Restoration work is steaming ahead on the West Somerset Railway as preparations ramp up ahead of a landmark anniversary. The West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) is making significant progress on the overhaul of a historic Great Western Railway “Small Prairie” tank engine and a collection of vintage carriages, marking the approach of the line’s 50th anniversary of revival services between Minehead and Blue Anchor, first celebrated on March 28, 1976.
The WSRA acquired three “Small Prairie” locomotives from the famous Woodham’s scrapyard in Barry during the 1970s—numbers 4561, 5521, and 5542. While two were sold and now operate elsewhere, locomotive number 4561 made a triumphant return to service on the West Somerset line. This iconic engine has even been featured on television, appearing in productions such as The Land Girls and an episode of Miss Marple.
The current major overhaul of 4561 is being funded by the WSRA. After a complete strip-down, the boiler is now with Ian Riley and Son for preparation, and new water tanks are being crafted at Minehead to the original 1920 Swindon designs, supported by the National Railway Museum. Meanwhile, work continues on the frames, cylinders, wheels, and motion components in the Williton workshops, which are closed to the public for safety reasons.
READ MORE: Somerset Coastal Town Revives Beloved Miniature Railway to Delight Locals and Tourists
READ MORE: Somerset Venue Among South West’s Top Asian Restaurants
In addition to the locomotive restoration, WSRA maintains ten classic British Railways Mark 1 carriages. Due to full capacity at the West Somerset workshops, carriage number 5024 was sent to the East Somerset Railway for refurbishment. Cranmore Traincare Maintenance Services performed extensive work including body panel replacement, installation of corridor gangways, new flooring in vestibules and toilets, and passenger door framing. This carriage joins the four-coach “Quantock Belle” dining set, a popular feature of the railway’s Festive Trains program each December.
Maintaining and restoring these historical machines is a costly endeavor—locomotive 4561 itself dates back to 1924, and expenses can reach six figures. The WSRA welcomes donations to support this ongoing heritage preservation. Contributions can be sent by cheque payable to West Somerset Railway Association at The Railway Station, Bishops Lydeard, Taunton, Somerset, TA4 3BX, or made online via the Association’s website, which also offers membership information.
Looking ahead, two additional locomotives—British Railways Standard 4MT 80064 and 7821 Ditcheat Manor—are lined up for future overhauls, ensuring the legacy of the West Somerset Railway continues to run full steam ahead.