Engines

•	At least eight engines will be in steam and working trains at the Gala

·	GWR/WSR 2-6-0 No 9351 [ex-GWR 2-6-2T No 5193]
·	SR ‘Terrier’ 0-6-0T No 32678 Knowle *
·	GWR 94xx Class 0-6-0PT No 9466 †
·	GWR ‘5101’ Class 2-6-2T No 5199 ‡
·	BR Standard Class 4 2-6-4T No 80136
·	GWR ‘4575’ Class 2-6-2T Nos 5542 & 5553
·	GWR 64xx Class 0-6-0PT No 6412
·	And one other………details to be confirmed
·	Peckett 0-4-0ST No 1788 Kilmersdon will also be in steam giving shunting demonstrations at Washford station.
*	Courtesy of The Terrier Trust and the Kent & East Sussex Railway.
†	Courtesy of Mr Dennis Howells
‡	Based on the Llangollen Railway
	Note: All engines subject to availability

Events and Highlights

·	Gala debut of the ‘new’ Great Western ‘Mogul’ No 9351 (ex-No 5193)
·	The return of the SR ‘Terrier’ No 32678 Knowle to Minehead
·	At least EIGHT engines in steam
·	4 ‘guest’ engines – SR No 32678, GWR Nos 5199 and 9466, and one other
·	Intensive timetable, featuring GW auto and Southern local branch passenger trains
·	Steam services to Norton Fitzwarren
·	Double-heading on certain trains
·	Shunting demonstrations at Dunster and Washford
·	Sheds & workshops open for inspection at Minehead
·	Bar & buffet car facilities on most trains
·	Day & Weekend Rover tickets available (cheaper if booked in advance)
·	Museums open at Bishops Lydeard, Washford and Blue Anchor
·	Gift shops, refreshments, free parking
·	Frequent bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard
·	Lots of photographic opportunities
	Note: All events listed subject to availability

Timetable

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A comprehensive timetable will be in operation on all three days of the Gala – Friday 1 October Saturday 2 October Sunday 3 October plus the “Preview Day” on Thursday 30 September. A special souvenir programme – which will include the complete working timetables (including goods trains) and the locomotive and coaching set diagrams – will be available from stations over the weekend itself, priced £2.50.

Auto Trains

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Our very popular Great Western auto train – featuring the immaculate trailer No 178 (built by the GWR in 1930), hauled by 0-6-0PT No 6412 – will work several trains on the Saturday & Sunday of the Gala, including all Bishops Lydeard-Norton Fitzwarren shuttle services. Details of the auto trains can be found in the timetables. Please note there are no buffet and toilet facilities on the auto train.

Tickets

•	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).

Catering

•	Buffet and bar facilities will be available on most train services during the weekend, serving a range of high quality locally-produced hot and cold food, tea & coffee and a range of other alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.

What to see and do over the Gala

•	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 engines that will be seen in action on the WSR in the future – including Somerset & Dorset 7F 2-8-0 No 53808.
•	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 can be seen in action shunting the Trust’s excellent fleet of historic wagons.
•	SHUNTING DEMONSTRATION: There will also be a shunting demonstration in Dunster yard on the Saturday and Sunday morning, with the SR ‘Terrier’ No 32678 Knowle.
•	GAUGE MUSEUM: Whilst at Bishops Lydeard, come and see the many exhibits and displays of railway interest 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!
•	BOOK SIGNINGS: Local authors Richard Derry will be signing copies of his books at WILLITON on the Saturday & Sunday, whilst Alan Hammond will be at MINEHEAD signing copies of his books on the Somerset & Dorset Railway on Friday, Saturday & Sunday.
•	OTHER ATTRACTIONS The Taunton Model Railway Group’s base – situated on Platform 1 at Bishops Lydeard – will be open throughout the weekend. The excellent Blue Anchor Railway Museum will also be open

Connecting bus service  Taunton-Bishops Lydeard

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On all four days, there is a frequent First Southern National bus service between Taunton and Bishops Lydeard Station [Service 28A, Thursday-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 Southern National – 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 wish 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.