have a platform at Norton Fitzwarren. Used occasionally in connection with special events, such as the Steam Fayre, which is held on land adjacent to the WSR's triangle just outside Norton Fitzwarren village.

The WSR entered into a partnership with the modern Great Western Railway (GWR) in 2019 to operate Summer Saturday services between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard on Saturdays when special events are taking place. On 3 August, services will call additionally at Norton Fitzwarren for the annual Steam Fayre Vintage Rally, run by the WSRA, taking place at the station. The introduction of these GWR services will be the first time the new station has been served by a train from the national rail network.

History is being made!

Indeed. Passenger trains from the national network have of course passed through Norton Fitzwarren, and I suspect that the odd one may have stopped for operating reasons, but this would appear to be first ever scheduled stop by a passenger train from the national network.

I hope to make at least one return trip from Minehead to Taunton, via WSR services and changing onto GWR at Bishops Lydeard.
Either Saturday 03/08 or Sunday 04/08.

Anyone else coming ? I would be pleased to meet other members on board the WSR service, or at the Plough pub in Taunton, or at the Old Ship Aground pub in Minehead.
My plans are uncertain at present as to time and date.

My weekend schedule

[snip]

18:45 - 19:00 - train Westbury to Melksham
19:15 home.

Sun, 4 August 18:45 Westbury to Swindon due 19:27
04/08/19 18:45 Westbury to Swindon due 19:27 will be cancelled.
This is due to a shortage of train crew.
Additional Information
Customers should use the next service the 19:41 from Westbury which calls at Trowbridge (19:46), Melksham (19:57), Chippenham (20:08) and Swindon (20:33).

The Railway wishes to announce that Mr Conibeare has decided to leave the Railway from Wednesday 31 July   2019.   Mr Conibeare started with the Railway in 1983 and has held a number of posts, latterly as General Manager. 

Mr Conibeare has decided that the time was right to move on to new challenges and we wish him well.   

Do GWR have the stock to run this service?

I have a cynical suspicion that this new service will run only for a very short part of the Summer season, and be frequently cancelled due to lack of stock.
Patronage should then be low enough to pronounce through trains as being a failure, and an experiment that does not need repeating for a few years.

Ouch!!! That can't go on surely? Very sad. I'm sure they aren't the only preserved railway that's under the financial cosh.

Sounds like they have some capable and grounded people at the helm now, and 2019 was a much better season than 2018, so there is reason to be positive going forward

Has a standard guage, preserved railway ever closed? Many smaller guage railways have of course.

Has a standard guage, preserved railway ever closed? Many smaller guage railways have of course.

What would happen if the current West Somerset Railway went bust?

It is hard to imagine the line being ripped up and sold off. Could it rejoin the national network? Would that be a bad thing?

The costs of running a year-round service under present day maintenance and operational standards would be quite scary.

Indeed, and no matter how nice a thing it would be, I think that's a point lost on some.

Agreed with the huge expense...

Agreed with the huge expense.  Let's take a comparative look - by termini populations - at other branches which are open or are aspirations and see how Minehead stacks up

1000   Kyle of Lochalsh
2000   Great Bedwyn
5000   Blaeneau Ffestiniog
6000   Looe
6000   Saltburn
8000   Gunnislake + Calstock together
8000   Windermere
8000   Sheringham (15000 with Cromer)
9000   Oban
10000   Barton on Humber
11000   Largs
11000   Tavistock
12000   Minehead
12500   St Ives
13000  Bodmin
13000   Whitby
13000   Stranraer
14000   Pembroke
15000   Wick + Thurso together
15000   Milford Haven
16000   Tweedbank + Galashiels together
19000   Peterhead
21000   Alloa
20000   Newquay
22000   Portishead
26000   Fleetwood
27000   Melksham
28000   Ashington
62000   Corby

As one of the WSR pioneer members (1973 onwards) and employees (1976-79) it does sadden me to read about the goings-on.  What drove us, back in those early years, was the aim of restoring a Minehead - Taunton year-round service, to replace the one that we felt BR(WR) Bristol Division had connived to close-down.

