The Branch Line Society

Guest



West Somerset Railway, Norton Triangle by Steam
Saturday 3rd October 2015

After a suggestion for steam trips around the triangle, footplate rides were arranged for BLS members on loco turning manoeuvres during the Autumn Steam Gala. Only four members applied but, unfortunately, between the initial announcement and the event, doubt arose as to whether there would be time for the loco to extend the run to the buffer stops at Allerford Bridge. As a result, two applicants decided to withdraw but two, with notably low membership numbers, took a chance and each enjoyed separate 7 mile footplate trips on 4936 Kinlet Hall and 7828 Odney Manor after the locos had arrived at Bishops Lydeard (BL) with trains from Minehead.



4936 'Kinlet Hall' at Allerford Bridge buffer stops, part of the former GWR Taunton to Barnstaple line,
which was at one time double track here, hence the width of ballast.
[© John Rennilson 2015]

Our members were welcomed by the WSR General Manager and introduced to the engine crews. There was a bonus on the morning trip when 4936 coupled up to 60163 Tornado for the run to Allerford Jn before making its own way to Allerford Bridge buffers and then turning on the triangle. 4936 then coupled with 6960 Raveningham Hall for the return to BL where, after taking water, Kinlet Hall ran through P1 and reversed on to the service stock on P2. In the afternoon, 7828 managed a similar trip without coupling to other locos.



The same location with a happy BLS member - aren't they all?!
[© John Rennilson 2015]

Thanks are due to the WSR CME Andy Forster for allowing exclusive BLS member access to these trips; to GM Paul Conibeare for enabling them on the day; and of course to the engine crews. Apologies to the members who withdrew, assurances over the complete trip were outside the organiser's control and uncertainty remained until the day. Repeats may be possible at next year's steam Gala. Thanks also to our local member Robert Green for all the negotiating and arrangements for this most unusual fixture.