WSR diesel operating dates are revised

DIESEL operations on the West Somerset Railway are the subject of constant change, but the situation in mid-July was as follows – and could change again.

The Seaward Way level crossing replacement project has run late due to issues beyond the WSR’s control.

Rail access to Minehead station is not possible until at least late September. Trains will terminate at Dunster with a dedicated bus connection between there and Minehead.

As there is no passing loop at Dunster to allow loco run-round, a ‘shunt release’ manoeuvre will be used to allow the loco to reposition at the other end of the train. This involves the use of another loco, either the WSR’s Class 03 No. D2133 or one of the DEPG Class 33s, to move the coaching stock forward while the train loco waits in Dunster West siding alongside.

Itinerary

Turnaround time at Dunster will be 35 minutes with all passengers having to alight before the shunting manoeuvre takes place.

Diesel-hauled Bishops Lydeard to Dunster services, with possible extension south to Norton Fitzwarren, will be ‘out-and-back’ with no bus connection to Minehead. Departure from Bishops

Lydeard is 11.35 returning from Dunster at 13.25. ‘Hymek’ No. D7018 works the service on August 7 and 25. The first date has been changed due to a railtour working through to Dunster from the main line the following Saturday. The ‘Crompton’ pair, Nos. D6566 and D6575, top and tail the Minehead-Dunster service on August 21.

DEPG diesels will be in operation for the mixed traction event to be held on September 17-18, but there will be no visiting diesel loco as previously hoped because there is no budget for the hire. Some trains will run on the little-used section of line to Norton Fitzwarren.