Latest Blog Posts
Kilmersdon to spend the summer in Cornwall
The Trust's Peckett 'Kilmersdon' is shortly to depart for Cornwall in order to spend the summer - and well beyond - on the Helston Railway, returning to Washford early next year.
It is expected that Kilmersdon will first appear during the Helston's 'Return to the 40s' event on 27/28 May and this will be an historic occasion, being the first time that steam passenger trains have run on the Helston branch in over 55 years.
The Helston Railway is currently compiling a calendar of dates during which Kilmersdon will be in use. They themselves have a Peckett - named 'William Murdoch' - which is out of service for boiler repairs, however, it is hoped that both Pecketts will be able to run together later in the year.
In the photo above, Kilmersdon is seen at Washford carrying a headboard commemorating our former Chairman, Godfrey Baker, who passed away in early March.
Read more...The Trust's annual Special Train on Sunday 8 July
An S&D Day out: Sunday by the Sea by Steam Train
(Subject to availability)
Sunday 8 July 2018
BISHOPS LYDEARD TO MINEHEAD AND RETURN with time in Minehead
Setting down and picking up at Washford for
SDRT Museum and Dunster for the Castle and village.
Adult £12.00 Child £6.00 under 16 Family (2+2) £25.00
(All proceeds go toward Trust funds)
Departing Bishops Lydeard at 11.15 and
departing Minehead at 17.15.
Railwayman’s Lunch (pasty or sandwich/crisps/piece of cake/hot drink) and Cream Tea can be ordered in advance
There will also be hot and cold snacks available from
the buffet/bar on the train
Please book seats and food on our Special Train page.
Last bookings Wednesday 27 June
Telephone enquiries 01425 654053
Offer subject to availability
Read more...Oldest surviving S&D driver is 100 years old today - 7 April
The oldest surviving S&D driver, George Tucker, has reached the grand age of 100.
Working from Bath Green Park until the closure of the S&D in 1966, George was pictured re-visiting the footplate of our restored S&D 7F, No. 53808, in July last year when 53808 was at the head of the Trust's Annual Special Train on the West Somerset Railway.
In the last picture, George is seen with former S&D fireman Tim Hughes, MBE.
Happy Birthday George!
[Photos by Jason Baker]
Read more...
Our Spring magazine - another 40 pages of varied S&D interest!
Click on the play button on the video to see a selection of pages from the magazine.
Read more...Jo Burt and band at Washford, Saturday 24th March, 7.30pm
From Black Sabbath to Washford! Jo Burt and his band are performing from 7.30pm on Saturday 24 March at Washford station.
Steam, good food and great music at Washford during the WSR Spring Gala!
Pay on the door, or book in advance. Either way, don't miss it.
Read more...53808 steps in at another Spring Gala!
The Trust's S&D 7F was heading back from the KWVR gala, reported on earlier, when diverted to the Severn Valley Railway to replace the North Yorks. Moors Railway's B1, No. 61264, which was unavailable late on.
53808 arrived at Kidderminster at 11.30 am on Thursday 15th March, the day before the gala started. After a quick checkover, the 7F was towed to Bridgnorth where steam was raised sufficient to haul the second train of the B1's diagram on the Friday.
The first three photos show 53808 on the 11.00 am from Bridgnorth on Friday whilst passing Bewdley South signalbox at about 12.20 pm. The final picture, taken two days later, shows a rather different scene, weather-wise, and 53808 also was no longer on the B1's diagram but the preceding one. [Photos by Bob Curtis]
BG carriage arrives at Washford to boost museum space
Further to our posting of 12 February, the 1956-built BG arrived on Friday 16 March from Williton, now with a smart coat of green paint. Fitting out will commence soon so that the carriage can be used to provide an extra 56ft length of museum space.
At the same time as the coach was delivered, the two refurbished WD wagons were taken back to Minehead.
The BG arrives by the platform at Washford.
Shunting the BG.
Moving out the refurbished WD wagons.
WD wagons passing.
Re-making the train with the two wagons included.
Off to Minehead!
Read more...
Make sure of your booking for the live music at Washford, Saturday 24 March, 7.30pm
Make sure of your booking for the live music event that the Trust is organising at Washford at 7.30 pm on Saturday 24 March - during the WSR gala. Book on this link.
Jo Burt and his band will be playing in a marquee in our yard and a bar will be available. A great experience!
Please note that parking in Washford is very limited and the last bus to Minehead leaves at 9.11 pm.
Read more...