4th April, 2024
With our Spring Steam Spectacular fast approaching (3rd to 6th May), we have an update on the planned locomotive line-up for the event.
Unfortunately, despite the owning group's best efforts, GWR 28XX no.2807 is no longer available to attend the event, due to some work necessary on the locomotive. We thank the Cotswold Steam Preservation Ltd for the planned visit and we hope that this can be rearranged for the future.
This is not the only update today however. Following numerous enquiries to our friends at other railways, thankfully the Great Central Railway has come to our aid. No.6990 'Witherslack Hall' will be visiting the Spring Steam Spectacular between Friday 3rd May and Monday 6th May appearing courtesy of the David Clarke Railway Trust and Great Central Railway. We are extremely grateful to both organisations for assisting us with the locomotive at short notice, and we hope you all agree this engine is an excellent addition to the line-up.
No.6990 'Witherslack Hall' entered service in 1948 and soon gained notoriety amongst its classmates when it became one of the 'Modified Halls' used in the BR Locomotive Exchange Trials. Following this, the engine was primarily based at Old Oak Common shed in London, working a variety of duties, which would have undoubtedly seen the loco work through Taunton. 'Witherslack' clung on in service until the very last month of Western Region steam in December 1965. Fortunately, the engine found her way to the now infamous Barry Scrapyard, from where she was purchased for preservation in 1975. Following restoration at the Great Central, the engine returned to traffic in 1986. We have been lucky enough to have hosted no.6990 twice before, in 1998 and more recently in 2018. We are looking forward to a third visit of this popular loco and we are extremely grateful to the GCR for the hire.
We are still hopeful that an additional visiting locomotive will be available for the event. This is subject to confirmation and to avoid any potential disappointment, will be announced closer to the event if the engine is available for traffic in time.
The line-up currently stands at the 7 locomotives below -
- BR(W) 6959 no.6990 'Witherslack Hall'
- LNER B1 no.61306 'Mayflower' - LNWR Coal Tank no.1054
- GWR 66XX no.6695 - BR(W) 94XX no.9466
- BR(W) 78XX no.7828 Odney Manor
- WSR Mogul no.9351
All locomotives and attractions appear subject to availability and may be withdrawn from the event at short notice.
Tickets are available to pre-book at a discounted rate at our website - https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/spring-steam-spectacular