Bit of both. The WSR is keeping it safe for GWR by giving it a temporary home, but with permission to use it occasionally. The set in question has been stored at Minehead throughout the winter, but has just been moved to the siding in front of the signal box. Presumably to have it out of the way ready for the Steam Gala.

 
Have just observed that short HST is stabled near Minehead station, adjacent to the Seaward lane level crossing.
Is just being stored ? or is the intention to use it.

 
An update on Facebook on the "Disused Stations" group reflects on the state of affairs that is so sadly friustrating to people who want to take a train journey to/from Minehead, to/from Taunton and the rest of the National Rail network.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1730959503584733/posts/29612784364975539/

That group's set up purely to record and talk about disused stations and not stray off into discussions of why they were closed, should they have been closed, and could they be re-opened so I expect commenting to be turned off soon, but still worth a read ... and updated comment welcome here

 
Hadn't crossed my mind, but it made me think of an imaginary scenario, the terrible anxiety that the staff at Midford on the S&D used to endure concerning their Whittaker apparatus and a very tame robin.

The apparatus set, the pair of locos on an express from Newcastle-on-Tyne, given the north easterly wind, distinctly heard to leave Combe Down Tunnel and open up, and the blasted robin, once again, without a care in the world, has perched on the pouch containing the token and is begging for the mealworms brought to the box that very morning by the plumber*, who called in again to sort out the leadwork in the ladies loo.

Mark

*Kudos if you can name the plumber...

 

I'll edit to avoid the page-3 connotations

For some reason my keyboard skills, such as they are, vanish when using my Mac at work

 
Thanks, you've reminded me of the reason that railway operating regulations ban staff from deploying bird feeders at signalboxes on preserved lines and indeed on the national network.

Mark

 

I'm not in a position to know anything about the reasos for such a stop.  But the Blue Anchor Up Home signal does protect the gates and also directs into the Up Loop.  If a down train was signalled into the Down Loop, the up train would have to stand and wait.  It is not permitted to signal trains travelling in opposite directions into the loop lines at the same time.  To do that, you'd need trap points at the exit ends of the loops to guard against over-runs.  This situation exists at Crowcombe

[Edited to correct text errors]

 
Has something gone wrong on the WSR today from about 17-00.
A steam hauled train was stopped near Blue Anchor for an unusual time. Could be seen on the webcam.
Trains often pause briefly at the signal protecting the level crossing, but only briefly until the crossing gates are closed to road vehicles and the signal cleared. And this stoppage was short of the signal.

 
most likely be on before,Alan Titchmarsh on the WSR on Channel 5 at 14:50pm Saturday 6th July.

 
First 2024 services - 23rd March. https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/calendar

Services from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard - nothing onward to / from Taunton ;-)

 
Sunday 17 december featured on ITV west news.

 

It was always going to be a short term stay. Laira needed space to store all of the now-surplus CrossCountry HST stock. Now that has all been disposed of, the Castle sets can return to Laira.

 
The HST that was at Minehead has gone. Presumably FGW needed it to cover for IETs that drowned at Dawlish.

 
On the recent HST running weekend I observed that both power cars were used. That sounds rather extravagant in engine hours and fuel consumption.
Considering the short train formation and low permitted speed I would have expected that a single power car would have provided ample power.
Whilst the intention was no doubt to test and "exercise" BOTH power cars it would have been simple to use only the leading one, in whatever direction the train was travelling. Change over at the end of the route before returning.

 
I had my first ever ride on the WSR last week (and thoroughly enjoyed it).

Ironically enough, I remember thinking to myself "My goodness, this lineside looks magnificently neat and tidy [compared with the national network]. There's clearly been recent and significant vegetation clearance. If only Network Rail could achieve these high standards on the Exmouth branch!"

(I worry about vegetation emerging from the brickwork at, for example, the Lympstone Village overbridge. Postponing dealing with this strikes me as a false economy.)

