This year we are pleased to announce the return of our Autumn Steam Gala Weekend, celebrating 200 years of railway history as part of the Rail200 celebrations, and one of the biggest events of the heritage railway calendar. We will be welcoming a number of visiting engines from both heritage railways and mainline operators.
An intensive timetable will be operating on all three days allowing you to explore our historic stations, travel behind iconic locomotives, and enjoy the autumn colours on England’s longest heritage railway at its very best. From the Quantock Hills to the Somerset Coast, we’ll be running from early morning into the evening, with express trains, local passenger trains, and our popular heritage goods train. Some trains will also continue past Bishops Lydeard and run to the very end of our line at Norton Fitzwarren, utilising a stretch of the line that is rarely used for passenger trains.
Our railway really comes to life on this weekend, with our museums, heritage displays, and model railways open for you to enjoy. Don’t forget your camera!
Our first visiting engine has been announced as London and South Western Railway T3 Class 4-4-0 no.563, which will be appearing at the WSR for the first time courtesy of the Swanage Railway Trust.
This engine first returned to steam in 2023 following overhaul. Prior to this, the last time the engine had steamed was in 1948! No.563 will certainly make for a rare sight on the WSR in it's striking LSWR Green livery.
Confirmed Visiting Locomotives:
- LSWR T3 4-4-0 No. 563 (courtesy of the Swanage Railway Trust)
More visiting locomotives will be announced soon.
Also including appearances from:
- GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’
- BR (W) Manor Class 4-6-0 7828 'Odney Manor'
- WSR Mogul 2-6-0 No. 9351
You may also like the following events from West Somerset Railway:
Also check out other
Workshops in Taunton.
