West Somerset Railway
resumes operations
Derek Buttivant
resumes operations
Derek Buttivant
When the sun came out this afternoon I took a quick trip over to just north of Bishops Lydeard to watch a West Somerset train on the first day of passenger service since the brief pre-Christmas operating period at the end of last year. I attach a few photos of the 15.10 Bishops Lydeard - Williton train, the third train of the day, heading away from Bishops Lydeard hauled by Mogul No.9351 (originally GWR 5193). I know that web site space is at a premium - so choose whichever photos you prefer and I'll not be offended if you don't use any of them!
The WSR is running a limited service, mainly Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays with trains operating only as far as Williton, Watchet or Blue Anchor. Minehead is at present inaccessible because the level crossing just short of the station is being upgraded to full barriers because of increasing vehicle and pedestrian movements across it. The work is not expected to be finished until later in the summer. Due to Covid restrictions, train passengers must travel out and back on the same train and intermediate stations are not being served. This situation could change if the restrictions are relaxed further in June. For the moment, it's good just to see trains running and it is to be hoped that demand will be sufficient to provide much-needed income for the railway.
Kind regards,
Derek
The WSR is running a limited service, mainly Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays with trains operating only as far as Williton, Watchet or Blue Anchor. Minehead is at present inaccessible because the level crossing just short of the station is being upgraded to full barriers because of increasing vehicle and pedestrian movements across it. The work is not expected to be finished until later in the summer. Due to Covid restrictions, train passengers must travel out and back on the same train and intermediate stations are not being served. This situation could change if the restrictions are relaxed further in June. For the moment, it's good just to see trains running and it is to be hoped that demand will be sufficient to provide much-needed income for the railway.
Kind regards,
Derek
All photographs are the Copyright of Derek Buttivant
ManyThanks Derek
Clay to Irvine
Chris Harvey
Chris Harvey
66070 is captured near Bethany on 4th May2002, rolling down the gradient towards St Germans with the Burngullow - Irvine china clay tanks.
Best Regards, Chris Harvey - Bodmin
Best Regards, Chris Harvey - Bodmin
N.B. Irvine is some 480 miles from Burngullow as the crow flies - it must be considerably more by rail.
66070 at Bethany on a Burngullow to Irvine service It's the 4th May 2002. Copyright Chris Harvey . Looks like a better summer than 20211
Craigs Contribution
A couple of days of bright spells whilst out and about. Bright red 66104 is seen bringing its string of CDA wagons onto the Newquay branch from the Rocks complex at Goonbarrow. The train loco is currently engaged in the shunting and loading of the wagons whilst the small shunters are temporarily out of service.
In fine light 66009 heads the Treviscoe portion of JIA wagons at Burngullow. Sad to see the level of graffiti on these wagons these days. I imagine the decoration being applied in the Midlands rather than the South West. The train visited Par harbour next day, thence taking the 11 loaded onward to Exeter Riverside.
A request on Twitter had me looking through the albums for the original TrePol and Pen, 37196 carrying the decorative wooden headboard. I took a shot at Truro during the naming, and then caught a quick shot at Lostwithiel on clay duties from the cab of an eastbound HST a day or two later in 1985. Odd to ponder that that power car may still be departing Lostwithiel in 2021! Also scanned a shot of D200 / 40122 under the train shed on that gloomy Nov day in 1985.
Cheers for now, Craig
In fine light 66009 heads the Treviscoe portion of JIA wagons at Burngullow. Sad to see the level of graffiti on these wagons these days. I imagine the decoration being applied in the Midlands rather than the South West. The train visited Par harbour next day, thence taking the 11 loaded onward to Exeter Riverside.
A request on Twitter had me looking through the albums for the original TrePol and Pen, 37196 carrying the decorative wooden headboard. I took a shot at Truro during the naming, and then caught a quick shot at Lostwithiel on clay duties from the cab of an eastbound HST a day or two later in 1985. Odd to ponder that that power car may still be departing Lostwithiel in 2021! Also scanned a shot of D200 / 40122 under the train shed on that gloomy Nov day in 1985.
Cheers for now, Craig
66194 seen at Goonbarrow 6G09 on the 18th May 2021. Copyright Craig Munday
The next day 66009 on duty at Burngullow with the 6C53. 19th May 2021. Copyright Craig Munday
Back in 1985.
D200 causes some excitement when it arrives at Penzance on the 27th Nov 1985. Copyright Craig Munday
37196 during the naming ceremony at Truro. 16th July 1985. Copyright Craig Munday
Many thanks Craig