 
For clearing vegetation etc from the lineside, I feel that use could be made of convict labour, "chain gangs" even if not actually chained up.
Do this on non operating days in order to avoid the need for track safety training.

Such work could provide healthy outdoor exercise and with limited access to drugs and alcohol for those with drug or alcohol problems.

Also applicable to network rail routes, but most of these do not have regular non operating days. When a line is closed for engineering work etc, perhaps convict labour could be used for lineside clearing.

 
As someone who was there in 1976 and has been an observer, or more, since then, this seems to be the WSR's annual money shortage.  Comes around almost like clockwork.  I do have sympathy for any staff who get laid-off as a result of the works that are being, according to the WSFP article, cut out of the programme.

 
West Somerset Free Press

 

Some (more?) are being sold & off to Mexico.

 

I am extremely tempted to go down to Minehead on the Saturday and return home on the Sunday ...

 
As already mentioned, both sets are in temporary warm storage. Both are due to return at some stage.

WSR has been allowed to use one set over the weekend of 23/24 September. This will operate the 1000 and 1430 from Minehead, and the 1230 and 1635 from Bishops Lydeard on both days.

 

43122 is named "Dunster Castle". I wonder if this is significant?

 

Presumably, if HSTs are due to be scrapped, then they should be available to purchase for little more than the scrap price ?

 
Probably won't be there that long - just until XC 125s are decommissioned.

 

Can't believe everything you read of course ... but I think they're main line certified and could run to and from Taunton - ppppplease.  Perhaps that might work on dates too like 1st, 2nd, 3rd ... 31st.  Thought for next year?

 
I read somewhere that one set would be in service on the 23rd and 24th
Link from Twitter/X

https://x.com/stpeterslayout/status/1701252602392961178?s=61&t=VlafMC5gF9tidw36b1Y8JQ

 
AFAIK several WSR drivers know HSTs and one regularly drove them on the main line.

 
Warm storage I've been told, but I doubt their drivers have unit knowledge?

 
Will the WSR be allowed to use these HSTs ? perhaps instead of the resident DMU on diesel diagrams. They ARE borderline heritage after all.
The first HSTs ran only a few years after the end of steam.

 
5Z12 0958 Laira to Minehead ran 11/09 2023

43 162 and 43 042 locos

5Z25 0958 Laira to Bishops Lydeard running today

43 122 and 43 094 locos

 

Warm storage while Laira is busy decommissioning the Cross Country sets, I believe.

 
I observe that there is castle HST at Minehead. Does anyone know why ?
Have they purchased it ?
Also although HSTs have previously visited Minehead, I thought that were now out of gauge and therefore not allowed.
Surprised to see that the lights were on throughout the train last night, Has a shore supply been installed ? surely they did not leave a power car running all night,  for reasons of noise and fuel cost.

 
I am told that the Autumn gala has been canceled, regrettable in my view. Details here https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/news

On a more positive note I am told that the last years very successful Winterlights trains will be repeated this winter.

I hope that this years event will be a bit greener than last years. Last year, a number of trackside illuminations were powered by hired diesel generators, not green even if indulgences are purchased.
This year hopefully mains electricity can be used, despite the cost of long cables from the nearest suitable mains supply.
Money spent on generator hire is gone forever, expensively purchased long cables can be used year after year.

 

And/or a lot of work having taken place. Or a small amount, with a lot of supervision.

 
Crossing barriers and signal appeared to work correctly for the 14-30 departure from Minehead.

The number of orange clad workers suggested a certain lack of faith.

 
For the 12-20 steam hauled departure from Minehead the level crossing barriers appeared to work correctly, but the new semaphore signal near the crossing did not clear and was passed at danger, after permission was given.

 
The Seaward way level crossing was again not functioning correctly today.
The 11-35 steam hauled service to Minehead was held for some minutes at the signal on the London side of the crossing.

