Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was pictured leading WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 and the Class 115 DMU at Woolston Moor on Sunday 8th June 2025. Photo by Glyn Warren © CC BY-NC 3.0
The motive power allocations for the BLUE TIMETABLE services that are planned for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week have now been defined, the objective of the change being to mitigate the risk of lineside fires by using diesel assistance. This reduces the chances of hot cinders being emitted from the chimney of the steam loco by reducing the need for it to work so hard.
As the steam locomotives are the prime attractions for the majority of visitors to the line, the WSR has scaled back the level of service for 15-17 July from the Yellow to the Blue Timetable, but keeping one steam locomotive in service with a diesel loco assisting (coupled between the steam loco and the coaches).
The steam and diesel combination will work the diagram that starts at Bishops Lydeard at 10:15 except on Tuesday 15th ONLY when Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) will be hauling, with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 on the rear (for positioning), as far as Minehead where WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 will take charge of the train for the remainder of the diagram, with Class 14 D9526 coupled behind and assisting.
The 10:00 departure from Minehead and the subsequent diagram will be worked by the DMU on Tuesday and Wednesday and by the Class 33 on Thursday.
The timetable is under constant review and will be adjusted as circumstances require, but as at the time of writing (Monday 14th July at 1900), the plan is as follows:
| Day and Date | Timetable | Locomotives allocated |
| Tuesday 15th July |
Class 33 D6566 (33048) on the 1015 BL-MD with Class 14 D9526 on the rear. Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the remainder of the BL diagram. DMU on the 10:00 MD departure and subsequent diagram. |
|
|
Wednesday 16th July
|
Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the BL diagram, DMU on the MD diagram | |
|
Thursday 17th July
|
Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the BL diagram, Class 33 D6566 (33048) on the MD diagram | |
| Friday 18th July | No public services |
Where BL = Bishops Lydeard MD = Minehead DMU = Diesel Multiple Unit
This pattern may be continued through the following week if the hot weather persists. Keep and eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:
The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:
Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.
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