West Somerset Railway facts for kids
Quick facts for kids West Somerset Railway |
|
|---|---|
The steam train 6024 King Edward I climbing towards Keniton
|
|
| Locale | Somerset |
| Terminus | Minehead Bishops Lydeard |
| Commercial operations | |
| Built by | West Somerset Railway Minehead Railway |
| Original gauge | 7 ft 1⁄4 in (2,140 mm) |
| Preserved operations | |
| Operated by | West Somerset Railway plc |
| Stations | 11 |
| Length | 22.75 miles (36.61 km) |
| Preserved gauge | 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Commercial history | |
| Opened | 1862 |
| 1862 | Opened Taunton to Watchet |
| 1874 | Opened Watchet to Minehead |
| 1882 | Converted to 4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm) |
| Closed | 1973 |
| Preservation history | |
| 1975 | Light Railway Order granted |
| 1976 | Reopened Minehead to Williton |
| 1978 | Reopened Williton to Stogumber |
| 1979 | Reopened Stogumber to Bishops Lydeard |
| 1987 | New station at Doniford |
| 2009 | New station at Norton Fitzwarren |
| Headquarters | Minehead |
The West Somerset Railway (WSR) is a fun, historic railway line in Somerset, England. It is about 22.75-mile (36.6 km) long. The land and stations belong to Somerset Council. The railway is run by West Somerset Railway plc. This company is supported by two groups: the West Somerset Railway Association and the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust. The WSR uses both old steam and diesel trains.
The railway first opened in 1862, connecting Taunton and Watchet. In 1874, it was extended to Minehead. Even though it was a single track, it was improved to handle many tourists. These tourists wanted to visit the Somerset coast. The line closed in 1971 but reopened in 1976 as a special heritage line.
It is the longest standard gauge independent heritage railway in the United Kingdom. Trains usually run for 20.5 miles (33.0 km) between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. For special events, some trains go an extra two miles (3.2 km) to Norton Fitzwarren. Here, the line connects to the national railway network. This allows some trains to travel onto the main lines.
Contents
History of the West Somerset Railway
In 1845, people started suggesting ideas for railways in west Somerset. One idea was a direct link from Watchet to Bridport. This would avoid a long and risky sea journey around Land's End. Other ideas included lines to attract tourists to Exmoor. Many different plans were made, but none of them happened right away.
Building the First Railway Line
More than ten years later, new railway ideas came up. On July 9, 1856, a local landowner named Sir Peregrine Fuller Palmer Acland held a meeting. They wanted to build a railway from the iron-mining areas and coast of Somerset. This line would connect Watchet to the main Bristol and Exeter Railway (B&ER) at either Taunton or Bridgwater.
Isambard Kingdom Brunel, a famous engineer, had already looked at possible routes. He thought a route from Watchet through Williton to Taunton would be best. It would be cheaper and bring more passengers.
Another meeting was held in Taunton on August 1, 1856. Brunel explained the different routes. People decided to build a railway only from Taunton to Watchet. Brunel was hired to plan the railway in more detail. The B&ER agreed to run the line for ten years.
The West Somerset Railway Company was officially started on August 17, 1857. They planned to build the railway from Taunton to Watchet. Construction began on April 7, 1859, and took almost three years. The railway opened for passengers on March 31, 1862. It ran from Watchet Junction (about 2 miles or 3.2 kilometres west of Taunton) to Watchet. Goods trains started in August. Trains went all the way to Taunton railway station. A new station, Norton Fitzwarren, opened on June 8, 1871.
Extending to Minehead
The West Somerset Mineral Railway was meant to link iron mines to Watchet. In 1856, there was an idea to extend it to Minehead. This plan was approved in 1857 but was never built. Instead, a new company, the Minehead Railway, was formed. They got approval in 1865 to build a line from Watchet to Minehead. This also failed.
Finally, a new Minehead Railway Act was passed on June 29, 1871. Construction began the next year. The new railway opened on July 16, 1874. The West Somerset Railway had already agreed to let the B&ER run its line. The Minehead Railway also leased its line to the B&ER. This meant the B&ER ran both railways as one long branch line from Taunton. To help trains pass, a passing loop and a second platform were added at Williton.