Hundreds of West Somerset residents queued at Minehead in March 1976 to subscribe a fiver for shares in the Company which had promised to bring back their trains to Taunton.

The intransigence of BR(WR) management and the NUR, and the WSR's insufficient cash resources conspired to prevent our vision becoming a reality at the time.  Since then, the project has morphed into a heritage operation, and that is now deeply ingrained in the management and staff (both paid and volunteer) of the line.  They wouldn't want the heritage operation to be diluted or put at risk by a more obviously public-service regime.

The costs of running a year-round service under present day maintenance and operational standards would be quite scary.

How does that come about then? All Heritage railways have to comply with ORR standards which, although not compulsory, it would be unwise not to meet in some form.  That hopefully makes the railway fit for 'Mainline' use, albeit at 25mph maximum linespeed.

It's not as simple as that though, is it?   You might say that St Ives and Wick/Thurso are similar looking at the table.  But one is at the end of a 4 mile branch line, with humungous amounts of holiday traffic. The other is at the end of a 160 mile branch, and I suspect the holiday peak season is shorter and less marked. Indeed, the only similarity would seem to be that at their closest they are both 16 miles to one end of the Lands End to John O'Groats end points.

So the terminus population is only one element in the economics of a branch line.

With todays concerns about the environmental costs of road transport, I believe that rail transport to the Butlins holiday park at Minehead should be re examined.

Through trains from the national network to Minehead have run previously for this purpose, but were not a great success and not repeated. The problem being that Minehead station is not within walking distance of Butlins, at least not for those with luggage and children.
In my view, what is needed is a new "Butlins station" situated on a new loop from the WSR. This would require about a miles of new single track, two sets of points and protecting signals.
Holiday special trains could terminate at/start from this new station. In the present car park.

Whilst the costs of this would clearly be substantial, public money could reasonably part fund it in view of the reduced pollution and traffic congestion resulting.
The holiday camp also offers many attractions for day visitors, and a direct train service would be most attractive for these customers.
Large scale music festivals and religious events also take place, outside of the main holiday season and cause local chaos as large numbers drive to these events.

Is it totally off the wall to imagine public funding of a separate single line into Taunton station from Norton which would then be dedicated to a WSR-run year-long peak period service from Minehead dovetailing with traditional heritage operations?

I lose sight of what 'huge' means these days.

... I came over all philosophical  after reading your comment, and came to the conclusion that money is simply an abstract concept to describe time. Steel rails come from the time spent digging the iron ore, smelting, rolling, laying it on sleepers that have taken time, not money, to produce - hopefully you follow the drift.  WSR has lots of volunteers who donate time. I suppose we could simply measure things in terms of time, to describe the cost of a hole in the London ground in terms of the hours a person took to make it happen, but we would soon end up losing sight of that too.

WSR chairman says plans for Taunton to Minehead rail link "don't stack up"

 PLANS to create a community rail service between Minehead and Taunton ‘do not stack up’ according the chairman of West Somerset Railway.

Jonathan Jones-Pratt, the WSR chairman, reacted after Minehead Rail Link Group sent a letter this week to Somerset County Council calling for a face-to-face meeting about progressing its goals in the wake of the government pledging money to ‘undo the Beeching railway cuts’ of the 1980s.

In the letter, Minehead Rail Link Group say they envisage a service operated under a revised franchise agreement, ‘using two or three car diesel multiple units’.

The letter, signed by Minehead Rail Link Group secretary and district councillor Benet Allen, suggests this service could be delivered by extending some of the current Cardiff to Taunton services through to Minehead, ‘providing a roughly two-hourly service’.

[article continues]

Thread re-opened.

Update from chair's letter to shareholders, volunteers and supporters.

https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/news/detail/letter-to-shareholders-volunteers-and-supporters

Letter does not cut and paste well - and free OCR didn't do vowel well. Sorry about lack of quotes!

