The West Somerset Railway, plus more

Society secretary Richard Morris, our speaker this afternoon, was welcomed by members, His presentation on the West Somerset Railway obviously proved very popular. We started with the history of the line when it was hoped to connect from Bishops Lydeard to Watchet harbour on the Bristol Channel for shipping good to Europe, although this never happened.  The history lesson continued with the progress of the railway to Minehead.

Now looking at the motive power on the branch, Churchward had preceded Collett, as GWR Chief Engineer, and we saw several examples of locomotives by both men, many of which are now based on the WSR, plus a variety of visiting engines. Richard the took us along the line looking at various station buildings and other features on the route.

In Part 2, aptly titled “Out and About”, we switched to modern traction, with photographs of the diesel hydraulics, diesel electrics and electric loco’s from around the UK, including the new TfW Class 197’s, West Midlands 730’s at Wolverhampton, Trans Pennine 397 at Carlisle and brand new 93001 passing Welwyn Garden City taken that day.

A great afternoon with something for everyone.

Dave Elsdon

Branch Secretary