Railway Herald
On 24th July 2021, the Railway Touring Company's 'West Somerset Steam Explorer' from Paddington to the West Somerset Railway terminated at Watchet due to the closure of Seaward Way level crossing at Minehead to passenger services. There was a bus link on to Minehead. The train arrived at Bishops Lydeard behind 'Jubilee' class 4-6-0 No. 45596 'Bahamas' and from there was double-headed to Williton by 'Manor' class 4-6-0s No. 7828 'Odney Manor' and No. 7822 'Foxcote Manor'. Due to the lack of a loop at Watchet No. 7828 was moved to the back of the train at Williton, which was then worked top-and-tail. The empty stock was worked back to Bishops Lydeard for servicing and is seen here from Cottiford Bridge, with both locos working tender-first No. 7822 at the back, up the 1 in 100 gradient towards Stogumber.
Tim Edmonds