A SOMERSET MP says a 'frank and meaningful' conversation is needed over the future of West Somerset Railway.

Ian Liddell-Grainger, for Bridgwater and West Somerset, was reacting to the news the railway had given 43 staff members notice of potential redundancies.

The railway confirmed last week that letters had been sent out to its staff members as it considers its options during the Covid-19 crisis, which has left it unable to open this year.

43 staff
I find that a very high number.I thought most of the staff were volunteers.

The unease on the WSR continues with over 500 signing this open letter:

https://www.change.org/p/west-somerset-railway-plc-plc-open-letter-to-the-west-somerset-railway-plc-wsra-and-wssrt

53808 moves to Mid Hants for rest of time before boiler certificate expires but may return

https://preservation.watercressline.co.uk/news/entry/watercress-line-welcomes-7f-53808-to-the-railway

https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/news/detail/joint-press-release-from-the-somerset-dorset-railway-trust-ltd-and-the-west-somerset-railway-plc-about-locomotive-7f-53808

We look forward to 53808 joining the running fleet during August and operating alongside another locomotive 76017 that also ran on the S&D.

The PLC recognises the need for the Trust to generate income from using the locomotive as soon as is practically possible in order to contribute towards the costs of overhaul after 2022. The Company is therefore working collaboratively with the Trust to complete the winter maintenance programme which was halted by the impact of Covid 19 restrictions in preparation for departure.

There are several reasons why 53808 would not have run on the WSR in the near future, none of which relate to having too many engines or weight restrictions relating to the track. In fact 53808 is/was the ideal engine to handle incoming excursions off the main line.

An update on the outstanding trackworks

One of the factors holding back any chance of re-opening the Railway during the main 2020 season, even on a limited basis, are the unfinished winter track works at three particular locations. Unfinished due to the enforced and swift implementation of Covid-19 lockdown in March and the introduction of furlough for the WSR Plc's paid staff including the supervisors and track workers.In the latest edition of the WSR newsletter, 'The Platform', the Plc explains 'Some staff in critical areas, including permanent way, managed to get jobs elsewhere....this has left a gap on the permanent way side in particular, which will take time to fill.

[snip]

Given the Plc's comment and the fuller information from local sources (not revealed here), it all suggests the trackworks will not be completed for several months, possibly well into 2021.

27 July 2020

With overcrowded (under distancing) issues with buses a couple of months back, someone suggested a 3 car d.m.u. trundling up and down to provide capacity from Minehead - I think to a railhead at Bishop's Lydeard was suggested from where buses would head to the hospital, town centre, etc, in Taunton.    Sounded sensible at the time, but now sounds like it would not have been possible even if taken forward.

I for one would LIKE to see the present WSR to become a part of the national network with a year round service of through trains to other parts of the national network.
I appreciate that this may be a minority view, but we should remember that the ORIGINAL PURPOSE of the WSR was to run a year round service, similar to that run by BR before closure.

I would hope that a heritage operation could co-exist.

Similar arguments no doubt apply to other heritage lines, but I am more familiar with the WSR.

I'd certainly like to see a GWR IET operating from Paddington to Minehead during the summer months at least.

Similar arguments no doubt apply to other heritage lines, but I am more familiar with the WSR.

I doubt that an IET to Minehead would be an option, nothing to do with my dislike of them, but the longer vehicles would almost certainly be out of gauge in many locations. Remember all the costly and disruptive works required to clear main line routes for IETs ?

And yet ... cleared to Pembroke Dock, Newquay, Inverness, Aberdeen, Hull ...

I doubt that an IET to Minehead would be an option, nothing to do with my dislike of them, but the longer vehicles would almost certainly be out of gauge in many locations. Remember all the costly and disruptive works required to clear main line routes for IETs ?

A Castle set sounds more likely, these are also out of gauge but have run to Minehead relatively recently, so presumably only minor works would be required to again run HSTs to Minehead.