After some delay the train passed over the crossing with all four barriers still up. Road traffic was halted by lookouts/hand signalers.

 

I do indeed! Here's a more modern demonstration of the same effect.

https://youtu.be/UPW7HOUUz9c

 
BTW the apparently flickering light was much talked about by a group of railway enthusiasts in the local pub, including both national network staff and WSR volunteers.

Not one of whom was able to deduce the correct answer.

"Oil lamp flickering due to wind"
"Oil lamp badly adjusted and flickering without any wind"
"Electric light flickering  due to bad connections"
"Insects in the lamp housing partially blocking the light"
" Some new and different meaning of the signal, now THREE aspect, green, steady red, flickering red !"

And other even more complex and improbable suggestions.
No one thought to go and view the signal in person, it was within walking distance of the pub in question.

But at least three members here quickly deduced what was happening. And others may well have known what was happening.

 
Yes, both the above are correct. The LED must be lit either from AC or perhaps rectified but not smoothed AC, that will result in the light flashing at twice line frequency or 100 times a second.

The webcam is probably 25 frames a second. As the mains frequency or the camera frame rate varies slightly then the light might be on or off when the camera "shutter" is open.

Only noticeable in dull daylight. In bright conditions the light is presumably lit as normal, but can not be seen as it is drowned out by the bright daylight.
At night, each frame captured by the webcam will involve the "shutter" being open for longer and spanning several flashes of the LED.

 
I think the buzzword is modulation. 

But for older readers, does anyone remember the effect you often got on older TV sets when they played old black and white movies, and spoked wagon wheels would look as though they were going round backwards.  That’s the same principle, the original film frame rate, and the TV frame refresh rate would be in conflict.

Paul

 
Yeah that’s pretty much it.  The LED light flashes on and off quickly (too quickly for the human eye to see) but if the recording device is recording at a different frame rate then it will record some of its frames when the light is on and some when it’s off.

60Hz vs 50Hz is usually the case I believe?

You might be able to stop it on your own camera by changing frame rates from 30/60fps to 25/50fps.

 

Would it be anything to do with the frame rate on the camera? In a similar way to videoing a dot matrix display which appears readable to the eye but the camera is taking perhaps 50 frames per second and on some of those frames the dots are off for a fraction of a second?

 
Here is a bit of technical trivia, brain teaser.

The Seaward Lane webcam gives of a good view of the now functioning correctly level crossing and of the nearby semaphore signal.

Under certain conditions, the light in the signal appears to flicker or cycle between dim and bright, sometimes appearing to go e out for a second or even several seconds.

I believe that I know the reason for this, but would anyone else care to suggest the reason ? Noticeable right now, at nearly 17-00.

 
The problem was caused by a failed hydraulic power pack in the barrier. As broadgage reports, the issue has now been fixed. I certainly hope so as I'm the signalman there tomorrow!

 
Yes, so far as I know, heritage railways do follow the same or very similar rules as apply on the national network, in case of level crossing faults.

The Seaward Lane level crossing was operating correctly today, so far as it could be seen from the webcam at about 13-55.

 

Presumably the operators of heritage railways follow the same procedures as Network Rail do when level crossings fail?  From your description it sounds like it.

 
Still faulty this morning.
10-00 diesel departure from Minehead held at the new semaphore signal, three only out of four level crossing barriers then lowered.
Semaphore signal remained at danger. Passed at danger as a hand signalman showed a green flag.

 
The recently renewed Seaward level crossing was not working correctly this afternoon, so far as could be seen from the relevant webcam.

The diesel hauled 18-00 arrival into Minehead came into webcam view at about 18-10. Approached the crossing very slowly indeed and then stopped at the signal just on the London side of the crossing. Someone alighted from the cab, presumably to use the telephone.

After a few minutes, THREE out of the four barriers lowered, but the fourth one remained up. After a few more minutes the train passed over the crossing at walking speed, with one barrier still up.
One would presume that a lookout was halting the road traffic, but this was out of webcam view.

