Very kind of you here, my friend... The first couple of years on the WSR were really fantastic and I was being listened-to regarding track inspection, condition and suitability of remedial issues. After some time, however, I sensed a degree of totally-unwarranted and well 'OTT' level of criticism (plus a degree of bullying that just grew... Such - it is averred - arising from one individual only.) I hence - ultimately - felt I had to leave this lovely railway... P.S. I remain very grateful to the 'employee' in Dunster Booking Office for keeping a stack of Argo Transacord LPs I'd seen and at once bought there, for months on end! (These I treasure...)
And what wouldn't I give to own one of those lovely Camping Coaches at BA! (We did stay in one such on the North Wales coast at Aberdovey one spring several decades ago. The whole family was doomed to remain cold, I believe because the "viscous-when-cold" Calor Gas ran through a small-diameter copper pipe from the cylinder and also rather a long way to reach the inside of this coach.) Happy Days!
Great shots... I was the Track Engineer on this wonderful line for a four years up to 2018... Great role, but after a couple of great years I felt that my fifty-odd years of mainline BR track-technical & safety management roles were not being taken as seriously as I really wished... Obviously, this one-time tape-recordist could never record "on-track" when working, although I did once "cab" Flying Scotsman at Minehead and later "taped" her sounds from a table not far back from the engine when she was employed on a Evening Dining service. A few more late afternoon footplate rides were also made on other engines, since I had actually been granted an official pass. Too far to travel from East Anglia for a couple of days every fortnight, however, so in a way I was glad to leave. The GM at that time was a really great guy by the way!
Oh, sir, thank you so much for the unexpected video. I had watched via the station webcam link on TH-cam , those two trains today. That added bonus for me is your showing of the platform area and the beach too. I will never be able to travel to Blue Anchor but you have made my day. Thank you.
Thanks for this great video ,my late father took me too Blue anchor many moons ago ,every time I go through on the train it reminds me of him . Keep up the good work . Despite its well documented problems the WSR is back at the top of the table .
Just great videography (if that's a word). You managed to obtain the sound of signal levers crashing from the Blue Anchor box: I was privileged last year to spend some time between trains in it on a visit from Australia. Love the capstan wheel of course. Superb shots of the goods train that for once on an English preserved railway thankfully lacked a guard's van at the front of the train. This is done to minimise shunting but it always looks silly as when these were in use, they were generally only ever at the rear of goods trains.
Thanks Mike for posting this fine video. You’ve captured the Hall, Grange and Manor. Also a good look at Blue Anchor station and beach. I’ve regularly looked at the webcams at Blue Anchor, Watchet and Williton by referring to the timetable.
Hi Mike & Val how are u both? Nice video. You have taken some great recent footage at the WSR recently. I’ve been busy too. We went to Nunney Village Fair day on Saturday then on Sunday watched Black 5 pass through Yatton Station & worle later on. Videos soon. How are you both finding the hot weather? Well Me unfortunately it makes me feel really poorly. No energy & very tired & poorly. No disrespect to those that love it, but I will be glad to see the cooler weather back…. Unfortunately also working again today but it’s cooler in the supermarket Morrisons where I work.
Val replying - Thanks Liz for your nice comments. So sorry you have been feeling poorly in this heat and I also hope it cools down a lot soon - makes this old girl feel so sleepy and no energy either. Mike copes with it better. Look forward to seeing your Nunney Village Fair video. Take care Liz and all good wishes from us both.
Very kind of you here, my friend... The first couple of years on the WSR were really fantastic and I was being listened-to regarding track inspection, condition and suitability of remedial issues.
After some time, however, I sensed a degree of totally-unwarranted and well 'OTT' level of criticism (plus a degree of bullying that just grew... Such - it is averred - arising from one individual only.) I hence - ultimately - felt I had to leave this lovely railway... P.S. I remain very grateful to the 'employee' in Dunster Booking Office for keeping a stack of Argo Transacord LPs I'd seen and at once bought there, for months on end! (These I treasure...)