The Chairman of the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust, Chris Austin, has announced today that he is stepping down as chairman and as a trustee with immediate effect.  He remains a member and loyal supporter of the Trust and a volunteer worker on the railway.  Chris said:

?I am sorry to be leaving the Trust after ten successful years as Chairman.  I am afraid that I can no longer carry out this role while I continue to be the subject of intimidation and harassment by a group of people who are bent on taking control of the Trust in order to secure the PLC shares it owns and to force a merger with the Association which, as a Trustee, I do not believe is in the best interests of the Trust, or of the West Somerset Railway. 

At the age of 75, I believe it is time for a younger person to take over, and the strain of the last six weeks is now affecting my health and well-being.  I have been subject to threats of legal action from both Robin White and a number of the group who are seeking to become trustees, together with a threat to refer the Trust?s management to the Charity Commission and a complaint to the Information Commissioner?s Office.  The accusations made have become increasingly hostile and are quite inappropriate in relation to a small charity run entirely by volunteers; enough is enough.
   
I am grateful to my nine excellent trustees who have given me so much support over the last few difficult weeks.  I am grateful too for the support of members who have written to me and to the wonderful group of Trust volunteers with whom I have had the privilege of working.  I have enjoyed working with Jon Jones-Pratt as PLC chairman and Mike Sherwood as Association Chairman and am grateful to them for their support, advice and encouragement.  I would underline that my departure does not reflect any problem or dispute between the organisations that run and support the WSR, but stems from the actions of a small group of people with a strong sense of their own infallibility and a cavalier approach to working with those volunteers who have agreed to take on the heavy responsibility of managing and supporting this wonderful railway.

I am grateful to my vice-Chairman, Steve Williams, who has agreed to step up as Acting Chairman while my successor is sought.

Chris has been so very supportive to me on lots of things over the years, but especially during the introduction of the Shuttles....which definitely wouldn't of happened without his influence and guidance....a very sad day, especially being treated so badly. Disgraceful.

Such sad news, but never forget the massive amount of support Chris has given to the Railway. I wish you all the very best.

THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY RE-OPENS FOR TRAIN OPERATION
Published: 27th October 2020
 
The West Somerset Railway is resuming train operations from 1st November 2020 between Minehead and Norton Fitzwarren. Whilst we are not yet open to the public, trains, including engineers? on-track machines may run at any time, including during the hours of darkness. This is to allow us to re-familarise our staff and volunteers in all aspects of railway safety and operations, and to continue with our various engineering projects to enable the railway to open fully in the future.

You are reminded that there are many official places where members of the public can cross the line safely, but otherwise please stay outside of our boundary fences. The railway is not the place to go for a stroll or to walk your dog as we?ve unfortunately seen from a small minority of people this year. It is a dangerous place, and trains can approach very quietly. So for your own safety STOP LOOK LISTEN when using our public footpath crossings, and in all other cases STOP outside of our boundary fences, LOOK at our trains from a safe distance and LISTEN for further announcements on the progress that we are making to bring the West Somerset Railway back to life!

We look forward to inviting you back to the railway at a later date, but for now stay safe and stay well!

We are pleased to announce that our greatly anticipated Santa Express services are back in time for Christmas 2020!

Join us for a magical steam train ride through the countryside for a festive experience giving you treasured memories with your children for years to come!

Your journey will start with a visit to our welcome marquee at Bishops Lydeard, this will be a waiting area whilst your service is being prepared.

Summary of WSSRT AGM ? 14th November 2020

The board of Trustees of the WSSRT is pleased to update members and the wider WSR community on the results of the AGM of 14th November which was held virtually via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions.

You will be aware that an attempt was made by a small group of members to try and overwhelm the existing board of trustees. This was done by quietly signing up additional new members from June this year, many from outside the WSR community, with the specific intent of appointing 14 new trustees to force a vote on merging with the WSRA, and thereby using the shares owned in each charity to try and take over control of the PLC

At the AGM, the WSSRT membership voted to reject these new trustees by a significant margin. The total votes cast for them were 1,291 (70.54%) against and 508 (27.5%) votes in favour, with 31 (1.69%) abstentions.

