Double-headed ‘Manors’ help WSR mark 40 years of steaming to Bishops Lydeard

A FOURTEEN-coach train hauled by a pair of Collett ‘Manor’ 4-6-0s was the undoubted highlight of the West Somerset Railway’s 40^th Anniversary gala on June 8-9.

The event celebrated four decades since the ‘Wizzer’ returned steam to Bishops Lydeard on June 9, 1979, and was a strong illustration that the worst of the railway’s problems are behind it. 

This was evidenced by the gala revenue, which was up 14% on the budget figure, and the fact some 1,800 passengers were carried over the two days.

Proceedings began on Friday 7^th when 70 people gathered for the launch of a new book commemorating the anniversary. 

Tales of the West Somerset Railway is made up of recollections penned by Ian Tabrett, Allan Stansistreet and Ian Coleby, chronicling the ups and downs of the past 40 years.

Read more in the July 2019 issue of The Railway Magazine – on sale now!

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