16th June 1990 The 16th June 2020 marks the 30th Anniversary of the first through train onto the West Somerset Railway which operated on the 16th June 1990. The 1Z17 Minehead - Manchester Piccadilly was hauled to Norton Fitzwarren by 2-6-2 Small Prairie No.4561 and 0-6-0 Pannier No.6412. The pair are pictured with the returning British Rail Class 47 No.47585. The tour was formed of 7 Mk1 coaches from the Pilkinton K Glass set (because this was the maximum length between the points at the Norton Fitzwarren site. Upon arrival at the Taunton Cider site, the Class 47 was removed to be replaced by two WSR locomotives to take over. The event was covered by local TV as a major step forward for the preserved line. (Photo: Richard Glies)