As a result ...[continues] ...

A group for supporters of the West Somerset Railway . This is a purely Unofficial group with no ties to any of the official WSR bodies (PLC, WSRA and WSSRT) or its associates .

All are welcome from volunteers, supporters , shareholders , members . We will strive for an unbiased discussion

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A SOMERSET MP says restoring train services between Bishop's Lydeard and Minehead should be an "absolute priority", as delays will cause "serious problems for traders".

Bridgwater and West Somerset MP Ian Liddell-Grainger says West Somerset Railway (WSR) and Somerset County Council (SCC) should agree an early start to the essential upgrade of Seaward Way level crossing.

The crossing no longer fits the standards required for the volume of traffic on the road and so £1million is being invested to upgrade the facility to comply with modern regulations.

The crossing no longer fits the standards required for the volume of traffic on the road and so £1million is being invested to upgrade the facility to comply with modern regulations.

Does anyone know why the Seaward way  WSR webcam is out of use until "completion of the level crossing works" The physical location of the camera is well clear of the level crossing, so it would not be an obstruction to the works.

I also view with slight concern the recent advertising for a "project manager to oversee the level crossing works" A cynic might suspect that the project has started to go orribly wrong and that a new manager is required to try and get it back on track, or take the blame otherwise.

http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm#2296 (http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm#2296)

Could the trains travel a certain part of the route,Dunster?

Sorry if I can't locate this info,

but was their a planned GWR shuttle service from Taunton to Norton/bishops lydiard for summer 2021?

A statement about the much delayed level crossing renewal has been released and may be found here.
http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm#2327 (http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm#2327)

Doubts have surfaced as to the future of the "Qauntock Belle" dining train on the WSR.

The coaches are owned and operated by the West Somerset Railway Association, not by the PLC. AFAIK, profits from dining services go to the Association, but the PLC derive an income from use of their locomotives to haul the train.

http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm (http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm)

I must prepare you to specifically consider the question of the possible disposal of the QB set when we get to the AGM. We have been in discussion with the WSR Plc for many months and once they have honoured the 2021 bookings they can currently see no future in the operation of a dining train as they cannot see a way to turn a profit.

Chairman of said group saying they will need one million pounds to continue into next year,item on ITV west country local news on friday 2nd july.

Now, if I were Andrew Haines or Sir Peter Hendy, I would be thinking "What an opportunity to prove naysayers like Lee wrong, and build on the Okehampton momentum by pledging the money on Network Rail's behalf to bail WSR out, on the proviso that in future, Great British Railways becomes the senior partner on the Minehead route, and specifies services like this... (http://www.firstgreatwestern.info/coffeeshop/index.php?topic=17237.msg293536#msg293536) "

I would support a bail out by network rail with them becoming the senior partner in the Minehead branch.

I appreciate that I am probably in a minority in this view, but ....

I would support a bail out by network rail with them becoming the senior partner in the Minehead branch.

I appreciate that I am probably in a minority in this view, but we should remember that the ORIGINAL INTENT of the WSR was to operate a year round service largely by use of then modern types of DMU.

A year round service could use steam in the Summer season, and something more modern for other services. A preserved HST is the obvious near term choice, with a battery train being a longer term and greener option.

Hopefully the speed limit on the branch could be increased to 40 MPH or so for modernish steel bodied stock with power doors and air brakes.

Hopefully heritage stock could be allowed to use the short bit of national network track to run into Taunton.

I would support a bail out by network rail with them becoming the senior partner in the Minehead branch.

I appreciate that I am probably in a minority in this view, but we should remember that the ORIGINAL INTENT of the WSR was to operate a year round service largely by use of then modern types of DMU.

A year round service could use steam in the Summer season, and something more modern for other services. A preserved HST is the obvious near term choice, with a battery train being a longer term and greener option.

