Quarry Weekend

BR Class 9F`s nos.92203 and 92212 stand at the head of a demonstration heavy freight train.
Credit: Brian Rands, May 1998

To commemorate 150 years since the opening of the East Somerset Railway between Witham and Shepton Mallet in 1858, the East Somerset Railway has got together with MendipRail at nearby Merehed to present a celebration of railways in Mendip. The event runs over the weekend of 21st and 22nd June 2008.

Attractions include (subject to availability) -

• Special passenger shuttle trains between Westbury and Cranmore hauled by Class 66 diesels and MendipRail Class 59 diesels, operating top and tail mode via the freight only line
• Frequent steam train service on the East Somerset Railway
• Continuous free classic bus shuttles between Cranmore and Merehead
• Locomotives on display - MendipRail class 59 diesel, BR Standard class 9F no.92203 and others
• Demonstration steam and diesel freight trains, including the 9F on a 1,000 ton stone train
• Driver experience on both steam and diesel power (extra charge applies)
• Traction engines, model railway exhibition, fun rides for children
• Coach tours around Merehead Quarry

We regret that due to the large number of people expected at the event we are unable for safety reasons to issue lineside passes. There will however be a good photographic vantage point at the quarry.

Stone Trains

92203 Black Prince and S160 5197 will be taking it in turns to haul loaded stone wagons. Stone trains will run every hour starting at 10.00, finishing at 17.00, with two trips each time. The 11.00, 14.00 and 17.00 trains may be double-headed.

Branch line trains between Cranmore and Westbury

A shuttle services between Westbury and Cranmore is being operated by Pathfinder Tours, who can be contacted on 01453 835414/834477 or on their website www.pathfindertours.co.uk. The timetable for the shuttle service is as follows -

Westbury departures at  08:45  10:55  13:05   15:15  17:50.

Cranmore departures at  09:50  12:00  14:10   16:45  18:55.

Quarry Tours

Tours start at 09.30 and will run every 20 minutes until 17.00 or more frequently depending on demand.

Classic Bus Service Cranmore ? Merehead

Departures start from Cranmore at 09.30 and at 10, 30 and 50 minutes past the hour until 17.50

Departures start from Merehead at 09.50 and at 10, 30 and 50 minutes past the hour until 18.30

Buses will also run more frequently depending on demand.

Steam Services from Cranmore West

Hauled by USA 30075 and Sentinel PB39

Departures at 10.00, and every hour until 17.00. Additional trains may run at 30 minutes past the hour subject to demand.

Other Services

• Brake Van Rides - hauled by 813 and will operate continuously from 09.30 until 17.00.
• Driver for a Fiver – with 1719 Lady Nan will operate continuously from 09.30 until 17.00.
• Drive a Diesel – with No. 4 will operate continuously from 09.30 until 17.00.

Ticket Prices

Ticket prices on the day:

• £15 adults
• £5 Children
• £35 family (2 adults 2 children aged 3 and over)

Event car parking, entry points and site layout