Last Saturday I was lucky enough to visit the West Somerset Railway for their Spring steam gala commemorating the 50th anniversary of the closure of the much lamented S&D line. The stations were all renamed after suitable S&D stations for the week, and an impressive loco lineup was formed, with GWR locos banished into the corner and bags put over their chimneys!
I can thoroughly recommend a visit to this fantastic line any day of the year, but having visited two of their galas now, they really know how to put on a show. Despite a bit of late running I had a brilliant day and thanks to all the staff for putting in the hard work, both in prep and during the event, that made it such a success.
Here are some of my photos from the event:
S&D 7F 53808 storms out of Bishops Lydeard.
S&D 7F 53808 awaits departure at Bishops Lydeard
LMS 8F 48624 arrives in sunshine at Blue Anchor
34053 Sir Keith Park masquerading as 34098 Templecombe glides into Minehead
BR 9F 92214 poses at Minehead
GWR 6960 Raveningham Hall banished to the siding for the week, complete with plastic bag over chimney and safety valves!
Industrial Caledonian Works Shunts at Washford
S&D 7Fs 53808 and 53809 double head out of Williton DIGITAL CAMERA
LMS 4F 44422 pilots SR unrebuilt Bulleid West Country 34070 Manston approaching Watchet
Std 4MT tank 80043 approaches Watchet
53808 gets the road at Minehead
S&D liveried peckett on shuttle runs with accompanying coach, in the background 9F 92214 and two banished GWR locos!
SR Bulleid Pacific West Country 34070 Manston awaits the off at Washford
BR 9F 92214 on the Pines express through Williton
S&D 7Fs 53808 and 53809 on shed at Bishops Lydeard
34098 Templecombe pilots 4F 44422 out of Bishops Lydeard with lots of early morning steam!
Loco Yard 