 
The West Somerset railway have restored to largely original condition a vintage "gunpowder van"
A local resident complained in the local pub about the storage of gunpowder within sight of a childs bedroom.
I explained that the vehicle was to add historical authenticity to the railway, and did NOT actually contain gunpowder. They seemed unconvinced. Despite me suggesting that the WSR have no need for gunpowder, and that if gunpowder WAS needed for some exceptional reason, that this would be be obtained, stored, and used by an licensed explosives expert and NOT left in an unattended goods van.

I wonder that they think about the petrol tanker ! That was nearby.

 
Interesting if used in the north of Scotland when MoD have their GPS "spoofing" exercises!

 
Having looked up Kalman Filter (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kalman_filter)
I'm even more out of my depth!

Thank you for your reply, I thought it was complicated before I queried GPS/GRPS!

 

The whole point of the Rubust train Positioning System (RTPS) is that it combines several sensors so that it always has a fallback if any of them is not available.

For example, if you have an absolute positioning system like GPS, and one with no external inputs like an odometer, they complement each other. The ododmeter (counting wheel rotations) drifts due to uncertainty about the wheel radius, but only slowly so the position error remains small for many miles. GPS can be obstructed, but when you get it back is drift-free and can be used to remove the position error that's built up due to using the odometer. You can add extra sensors to cover for other kinds of outage/failure, in this case using a radar rather than an odometer, or balises.

The same method is now standard for airliners, combining GNSS (including GPS) with an inertial navigator (INS or IMU, also part of this RTPS). Again, the INS suffers from slow drift and complements the potential error modes of the GNSS (to do with integrity as much as errors). That depends on a bit of magical chicanery called a Kalman Filter, which I think is also used for RTPS.

 
I'm concerned about the GPS side of things.
Occasionally in incident reports there are mentions that the drivers GSM-? didn't work, or there was no radio signal in that area.
Everything works well when there is a signal.
There are many areas around the UK with either no signal or a very poor signal level.
Perhaps too much dependence on technology?

 
Here's a rather strange thing for a heritage line to be doing. Selected quotes from Thales (for now):

It does seem a bit odd for a very early prototype, used for proof of concept trials, to get this kind of publicity. Usually it's done in private, or even under strict secrecy, due to concerns about keeping your trade secrets as long as you can and the embarrassment of it not working at all when exposed to real life.

 
I will NOT be there, on the first day.
Probably overcrowded and more chance of something going wrong. I look forward to travel after a few days.

 
Repair works to the level crossing have now been completed and normal working has been restored.

As II rightly said in an earlier post, the barriers are designed to break without damaging the moving gear so it turned out to be a simple replacement of the broken barriers but understandable that the WSR wanted to investigate properly before fixing.

Staff training and various ECS movements will now take place before Minehead welcomes its first passenger train in over 2 years on 19 March.

 

Perhaps any investigation that took place had something to do with the fact the crossing is new?  Perhaps that would make sure a warranty claim to cover the cost of replacement barriers was successful?  Or to check there was no obvious design flaw - I should imagine elements of every crossing is bespoke even if the bulk of the equipment is 'off the shelf'.

Perhaps it could, and would, have been repaired much more quickly, but they knew they have a month before any train movements are planned?

Anyway, lots of theories...not all of them negative or linked to a conspiracy.

 

I suspect that these days it might ACTUALY be dangerous. The more rabid motorists might run over the man with the red flag !
"How dare you tell me what I can and can not do ! I have GOT to take my children to school. MOVE NOW !"

The slightly less rabid motorists might drive around the man with the flag, and after being hit by a train would complain.
"I did not know that it meant stop"
" I could not see a train coming"
"I did not see the flag"

 

Indeed, and I understand that the WSR did have spare barriers stored, not certain where exactly but said to be available. There was however an initial reluctance to simply fit the spare barriers, without investigation into the failure in extreme but foreseeable wind conditions.

