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Published on 15th October 2026

The GBRf operated Rail Head Treatment Train passes through the Autumnal scene at Creech St Michael on Thursday 15th October 2026.

No. 57306 'Branchline Society' and No.57303 operated 3S13 09:45 Westbury - Fairwater Yard via Salisbury, with the train arriving back into Taunton at its booked time.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Owned by WSR Chairman Jonathan Jones-Pratt, 0-6-0T Hawksworth Pannier No.9466 rounds the curve towards Leigh Bridge on Friday 28th April 2023, operating the 16:20 Bishops Lydeard - Minehead service. The train also had 2-6-2 Large Prairie Tank No.5199 riding on the rear of the set.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

Published on 14th October 2026

The heritage railway and transport preservation community is mourning the sudden passing of Jonathan Jones-Pratt, chairman of the West Somerset Railway (WSR), who died on Sunday, 11 October 2026, after a short illness, at just 42.

His loss will leave a profound void, but his monumental legacy remains defined by a restless determination to build on success, with preservation and restoration at his heart.

Jonathan will be remembered most distinctively for his leadership at the West Somerset Railway. When he became WSR chairman in September 2018, he inherited a railway facing a severe financial and regulatory crisis that threatened its survival. Where others saw hurdles, Jonathan saw a duty of stewardship, navigating the heritage line to balance the books; heal old divisions; unify the line's supporting charities; and galvanise the army of dedicated volunteers and staff. Under his guidance, the WSR transitioned into a thriving, professional, and unified operation.

His personal passion was reflected in an extensive transport collection, assembling an impressive array of steam locomotives, historic buses, and traction engines. His dedication to craftsmanship was vividly on display through his involvement with Image Coachworks, ensuring that the physical skills of traditional vehicle restoration were kept alive for other generations to continue where he had left off.

Across social media and preservation groups/ business’s, tributes are pouring in, expressing deepest, most heartfelt condolences to his wife and two young daughters. He leaves behind a lasting legacy.

(Photo: Chris Shrewy)

Published on 13th October 2026

GBRf returned an MOD train from the north of England to Fairwater Yard on the 13th October 2026.

No. 66707 'Sir Sam Fay/Great Central Ralway' operated a train of containers as 6Z64 14:30 Bescot Up Engineers Sidings - Fairwater Yard. The MOD train had originated at Mossend and recessed in Bescot before continuing south. The train arrived into Fairwater Yard at 18:39 (128 minutes ahead of schedule), before departing under the cover of darkness at 03:43 the next day to Eastleigh, with around 800 tonnes having been removed.

Published on 13th October 2026

With most of the daily stopping services between Taunton, Bristol and Cardiff in the hands of GWR Hiatchi IETs the only time to see a traditional Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) at Taunton is very early in the morning or late at night.

The early morning stopping service to Severn Beach is pictured in Platform 4 at Taunton on Tuesday 13th October 2026. No.165103 operated empty stock from Exeter to Taunton in time to form the 2K10 06:37 Taunton - Severn Beach stopping service. This service is the only service of the day that offers a direct train to Severn Beach.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Brian Garrett)

(Photo: Paul Clarke)

Published on 7th October 2026

On a rainy Autumn day, GBRf Class 57 locomotives returned to Taunton on Wednesday, 7th October 2026.

No.57305 and No. 57306 'Branchline Society' were operating 3S13 08:46 Westbury - Fairwater Yard via Salisbury with the Network Rail RHTT.

To view the gallery, please click here.

Published on 7th October 2026

Two GWR Class 150/2 units returned from maintenance at St Philips Marsh depot on the 7th October 2026.

No. 150244 and No.150239 were captured passing Taunton Station while operating 5Z76 10:03 St Philips Marsh-Exeter TMD.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: Paul Clarke)

(Photo: Chris Shrewy)

Published on 3rd October 2026

GBRf Class 66/7 No. 66744 'Heart of Wales' is pictured on the rear of the Britannic Explorer at Taunton on Saturday 3rd September 2026.

Sister locomotive No. 66748 'St Michaels Mount' had arrived with 1C02 09:00 Bishops Lydeard - Penzance, before running round the Britannic Explorer to head south towards Cornwall. The train suffered a rare breakdown on the return Sunday trip to Bruton at Taunton. Arriving at 16:23, running 38 early with No. 66748 'St Michaels Mount' leading the train. The loco failed and required No. 66744 'Heart of Wales' to move from the rear of the train to the front, finally departing at 19:15 (133 minutes late). Passengers were later treated to a Class 69 replacement locomotive (No. 69009 'Western Consort') for their next day's travel.

To view the gallery, please click here.

(Photo: S A Ginn)

Published on 2nd October 2026

As the nights rapidly draw in, the last rays of light limit the lineside images that can be obtained.

With very little light left at 19:00 on the outskirts of Wellington, rapid growth of lineside vegetation at Longforth Farm bridge has almost obliterated the recently constructed housing complex, as seen here on Friday 2nd October 2026. At dusk, GBRf Class 66/7 No.66766 hurries through Longforth Farm, hauling 6V72 13:17 Cliffe Vale Terminal to Goonbarrow empty china clay JIA wagons for loading in Cornwall.