Overhauls, restorations and running notes

In the first 15 years of its life as a heritage line, steam on the West Somerset Railway underwent a remarkable transformation, from humble industrials to stars from the National Collection.

When I started trainspotting in April 1981, it was at Berkswell Station, between Coventry and Birmingham International, and a five-mile bike ride from my home town of Kenilworth. I’d tried Tile Hill s

While several locomotives with Somerset & Dorset links have survived into preservation, two of the line’s biggest survivors, ‘7Fs’ Nos. 53808 and 53809 will be missing this anniversary due to overhauls.

Preservation lost one of its greatest and most steadfast supporters and pioneers in February. DR JOHN SAGAR pays tribute.

The long-awaited passenger-carrying debut of battery-powered 230001 on the Greenford branch finally occurred on January 31, the set forming 2G02, the 05.30 West Ealing-Greenford, before working throug