Published on 18th May 1996
'The Sparkle Express' operated to the West Somerset Railway on the 18th May 1996.
A Rail Express Systems Class 47/7 No.47776 operated the charter (from an unknown location) to Bishops Lydeard. Once at Bishops Lydeard the mainline loocmotive was removed and replaced with two West Somerset Railway locomotives. Former BR Manors No. 7820 'Dinmore Manor' and No. 7828 'Odney Manor' hauled the charter stock through to Minehead from Bishops Lydeard. The same pair later returned the train to Bishops Lydeard where the Class 47 took over for the return trop home.
