West Somerset Railway June 4th-7th 2015
Read More7828 " Odney Manor " brings in a train from Bishops Lydeard, the coaches of which will form the next morning's 09.45 departure..
Minehead. 4th June 2015.
This loco was seen occasionally passing through my own home town of Ellesmere,Shropshire ,in the 1950's before that line was closed in the Beeching cuts of the 1960's.After riding out from Minehead on the first train behind Warship D832 and switching to 56006 at Williton for the ride back , I then had the honour of being invited to ride in the cab of 56006 on the 11.55 from Minehead-Norton Fitzwarren.
That at least was the plan ,until problems with the fuel supply meant ,despite the valiant efforts of the support crew seen here giving " just one more heave ",we had to call it a day ,and summon help in the shape of " Peaky Blinder " 45060 , much to the delight of its crew.
( They weren't quite so happy later in the day when it too failed ! ).So another couple of trips to Minehead and back with 59003 and by 15.50hrs the sun was round a bit more.
Last picture of 56006 at the WSR.
Cl 56 Group AGM on 4th July when hopefully we'll have the full results of the Autopsy.
Despite the trouble with 56006 I did enjoy the Gala. Thanks to all involved.