Mendip Steam Dream

Driver Paul Ebsworth on Lady Nan at Cranmore Station with the afternoon freight departure for the depot.
Driver Paul Ebsworth on Lady Nan at Cranmore Station with the afternoon freight departure for the depot.
Credit: Gavin Moore, 26 June 2011

The East Somerset Railway?s Mendip Steam Dream gala takes place over the weekend of the 8 & 9 September 2012. Locomotives in traffic will be ex GWR 56xx No. 5637 (based in South Wales throughout her working life and subsequently the 61st engine to leave Barry), No. 47 Moorbarrow and Barclay 0-4-0ST No. 1719 Lady Nan. On static display at Cranmore Depot will be the cosmetically restored ex LBSCR E1 No. 110. Services will be a mix of freight and passenger services.

Passenger trains will depart at regular intervals between 10:00 and 16:00 as follows:

Passenger Trains at 10:00 behind 5637, 11:30 behind 5637, 12:45 behind 47 and 5637 in the "Down" direction and behind 5637 in the "Up" direction, 14:15 behind 47 and 16:15 behind 47.

Passenger carrying Freight Trains at 10:45 behind 47 and 15:15 behind 5637. Passengers join the freight train at Cranmore West.

Non-passenger carrying Freight Train at 13:30 behind 5637 in the "Down" direction and behind 5637, with 47 banking, in the "Up" direction.

1719 "Lady Nan" on DFaF at the Engine Shed from 10:00 to 12:00 and on DFaF at the Tanker Sidings from 13:30 to 14:45. 1719 "Lady Nan" will be shunting at Cranmore Station from 12:15 to 13:30 and from 14:45 to 16:15.

Heritage Diesel D10199 "Cattewater" on DFaF at the Engine Shed from 12:15 to 16:45.

The E1 will be on display at the Engine Shed from 10:00 to 12:00 and in the Cripple Siding at Cranmore from 12:20 to 16:50.

Lady Nan will be carrying out Driver for a Fiver where you can realise a dream and drive a steam engine at Cranmore Depot. This will take place when Lady Nan is not involved in shunting, please ask a member of staff on the day for more information. All money raised helps goes towards locomotive restoration and maintenance of our fleet including the overhaul the E1.

Throughout the day regular freight services will run between the sidings at Cranmore Station and Cranmore Depot. These will be hauled by a mix of locomotives and offer the opportunity to experience a day in the life of a small branchline station.

Lineside Passes are available from Cranmore Station for ?5.00 but must be accompanied by a valid ticket to travel. Lineside Pass Holders will require a short briefing and must wear a High Viz jacket of a type approved for Railway use.

For pictures from our previous galas, please visit our photo gallery by clicking here.

The miniature railway will be operating during the weekend to its own timetable, (generally when you want a ride) from behind the signal box.

Tickets are available on the day.

Event Ticket Prices apply and are:

Please note, while the ESR will make every effort to try and maintain the above timetable, locomotive roster and attractions, all are subject to availability.

News item added on 31st August 2012, by CB


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