THE West Somerset Railway’s annual diesel gala returns on June 9-11 after a two-year absence and will celebrate the 1960s.
A novel feature on June 11 will be the re-creation of the five-coach train of maroon and chocolate and cream Mk1s used on the railway in March 1964 when filming The Beatles’ 1964 film, A Hard Day’s Night. This was shot mainly at Crowcombe Heathfield and Minehead. The ‘Hymek’ will carry the original number of the loco used in the film, No. D7076. Photos and memorabilia of the Fab Four will be displayed at Crowcombe Heathfield and Minehead with live music throughout the day. There will also be an evening dance on Minehead platform featuring tribute band the Liverpool Beatles and the Estrellas. Tickets available in advance.
Visiting locos are to be confirmed, but resident Class 35 No. D7017 is due to be in operation, having had its bogie springs replaced. The DEPG facility at Williton will be open and trains will be running on the rarely used Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren section.
THE BODMIN & WENFORD RAILWAY HOLDS A ‘GRONK’ RUNNING DAY: This was a special running of two Class 08s to commemorate No. 08444’s last day in traffic before a major overhaul. No. 08359 has been hired in to cover its absence (RM April p69) and will be the pilot loco at the B&WR for the foreseeable future. The pair of ‘Gronks’ depart Bodmin Parkway on the final run of the day on April 30.
PICTURE: CRAIG MUNDAY