STEAM train enthusiasts are preparing for the West Somerset Railway’s (WSR) spring gala which starts next week.

The railway has three visiting locomotives for the festival, which runs from Friday, April 28, through to Monday, May 1.

They are GWR Hall Class 4-6-0 no 4953 Pitchford Hall and locomotives 7812 Erlestoke Manor and 2999 Lady of Legend.

The engines are being loaned by Epping Ongar Railway, Severn Valley Railway, and Didcot Railway Centre, respectively.

Two evening photographic shoots at Minehead Station are being organised on April 27 and 30 with a line-up of all three GW Manor Class locos in British Rail liveries.

Even before the steam gala gets underway, the WSR has also been planning its summer diesel festival, which will be held from June 8 to 10.

It has announced its first visiting diesel locomotive, Class 25 No. D7659, courtesy of the Waterman Railway Heritage Trust, which will be making a debut on the Minehead to Bishops Lydeard line. 

D7659 only came back into service in late 2021 for the first time in more than 23 years following a comprehensive restoration which effectively saw the 1966 loco rebuilt.

WSR said there would be at least three visiting diesels joining its home fleet for the summer event.

A £50,000 appeal by West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) to help repair damage caused by a landslip near Tribble Bridge, Combe Florey, has now reached its target and has been closed.

However, the WSRA is still asking for supporters to help with the purchase of bags of ballast for the railway.