Items added on the 11th October 2016 Those added most recently come first

Celebrity HST in Devon
Craig Munday

The celebrity pair pictured at Plymouth at about 12.45 on the 11th October 2016. Copyright Craig Munday

The London end of the train at Platform 7 at 12.45 today. 11th October 2016 Copyright Craig Munday

The Celebrity HST First visit to Cornwall behind 43185 Great Western in Inter City Swallow Livery
Roger Winnen & Andrew Triggs

The first visit of 43185 Great Western in Inter City Swallow Livery arrived at Penzance this morning on the 07.02 service from Plymouth known as the School Train. On the rear was 43002  253001 Sir Kenneth Grange named earlier this year during the Bristol St Philips Marsh Open Day.

161011a The 09.12 arrival at Penzance known as the school train from Plymouth. Copyright Roger Winnen

161011e 43185 on the 1C40 arrives at Penzance. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161011b A broadside view of the Swallow Livery on 43185. Copyright Roger Winnen

161011f 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange seen heading the 1A83 10.00 Penzance to London Paddington through Marazion. Copyright Andrew Triggs

161011c I arrived at Camborne aboard the 09.36 Route 18 Kernow Bus service from Penzance to Truro just in time to photograph the train as it awaited its departure behind 43002 Sir Kenneth Grange. (253001) Copyright Roger Winnen

161011d Prompt departure from Camborne as 43185 Great Western brings up the rear of the 10.00 hrs Penzance Paddington service as it passes Network Rail employees involved on replacement work to the Camborne Station barriers. Copyright Roger Winnen

West Somerset
In days gone  by
John Cornelius

​Good day Keith, I didn't get to the WSRly gala over the past weekend.
But here's  three little gems I took at Williton on Easter Sunday 27-3-1978.
The line was only open from Minehead to Williton  at the time. But what a stark contrast the scene was then,compared to what is there nowadays.
It just goes to show how things have moved on over the years since 1978.
      Enjoy,  cheers  JOHN C.          We will enjoy, many thanks John

Copyright John Cornelius

Notice the shortened loop line in those days. Copyright John Cornelius

copyright John Cornelius

West Somerset Gala
8th, 9th & 10th October 2016

Much appreciation to Chis Osment and Rob Aston who take us 'behind the scenes'.

Looking immaculate 1450+233 waiting at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday morning 8th October 2016 Copyright Chris Osment

6960 on a Down train waiting at Williton on Saturday afternoon 8th October 2016 Copyright Chris Osment

The footplate of 6435 with a nice fire going on Saturday 8th October 2016 Copyright Chris Osment

Chris Osment is a signalman on the West Somerset Railway - many thanks to him for this view from Minehead signalbox. A signalmans view of Kilmersdon and SDR Coach 4 on one of the frequent shuttles Sunday 9th October 2016 Copyright Chris Osment

Autocoach 169 undergoing extensive restoration at Williton. Copyright Roger Aston

Mogul Frames 9351 'Not to be moved' (Roger muses on the warning sign, it is hardly likely to move but it's H & S no doubt! ) Copyright Roger Aston

(Minehead) King 6024 King Edward 1. The new smaller 15.75" diameter outside cylinder block which reduces overall width of loco by 3.5" thus allowing greater route availability. N.B. Because the driving wheels are worn and of slightly smaller diameter these changes will not affect the overall tractive effort., Copyright Roger Aston

Templecombe
Mike Morant

RCTS: Last Train on the Somerset & Dorset Line 6/3/66 Ivatt 'Mickey Mouse' 2MT 2-6-2T no. 41249 played only a small part in this tour hauling the stock from Templecombe station up to Templecombe No.2 Jct. But with powerful help at the rear in the form of Stanier 8F 2-8-0 no . 48706 and BR Standard 4MT 2-6-4T no. 80043. This was probably 41249's swansong as withdrawal came at Templecombe mpd in the same month.
[Mike Morant collection]

This to me, KJ, is a particularly interesting view as is shows Templecombe station in the background. The substantial double track bridge seen on  the background was subsequently replaced in single line format which  later limited matters when the station was reopened. 

6th March 1966
Stephenson Locomotive Society (Midland Area)
Last Passenger Train on the Bath - Templecombe - Bournemouth Section
Locos Used41249, 48706 & 80043
Stock Used10 coaches
DMU Used????Route :
Loco(s)Route
48706 + 80043Bath Green Park - Midford - Radstock - Shepton Mallett - Evercreech Junction - Templecombe No.3 Jn - Templecombe No.2 Jn - Templecombe
41249 (2)Templecombe - Templecombe No.2 Jn
48706 + 80043Templecombe No.2 Jn - Sturminster Newton - Blandford Forum - Broadstone - Poole - Bournemouth Central
48706 + 80043Bournemouth Central - (reverse of outward route) - Templecombe No.2 Jn - Templecombe No.3 Jn - (reverse of outward route) - Bath Green Park The above courtesy Six Bells Junction Railtour files.