The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group is based at Williton half way along the West Somerset Railway which runs from Bishops Lydeard (near Taunton) to Minehead. This page is here to explain a little about what the railway does, what its like and the
D & E.P.G's partnership with the railway.
The Railway runs a regular steam train service. DEPG provides locomotives to assist in the running of the railway for example shunters and locos for empty stock moves.
In addition we run diesel passenger trains at various times.
Click here to go to the WSR's main site. Steve Edge runs an excellent unofficial site
Background
The railway was earmarked for closure in the Beeching plan of the sixties along with many other lines. The West Somserset Railway Company was formed with the aim of running a preserved railway. At the auction for the line the Company was out bid by Somerset County Council but they leased the railway back to the Company allowing the line to be operated. Since then the line has flourished and become one of the key tourist attractions in Somerset. The Railway operates steam and diesel services around eight months of the year. Many special events take place like the two annual Steam Galas, Thomas The Tank Weekend, Diesel Galas and Santa Specials. These events have become bigger and better with time and the line is firmly on the railway preservation map.
The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group is very proud to be associated with the railway having enjoyed a presence on the line since the start in the seventies and over the years has become in effect the Railways Diesel Division.
The Line
The line is around twenty-three miles long making it the longest in the country. The actual line stretches from near Norton Fitzwarren Junction to Minehead. Norton Fitzwarren has no run-round facilities currently or a station so train operation is limited in this section to a DMU shuttle on most running days and through excursion trains to and from the mainline. Bishops Lydeard is three miles up the line from Norton Fitzwaren and is where services start from, BL as it's known is an attractive two platform station with coach sidings and facilities for the steam locos stabled there.
The next station is Crowcombe Heathfield. Another very attractive station which is also a crossing place for trains. The line is single track throughout with train staff and electric token working. The next station is Stogumber which has a single platform on the downside with attractive gardens. Williton is the next stop being our base also that of the WSRA loco works where West Country Steam loco ‘Braunton’ is being worked on. Williton is another passing place and is half way along the line.
Doniford is the next station which is a halt and a popular spot for photographers with a sweeping left hand curve. Watchet follows soon after consisting of a single platform. The town and marina are very near by. Washford is the next stop at the top of the steeply graded Washford bank which gives trains both steam and diesel some excersize with gradients as steep as 1 in 65. There is an excellent pub (The Washford Arms) next door to the station and in addition Washford Mill and Cleeve abbey are also of interest. Washford is the base of the Somerset and Dorset Railway Group who own a number of beautifully restored wagons. At the bottom of the hill the next stop is Blue Anchor, another crossing place. The beach is a short walk away. The station itself is lovely. The signalbox and the mechanically operated wooden crossing gates are well worth seeing.
At Dunster you have the castle as well as the historic village to look around. Dunster has a goods yard which is used during galas etc. You may also see one or both of the Hydraulic Hunslet Barclay shunters present at the yard. Minehead is the terminus for the railway and is a large seaside town. The station has many facilities to entertain you including an excellent shop. Steam locos receive maintenance at the large shed and the railways carriage and wagon works are also found here. The seafront is a two minute walk from the station and the row of shops, cafes and restaurants is not much further.
The railway is a great day out for everyone. Its not just a train ride there are many things to do at the stations along the line and in the surrounding area. The line has a number of pubs nearby serving very good local ales, there are some great walks and some other superb tourist attractions nearby. There are many scenic spots along the line for photography, although trespassing is not permitted a lineside permit can be purchased (details from main WSR site) giving access to these. For further information take a look at our links page for some excellent WSR railway sites.