MORE visiting steam and diesel locomotives have been announced for spring and summer galas on the West Somerset Railway (WSR), which began its 2025 running season on Saturday (March 22).
The heritage railway is gearing up for what could be one of its busiest ever seasons as nationally celebrations are held for Railway 200, marking the 200th anniversary of the modern railway.
The steam spectacular will run from Friday to Monday, May 2 to 5, and the diesel festival from Thursday to Sunday, June 5 to 8.
Steam train GWR 2-8-0 no.2807 last week became the first visiting locomotive to arrive in West Somerset to work services in the run up to the May gala.
A fourth steam visitor has been announced, GWR 66XX class 0-6-2 no.6695, returning after starring in last year’s festival, where it hauled the WSR’s 1940s goods train.
It will again be offering brake van rides to allow passengers to experience life as a yesteryear goods guard.
Other visiting steam locomotives include LMS ‘Jubilee’ Class 4-6-0 No.45596 Bahamas, London Brighton and South Coast Railway A1 Class Terrier No.72 Fenchurch, and GWR 28XX No.2807.
They will be supported by the WSR’s home steam fleet of 2-6-0 9351 Class (WSR Mogul) No. 9351, GWR Manor Class 4-6-0 7812 Erlestoke Manor, and BR(W) Manor Class 4-6-0 7828 Odney Manor.
The diesel festival will see a return visit by Class 45 Peak No. 45108 in its BR Blue livery, which in the 1990s was based with the WSR, thanks to Peak Locomotive Co Ltd and East Lancashire Railway.
The engine will join Class 52 No. D1015 Western Champion courtesy of the Diesel Traction Group, one of seven preserved Westerns from the original 74 built by BR in Swindon and Crewe.