On Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th July, the WSR will be celebrating GWR 4-6-0 locomotives with a special weekend of events.

This will be one of the few opportunities to see no.6880 ‘Betton Grange’, a newly-built GWR Grange class locomotive which is visiting the WSR.

It is owned by the 6880 Society, who were keen to preserve the memory of the Grange class, after none of the original ‘Granges’ survived the breakers’ yard when they were scrapped in the 1960s.

‘Betton Grange’ is a labour of love for the Society, who started work on the locomotive in 1998.

Another visitor which will be steaming on 27th-28th July is Modified Hall 4-6-0 no.6990 ‘Witherslack Hall’, which was one of the star attractions at the WSR’s popular Spring Steam Spectacular in May.

Both locomotives will be leaving the WSR after this event, so this is the last chance to see them in action.

Two Manor class 4-6-0s are also going to operate. The WSR’s own Manor, no.7828 ‘Odney Manor’, will be appearing, alongside ‘Erlestoke Manor’.

A special timetable will be in place to allow enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to ride behind these locomotives.

Five trains will run each way along the route to Minehead on both days, starting from Bishops Lydeard or Norton Fitzwarren, to link tranquil Somerset villages to traditional seaside towns.

A special evening service will also operate, offering a full round trip with double-headed haulage of a ten-carriage train.

Additionally, visitors will see a goods train run the whole route and other services are going to be double-headed.

The turntable at Minehead and triangle at Norton Fitzwarren will be in action over the weekend, so that most locomotives can run smokebox first.

You can find more information about the Grange Manor Hall Weekend, see timetables and book your tickets at https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/events/view/grange-manor-hall-weekend. Tickets are charged at the standard fare rate.