Here is a selection of photos from the Annual Special Train with 53808.
Most of the photos were taken at Minehead and include the former S&D staff who came to see 53808 whilst awaiting departure on the return journey.
[Photos by Rod Ormston]
Before starting the Annual Special Train, 53808 was called upon to pull back the 10.15 service train which failed near Crowcombe and is seen here arriving back at Bishops Lydeard. The 10.15 service was headed by 7802 Bradley Manor which arrived back severely damaged with a piston missing.
Passing Washford, Caledonia Works 1219 was enjoying the late morning sunshine.
53808 being turned at Minehead.
53808 being turned at Minehead.
Awaiting the return journey at Minehead.
Awaiting the return journey at Minehead.
Awaiting the return journey at Minehead.
Former S&D footplate staff John Curtis (centre) and Ron Hyde (right) talk to former Bath Green Park man Tony Gibbings (back to camera) whilst Tony's son looks on (left).
Tony Gibbings, formerly a Bath Green Park man, had a long chat with the WSR's driver of 53808. Tony's son remarked that his father had told him more about his time on the footplate on the journey up the line than he had ever done previously… perhaps travelling behind 53808 brought it all back to him!
