West Somerset Railway
© Thomas Dumelow
- Overview
- How to get there?
- Route
- Visitors
- Photographs
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On January 2nd, 1971 the last service on the Minehead branch from Taunton brought an end to line after almost 109 years of operation. Like many other popular lines axed by Beeching, there was interest shown by enthusiasts to re-open the line, although not all were successful, the Minehead branch was to prove one of the most.
In 1972 the whole line was purchased by Somerset County Council and the was line leased to the West Somerset Railway Company in 1975. The line reopened late in 1975 and over the next few years stations along the route were restored.
In the 1990's, the line saw the first through trains from the National network since the line was closed in 1971, and developments are being made to make an operational base at Norton Fitzwarren where locomotives and stock can be turned.
| Directions by Road | From the M5 Leave the M5 at Junction 24 (Bridgwater) and follow the A39 towards Minehead. The A39 crosses the West Somerset Railway at Williton station and if you wish to join the Railway there take the first right turn after crossing the line. This takes you into Station Road and to the station. Note that car parking at Williton is limited. You may wish to Continue along the A39 to Minehead or even turn south on the A358 to travel to Bishops Lydeard. |
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| Directions by Public Transport | By Train Taunton is nearest station served by mainline services. For full train timetable information please use the National Rail website. By Bus For Local/National bus service information please use the Travel Line website. |
| Map |
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| The are no 12CSVT locomotives currently resident at this site |
Note - Locos that show as resident may be based here but loaned to other sites, click on 'Loco' to view the most recent location
| Loco | Arrived | Departed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 37699 | 31/10/1992 | 01/11/1992 | |
| 37407 | 11/03/1995 | 11/03/1995 | Visiting railtour |
| 37708 | 30/06/1997 | 30/06/1997 | ?? |
| 37707 | 30/06/1997 | 30/06/1997 | Guest Loco |
| 37710 | 24/07/1997 | 24/07/1997 | |
| 37402 | 01/05/1999 | 01/05/1999 | Visiting railtour |
| 37419 | 07/05/2004 | 09/05/2004 | Guest Loco |
| 37190 | 05/05/2005 | 12/05/2005 | Guest Loco |
| D6737 | 09/06/2008 | 30/06/2008 | Guest Loco |
| 37215 | 05/06/2013 | 12/06/2013 | Guest Loco |
| D6948 | 29/04/2019 | 09/07/2019 | Guest Loco |
Click on Thumbnails below to see a larger image.
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