it’s all change at the west somerset as horton becomes its new chief engineer
Large and small GWR ‘Prairies’ are expected to be the next locomotives to enter the West Somerset Railway’s workshops, with the appointment of David Horton as the WSR plc’s new head of mechanical engineering. Current Chief Mechanical Engineer Andy Forster is retiring at the end of October, having been a volunteer since 1979 and CME for 27 years, including overseeing the heavy overhauls of ‘7F’ 2‑8‑0 No. 53808 and ‘Manor’ 4‑6‑0 No. 7828 Odney Manor, as well as the conversion of ‘Large Prairie’ No. 5193 into the GWR’s proposed ‘Mogul’ No. 9351. Due to take up the baton at the WSR from November, David is currently working for Bombardier at Derby on the Class 222 ‘Meridian’ fleet of 125mph diesel‑electric trains. He has previously been volunteer operations manager for the Thompson B1 Locomotive Trust (owners of No. 61264) and was also involved with the rebuilding of the Welsh Highland Railway. He will take over the current overhaul of No. 9351, which is expected to be outshopped towards the end of 2017. Subject to funding, said WSR General Manager Paul Conibeare, it will be followed into the works by the plc’s ex‑Barry ‘Large Prairie’ No. 4110 ‑ as a volunteer project. The plc is also in discussion with the West Somerset Railway Association about their future plans for ‘Small Prairie’ No. 4561 and ‘Manor’ No. 7821 Ditcheat Manor, and how they fit with the plc’s long‑term locomotive strategy. Said Paul: “Once we know the outcome of these discussions, which are linked to key decisions at the Association AGM, we will be able to confirm what will happen next. A significant fundraising programme will be required, which has already started for No. 4110 through the 2016 plc Shareholder Appeal.” Although No. 4561’s water capacity and seven‑ coach load limit restricts its usefulness somewhat, it is expected that suitable work can be found ‑ as the plc and Association are also in talks regarding the future operation of ‘Quantock Belle’ dining trains, and the use of the Association’s former Taunton inspection saloon No. W80976W. “With 20 to 30 dining trains a year, the ‘45’ fits that bill,” said Paul. “You need 60 to 100 steamings a year to make the overhaul viable ‑ but off‑peak trains, charters, driver experience and hiring out could make up that number.” With a fleet of five to six locomotives needed for peak season operations, the WSR’s current hire of ‘7F’ No. 53809 has been extended to next year, alongside No. 53808, ‘4F’ No. 44422, ‘Modified Hall’ No. 6960 Raveningham Hall, and No. 7828.