ASSOCIATION ADVENTURER THE ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER OF THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY ASSOCIATION Registered Charity No.1041901 A Company Limited by Guarantee ISSUE ONE JUNE 2013
Established 1971
The Great Western Society’s Railmotor No.93 stands at Crowcombe Heath7ield station on the evening of Saturday 23rd March 2013. OUR FIRST ELECTRONIC NEWSLETTER SUCCESSFUL FIRST RAIL MOTOR VISIT
West Somerset Railway Journal
Welcome to this, our Girst electronic newsletter. Firstly, let The Great Western Society’s Railmotor No.93 paid a very us assure you that this will not be rJoeuprlancailng the quarterly successful Girst visit to the Railway during the Spring Steam , but supplementing it by Gala, courtesy of the Great Western Society at Didcot. The providing information and updates on the many Railway Railmotor appeared at an evening photographic shoot at and Association activities that, due to when they occur, fall Crowcombe HeathGield station on Saturday 23rd March between publication dates for the . In this way, we and looked very much the part in the beautifully restored hope to be able to provide an even better service to our station. The event was run by Association Chairman David members, by keeping everyone abreJaosutronfatl he latest news Williams and lighting was kindly supplied by Jason Cross of and developments - Gilling a gap, rather than intending to the East Midlands Railway Photographic Society. A number compete with our award-winning magazine, and carrying of the station team stayed on into the evening to provide news of current activities rather than the in depth reports visitors with much-needed hot refreshments and everyone from departments contained in the . The newsletter who attended was very grateful for their efforts. Your will appear, at least initially, quarterly, at times when we Association budgeted £3000 towards the transport costs of feel it will be of maximum beneGit to provide members bringing this living piece of Great Western Railway history with fresh information, whether that be on restorations, to the line and was pleased to be able to support the Special acquisitironseornevenets;wwe hopoe yonu wlilliennjoyeit! at wEvwentswPlann.iwng Teasmrin a po.siotiverandgme.auningk ful way.
Page One QUANTOCK BELLE SEASON LAUNCHED WITH NEW LIVERY
Easter Sunday saw the Girst outing of the Association’s the train would like to see the coaches carry. As always, Quantock Belle dining set, with a new livery being there was a diversity of opinion, but the vast majority unveiled for the start of the 2013 operating season. favoured an umber and cream Pullman-style livery and it It was decided that the maroon livery carried for over was this colour scheme that was eventually adopted. a decade was becoming somewhat tired and that the set A great deal of hard work was put in at Williton during was in need of a repaint over the winter period. As early January, February and early March to ensure completion a.s.A.pAril N201D2, coTnsWultaOtionNstaErteWd witVh vEoluHnteIeCrs LonEthSe ARonEtimAe;CthQe seUt wIiRll bEe liDnedFouOt inRdueTcoHursEe, aSndEhaTs ! setFtOo3G1in31daotuWtilwlithonat livery those who actually worked on already met with the approval of passengers and diners. following delivery from Eastleigh. DJW
another vehicle can receive necessary attention without the problem of losing the seating capacity that they provide. In due course, it will be possible to increase the number of diners that can be accommodated on each train, but this will have to go hand in hand with an improvement and expansion of the kitchen and preparation facilities available and an increase in the pool of volunteers who have been trained to work the train. It would be unfair to expect staff to serve more diners using the same facilities and the Trustees realize that the train cannot be upgraded and expanded in one area without improvements in other areas, too. Of course, do not expect the vehicles to enter trafGic in the very near future - plans take time to mature and come to fruition, but the Association is fully committed to Recent weeks have seen the delivery of two new vehicles upgrDadIinNgItNheGdiTninRgAcaIrNseSrvBicOe aOvaKilaIbNleGtoWpaEssLenLgers