'Branch Line to the seaside' #1 | The West Somerset Railway

We're mid way through April and we've still got videos in the works for you guys. This weeks video looks at the picturesque GWR Branch line to Somerset coast at Minehead.
Opened in 1862 the original route ran as far as the fishing village of Watchet, before being extended to Minehead in 1874. 105 years later the preservationists took over and 41 years later steam trains are still running over the 22 and a half miles from the junction with mainline at Taunton.
Starting from the current end of the line at Bishops Lydeard where regular trains run to, we take a look at various shots along the line from the archives including home fleet and some visiting engines.
Please feel free to comment on how you are enjoying the various archive style videos, there's quite a few more ideas while the global situation calms down and please let me know if there's any content you guys want to see during this time. Hope you enjoy!
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[@pannierprairie7884]

Great video. A lovely line with a very appropriate collection of stock!

[@locowerke]

Another superb production, very enjoyable! Thanks for posting.

[@tattoo1084]

Superb compilation of some fine engine and rolling stock on a lovely line. I saw Witherslack Hall at NYMR last year at the Autumn Gala. Keep it coming!. Thanks.👍😊👍

[@Pirate-Scorcher-1998]

Fantastic!!!!

[@freeman8128]

The WSR could have been (and still could be) as originally intended, a genuine working branch line to the seaside between Taunton and Minehead. Instead, a certain clique of hobbyists by refusing to complete the short Taunton mainline connection have turned it into little more than a full-scale toy train set.

[@andrewnewby6923]

I love your video i am going there in June

[@freeman8128]

The problem with the West Somerset Railway is that it is not a branch line: its services begin and end at Bishops Lidyard instead of the main line at nearby Taunton.
WSR was once a branch line from and to Taunton mainline station and there is no physical, engineering or financial reason why it should not be a branch line today as those who revived it after closure intended; as most of its supporters wish and have frequently said.
The problem lies with the obstructive, negative attitudes of certain WSR Directors who would prefer to be hobbyists rather than railwaymen and prefer to operate the WSR as a full-scale toy trainset rather than a public service.