Becoming Part of a Bigger Railway
On January 1, 1876, the B&ER joined the Great Western Railway (GWR). To make the West Somerset line better, another loop was added at Crowcombe Heathfield in 1879. The railway's original wide track (7 ft (2,134 mm)) was changed to the narrower standard track (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)) in 1882. Trains ran as usual on Saturday, October 28. The tracks were changed the next day, and trains ran again on Monday afternoon.
The Minehead Railway joined the GWR in 1897. The West Somerset Railway stayed independent but leased its lines to the GWR. The GWR made steady improvements to the line. More and more holidaymakers traveled to the Somerset coast and Exmoor. The platform at Stogumber was made longer in 1900. A new passing loop opened at Blue Anchor in 1904. The next year, a second platform opened at Minehead. A third loop was added at Bishops Lydeard in 1906. The loop at Williton was made longer in 1907.
In 1921, the West Somerset Railway Company finally joined the Great Western Railway. The Minehead branch, as it was now called, continued to be run by the larger GWR.
In the 1930s, the line was changed to handle more and longer trains. The main line from Norton Fitzwarren to Taunton was made into four tracks in 1931. The station at Norton Fitzwarren was also made bigger. In 1933, the platform at Stogumber was extended. Two more passing loops opened at Leigh Bridge and Kentford. The next year, the single track between Dunster and Minehead was doubled. The platform at Minehead was also lengthened. The loop at Blue Anchor was extended in 1934. The line from Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard was doubled in 1936. The Williton loop was lengthened again in 1937.
Special "camp coaches" were placed at Blue Anchor (1934-1939) and Stogumber (1935-1939). These allowed holidaymakers to stay right by the railway. In 1936, a new swimming pool opened at Minehead, costing £20,000.
Decline and Closure
The GWR became part of British Railways on January 1, 1948. Camp coaches returned in 1952. They were available at Stogumber and Blue Anchor until 1964. After that, they were used for British Rail staff holidays until 1970.
However, things started to close. Washford signal box closed in 1952. Minehead engine shed closed in 1956. Norton Fitzwarren station closed on October 30, 1961. After this, passengers had to go to Taunton to change trains.
Even though a Butlins holiday camp opened at Minehead in 1962, bringing many visitors, the line was suggested for closure in 1963. Goods trains stopped running from Stogumber in 1963 and from other stations in 1964. British Rail then used roads to move goods from Taunton. The passing loops at Leigh Bridge and Kentford were removed in 1964.
The Beatles visited the railway on March 2, 1964. They filmed part of their movie A Hard Day's Night at Crowcombe Heathfield. Ringo Starr and George Harrison rode bicycles on the platform next to a train. The train came from London Paddington and went to Minehead. Many fans gathered to see The Beatles.
Minehead signal box closed on March 27, 1966. The two tracks between Minehead and Dunster then worked as two single lines. Dunster Signal Box stayed open to control the level crossing. The turntable was removed from Minehead in 1967. By then, all trains were run by diesel engines.
The railway was still losing money. British Rail tried to save it by reducing the double track to one track in 1970. They also closed signal boxes at Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren. But the line still lost money and finally closed. The last train left Minehead on January 2, 1971. An improved bus service started two days later.
Reopening as a Heritage Railway
After the railway closed, people wanted to save it. On February 5, 1971, a group called the Minehead Railway Preservation Society met in Taunton. They wanted to reopen the line as a private railway. A new West Somerset Railway Company was formed. They planned to buy the line and run trains all year.
A deal was made with British Rail to buy the line. Somerset County Council helped by buying the line itself in 1973. They then leased the land to the West Somerset Railway Company plc. This way, the valuable Minehead station site would not fall into private hands if the railway failed.
The idea of trains running all year didn't happen. But the line slowly reopened as a heritage railway. The first section to reopen was Minehead to Blue Anchor on March 28, 1976. Services were extended to Williton on August 28 that year. Trains returned to Stogumber on May 7, 1978. They reached Bishops Lydeard on June 9, 1979. A new station, Doniford Halt, opened on June 27, 1987. It served a holiday camp near Watchet.
In 2004, work started on a new triangle of tracks at Norton Fitzwarren. A place to recycle ballast (stones under the tracks) opened there in 2006. In 2008, a new turntable was put into use at Minehead. A new station opened on August 1, 2009, at Norton Fitzwarren. It was a short distance north of the main line.
In 2007, a regular service called the Minehead Express ran from Minehead to Taunton and Bristol Temple Meads. It was for holidaymakers going to Butlins at Minehead. It ran on 18 days, from July 20 to August 27.
