150 Years Of West Somerset Railway

150 Years Of West Somerset Railway

Jul 15, 2024

Explore the picturesque Somerset countryside in Train Simulator, as the popular heritage railway celebrates its 150-year anniversary.
A favourite destination among rail enthusiasts, the West Somerset Railway (WSR) is the longest standard gauge heritage railway in the UK at just over 20 miles long. The line was originally opened in 1862 between Taunton and Watchet, but was extended in 1874 to Minehead. This year the railway celebrates that 150 year anniversary. Read on to find out more about the WSR and how you can recreate nostalgic rail tours through the scenic West Country in Train Simulator Classic.
The origins of what is now one of the favourite preserved railways for enthusiasts began back in the mid-1800s, when a number of proposals were submitted for railway schemes in West Somerset; however, none of these schemes were pursued. It would take ten years and a proposal led by Isambard Kingdom Brunel before the line would take shape. Opening on 31 March 1862 for passenger services, WSR became an important route for holidaymakers heading to the seaside, as well as carrying coal and iron-ore from the mines and ports of Somerset.
Over the years the WSR was improved to manage the increasing popularity of both passengers and increased freight. Improvements included new passing loops, longer platforms, conversion to standard gauge and of course the extension in 1874. However, despite how busy the line became it was eventually closed in 1971 following the 'Reshaping of British Railways'.
The WSR re-opened as a preserved railway in 1976 thanks to a group of dedicated volunteers, welcoming visitors aboard historic steam and diesel locomotives. Today they carry 200,000 passengers a year providing an immersive experience of the bygone era of steam travel. As well as the stunning views visitors can enjoy meticulously restored stations, original signal boxes, period carriages, and locomotives that evoke the golden age of railways.
The WSR collection in Train Simulator Classic is listed below.

West Somerset Railway

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The iconic route includes the full heritage railway. Starting out on the sea front at Minehead, the line heads south east along the coast to picturesque villages of Dunster and Watchet, before heading inland to Williton where the oldest signal box on the line stands. Climbing out of Williton along the side of the Quantock Hills – where passengers are afforded stunning views across the Somerset countryside – the line reaches its summit at Crowcombe Heathfield before descending the steep 1 in 81 decline to Bishops Lydeard.
Included with the route are three of the railway’s most popular locomotives - Class 7F ‘No. 88’ in Somerset & Dorset Joint Railway livery, GWR Hall Class ‘Raveningham Hall’ and BR Green Class 33 ‘D6575’. Accompanying these locomotives are appropriate BR Mk1 coaching stock and GWR/BR freight wagons.

  • Loco Add-Ons (With Scenarios)

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    There are a wide range of steam and diesel locomotives available for the WSR route on the Steam Store. Add popular diesels with the WSR Diesels pack that includes the Class 47 ‘North Star’ that is used today on the heritage railway for passenger services, and the Class 03 an 0-6-0 shunter which is used for moving stock around the Minehead yard. Steam locomotives available include some detailed additions from developers like Bossman Games and Victory Works. Step on to the footplate of machines like the SR V Schools Class designed by Richard Maunsell and built in the 1930’s, or the USATC S160 originally designed for heavy freight use during World War II.
    These and other locomotives listed below all include scenarios for the WSR route in Train Simulator Classic, adding more driving experiences for you to enjoy.
  • BR Class 07
  • BR Class 14
  • GWR Steam Railmotor
  • LMS Stanier Mogul
  • N15 King Arthur Class ‘Sir Lamiel’
  • Southern Railway S15
  • SR V Schools Class
  • USATC S160
  • WSR Diesels
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You can also find other add-ons available for Train Simulator Classic featuring steam and diesel locomotives that can be seen on the real-world WSR. Diesel locomotives include the classic Class 33 ‘Crompton’ and BR Class 52 ‘Western’, both familiar sights along the railway. Steam locomotives include the GWR 7800 'Manor' Class and the GWR Pannier Tank. Two versatile steam locomotives that were designed to overcome unique challenges; weight for the Manor Class and firebox set up for the Pannier Tank.
You can find these and more listed below. These locomotives don’t include scenarios for the route, but can be driven in Quick Drive or used in your own scenarios. You can also find many fan-made scenarios for these on the Steam Workshop.
Celebrate 150 Years of the famous West Somerset Railway with Train Simulator Classic. Browse add-ons mentioned in this article on the Steam Store.
You can find more guide articles like this over on our Train Simulator Hobby Page.
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