THE WEST SOMERSET RAILWAY (Part 1 the station)

This blog called WSR is all about steam trains and stations and other associated things. Now, I can hear some of you say how boring, well I'm afraid to some it will be, to me it is something I have always loved from way back in my trainspotting days (around 51-52 years ago). This station in Minehead, Somerset is based around mainly steam and is run by staff 95% of which are volunteers.There are also both Diesel and diesel electrics used on some occasions,the station itself is much as I remember them from back then with those lovely smells and sights. Believe it not there are even unlocked waiting rooms.All this combined with water towers, coaling docks, repair sheds,manual signal boxes, I could go on and on. For those of you who have never experienced these things please please do visit this or any heritage type steam station.The actual trains they run on this line will come in later blogs(I'm afraid). Above is a picture of a train(Dinmore Manor) which they are fund raising to restore back for use, the railway is also fund raising for an engine turntable here at Minehead. (Below) A signal unit and views of the sidings including an old diesel train.As a by the way there will be no technical jargon ie wheel configurations etc as I'm not into it that heavily.
This is a picture from the far end of the platform looking back to the station.The railway runs around the Somerset coast for around 20miles calling at 9 stations along the way ending at Bishops Lydeard and can connect with regular trains to go on from Taunton.
This picture (above) from the end of the platform shows the road crossing on the outskirts of Minehead its only 400 yds from the station.Below a real signal box which is manned all the time the station is open
Below is an ex buffet car permanently sited on the station siding and turned into a cafe/restaurant.For those of you who are interested in more info go to www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk