TO mark 50 years of being Britain’s longest preserved line, the West Somerset Railway (WSR) this week launched a £250,000 fund-raising appeal to help secure its future for generations to come.

First saved from closure in 1976 when it was a victim of Lord Beeching’s British Railways cuts, the WSR is now calling on supporters to help fund essential investment needed to keep the railway operating and preserve its heritage for the next 50 years.

One forthcoming major expenditure involves the steam locomotives 7828 ‘Odney Manor’ and ‘Mogul’ 9351.

Both have statutory 10-year overhauls approaching, which could run into many thousands of pounds.

Money will also need to be spent on British Railways Mark 1 carriages dating from the 1950s and 60s.

There are 30 on the line, 11 of them owned by the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) volunteer group, including the ‘Quantock Belle’ dining car train.

The WSR, the WSRA and the West Somerset Railway Heritage Trust (WSRHT) are working together to co-ordinate a programme of maintenance and refurbishment.

The WSRHT also has a team of volunteers restoring vintage Great Western Railway carriages in workshops at Washford station.

A WSR spokesperson said: “Infrastructure requires constant work.

“Apart from the 23 miles of running line, plus sidings, that have to be maintained, there are many bridges and culverts to be maintained between Norton Fitzwarren and Minehead.

“Over 60 miles of fencing and gates are needed to deter roaming farm animals and preserve good relations with the WSR’s neighbours.

“The trackside vegetation requires year-round care and control, to offer the best views of the passing scenery for the train passengers and habitat for the animals and plants.”

WSR general manager Kerry Noble said: “Over the last 50 years the railway has built itself up to become a key tourist attraction in the Westcountry.

“This was achieved by the dedication and determination of volunteers, staff, our shareholders, and members of the public who choose to travel with us every year.

“With the cost of everything going up over the past few years, now is the time that we need further help to secure our heritage for the next 50 years.

“Any donation big or small will be a significant help to us, as we strive to deliver experiences for families who can treasure memories made on our line for a lifetime.

“Over the past five decades, thousands of volunteers have contributed their time, skills, and passion to maintaining and developing the railway.

“The West Somerset Railway hopes that the new campaign will inspire supporters old and new to become part of its continuing story.”

The massive new fund-raising campaign will run alongside a series of special anniversary events throughout the year.

The next of these is a summer diesel weekend taking place between June 4 and 7, followed a month later by a three-day event centred around the record-breaking steam locomotive ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’ on July 3, 4, and 5.

Donations can be made online or in person at any station.