A RE-ENACTMENT will be held on Saturday (March 28) of the first train of the heritage era to run on the West Somerset Railway (WSR) line 50 years ago.

The saddle tank locomotive Bagnall 0-6-0ST No.2996 ‘Victor’ which made the historic journey in 1976, will depart Minehead Station at 10 am.

The journey is thanks to the Lakeside and Haverthwaite Railway, in Cumbria, and the engine’s private owner Michael Maher, plus sponsorship by the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA).

Passengers on the commemorative train are by invitation only, but visitors will be able to watch from the platform and there will be other trains to travel on during Saturday and Sunday as the WSR operates a mixed weekend of celebratory steam and diesel services reflecting on the past half-century.

When ‘Victor’ Christened the line in 1976 with its round-trip from Minehead to Blue Anchor, it was not able to call at Dunster, which was not then ready after five years of closure following the ending of British Rail services.

Even so, 2,000 people travelled on the day’s seven WSR trains.

Now, even more are expected to travel on the golden anniversary weekend’s services.

Standard fares and discounts will apply to annual tickets, with Saturday’s first train from Bishops Lydeard being a diesel multiple unit leaving at 8 am and calling at all stations except Doniford Halt.

It will leave Williton at 8.32 am, Watchet at 8.40 am, Washford at 8.48 am, arriving in Minehead for 9.10 am.

The first departure on Sunday from Bishops Lydeard will be a steam train leaving at 8.35 am and calling at Williton at 9.05 am and Watchet at 9.13 am.

Two further steam engines will be in action, 7812 ‘Erlestoke Manor’ and ‘Mogul’ 9351, and also running will be ‘Hymek’ diesel locomotive D7017.

One of the first British Railways diesel locomotives to be preserved, D7017 was on static display at Minehead Station in 1976, heralding the long and happy association between the WSR and its Diesel and Electric Preservation Group.

The Railway 200 Exhibition Train was launched at London Paddington Station to celebrate the bicentennary of the modern railway. This special train tells a story of the past, present and future and is called Inspiration. The train will travel around the UK throughout 2025 and will visit mainline and heritage railway stations.
Inside the touring 'Inspiration' exhibition train which is visiting Minehead from March 30 to April 4. (Jack Boskett Media Limited)

The other steam engine at work on opening day in 1976 was a Great Western Railway pannier tank 6412, which is now on the South Devon Railway and not available for a return.

However, its classmate 6435, currently awaiting restoration, will be on static display.

There will also be a display of classic cars outside Minehead Station.

The Friends of Minehead Station, which is marking its own 30 years of support for the station, will have its ‘Reader’s Halt’ second-hand stall open, while in the station shop there will be a range of commemorative items on sale.

The items include a £5, 56-page booklet written by Ian Coleby and illustrated in colour throughout, recalling significant events in the history of the WSR from its run-down by British Rail through to its present status as one of Somerset’s most popular attractions.

After Sunday, the next passenger trains on the WSR will run on Good Friday, but in between Minehead Station will be hosting the ‘Inspiration’ demonstration train, which traces railway history and also shows opportunities to work in the rail industry of today.

Its visit takes place between March 30 and April 4.

A full timetable for the two anniversary days can be downloaded from the WSR’s events and experiences website page or inquiries can be made by calling 01643 704996.