 

If the average modern day human came fully equipped with common sense it would make sense.

 
In any case what's wrong with posting a couple of people with red flags to stop traffic. Or is this reckoned to be a dangerous thing to do in these days of health & safety dominance over common sense?

 
Presumably they’re designed to break if hit with strong winds or a vehicle, without causing damage to the raising/lowering mechanism?  Spare sets are kept by the crossing at some locations to allow a speedy replacement.

 
Aren't barrier arms short-life items, needing frequent replacement? I can't find any statistics, but there's two or three old ones dumped beside the track at our crossing, and they havn't been there that long.

That's due to vehicles driving into them. If wind damage is going to be a recurrent problem, there is the "Redcar Solution".

 
The Seaward lane and Minehead station webcams are back on line.
The view APPEARS to show all 4 four level crossing barriers in place, but they look to be of two different designs.

 
Probably no great rush to complete the repairs then?

 
The first scheduled passenger trains are expected on March 19 AFAIK.

There might of course be the odd ECS or other non public trains planned before then.

 

When are the next trains scheduled to operate?

 
The webcam at the Seaward Lane level crossing is again offline "due to level crossing works" And this time the Minehead station webcam is also offline.

I wonder why ? The physical location of the webcam is some distance from the crossing and would not be in the way of works thereon.
Perhaps they dont like people watching the progress of the works, or perhaps lack of progress. The work can however be viewed in person from several viewpoints, so hardly secret.

Spare crossing barriers are held in stock, but the delays suggest that something more than a simple replacement is being considered.

 
So far as I can see from the webcam, one barrier has been replaced, what I presume to be a new one looks larger, or perhaps simply brighter coloured and shows up better on webcam. Left hand side of crossing, nearest Butlins.
One old barrier remains in situ and looks undamaged.
One barrier that yesterday was bent of shape, is now absent, presumably  awaiting replacement. The one nearest the camera.
One barrier is still bent out of shape, the one nearest the equipment building.

Works are underway, many orange overalled workers may be observed on the webcam at about 10-30.

 
Hopefully the repairs will simply consist of attaching new barriers with the rest of the mechanism remaining as before.

My fear is that stronger barriers will be required and that these are likely to be heavier.
Not compatible with existing operating mechanism.
New mechanism expensive and with extended delivery times.
New mechanism requires different ground fixings.
New concrete bases needed.
Existing but new cables damaged during construction of new foundations. New cabling needed.
Some subtle difference makes new mechanism not compatible with existing proving and safety circuits.
New equipment needed in equipment room.
Equipment room not big enough.
New equipment room expensive and with extended delivery times.
HMRI rule that this is a "new installation" requiring new approvals.
CCTV found to be compliant with 2020 standards but not with 2022 standards, new required.
Newts discovered. And badgers.
Complete new training and staff familiarisation plan required.
War breaks out in Ukraine, works put on hold until after the war.

 
Has a preserved railway had more misfortune than the WSR? I really hope it can be repaired before the main tourist season begins in a few weeks time.

 
The new level crossing barriers at the Seaward lane level crossing have been damaged by the recent extreme weather. A bit worrying for something so new and expensive.

News reports on the WSR website refer to ONE barrier as being damaged, but looking at the webcam appears to show TWO damaged barriers.

http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-md2.htm webcam link.

 

 

Don't worry, I am sure we are all big Witham Bobby fans!

 
Yes I was thinking of yourself, but did not say so in so many words, so as to avoid unwelcoming replies from other members.

 

I don't know if you're referring to me; I don't consider myself any kind of expert on railways these days.  I was a bit more clued-up about the WSR 40+ (ouch) years ago.