Hopefully the speed limit on the branch could be increased to 40 MPH or so for modernish steel bodied stock with power doors and air brakes.

Hopefully heritage stock could be allowed to use the short bit of national network track to run into Taunton.

As one of those involved at the start (and there are ever fewer of us left) I can say that the original intent was indeed to run such a service.  I even got the timetable all sorted out, in 1978.  The DMU service (using not particulalry "new" Park Royal DMUs) that we did initiate, between Williton and Minehead, was, in effect, a part of the intended route-long service.

In those days we had the (unaffordable at the time) prospect of using the former Up Relief Line between Norton Fiztwarren Junction and the Up side bay at the country end of Taunton station.  The present arrangement of having to cross trains across both Main Lines at Norton Fitzwarren to and from the branch is going to be problematic, without quite a bit of resignalling.  I understand this can't happen with the present arrangements at Exeter Power 'Box


It would be very pleasing to me to see this happen.  I've always wanted to show that the closure decision by BR(WR) management at Bristol was totally wrong!

The webcam at Seaward way is back in use.
http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-md2.htm (http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-md2.htm)

Good views of seagulls, Canada geese, dog walkers, cars, and the newly installed semaphore signal.

Agree that the picture quality is good, but there seems to be something missing from the program content ?

Not certain about the 25-50 ? perhaps connects with the Hogwarts express and therefore runs to magic timings. :)

The webcam at Seaward way is back in use.
http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-md2.htm (http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-md2.htm)

Good views of seagulls, Canada geese, dog walkers, cars, and the newly installed semaphore signal.

National Rail Trains arriving at 08:25, 19:10, 20:50 and 25:50 from Taunton and beyond at the platform behind Butlins just to the east of the crossing, leaving at 05:40, 07:05, 08:30 and 21:00.   Heritage trains Eastbound just after 10:10, 11:10, 12:15, 14:15, 15:15, 16:15 and 17:10 headed for Bishop's Lydeard, returning just before 10:52, 11:47, 12:47, 13:47, 14:52, 15:47 and 17:52, connecting in almost all cases with National Rail at Lydeard?

That would be good wouldn't it! Unless you know something which I don't.....!

Dave

AFAIK the new LED colour light signal replaces an earlier colour light signal that used incandescent bulbs. The LEDs give a very similar appearance and are therefore considered acceptable in a location not often viewed or photographed.

Perhaps our resident WSR expert could confirm ?

Uncharacteristically silent, but I had tea with a friend who has been training drivers on the new signals. He doesn't regard them as out of place, and sees big improvements from a safety angle.

Yes I was thinking of yourself, but did not say so in so many words, so as to avoid unwelcoming replies from other members.

Don't worry, I am sure we are all big Witham Bobby fans!

Spare crossing barriers are held in stock, but the delays suggest that something more than a simple replacement is being considered.

Britain’s first sliding gate level crossing barriers are now operational in the North East after a recent upgrade as part of Network Rail’s Railway Upgrade Plan.

The new, telescopic barrier slides out across West Dyke Road in Redcar from alongside the railway tracks and marks the end of the existing boom gate barrier which was plagued by reliability problems during high winds.

In any case what's wrong with posting a couple of people with red flags to stop traffic. Or is this reckoned to be a dangerous thing to do in these days of health & safety dominance over common sense?

Presumably they’re designed to break if hit with strong winds or a vehicle, without causing damage to the raising/lowering mechanism?  Spare sets are kept by the crossing at some locations to allow a speedy replacement.

In any case what's wrong with posting a couple of people with red flags to stop traffic. Or is this reckoned to be a dangerous thing to do in these days of health & safety dominance over common sense?

Indeed, and I understand that the WSR did have spare barriers stored, not certain where exactly but said to be available. There was however an initial reluctance to simply fit the spare barriers, without investigation into the failure in extreme but foreseeable wind conditions.

Rail safety system demonstration shows importance of agile innovation

Thales is working with Network Rail and the West Somerset Railway (WSR) to run a live demonstration of its Train Protection and Warning System - Continuous Supervision (TPWS-CS).

TPWS-CS builds on radio-based limited supervision (RBLS) system, which is currently being defined by Network Rail and industry. The new system continuously updates a train’s position and warns the driver when approaching a stretch of track closed for maintenance or under speed restrictions, applying an emergency brake if necessary. The system enables the Person in Charge of Possession to apply specific permitted movements to trains within the possession, which will be automatically supervised by the TPWS-CS to warn the driver or apply the brake when necessary. The driver can receive updates in their cab constantly, without the need for trackside infrastructure.

The technology

The system consists of three core elements: continuous positioning sensors, including radar, a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and inertial measurement unit (IMU); an interface for communicating with the driver; and access to the emergency braking system through the existing Train Protection & Warning System.

Thales has also shown that the TPWS-CS system can be fitted and integrated quickly and cheaply into a cab. The system has been installed as part of Thales’s Robust Train Positioning System on an in-service GWR Class 150 cab, which is acting as a rolling laboratory to gather data.

I'm concerned about the GPS side of things.
Occasionally in incident reports there are mentions that the drivers GSM-? didn't work, or there was no radio signal in that area.
Everything works well when there is a signal.
There are many areas around the UK with either no signal or a very poor signal level.
Perhaps too much dependence on technology?

Still faulty this morning.
10-00 diesel departure from Minehead held at the new semaphore signal, three only out of four level crossing barriers then lowered.
Semaphore signal remained at danger. Passed at danger as a hand signalman showed a green flag.

Here is a bit of technical trivia, brain teaser.

The Seaward Lane webcam gives of a good view of the now functioning correctly level crossing and of the nearby semaphore signal.

Under certain conditions, the light in the signal appears to flicker or cycle between dim and bright, sometimes appearing to go e out for a second or even several seconds.

I believe that I know the reason for this, but would anyone else care to suggest the reason ? Noticeable right now, at nearly 17-00.

But for older readers, does anyone remember the effect you often got on older TV sets when they played old black and white movies, and spoked wagon wheels would look as though they were going round backwards. 

Paul

The number of orange clad workers suggested a certain lack of faith.

I observe that there is castle HST at Minehead. Does anyone know why ?
Have they purchased it ?
Also although HSTs have previously visited Minehead, I thought that were now out of gage and therefore not allowed.
Surprised to see that the lights were on throughout the train last night, Has a shore supply been installed ? surely they did not leave a power car running all night,  for reasons of noise and fuel cost.

I read somewhere that one set would be in service on the 23rd and 24th
Link from Twitter/X

https://x.com/stpeterslayout/status/1701252602392961178?s=61&t=VlafMC5gF9tidw36b1Y8JQ

Probably won't be there that long - just until XC 125s are decommissioned.

5Z25 0958 Laira to Bishops Lydeard running today

43 122 and 43 094 locos

As already mentioned, both sets are in temporary warm storage. Both are due to return at some stage.

WSR has been allowed to use one set over the weekend of 23/24 September. This will operate the 1000 and 1430 from Minehead, and the 1230 and 1635 from Bishops Lydeard on both days.

Presumably, if HSTs are due to be scrapped, then they should be available to purchase for little more than the scrap price ?

West Somerset Railway losses of £4k a week prompt MP Ian Liddell-Grainger call for talks

...

He said nobody who supported or travelled on the railway would view the accounts with anything other than alarm.

Mr Liddell-Grainger said: “The West Somerset Railway is a vital component of the local tourism industry and we simply cannot afford to lose it.

“But, it is clear from the state of the line that economies are being made everywhere, particularly in weeding and lineside clearing, yet these are merely stacking up costs which at some point will have to be faced.

“I am still hopeful that we can achieve a connection to Taunton so that regular services can be run on and off the West Somerset Railway.

The HST that was at Minehead has gone. Presumably FGW needed it to cover for IETs that drowned at Dawlish.