West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala

[steve74]

After two dry and warm days when I couldn't get there, due to work commitments, I went to the WSR Autumn Steam Gala on the two wet and cold days

Was very good though, with plenty to see and do; the first public appearance of 34046 Braunton, along with 34007 Wadebridge, USA 5197 and plenty of others, local and visiting:

Also met Pete Waterman at Bishops Lydeard on saturday during his book signing.

Saturday afternoon

LNER 69621 at Bishops Lydeard with 5553 on the Norton Fitzwarren shuttle



4160 rescuing 9466 which failed. (Sort of. It ran out of water, so not really the engine's fault. I suspect someone got a telling off... )


SDJR 88 waiting at Crowcombe Heathfield


Bulleid Light Pacifics, Wadebridge & Braunton at Watchet



SDJR 88 waiting at minehead


Sunday

Ex Network Rail test train, "Iris" at Dunster.


3850 & 9351 at Minehead


6695 after heading the first Bishops Lydeard to Minehead train of the day.


USA 5197 in Minehead depot


SDJR 88 arriving at Williton


Merchant Navy 35011 awaiting evaluation at Williton


Dinmore Manor, now at Williton. It should be the next engine to undergo restoration now Braunton is finished.


6024 King Edward 1 awaiting repair to an axle box on the front bogie.



USA 5197 arriving at Williton


34007 Wadebridge and 34046 Braunton leading a service to Minehead


34007 & 34046 in the bay platform at Minehead about to be turned. (It wasn't really raining, honest .......)















SDJR 88 at its spiritual home in Washford. An awful picture really, but I quite like it for some unknown reason.


0-4-0 Kilmersdon on shunting demonstrations at Washford S&DJR museum


The Bulleid's arrive at Washford. (Standing room only on this train)


Dunster castle taken from a Minehead bound train, hauled by 9351


USA 5197 running round to take the last train of the day to Bishops Lydeard


Arrived at Bishops Lydeard

[ashgray]

Really nice photos there Steve! I was there on the Thursday and Friday (having stayed in Blue Anchor all week). Also good to see Wadebridge running again after it failed hauling the first train out of Minehead on Thursday morning.

I'll see if I can get around to posting my shots tomorrow.

Ash

[MrHillingdon]

Good to see you had a good time in spite of the weather. I went on Thursday when the weather was fine.
My photos are now at my fotopic site.

Regards,

Paul

[dgraw]

Great pics, awful weather!!
Good gala.

[ashgray]

OK, finally got my shots taken on the Thursday of the Steam Gala sorted and uploaded.....
Click for much larger ones:





















34046 Braunton approaching Blue Anchor


Looking magnificant on arrival at Minehead






S&DJR No 88 at Williton




No 88 between Stogumber and Crowcombe Heathfield


...and leaving Blue Anchor for Washford


Conversation between passing trains at Crowcombe


Hawksworth Pannier No 9466 passes USA 5197 at Blue Anchor




6024 King Edward 1 at Williton, being polished whilst awaiting work to an axle box after failing on the Torbay Express a few weeks ago:





I couldn't resist a look inside the cab of D7017 at Williton Diesel Shed before I left...
its Maybach engine is being overhauled on the bench in front of it.


Ash

[WSR2005]

Excellent shots between you sirs, looks like you managed to catch the best of the weather Ash

Braunton looks like a fine machine, impressive work from all those who worked on her - Bulleid light pacifics are a personal favourite of mine . Good line up of locos this year as well.

It pains me to think the last time I visited the line, the turntable was still only just under construction. But thanks to your excellent pictures I'm reminded of why I love this railway - wet weather and all!

Tim

EDIT: By the way Ash, that pic of 88 near Blue Anchor is now my desktop background