‘CROSS Country Trains in the Days of Steam’ is the theme of the West Somerset Railway Autumn Steam Gala which gets underway on Thursday (September 27).

Ten steam engines will be in action across the four days to September 30, the largest locomotive at work being a rebuilt Bulleid Light Pacific, 34046 Braunton, which is currently running in the guise of 34052 ‘Lord Dowding’ to mark the 100th anniversary of the RAF – Sir Hugh Dowding was commander of Fighter Command during the Battle of Britain.

In addition to the train services, there will be opportunities to go behind the scenes, and view more locomotives that are being restored. The workshops at Williton and Minehead will open their doors to the public on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, authors Chris Austin, Richard Derry and Colin Howard will be signing copies of their books at Minehead and Bishops Lydeard stations respectively whilst the railway museums at Bishops Lydeard, Washford and Blue Anchor will be open on all four days.

Full details of the gala in this week’s Free Press (September 21).