Hang on the those great memories, they are precious.
Lovely video, Mike Of those two trains at Blue anchor 😊
Thank you Joanne.
And what wouldn't I give to own one of those lovely Camping Coaches at BA! (We did stay in one such on the North Wales coast at Aberdovey one spring several decades ago. The whole family was doomed to remain cold, I believe because the "viscous-when-cold" Calor Gas ran through a small-diameter copper pipe from the cylinder and also rather a long way to reach the inside of this coach.) Happy Days!
Certainly good memories!
Great shots... I was the Track Engineer on this wonderful line for a four years up to 2018... Great role, but after a couple of great years I felt that my fifty-odd years of mainline BR track-technical & safety management roles were not being taken as seriously as I really wished... Obviously, this one-time tape-recordist could never record "on-track" when working, although I did once "cab" Flying Scotsman at Minehead and later "taped" her sounds from a table not far back from the engine when she was employed on a Evening Dining service. A few more late afternoon footplate rides were also made on other engines, since I had actually been granted an official pass. Too far to travel from East Anglia for a couple of days every fortnight, however, so in a way I was glad to leave. The GM at that time was a really great guy by the way!
You have a great history on the WSR to look back on Chris.
Nice video sir
Thank you Josh.
Oh, sir, thank you so much for the unexpected video. I had watched via the station webcam link on TH-cam , those two trains today. That added bonus for me is your showing of the platform area and the beach too. I will never be able to travel to Blue Anchor but you have made my day. Thank you.
So glad to hear that!
Thanks for this great video ,my late father took me too Blue anchor many moons ago ,every time I go through on the train it reminds me of him .
Keep up the good work .
Despite its well documented problems the WSR is back at the top of the table .
Thank you so much. I am so pleased Blue Anchor gives you lovely memories of your late Father.
Thanks Admiral! A goods train ! Such an unusual sight! And the trains look really full! It’s good to see!
Its good to see the goods train running again. It only happens on special occasions.
Good afternoon very enjoyable video nice to see great steam action plus some great weather 😊
Thank you Craig.
Just great videography (if that's a word).
You managed to obtain the sound of signal levers crashing from the Blue Anchor box: I was privileged last year to spend some time between trains in it on a visit from Australia. Love the capstan wheel of course.
Superb shots of the goods train that for once on an English preserved railway thankfully lacked a guard's van at the front of the train. This is done to minimise shunting but it always looks silly as when these were in use, they were generally only ever at the rear of goods trains.
Thanks Mike for posting this fine video. You’ve captured the Hall, Grange and Manor. Also a good look at Blue Anchor station and beach. I’ve regularly looked at the webcams at Blue Anchor, Watchet and Williton by referring to the timetable.
I watch the webcam to see what your weathers doing there... I'm from the UK but live in Australia now ...
I find the WSR webcam great for watching the trains and just escaping to the area for a while😊
Hi Mike & Val how are u both? Nice video. You have taken some great recent footage at the WSR recently. I’ve been busy too. We went to Nunney Village Fair day on Saturday then on Sunday watched Black 5 pass through Yatton Station & worle later on. Videos soon. How are you both finding the hot weather? Well Me unfortunately it makes me feel really poorly. No energy & very tired & poorly. No disrespect to those that love it, but I will be glad to see the cooler weather back…. Unfortunately also working again today but it’s cooler in the supermarket Morrisons where I work.
Val replying - Thanks Liz for your nice comments. So sorry you have been feeling poorly in this heat and I also hope it cools down a lot soon - makes this old girl feel so sleepy and no energy either. Mike copes with it better. Look forward to seeing your Nunney Village Fair video. Take care Liz and all good wishes from us both.
Let's hope Betton Grange doesn't suffer any more problems. Then again, it's wise not to speak too soon. Music to my ears.
Yes, it's pleasant to see that Betton Grange is alright.
👍👍👍❤🤍💚