From what I can tell, the signal with the LED head is a replacement for the Down Inner Home signal that was formerly a colour-light, lit by incandescent lamps.  It won't have the drivers' white light indicator aspect in the head for the former ABCL system at Seaward Way LC, as the crossing has now  been converted to CCTV operation from Minehead 'box

For what my opinion is worth, I don't think the new signal is any more or less relevant to the line's heritage ambience than the one it replaces.

 

Uncharacteristically silent, but I had tea with a friend who has been training drivers on the new signals. He doesn't regard them as out of place, and sees big improvements from a safety angle.

 

Here's grahame's full proposal:

 
AFAIK the new LED colour light signal replaces an earlier colour light signal that used incandescent bulbs. The LEDs give a very similar appearance and are therefore considered acceptable in a location not often viewed or photographed.

Perhaps our resident WSR expert could confirm ?

 
And a newly installed LED colour-light signal on the Dunster side of the crossing too by the looks of it. Wonder why that got put in when a non-LED one would retain the heritage aspect (pun intended) of things. Also the wsr.org.uk website says two new semaphores have gone in (see an entry of 27th October). Hopefully we won't one day see all of the WSR controlled by panels though as per Paignton - Kingswear.

That would be good wouldn't it! Unless you know something which I don't.....!

Dave

 

That's Finnish time 25:50 translates to 23:50 in Minehead.  OK - so the 25:50 was my typo. The late train from Taunton which I would expect to be very popular. 

 
Not certain about the 25-50 ? perhaps connects with the Hogwarts express and therefore runs to magic timings.

 

National Rail Trains arriving at 08:25, 19:10, 20:50 and 25:50 from Taunton and beyond at the platform behind Butlins just to the east of the crossing, leaving at 05:40, 07:05, 08:30 and 21:00.   Heritage trains Eastbound just after 10:10, 11:10, 12:15, 14:15, 15:15, 16:15 and 17:10 headed for Bishop's Lydeard, returning just before 10:52, 11:47, 12:47, 13:47, 14:52, 15:47 and 17:52, connecting in almost all cases with National Rail at Lydeard?

 
Agree that the picture quality is good, but there seems to be something missing from the program content ?

 
Just had a look, great pictures quality indeed.  Got a bit of a start when a seagull flashed past right in front of the camera.

 
Excellent quality pictures

 
The webcam at Seaward way is back in use.
http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-md2.htm

Good views of seagulls, Canada geese, dog walkers, cars, and the newly installed semaphore signal.

 
Completed, yes, but as far as I am aware no regular passenger trains to/from Minehead are expected until the Spring service next year.
Only limited ECS and training runs.

 
The good news is that that Seward Way LC alterations have been completed and Minehead station and environs are now operational again

http://www.wsr.org.uk/cgi-bin/snap.cgi?h=Snapshot&p=2021/11/007

 
It seems unlikely that we will see any passenger trains to or from Minehead this year, which is a backward step to that previously expected.

It seems that the level crossing is "on target for handover on October 21" but that "handover" does not mean being able to run a regular train service.

It seems that "handover" means limited ECS and staff training runs only, with no regular passenger services expected until the Spring service in 2022.

It was certainly implied even if not categorically stated, that the Santa trains and the Winterlights services would run to/from Minehead.

 
The infighting and divisions are very regrettable, but as you point out a lot is nevertheless achieved.
A new innovation for the coming Christmas season is a number of Christmas lights trains, several of these are already sold out which must be good news.

 
After all the reports of infighting and power struggles, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found on a recent visit for a gala weekend.  Plenty of keen and helpful volunteers of all ages, well organised including the Minehead bus, and everything apparently well-maintained in contrast to the lines of rusting stock and the faded paint on the carriages in use that you see at many heritage railways.  It all looked very hopeful

 
Looking a bit more hopeful WRT the infamous level crossing works at Seaward Lane, Minehead.

Signs are up near the crossing warning of overnight road closures on several dates during October, and of temporary traffic signals at other times.

