Saturday March 28th 2026 marked 50 years since the WSR reopened as a heritage railway. To celebrate this significant milestone, the WSR kicked off the 2026 operating season in style!

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Running an intensive steam and diesel timetable over the weekend, the entire line was busy across both days. Several locomotives contributed to the day (including Class 35 "Hymek" D7017, which has been based on the WSR since it first reopened in 1976) but the star of the weekend was undoubtedly visiting steam loco W.G. Bagnall 0-6-0ST No. 2996 "Victor".

 

This little saddle tank engine's appearance was significant as it was the locomotive that hauled the very first passenger service on the WSR. "Victor" was sold to the WSR in 1973 and remained on the line until 1988. It returned for the anniversary weekend where it pulled the 10am service from Minehead to Blue Anchor - recreating the exact same journey that kick-started the WSR 50 years ago!