Somerset County Council still owns the line. In 2013, the railway groups asked to buy the line. But in May 2014, the council decided not to sell it.
In 2018, safety improvements were needed. The railway closed from January 2, 2019, and reopened on April 1. In 2019, the line was suggested as a good candidate to rejoin the national railway network.
Exploring the Route
The railway route goes from Minehead towards Taunton. When you face this direction, the right side of the train is usually south or west. On the railway, this is called the 'up' direction.
Minehead to Watchet Journey
Towns you'll see: Minehead – Dunster – Carhampton and Blue Anchor – Washford – Watchet
The station at Minehead is by the sea, close to the town center. The platform has tracks on both sides. The old goods shed is now used to fix locomotives. It is on the north side, between the platform and the beach. On the other side of the station is a turntable and a cafe. Tracks on both sides hold trains waiting for use or repairs. At the end of the station is the signal box and a level crossing over Seaward Way.
Trains leave Minehead going south-east. This is the longest straight and flat part of the line. You'll pass behind Butlin's holiday camp on your left, between the railway and the sea. Then you cross flat fields. About 1.75 miles (2.8 km) from Minehead, the line crosses Dunster West level crossing. Then it enters Dunster station. The village of Dunster and Dunster Castle are a mile away, on a hill to your right.
The platform at Dunster is on your right. The old goods yard on the left is now used by the railway's engineering team. They keep the tracks in good shape. After leaving the station, you cross another level crossing over Sea Lane. This road leads to Dunster Beach, which you might see to your left. A footpath from the platform goes to Sea Lane. The line then crosses the River Avill and goes along the beach to Blue Anchor. This is 3.5 miles (5.6 km) from Minehead and has the first passing loop. Near the station, the old goods yard is on your right. Three camp coaches are kept here for volunteers to stay overnight. At the west end of the platform, a signal box watches over a level crossing. The West Somerset Steam Railway Trust's museum is on the right-hand platform.
The line now leaves the sea and turns inland, going south-east. It climbs uphill, some parts are quite steep. After turning north-east, the line reaches its second highest point at Washford. This is 6.75 miles (10.86 km) from Minehead and has one platform on the right. On the other side, the goods yard is now used by the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust. They restore old carriages here.
The line now turns north-east and starts to go downhill. A footpath on the right, a bit lower, is the old West Somerset Mineral Railway route. It goes under the line as you approach Watchet. After passing the old junction to the Wansbrough Paper Mill, the line goes under a small road bridge. Then you arrive at Watchet railway station, 8 miles (13 km) from Minehead.
Watchet to Bishops Lydeard Journey
Towns you'll see: Watchet – Williton – Stogumber and Kingswood – Crowcombe – Bishops Lydeard
The platform at Watchet is on the right. The station building is set back from the line. It faces Taunton, because it was the end of the original railway. The old goods shed is opposite the platform. It now holds the Watchet Boat Museum. A footbridge crosses the line at the Minehead end of the station. Another crossing leads to the harbor.
The line climbs into a cutting through a headland. Then it turns south-east along the cliff above Helwell Bay. You'll pass under the Watchet to West Quantoxhead road. Then the line turns south and passes the concrete platform at Doniford Halt. This is on your left, 9 miles (14 km) from Minehead. The countryside then changes. On your right, you'll see the sidings around the West Somerset Railway Association's (WSRA) workshops. These are in a metal building called the Swindon Shed. It was built over 100 years ago.
Williton railway station, at 9.75 miles (15.7 km), is near the middle of the railway. It has the second passing loop. Behind the platform on the right, next to the WSRA workshops, are the old goods shed and a newer workshop. This is home to the Diesel and Electric Preservation Group's diesel locomotives. The main station building is also on this platform. The oldest signal box on the line stands above the level crossing. Most road traffic crosses the railway on the A39 road bridge, just beyond the loop. Next to the level crossing on the left is a garden with a very old box hedge.
Leaving Williton, the railway crosses the A358 road. It then climbs up the side of the Quantock Hills. You'll pass near the village of Bicknoller. The line crosses the Macmillan Way West, a long walking path. Following the east side of a steep valley, it keeps climbing. It approaches the small station at Stogumber, 13 miles (21 km) from Minehead. This station has its platform on the right. But the station offices are on the left. The area next to the offices is now a garden.