which are, in due course, destined to become part of the travelling on the West Somerset Railway. Quantock Belle dining set. FOR THE EARLY MONTHS OF 2013 The Girst arrival was former BSK E35408 which was latterly in service with Balfour Beatty. This vehicle is a useful acquisition in that it is generator Gitted, which will give greater power supply on board the dining train and therefore allow items such as fridges and freezers to be After a slightly slower start than usual, bookings for this added, making a wider variety of foods available to diners, year’s Quantock Belle have greatly improved in recent as well as keeping drinks chilled as required. The weeks, with bookings easily comparable with the same Association is committed to providing the Railway with a period in 2012. quality dining train that is continually improving and this For modern traction enthusiasts, there is the chance to vehicle is another acquisition that will, in due course, ride behind one of the DEPG’s classic diesel locos whilst allow that to happen. A vehicle with generators will also enjoying a quality meal and great day out on Wednesday be an asset for heating the train, as it will have the beneGit lunch trains in June, July, August and early September. of not requiring a steam locomotive to be attached prior With prices at just £26 (or £30 if you would like a cream to departure in the cold winter months but still to have a tea on the return journey) these trains represent excellent warm train for passengers when they board. value for money and are a chance to enjoy the delights of The most recent arrival, on Thursday 4th April, was First both the Quantock Belle and the Somerset countryside for Open (FO) No.3131 from Eastleigh. This Mark I vehicle an exceptional price. A handful of seatsOrenmslauinghavt ailable was formerly with the main line operating company for the diesel-hauled Wednesday lunch trains on 19th June, Riviera Trains and currently carries maroon livery. The 3rd July and 31st July, and all services during August. The coach was inspected by Association Trustees in January estveeanmin-hgaturaleind on Saturday 25th August will feature of this year and a deal subsequently agreed to purchase prestige hydraulic haulage when D832 it, on the condition that it was not resold for use in a main will head the train. line coaching set for a period of Gifteen years. The latter At the time of writing, there is still plenty of space on the condition was fairly easy to fulGill, as the Association has For more inftorirpmoantitohne eovretnoinmgaokfeSatburodoakyin2g7,thplJeualys, e no intention of selling the vehicle back into main line use. wcailtlhtahreoAunssdo2c5iasteioatnsostfiFlilcaevoanila0b1le8.2U3n4do3u3b8t5e6d.ly, all of the The FO is to be restored using largely volunteer labour trains will start to Gill up quite quickly so, if you would like over a two-year period. When it enters trafGic, it will then to join us, please book early to avoid disappointment. be possible to withdraw one of the other vehicles for a full overhaulrwiethonut coempwromisiong cnapaclitiy;nin theis waay, t www.wsra.org.uk
Page Two BOILER OF 4561 PROGRESSING WELL AT BUCKFASTLEIGH
(right and below right) Progress on the boiler of the Association’s ‘Small Prairie’ No.4561 has been progressing rapidly at the South Devon Railway’s Buckfastleigh Works. The pictures show ongoing work and were taken on 16th April. The new smoke box and door ring have been manufactured and riveted together. The new front tube plate, parallel and tapered barrel sections have been made and joined together. Following stripping down and detailed inspection, it has been decided to replace the complete backhead, so a new one has been madbeelaonwdlGelaft nged. Meanwhile, the new pony wheel castings have been completed and collected from the foundry in Stourbridge where they were cast, and these are now being machined. The picture shows No.4561 climbing Washford Bank at the head of a goods working during its Girst period in steam on the Railway. The locomotive is now well on the way tPohwotaorcdousrrtestyurning to steam for the Girst time since 1999, aAn.Jd.Wwhietbyare all looking forward to the day, hopefully in Autumn 2016, when the ‘Small Prairie’ steams again.