 
The latest news on the Seaward lane level crossing project may be found here.
http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm

But it is very well written so as to sound vaguely optimistic without including any hard facts such as an opening date.

 
The article - https://www.railwaytouring.net/the-west-somerset-steam-express-2-21 - says main line steam Paddington to Bishops Lydeard, WSR steam loco(s) taking the carriages to Watchet, with coach connections to Dunster and Minehead.

 
According to a news report on the WSR website a charter train is due to run from Paddington to Minehead in August. Minehead as the destination is mentioned more than once without any reference to a bus connection from Dunster.

Yet the level crossing works are not expected to be completed by then.

http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm


edit to add that the above was accurate WHEN I TYPED IT, but that the information on the WSR website has now been corrected and no longer shows train to Minehead. Connecting bus via Watchet. Also see the following post.

 

The above views are in my view particularly pertinent in view of the O/Ps long standing connection with the WSR and his detailed knowledge of both present day operations and of the early days.

The merits of through passenger  services all year round have already been noted, but in the longer term we might hope for regular freight traffic. At least one major supermarket is only separated from the line by a fence. Other businesses are near the line and could in future be rail served.
If we are serious about the climate emergency, then we need to make more use of railways and less use of fossil fueled cars, vans, and trucks.

"guilt free port" Imported by sea, distributed to a Minehead supermarket by freight train, and then to my door by battery van.

 

As one of those involved at the start (and there are ever fewer of us left) I can say that the original intent was indeed to run such a service.  I even got the timetable all sorted out, in 1978.  The DMU service (using not particulalry "new" Park Royal DMUs) that we did initiate, between Williton and Minehead, was, in effect, a part of the intended route-long service.

In those days we had the (unaffordable at the time) prospect of using the former Up Relief Line between Norton Fizwarren Junction and the Up side bay at the country end of Taunton station.  The present arrangement of having to cross trains across both Main Lines at Norton Fitzwarren to and from the branch is going to be problematic, without quite a bit of resignalling.  I understand this can't happen with the present arrangements at Exeter Power 'Box


It would be very pleasing to me to see this happen.  I've always wanted to show that the closure decision by BR(WR) management at Bristol was totally wrong!

 

Look at it this way. During recent times, we have seen civil war between WSR factions, key staff redundancies, an inability to run a pandemic rail service while all around were restarting theirs, the Seaward Road Level Crossing debacle, and now this.

Given that the WSR now faces a genuinely existential threat, do we really think that sticking resolutely to the status quo will see off that threat and set a fair course for the future, or is it time to at least consider the alternatives?

Whilst in the UK, the idea of mixing national rail and heritage operations is viewed as radical and controversial, over here in Brittany it is far more commonplace. The Guingamp-Paimpol line has a national rail service during the winter months, and this is mixed with a steam service timetable over part of the route between Pontrieux-Paimpol during the summer months.

Similarly, once the final phase of the Pontivy Reopening Project is complete, there will be a national rail service between Auray-Pontivy during the winter months, mixed with a heritage tourist train operation during the summer months.

What we are waiting for with Pontivy is the completion of the development, construction and deployment of our own battery trains, which will also provide additional services on non-electrified routes such as Guingamp-Carhaix, Guingamp-Paimpol and Saint Brieuc-Dinan-Dol. These additional services cant be provided at present because a) we dont have sufficient spare DMU rolling stock and b) even if we did, our budget wouldnt stretch to the level of subsidy that, at least initially, would be required to operate those additional services with them.

Our experts tell us that once operational, our battery trains operating costs would be low enough to break even with just a handful of passengers on board per service, and as broadgage suggests for the WSR, we see them as the way forward for such services to be both economically and environmentally viable into the future.

So to conclude, my personal view is that WSR supporters have nothing to fear from switching to operating the Minehead route in this manner. Indeed, I would be far more fearful of the consequences of sticking with the status quo.