WEST Somerset Railway’s first gala weekend events for almost two years have been scheduled for September and October should government Covid restrictions be further eased later this month.

The first gala, scheduled for Friday and Saturday, September 17 and 18, will have a ‘mixed traction’ theme involving mainly diesel haulage on the Friday, plus one steam locomotive, plus a mix of three diesels and two steam engines on the Saturday. A steam-only service will operate on Sunday.

Diesel locos planned to run for the September event will be the home-based Hymek Class 35 D7018 and Crompton Class 33’s D6566 and D6575.

On the Saturday, two of the home-based WSR steam fleet of former GWR locos - the newly-painted Large Prairie No. 5199, Mogul No. 9351 and No. 7822 ‘Foxcote Manor’ and No. 7828 ‘Odney Manor’ - will join the diesels.

All trains are expected to run between Bishops Lydeard and Blue Anchor and Dunster stations, plus maybe a couple of workings over the little used Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section.

The popular Autumn Steam Gala will be revived on three days between Friday, October 1, and Sunday, October 3, inclusive.

Four former GWR l steam locomotives are expected to be in action - GWR liveried Large Prairie No. 5199, Mogul No. 9351 and No. 7822 ‘Foxcote Manor’ and No.7828 ‘Odney Manor’, plus one diesel.

A WSR spokesman said: “All the arrangements are subject to availability, budgetary pressures and Covid-19 restrictions, so would-be visitors are advised to check the WSR websites and social media pages for updates.

“As with the ‘Mixed Traction’ weekend, WSR steam trains for the October ‘Autumn Steam Gala’ are planned to run between Bishops Lydeard and Blue Anchor and Dunster stations, plus maybe a couple of workings over the Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section.

“A breakfast meal is planned to be available for advance bookings on the ‘Quantock Belle’ dining train, which will be attached to some trains during this weekend.” More information from Don Bishop on 01278 784825 or 07912 669666.