Legacy allows for a new generation of Engineers at the West Somerset Railway

A legacy donation has provided funding for the purchase of a Computer Numerical Control (CNC) Manual / CNC Lathe for the engineering workshops at Williton, in the former Swindon shed.

This Manual / CNC Lathe is a computerised machine that produces precision engineered turned parts, which will vastly increase our capacity. The machine has been purchased from Tiverton based XYZ machine tools who also provided a discount to the Railway.

The Railway has been restricted from employing apprentices to undertake Mechanical Engineering level 3 qualifications in recent years due to an educational establishment requirement for employers to have a CNC machine.

Kevin Trott was a keen supporter of the Railway who sadly passed away last year, living locally allowed Kevin to see the trains on a daily basis. Kevin was a precision engineer by trade, starting himself as an apprentice. Throughout his working career for companies in and around the Taunton area, he felt there wasn’t enough done to encourage younger generations into the trade.

The Railway will be looking to employ 2 apprentices from September 2024, all future apprentices on completion of the 2-year course will be presented with the ‘’Kevin Trott Engineering Award’’ in recognition of the legacy, without which new apprentices would not have been possible.

Kerry Noble, West Somerset Railway, General Manager said ‘’We are so grateful to have received funding allowing us to move the business forward with new apprenticeships. This will help to ensure sustainability with a future generation of Railway engineers. Kevin’s legacy will provide a lasting impact on the Railway’s future’’.

Kevins’ Widow said – He was a very talented engineer and of course greatly missed but I am so proud to work with the Railway to ensure his legacy will endure alongside the many young engineers that will benefit in his name