The West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala promises to live up to the high quality successful Autumn Galas over recent years……………a three day feast of steam! Come and join us for what promises to be a great weekend – you will not be disappointed!
Up to ten engines are expected to be in steam
– including at least three ‘visitors’.
The following engines are all expected to be in action
and working passenger trains over the Gala:-
* courtesy of the 6024 Preservation Society ** debut Gala appearances on the WSR for both engines following their return to steam in 2002
Note: All engines listed subject to availability
Note: All events listed subject to availability
A comprehensive timetable will be in operation on all three days of the Gala; for full details click here. A complete working timetable – which will include full details of all train workings (including goods trains) and the locomotive and coaching set diagrams – will be available 7 days in advance from Minehead Station priced £2.50 and a large SAE.
Please note that ALL privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will NOT apply at the Autumn Steam Gala. Ordinary fares apply to all passengers. Discounts are available on Rover Tickets purchased IN ADVANCE (see below).
Buffet and bar facilities will be available on most train services during the weekend, serving a range of hot and cold food (many with a local flavour), tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
SHED VISITS: The shed and workshop at MINEHEAD will be open between 10am and 5pm on Saturday and Sunday only [admission charge of £1 per person] – a unique opportunity, as access is normally very restricted to the public on safety grounds. Come and see engines ‘resting’ on shed in between their duties, and visit the workshop and view work on several engines that will be seen in action on the WSR in the future – including Somerset & Dorset 7F 2-8-0 No 53808, GWR 2-8-0 No 3850 and GWR No 5193, which is being rebuilt as a 2-6-0 tender engine.
WASHFORD: Come and see recent developments at the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust’s site and museum, which will be open throughout the Gala (separate admission charge). Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1788 Kilmersdon/Mike Palmer can be seen in action shunting the Trust’s excellent fleet of historic wagons.
SHUNTING DEMONSTRATION: In addition to Kilmersdon at Washford, there will also be a shunting demonstration in Dunster yard on the FRIDAY between 9.30am and 11.30am.
GAUGE MUSEUM: Whilst at Bishops Lydeard, come and see the many exhibits and displays of railway interest – including many new ones – inside the refurbished Gauge Museum on Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard. Engine No 4561 will be on display, and there will be lots to see and do to maintain your interest while you wait for your train! There will be a display of paintings by local members of the Guild of Railway Artists – many of which are available for purchase – throughout the weekend.
NIGHT PHOTGRAPHY : Calling all ‘serious’ photographers……there will be a NIGHT SHOOT at Crowcombe Heathfield station on the Saturday evening from 8.00pm featuring BR(W) ‘Large Prairie’ 2-6-2T No 4160 (in its last season before being withdrawn for heavy overhaul) on an appropriate branch line train. Cost £6.50, payable on the night.
OTHER ATTRACTIONS
On all three days, there is a frequent First Southern National bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station [Service 28A, Friday & Saturday; Service 928, Sunday] with extra services over the Gala weekend. WSR tickets are NOT valid on these services, except return tickets to Taunton issued by Booking Offices at Minehead, Dunster, Blue Anchor, Watchet and Williton. Full timetable details available direct from First Southern National - 01823 272033.
You can book Rover Tickets at a discount in advance in the following ways:-
Updated: 27 August 2002