A rail37.com PICTURE REPORT
  WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY
S&D WEEKEND-2
25th-26th March 2006

 Base and demo line for the Somerset & Dorset Trust.

 Arrival at Bishops Lydeard and a bit of smart shunting put "Black Prince" at the rear of the train. 80136 detached and ran under the water tank to top up while 92203 was given more coal. "Tangmere" was then put onto the front of the train and later, as it left for Minehead, it was banked out of the station by 92203 in spectacular fashion - memories of Bromsgrove! The rails were wet and greasy and the train was heavily loaded so the Battle of Britain pacific, not best known for adhesion, was given a helping hand.

 After collecting more stock, 80136 (as it had now become) performed a smart run back to Minehead for servicing before rejoining the throng.

 After a clean up and a good dose of food in the carriage cafe at Minehead (more than well recommended believe me) I called in at Dunster to take some more shots. "Black Prince" pulled in from Minehead.

I had the privilege to see 92203 when it visited Cheddleton last year - oh it's big!

A short wait in the driving rain and "45440" appeared with 75129 coupled behind.

 Entering the road crossing.

 Caprotti valve gear in action.

 Heading for Minehead with the numerous lineside photographers present.

 Sunday 26th March and the final day of this magnificent weekend. This time I was travelling from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and was pleased to see 53808 was the duty locomotive.

808 was a real stormer as it climbed out of Lydeard station.

Magic.

 En route we passed 44422 again this time doubled up with 45440.

 The yellow stripe had disappeared, I guess because there was little point depicting something that banned the locomotive under the wires South of Crewe!

Looking as good as ever thanks to the continuing efforts of the WSR cleaning team.

So ended a most perfect weekend, sure the weather could have been better but the effort put into organising the series of S&D events clearly showed and more than compensated for the rain. The whole affair was of tremendous credit to the railway and its staff. I really couldn't find fault with the event even if I had wanted to, the staff were the most friendly and helpful that I have ever met.
My thanks to everyone concerned and here's to next year.....

Return to rail37.com          S&D Weekend Part One