Question about WSR diesel gala

[Edders23]

I have booked myself into a b & B for the Thursday and Friday and am planning a 2 day visit but i notice from the timetable that Hymek 7018 is ONLY hauling the dining set. Is this open to rover ticket holders or will the only way to get a ride behind this loco be to book a meal on the train ?

 

[Cowley]

I have booked myself into a b & B for the Thursday and Friday and am planning a 2 day visit but i notice from the timetable that Hymek 7018 is ONLY hauling the dining set. Is this open to rover ticket holders or will the only way to get a ride behind this loco be to book a meal on the train ?

Hi Edders.
If it’s like it was the last couple of years then it’ll be about 6/7 coaches and one half of the train will be for normal passengers.
This can cause the normal part of the train to become quite busy, and again if it was like the last time I went on it the dining coaches were at the Bishops Lydeard end of the train.
However, in the afternoon on the way back from Minehead we paid a very reasonably priced supplement of about £5 each, sat right behind the loco and were served a very pleasant cream tea (don’t forget, cream first, jam on top. We’re not animals), whilst sat in very plush surroundings...
Hope that helps.

 

[Edders23]

yes thank you

 

[Payner64]

I hope nobody minds me hijacking this thread but I'd also like to ask a question about WSR. Having never been before, I was wondering where all the locomotives are stabled when not working the timetable. Are they based at Bishops Lydeard or Minehead or maybe in between.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[Cowley]

I hope nobody minds me hijacking this thread but I'd also like to ask a question about WSR. Having never been before, I was wondering where all the locomotives are stabled when not working the timetable. Are they based at Bishops Lydeard or Minehead or maybe in between.

Thanks in advance for any help.

Hi Payner.
Williton which is situated in the middle of the line is the main diesel depot.
It’s worth getting off the train there for a look around the MPD. The last couple of years it’s been possible to cab the locos that have been in the yard, and there’s a few interesting displays in the shed.
Other than that there’s always a loco or two kicking around at Minehead, and sometimes they’ll stick something on the Minehead turntable which makes for a great a photo or two...
Not so much at Bishops Lydeard, but they stable a couple of locos there for the early departures during a gala.

 

[Payner64]

Thanks very much. Much appreciated.

 

[Cowley]

Thanks very much. Much appreciated.

No worries, hope you enjoy it.

 

[SeaKing]

The shed at Bishops Lydeard last night looked like a Diesel Depot. 2x33,1x37,1x14. 2x73 in Siding, 2x25 in Platform & the 09.

 

[Cowley]

I’m going to be on the 8:30am from Bishops Lydeard tomorrow (Saturday) morning.
Hopefully in the front coach with a friend. If anyone wants to come over and say hello send me pm.

 

[Edders23]

well did Thursday and Friday and seems to be a nice friendly railway albeit a bit hampered by speed restrictions 5MPH in places !!

Gala ran according to roster (minus 73's on thusday) which is nice to see them not chopping and changing both days running 20 to 30 mins late by the end but at every crossing point the right train appeared so easy to manage your moves etc.

Highlight on Friday of course DOUBLE HEADED HYMEKS

 

[Cowley]

Had a great day out today. Was hoping to bump into @AnthonyRail, but having no reception whatsoever between Bishops Lydeard and Washford was causing me quite some communication problems...
Here’s a couple of photos from the day.
The two 25s next to each other at Minehead:


37248 - The Beast of Exmoor.
Haven’t had a 37 on the line for a few years, and this is surely one of the best preserved locos out there...


Hymek (why does my phone keep trying to change that to Hymen?) D7017 at Blue Anchor through the flowers:


Well done to everyone involved.

 

[AnthonyRail]

Decent gala with good weather except today.