The line continues to climb up the valley. About 15.75 miles (25.3 km) from Minehead, it reaches the highest point of the line at Crowcombe Heathfield. This is another passing loop. The platform on the right allows trains to go in either direction. The original platform was on the left. So, the main buildings are on this side. They include the old station master's house and the station offices.
After leaving Crowcombe Heathfield, it's downhill. Some parts are quite steep. At Combe Florey, the line crosses the A358 road twice. This road stays close to the left of the line until Bishops Lydeard. This station has another passing loop. It is where regular trains usually stop, 19.75 miles (31.78 km) from Minehead. Locomotives are kept in a secure area on the left at the Taunton end of the station. Both platforms can be used for trains going in either direction. Most trains use the platform on the left. The original buildings are on the right. These include the goods shed, which now has a railway museum, and the old station master's house.
Bishops Lydeard to Taunton Connection
Towns you'll see: Bishops Lydeard – Norton Fitzwarren – Taunton
This part of the line beyond Bishops Lydeard does not have regular passenger trains. But special trains run sometimes. During special events, a shuttle train often runs between Bishops Lydeard and the new platform at Norton Fitzwarren. A few special trains also use the link between the West Somerset Railway and Network Rail. These trains go through to Taunton and beyond.
The line passes the Norton Manor Royal Marine camp on the left. Then it goes under Norton Bridge. A new siding has been added on the right. It serves the West Somerset Railway Association's ballast recycling depot. Just past this, on the right, is the concrete platform built in 2009 at Norton Fitzwarren. The West Somerset Railway line ends here. Trains going to Taunton join Network Rail's tracks. You'll see the remains of the station hotel on the left. The track joins the main Bristol to Exeter line on the right. Passing the engineers' depot at Fairwater Yard on the right, you soon arrive at Taunton. This is the main station for trains going to Minehead.
Norton Fitzwarren Triangle
On March 24, 2004, the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) bought 33 acres (13 ha) of land at Norton Fitzwarren. This land is shaped like a triangle. It is between the existing WSR line, the old Barnstaple branch line, and a stub of the Barnstaple branch. The WSRA bought the land to create a new way to turn trains around. They also plan to build an engine shed, carriage works, and railway engineering facility there.
In 2009, the WSR built a new station at Norton Fitzwarren. It is on the original WSR/Network Rail line. This new station is just west of the old GWR station.
Network Rail (NR) has a track maintenance facility nearby. It's called Fairwater Yard. It costs a lot to get rid of old ballast (stones from under the tracks). So, NR asked the railway about using the triangle site to recycle it. This allows the recycled ballast to be used in local building projects. NR maintenance trains sometimes bring old materials to the site. A company sorts the ballast for the WSRA.
The money from recycling ballast helps the WSRA develop the triangle. They built an inner track to safely turn trains before the main line. A visiting steam locomotive, 70000 Britannia, was the first to be turned on the Norton Fitzwarren triangle in March 2012.
How the Railway Operates
When the railway first opened to Watchet, four trains ran each way from Monday to Saturday. This number changed over the years, sometimes to five or six. A very limited Sunday service started in 1862 but stopped in 1869.
An engine shed was first at Watchet. This meant trains could start from that end. It moved to Minehead when the line was extended. The number of trains stayed about the same. With improvements in the early 1900s, eight trains ran daily by 1910. Before World War II, 14 trains ran daily. Sunday services started again in 1926. The engine shed closed in 1956. After that, all trains came from the Taunton end. The timetable was cut to ten round trips. Diesel trains started to appear regularly from 1962.
Today, regular trains run between Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. The railway operates from March to October. It runs less often from November to February. Trains run daily in the summer. On other days, they run less often. There are four different timetables depending on how many people are expected. This means two to four trains are running, each making two round trips. So, there are four to eight services each way. From February 2009 to January 2010, trains ran on 243 days. Locomotives are based at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard. A spare one is usually kept ready at Williton.
During special events, many trains run. Some go all the way to Norton Fitzwarren. A few special trips each year come from the national railway network. They use the connection near Taunton.
The heritage railway also carries some goods. It used to carry stone for Minehead sea defenses. More recently, trains have brought old ballast to Norton Fitzwarren for recycling.
Keeping Trains Safe: Signalling
The railway is divided into five main sections. This helps keep trains safe.
- Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard: Only one train can be in this section at a time. A special key system is used.
- Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield: Both stations have passing loops controlled by signal boxes. A special key system is used here too.
