MORE donations are needed to support the West Somerset Railway’s £150,000 fundraising drive to improve the facilities at its steam locomotive compound at Bishops Lydeard station.

WSR shareholders have already supported the ‘Tiles and Towers Appeal’ but more donations are needed to construct a shelter and to replace the worn-out water tank.

The replacement tank holds 22,000 gallons and was in in use in Reading loco-shed from 1953 until it was moved to the WSR in December 2013.

Foundations will need to be prepared to take the 80 ton weight of the tank which, when erected, will be one of the largest in use on British heritage railways.

The shed will be open-sided and cover the two inspection pits, offering enough shelter for four tender locomotives or six large tank engines. The appearance will be similar to Great Western Railway wartime ash shelters.

To promote ventilation when lighting up is underway, the roof line will be high with a central raised vent running the length of the building. The roof will be supported on galvanised steel portal frame.

There will be floodlights down each side and centrally between the pits, bright enough for inspection of train wheels and motions.

WSR general manager Paul Conibeare, who is also a volunteer steam engine driver on the 20-mile line, said: “I can say from many years of personal experience that improved cover at Bishops Lydeard will make the job of our unpaid volunteer locomotive crews more comfortable when preparing engines at the start of the day and the ‘disposal’ duties that are required before the locomotive can be left ready for the next day’s duty.

“From the viewpoint of the ‘presentation’ that we offer to the passengers and visitors to the line something that will keep the worst of the weather at bay can only help in conserving paintwork. We would therefore like to thank everyone who has supported the appeal so far and thank in anticipation any further donors for their help.”

Donations for these projects can be sent to West Somerset Railway plc (Tiles and Towers Appeal), The Railway Station, Minehead, TA24 5BG. As the WSR is a plc, gift aid provisions do not apply.