Following an extended Winter down-time, the West Somerset Railway has reopened to services - though currently only between Bishops Lydeard and Watchet.
In late 2018, the Office of Road & Rail (ORR) carried out an inspection at the West Somerset Railway, finding fault with numerous areas and practices at the heritage line. The result of this was a three month shutdown period of services on the WSR, while Volunteers worked tirelessly to bring all areas up to standard. Services subsequently resumed on West Somerset metals on the 30th of March. However, trains are currently not permitted to run west of Watchet station, with all services terminating here. The lack of a run-around loop at Watchet consequently means all services from Bishops Lydeard are currently required to be 'Top and Tailed' over the line.
Locomotives:
Ex-S&DJR 7F Class - 53808
BR Class 33 - D6575
2019 also marks the 40th anniversary of services running the full line length to Minehead in preservation. The line is due to return once again to Minehead over the Easter bank holiday weekend.
All footage filmed on Wednesday the 17th of April 2019.
