WSR DMU returns to traffic

AFTER an absence of almost three years, the West Somerset Railway now has an operational DMU.

Three-car Class 115 set in BR green livery was withdrawn in late 2019 primarily for attention to door handles and locks for which a successful appeal was opened.

Other items were then found to need attention, such as roof work. This was undertaken at Minehead and Williton culminating with a successful test run from Minehead to Williton on July 24.

The return to traffic was on

August 6/7 when it ran a free shuttle service of eight return workings each day between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren for the WSR’s steam rally. Some doors are still locked out of use. On August 8 it substituted for Class 33 No. D6566 (33048) which failed before departing from Bishops Lydeard with the 12.30 to Minehead.

The Class 115 set, the only one in regular operation, comprises DMBS No. W51859, with a cabend repaint including ‘speed whiskers’, TCL No. W59678, and DMBS No. W51880 with halfyellow end panel.