It's been a couple of years since I last went on the West Somerset Railway, and I was able to go again this year. The draw of Royal Scots Grey (missing at the Swanage gala) the chance to finally get a Hymek in the book, a GBRF 73 and 66 and the first outing of D6575 was good enough for me. Also due to be running was resident D1661, western D1010 and warship D832.
A few days before the event it was announced that the 66 was unable to attend but a second 73 would instead visit. Fine by me. The only problem was the new working timetable didn't even show the second 73 as doing anything!
I left Plymouth on the 0625 to Taunton and then waited a while for the bus to Bishops Lydeard. I was there by 9 and was able to witness the Deltic starting up! I'd not heard a Deltic before and what an amazing sound! It was a while before my plan to catch it so I headed west on the 1st gen DMU to Blue Anchor.
From here it was D1661, North Star back to Williton. Here is where I would meet the Deltic and get first haulage off of one. I took this to Minehead. After a few photos in and around Minehead station I took the return to Bishops Lydeard behind the Deltic all the way! It was now time for 73119 hauling a goods train with brakevans to Norten Fitzwarren station. Little used, we were able to get off and see the 73 detach and run round the new loop to take us back to Bishops Lydeard.
Now it was time to head to Williton again. This time behind D6566. Once here I had a few minutes to see and photograph the newly arrived Class 14 D9518. It was then a doubled headed Western and Hymek back to Bishops Lydeard.
They then both returned to Williton where the Hymek was removed and the Warship added. Onwards to Blue Anchor. The final train of the day was D6575! Another winner!
It was then a walk to the bus stop and onto Taunton station. I don't know what was going on but all trains were running late. I jumped on a train that was running late but was earlier than my intended train. Much better. Was an HST and now the entertainment coach is free even better!
A thoroughly enjoyable day. Shame the second 73 wasn't working. To be honest I don't understand why it didn't just do what the 66 was planned into do on the original timetable!
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