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SDRT Special Train 4 March 2006
See also pictures of this event by Jason Baker
pic © Gerry Leyman
On Saturday 4 March, more than 80 former S&D railwaymen and women together with over 300 SDRT members and the general public travelled from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back on the Trust's special train. The train was run to commemorate the closure of the old line 40 years ago that weekend. The Trust's locomotive, No.88, resplendent in prussian blue livery and bold lettering proclaiming its heritage, hauled 9 carriages packed full. In the brilliant sunshine reminiscent of the similar days in March 1966, stories were swapped and memories shared on board.
 Upon arrival at Minehead, Fireman Frank Stickley attached a small pouch and tablet to the newly-fitted Whitaker apparatus on the tender of 88 to applause from the assembled veterans. This was possibly the first occasion in forty years that this famous apparatus for single-line control has been seen on a working steam locomotive. Demonstrations of the exchange of tablets are expected to take place at Washford during the weekend of 7/8 April. pic © Paul Fry
The Trust was pleased to entertain the former employees of the railway for an enjoyable reunion lunch in Minehead.
The return train left Minehead at 3 25. No. 88 worked steadily and impressively up Washford bank, which at times seemed like the climb of The Pines Express up the Mendips to Chilcompton tunnels. The Trust's organisers were delighted to see the obvious signs of pleasure from all those who travelled. Many expressed their thanks for such an enjoyable and memorable day out.
pic © Paul Frypics below © Ed Melville
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| Crowds at Bishops Lydeard waiting for the Special admire 44422 in charge of the 10 25 to Minehead |
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| 44422 ready to move off with its short train, but was slightly delayed by a leaking train vaccuum pipe |
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| The down train having departed, the road is free for No. 88 to run round to collect its carriages from platform 1 |
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| 88 reversing its train to change platform to take on the expectant S&D crowd assembled on platform 2 |
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| What a splendid engine! The lettering-out had been completed the previous week. |
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| The special is soon underway and gathers speed. With an experienced footplate crew, 88 is steaming freely.
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| Our special clears the level crossing as the token is exchanged at Minehead |
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| A happy crowd inspect the locomotive that has hauled them along so smoothly |
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| Time for our engine to have a rest whilst we head off to the eating houses of Minehead |
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SDRT 2006 All material contained herein is subject to copyright and
may not be reproduced, copied, held in an electronic repository system
(particularly on another web site) without seeking permission.
Every effort has been made to identify the holders of copyright material
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Upon arrival at Minehead, Fireman Frank Stickley attached a small pouch and tablet to the newly-fitted Whitaker apparatus on the tender of 88 to applause from the assembled veterans. This was possibly the first occasion in forty years that this famous apparatus for single-line control has been seen on a working steam locomotive. Demonstrations of the exchange of tablets are expected to take place at Washford during the weekend of 7/8 April. pic © Paul Fry
The return train left Minehead at 3 25. No. 88 worked steadily and impressively up Washford bank, which at times seemed like the climb of The Pines Express up the Mendips to Chilcompton tunnels. The Trust's organisers were delighted to see the obvious signs of pleasure from all those who travelled. Many expressed their thanks for such an enjoyable and memorable day out.