Photos courtesy Ray Waldron
DON’T FORGET THIS SPRING’S DRAW IN AID OF 4561! Don’t forget that one of the easiest and cheapest ways you can help hasten the restoration of No.4561 is to support our Spring Draw. Every ticket sold pushes us another £1 closer to getting our ‘4500’ Class 2-6-2T back into steam and working on the West Somerset Railway. With a top prize of £500, second prize of £250 and Five third prizes of £50, why not give it a go? Tickets were sent out with the Winter 2013 issue of the Journal, and additional tickets can be obtained from the Association ofFice on 01823 433856. The closing date is 27th June, and the draw will be held at the Annual General Meeting on Saturday 20th July. Please help us put 4561 back into trafFic, and give yourself a chance of winning a prize into the bargain! We really appreciate your support.
renew online at www.wsra.org.uk
Page Three ASSOCIATION LAUNCHES NEW MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Trustee Nigel Bruce Robertson (left) and Association Manager Susan Kaufman launch the Association’s new membership drive at Bishops Lydeard Signal Box
The West Somerset Railway Association has this Since then, the Association and its members have week launched a drive to attract new members. bought and operated Nos.6412 and 4561 (6412 is The WSRA was formed in the early 1970s and has now resident at the South Devon Railway, whilst worked alongside the Company that runs the 4561 is currently being overhauled) and also own Railway to further the heritage and educational No.7821 Ditcheat Manor which is on static display aspects of the line for over forty years, becoming at STEAM in Swindon. The charity owns and a Registered Charity in 1994. Association Manager operates the lineʼs heritage dining train and has Susan Kaufman said, “The Association has been contributed both money and manpower to many of instrumental in the survival of the West Somerset the heritage projects that have made the Railway Railway since its inception in 1971. We are what it is today; it is fully committed to its brief as committed to developing the heritage aspects an educational charity and currently has three ap - of the Railway that so enhance the experience of prentices based at West Somerset Restoration, visitors and passengers. To help us further our Williton. work we are raising our profile and hope to Any members who would like to lend a hand in the encourage many who are not familiar with new campaign by distributing leaflets or displaying the efforts of the charity to support us.” a poster in their local area would be very welcome It is 42 years since the inaugural meeting of the to do so; please call us on 01823 431311 for more West Somerset Railway Association took place at information. Posters can also be downloaded the Black Horse in Taunton, on 7th May 1971. directly from our website at www.wsra.org.uk
Don’t forget that you can now purchase copies of Steam Railway and Heritage Railway from the Association shop at Bishops Lydeard, as well as buy daily copies of some national and local newspapers. To Find out about our wide range of books, models and countless other railway-related items, call us on 01823 432125 or email us at [email protected] Amongst items currently in stock are DVDs of the 2013 Spring Steam Gala by Oldham Video Productions, featuring Railmotor No.93 and the auto-train, plus much more besides! renew online at www.wsra.org.uk
Page Four STEAM FAYRE 2013: SATURDAY 3RD & SUNDAY 4TH AUGUST
Members of the Rally Team will again be in Taunton town centre on the two Saturdays prior to the Steam Fayre and Vintage Rally to promote the event. Here, the team is seen promoting the 2012 event along with Jesse Waldron’s 1930 :ive-ton Foden steam lorry. Pictured from left to right are Mike Buttel (Rally Chairman), Terry Small (Arena Marshal), Ted Scott (Stationary Engine Marshal), Richard & Diane Charlton (Military Section Marshals) and Rob Coombes (Commercial & Emergency Vehicle Marshal). This year’s Steam Fayre & Vintage Rally will be held are interested in helping out, please contact the Rally’s at Norton Fields over the weekend of Saturday 3rd & administrator, Keith Sandford, by telephone on 01823 Sunday 4th August 2013. 433856 or email Keith at [email protected] or The Rally Committee is currently looking for more contact Richard and Diane Charlton via email at volunteers to help man the event which is held in aid [email protected] of the West Somerset Railway Association. For visitors, the show will provide a wealth of family Help is always needed, and there are a wide variety fun and entertainment, as well as a huge selection of of tasks to suit all talents and availability. Prior to the vintage vehicles to keep even the most ardent transport event, help is needed with the placing of road signs enthusiast happy. It is hoped that steam ploughing will and publicity, both in the vicinity of the Norton site be a feature of the event for the First time, as well as itself and in the surrounding area. During the event tractors, cars, commercials, military and emergency itself, help is particularly needed with selling admission vehicles. tickets at the two site entrances, selling programmes, Shortly after the last event, the Trustees authorized providing guidance and information to visitors and expenditure to plough and reseed the Field, and the exhibitors around the site and providing assistance grass is growing healthily again, ready for what we as understudies to the many section marshals. If you hope will be a drier weekend in 2013! renew online at www.wsra.org.uk
Page Five GWSR CLASS 37 AND TAUNTON RAIL SHUTTLES FOR MIXED TRACTION GALA!
