Locomotives

·	Many train services will be worked by the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group’s excellent fleet of former British Railways Western Region diesel hydraulic locomotives – ‘Western’ No D1010 Western Campaigner, ‘Hymek’ No D7017 and Class 14 No D9526 – will work many train services.
	The steam diagrams (marked ‘S’ in the timetable) will be worked by two Swindon-built engines from the WSR steam fleet.
	N.B. All locomotives listed are subject to availability.

Timetable

·	A comprehensive timetable will be in operation on both days of the Gala; for full details click here.

Other timetable highlight

·	A special demonstration freight train – featuring a rake of beautifully restored period wagons – will operate a 40-mile diagram on both days.

On display

·	Many of the other heritage diesel locomotives based on the WSR will be on display at several stations over the weekend and, wherever possible, will be positioned in a favourable spot for photography.

Working timetables

·	A copy of the full Working Timetable – which will include a full working timetable (including freight train timings) and the locomotive roster for both days – will be available in advance (from 7 days before the event) from Minehead Station priced £2.50.

Tickets

·	Please note that ALL privilege ticket, free pass and voucher facilities will NOT apply at the Diesel Weekend. Ordinary fares apply to all passengers. Rover Tickets purchased IN ADVANCE – see Booking Form.
·	THE BEST WAY TO ENJOY THE EVENT TO THE FULL IS TO PURCHASE A ROVER TICKET – WHICH GIVES YOU COMPLETE FREEDOM TO TRAVEL ON THE LINE FOR THE VALIDITY OF THE TICKET.

Shops and On-train Buffets

·	There are excellent shops at both Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, with smaller retail outlets at most of the intermediate stations. All trains offer buffet and bar facilities, serving a comprehensive range of locally produced food and drinks – including local real ale.

Heritage Diesel Visitor Centre

·	A trip to the West Somerset Railway for a diesel event would not be complete without making a visit to see the Diesel & Electric Preservation Group’s base at Williton.
·	The Heritage Diesel Visitor Centre, located in the former goods shed, contains a wealth of exhibits and displays – recently enhanced by the addition of a full-size section of a ‘Deltic’ engine.
·	The main shed/workshop will also be open for inspection, with several locomotives on display in the yard.
·	Why not break your journey and have a look…?
·	Please note that the WSRA engineering base will NOT be open to the public.

What to see and do over the weekend...

·	Shed Visits - The Diesel Heritage Centre at Williton Station on both days, and there will also be opportunities to see and photograph various diesel locomotives in the yard area.
·	Museums - At Bishops Lydeard, come and see the many exhibits and displays of railway interest – including many new ones – inside The Gauge Museum on platform 1. Blue Anchor Railway Museum will also be open, as will the Somerset & Dorset Railway Trust’s museum and site at Washford.
·	Model Railways - The Taunton Model Railway Group’s layouts at Bishops Lydeard – including the excellent new Bath Green Park exhibit – will be open throughout the Gala (separate, small admission charge). There is also a large model railway inside The Gauge Museum, also at Bishops Lydeard.
·	Retail Outlets - The Railway’s principal shops at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard will both be open throughout the Gala – offering a wide range of gifts, souvenirs, books, videos etc – and shops at several of the intermediate stations will also be open.

Connecting Bus Service

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On both days, there is a First Bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station [Services 28 & 28A Saturday, Service 928 Sunday]. 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 Bus – 01823 272033.

Car Parking

·	FREE car parking will be available at Bishops Lydeard, but please arrive AT LEAST 30 MINUTES BEFORE the departure of the train on which you initially intend to travel.

How to book

	You can book Rover Tickets at a discount in advance in the following ways:-
·	By telephone, using your Credit Card. Please ring 01643 704996, 9am-4pm Monday-Friday.
·	By completing the Booking Form – for details click here.
·	In person at Minehead Station (9am-4pm, Monday-Friday).