Steam returns to Minehead | West Somerset Railway 19/03/2022

The first day of public services on the West Somerset Railway for their 2022 operating season, and the first services travelling to Minehead in over two years - and all under a clear spring sky.

Owing to the level crossing on Seaward Way being upgraded, public services had been unable to operate in and out of Minehead since January 2020. In the interim period, services have only operated as far as Blue Anchor, or Dunster on occassion. Now, with the crossing finished, 9351 became the first locomotive to haul a public return service into the seaside resort over the renewed crossing.

The day saw some fierce winds battering the Somerset coast, as the WSR delivered its Red timetable. Shouldering the home grown mogul, would be Class 33 - D6575, filling in for failed 'Large Prairie' - 5199.

Locomotives:
WSR 9351 Class - 9351 (Ex-5101 'Large Prairie' Class - 5193)
BR Class 33 - D6575

All footage filmed on Saturday the 19th of March 2022.