No.37215 (originally D6915) pictured at Toddington on the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway. The 7inal details are being put in place to bring the ‘37’ to the West Somerset Railway, which will be the locomotive’s 7irst visit to another heritage railway since it arrived on the GWSR some twenty years ago. DJW
Friday 7th, Saturday 8th & Sunday 9th Onslaught Western June Campaigner
Plans are now in hand for the Mixed Traction Gala which On Friday evening at 18.40, there will be a limited stop will be held on service hauled by D832 and D1010 . Friday will be an all-diesel day, whilst two steam running Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, with services will be running on both Saturday and Sunday. the same locomotives working a non-stop service from Originally a Direct Rail Services Class 20 locomotive was Minehead to Bishops Lydeard at 11.55 hours on the due to attend, but the loco has been unable to visit, so its Saturday. On arrival at Bishops Lydeard, the two Class 33 place will be taken by a member of another popular class ‘Cromptons’ will be attached to the rear of the train and, amongst modern traction enthusiasts, Class 37 No.37215 with two locos at each end, the train will proceed to from the Gloucestershire & Warwickshire Railway. The Norton before Nos.D6566 and D6575 take full charge of Class 37 is owned by the Growler Group based at the train from Norton to Minehead. Toddington, formedJoinur1n9a8l 6 and which purchased the On Saturday and Sunday, First Great Western will be loco from British Rail in 1994, returning it to service four running shuttle services between Taunton and Bishops years later; 37215 currently carries corporate blue livery. Lydeard. There will be seven services operating on both The second visiting locomotive, as mentioned in the weekend days of the event, with the Girst train out of Winter issue of the , is expected to be Class 24 Taunton being 09.32 on Saturday and 09.36 on Sunday; No.24081 which is also resident at the Gloucestershire the last departure back to Taunton from Bishops & Warwickshire Railway; it is one of only four Lydeard will be at 17.32 on both days. Tickets will cost surviving members of the class and was the last to be £5 return for these services; no concessions apply. withdrawn in January 1981. This loco is also in BR On Sunday 9th June, special tickets will be available corporate blue livery which, along with the Class 37, allowing travel from Minehead into Taunton and back will give a 1970s Glavour to the event, complementing by train. Tickets will be valid on the 08.45 and 09.45 members of the home Gleet that will be in action, too. services from Minehead and on the 15.45 and 16.45 The two visiting locos are expected to arrive by road at services from Bishops Lydeard. The return fares Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 5th June. between Minehead, Dunster, Blue Anchor, Washford, Diesel-hauled goods trains are expected to run on both Watchet and Bishops Lydeard will be £10 and from Friday (08.50 from Minehead, 17.45 from Bishops Williton, Stogumber and Crowcombe HeathGield £7. Lydeard) and Saturday (08.00 from Minehead and 17.45 Passengers will need to book £5 return tickets between from Bishops Lydeard). There will also be the chance to Bishops Lydeard and Taunton aboard the First Great drive arloecomnotivee atwMinehoeadnfor l£1i0 non aell thraee dtays. wWwesternwtrai.nwfromstherTravell.inog Trickget In.spuectkor.
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