Restoration is steaming full speed ahead on the West Somerset Railway as it prepares to celebrate a landmark anniversary. The West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA) is currently undertaking major overhauls of a cherished Great Western Railway “Small Prairie” tank engine and a fleet of vintage carriages in time for the golden jubilee of revival services between Minehead and Blue Anchor, which first ran on March 28, 1976.
The WSRA acquired three “Small Prairie” locomotives—numbers 4561, 5521, and 5542—from Woodham’s scrapyard in Barry during the 1970s. Two were sold and now operate elsewhere, but number 4561 was restored to run on the West Somerset line and even made appearances on television shows like The Land Girls and Miss Marple.
Currently, WSRA is funding an extensive overhaul of locomotive 4561. Following a complete strip-down, its boiler is with specialists Ian Riley and Son for refurbishment. At Minehead, new water tanks are being built based on the original 1920 Swindon designs, aided by expertise from the National Railway Museum. Simultaneously, restoration of the frames, cylinders, wheels, and motion is ongoing at the Williton workshops, which remain closed to the public during this phase.
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In addition, the Association owns ten British Railways Mark 1 carriages. Due to capacity limits at West Somerset Railway workshops, carriage number 5024 was sent to the East Somerset Railway. There, Cranmore Traincare Maintenance Services replaced body panels, restored corridor gangway assemblies, installed new flooring in vestibule and toilet areas, and rebuilt passenger door frames. This carriage forms part of the “Quantock Belle” dining set, a key feature of the railway’s December Festive Trains programme.
Restoring century-old railway machinery comes with significant expense—4561 itself dates back to 1924—and costs often exceed six figures. WSRA welcomes donations to support their work. 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.
Alongside 4561, two other locomotives—British Railways Standard 4MT 80064 and 7821 Ditcheat Manor—are queued for overhaul in due course.