After a cross country fast car run from North Devon we arrived with 10 minutes to spare at Bishops, picking up the reasonably priced £42-50 day tickets here. It was good to see 37250 looking good in EWS livery, she was in Dutch when i last saw her. 37250 departed right time at 0900 growling reasonably up to Crowcombe.
The first Northbound train of the Festival, 37250 the former “Ghost of Glen Douglas” at Bishops Lydeard with the 0900 to Minehead.
More on 37250 the Ghost of Glen Douglas here
A farce with the Southbound freight meant an extended stop at Williton. 9518 was under maintenance here, 1010’s body jacked up, looking a bit forlorn. 08401 just arrived from Hunslet was cabbed here too.
With most of her bits inside Williton shed, 1010 looks a bit rough parked up on blocks
With showers scudding through we arrived 20 down at Minehead with most of the train crossing the platform here to join the immaculate 7017. The “Hymek” was driven quite hard, a lovely sound on 7 Mk I’s. A quick break at Bishops, then it was more “Hymek” sounds en route, passing 37250 returning South at Crowcombe, the sun just vanishing as 37250 approached!
47714 arrives at Blue Anchor with the 0958 Bishops Lydeard – Minehead with 7017 on the 1041 Minehead – Bishops Lydeard
7017 looks superb at Crowcombe with the 1235 Bishops Lydeard – Minehead
A long time Gateshead resident 37250 approaches Crowcombe with the 1140 Minehead – Bishops Lydeard, 37250’s ploughs add to her good looks perhaps?
On arrival at Minehead the whole train crossed over to join the immaculate coal sector liveried 26007 and she sounded OK but was driven quite gently, presumably not wanting to fail her on the first day of the Festival!
Looking good in a burst of sun 26007 stands at Blue Anchor with the 1428 Minehead – Bishops Lydeard. An issue with an early morning freight train caused delays which lasted all day but didnt spoil the day one bit.
26007 looking good running round at Norton Fitzwarren
The breezy expanses of Norton Fitzwarren allowed some current big railway plastic to be viewed, 26007 looking good running round. A booked 30 minute stop at Bishops allowed a quick visit to the museum and to phot 7017 arriving. Then 26007 thrash to Williton for former shove duff 47714 back to Bishops for a fast car back to North Devon.
7017 approaches Bishops Lydeard with the 1526 Minehead – Norton Fitzwilliam
A big thanks to the friendly volunteers and staff at the West Somerset,,,
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