Stretching through the county of Somerset, the West Somerset Railway evokes the strong atmosphere of a countryside railway, echoing the spirit of the many lost branch lines that once spanned the British countryside. This year, for their annual 'Autumn Steam Gala', the railway looked to enhance that atmosphere, celebrating the local railways that kept Britain turning throughout the 20th century.
Held over the weekend of Thursday 3rd - Sunday 6th of October, the event featured no fewer than 9 locomotives in service, showcasing a fleet of engines that would have seen service in the South West in their working lives. Bolstering the eight-strong steam locomotive fleet, Class 35 'Hymek' - D7018 also took to WSR metals, representing the diesel locomotives that replaced steam, keeping the wheels turning on rail travel. The gala played host to a wide variety of workings, from passenger and local branch line services, to demonstration freight sets.
Locomotives:
GWR 5700 'Pannier Tank' Class - 7752
BR Class 35 - D7018
Ex-GWR 5700 'Pannier Tank' Class - 7714
BR(W) 7800 'Manor' Class - 7828 "Odney Manor"
WSR 9351 Class - 9351 (Ex-5101 'Large Prairie' Class - 5193)
Ex-S&DJR 7F Class - 53808
Ex-GWR 6400 'Pannier Tank' Class - 6412
BR(W) 7800 'Manor' Class - 7822 "Foxcote Manor"
GWR 5700 'Pannier Tank' Class - 4612
All footage filmed on Thursday the 3rd and Friday the 4th of October 2019.