WSR TO RUN TRAINS FOR CHRISTMAS?
West Somerset proposes December operations – if necessary infrastructure work is completed.
Steam returned to Minehead station in late July and early August, as the West Somerset Railway held two ‘Living History’ weekends.
The first took place on
July 25/26, with GWR-design ‘Mogul’ No. 9351 in action for shunting and turntable demonstrations, while ‘Manor’ No. 7822 Foxcote Manor arrived to work alongside the ‘Mogul’ for the second event on August 1/2. The two weekends attracted a total of 1,620 visitors and brought in a total income of £12,160 from ticket sales, retail and donations.
A similar event is scheduled for all three days of the August Bank Holiday weekend, at which it is hoped to have Odney Manor in steam.
Having earlier stated that it did not expect to run trains again until next year (SR507), the line now hopes to be able to recommence operations in December – depending upon track repairs, and an upgrade of Seaward Way level crossing at Minehead.
WSR plc chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt said: “Our plan is to focus on getting ready for December – it’s small steps for us right now. The board are pleased with the current risk management and control on maintaining safety for our staff; we are itching to get back though as you can imagine.
“The team are looking at how we can operate the Christmas market, as well as some kind of Winter Steam Festival. In October and
November we will be focusing on the competence and training.”
Gala dates have also been announced for 2021: the Spring Steam Gala will be on April 22-25, and is planned to have the BR Standards theme of the cancelled 2020 event. The Autumn Steam Gala, with a ‘Great Western Region’ theme, is on September 30-October 3, and the Winter Steam Festival on December 29/30.
It is not clear whether any December 2020 operations will be able to cover the full length of the 20-mile Bishops LydeardMinehead line. Trains are currently unable to venture outside station limits at Minehead because the 1992-installed Seaward Way Crossing has been taken out of use, and is not expected to be ready until March.
Explained Mr Jones-Pratt: “The mechanism for the lifting barriers is time-expired and any passage of trains will require flagmen to marshal traffic. This is not something that we are able to do, on this busy road, other than for exceptional situations. It is expected to be fully reinstated and operational before the start of the 2021 season.”
As the railway was in place before the road was built, responsibility for funding
maintenance of the crossing lies with Somerset County Council.
Because road and pedestrian traffic has increased since the crossing was built, full barriers are now required, and Mr Jones-Pratt added: “The board has a desire to promote mechanical signalling as opposed to colour lights, and we are working on that.
“A range of permanent way activities were taking place at the time of lockdown in March, at which point all staff ceased work.
All the infrastructure staff were put on furlough and, subsequently, two key staff have resigned to take up other jobs. Replacement staff will be recruited after the end of furlough.”
Most of the outstanding repairs are on the northern section between Minehead and Williton, including installation of a catch point at Blue Anchor and adjustment of tie bars at Doniford Halt.
On the southern section, the tasks include drainage work at Stogumber; spot re-sleepering at Nethercott (between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe) and Cottisford (between Stogumber and Williton) and tamping of twist
OUR PLAN IS TO FOCUS ON GETTING READY FOR DECEMBER JONATHAN JONES-PRATT
faults near Crowcombe.. Jobs planned for the winter
of 2020/21 include re-railing at Bye Farm (between Watchet and Williton); completion of drainage work at Doniford; and an extension to a flat-bottom rail section at Mineral Line Bridge near Watchet to remove a ‘dog leg’, plus tamping. Track renewals at Blue Anchor and Doniford are planned for the winter of 2021/22.
●● In recent changes on the WSR plc board, Bob Meanley has resigned as director of mechanical engineering, while independent rail operations
consultant Andy Castledine has been appointed to the board.