- Crowcombe Heathfield to Williton: Both stations have passing loops controlled by signal boxes. A special key system is used.
- Williton to Blue Anchor: Both stations have passing loops controlled by signal boxes. A special key system is used.
- Blue Anchor to Minehead: Both stations have loops or facilities controlled by signal boxes. This section also uses a special key system.
Signal boxes talk to each other using a bell system. They use different bell codes to send messages. They also have phones for more detailed talks.
The signal boxes use two types of control frames. Both were made at the GWR signal works in Reading. The older ones are from 1892. The newer ones are from the 1930s.
"Switching Out" Crowcombe Heathfield The Crowcombe Heathfield Signal Box can be "switched out." This means it can be closed down. When it's switched out, the railway has only four sections instead of five. The signalmen at Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, and Williton do this. Once it's done, Bishops Lydeard and Williton talk directly to each other. A different, longer key is used for the section between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. No signalman is needed at Crowcombe Heathfield when it's switched out.
When switched out, the tracks are set for the main platform. All signals for that platform are clear for trains to go in both directions. This makes Crowcombe Heathfield a single platform station. The route and signals cannot be changed until the box is switched back on.
Trains You Might See: Rolling Stock
In the past, the Bristol and Exeter Railway used their 4-4-0ST locomotives. Later, the GWR used types like the 4500, 4575, and 5101 'prairie' 2-6-2Ts. They also used 0-6-0s and 2-6-0s. When British Railways took over, they used diesel locomotives and diesel multiple units (DMUs).
Today, the railway uses many different preserved steam and diesel locomotives and DMUs. Most of these are like the trains that ran on GWR lines in Somerset. Some are also like those from the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway (SDJR). You might see GWR 4575 and 5100 class 2-6-2Ts. There's also a special Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway 7F Class 2-8-0. A unique project turned a GWR 5101 Class 2-6-2T into a small 2-6-0, numbered 9351. Diesel trains include 'Hymek' and 'Western' types.
Most trains use British Rail Mark 1 coaches. These are painted in a chocolate and cream color, like the GWR trains. They have WSR logos. The WSRA also owns the Quantock Belle dining train. These coaches are also Mark 1s, but they look like fancy Pullman cars and have names. There are also freight wagons. Some are used for engineering work. Others are part of a historic freight train shown on special days.
Films and Television on the Railway
Many films and TV shows have been made on the West Somerset Railway:
- A Hard Day's Night (1964): This movie with The Beatles was filmed in 1964. Parts were shot at London Marylebone station and on the Minehead branch, especially around Crowcombe.
- The Belstone Fox (1973): A children's film partly shot near Crowcombe. It's about a clever fox.
- The Flockton Flyer (1977–78): A children's TV drama about a preserved railway. It was filmed on the West Somerset Railway soon after it reopened.
- The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1988): This BBC TV series was filmed at Crowcombe Heathfield.
- The Land Girls (1997): This movie was filmed on the railway. Crowcombe Heathfield was used as "Bamford station."
- Casualty (2013): This BBC One medical drama has used the line since December 2013.
Groups That Help the Railway
The West Somerset Railway Company (WSR plc) runs the railway. But several volunteer and charity groups support it.
The West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) started in 1971 to help reopen the line. It is a major owner of the WSR plc. It has workshops at Williton. It owns two locomotives and parts of others. It also owns the Quantock Belle dining train and the Hawksworth Saloon. These trains run on the line.
The West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) (formerly the West Somerset Steam Railway Trust) was set up in 1972. It was meant to run summer steam trains. Later, it focused on education and history of the Minehead branch. It now has a small museum at Blue Anchor. The Trust is restoring old GWR coaches.
The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (DEPG) is based at Williton. They use the old goods shed and a new building as workshops. They care for five diesel locomotives. Williton is also home to many privately owned locomotives that the DEPG maintains.
Past Groups
The Somerset and Dorset Railway Trust (S&DRT) used to be at Washford. They worked to preserve the Somerset and Dorset Joint Railway. They owned a locomotive, S&DJR 7F 2-8-0 number 88. This train was often used on the WSR. At Washford, they had a workshop and a museum. In 2020, their agreement with the WSR ended. Their collection has moved to other railway sites.
Images for kids
-
Vulcan at Williton in 1981
.jpg)
See also
In Spanish: Ferrocarril del Oeste de Somerset para niños
