SnapsbyTK

Steam Trains & Smiles at West Somerset Railway Station

A vintage steam locomotive being refilled at an elevated water tower beside a yellow field.

Another visit to Bishops Lydeard Station on the West Somerset Railway for a cuppa, a sausage roll, and a bit of train spotting with my son. I’ve honestly lost count of how many times we’ve been to the West Somerset Railway over the years— whether it’s riding the trains or just sitting together, enjoying a drink and watching them come and go. It must be well over 250 visits by now.

A vintage steam locomotive being refilled at an elevated water tower beside a yellow field.
Steam locomotive 7812 at the Water Tower refilling ready of the return trip to Minehead Station.

The past few years have been incredibly tough for him — cancer, endless hospital appointments, treatments, scans, blood tests, and more recently a diagnosis of an ultra-rare disorder (DADA2). It’s been a lot for anyone to go through, let alone a young adult.

So seeing him smile today, even if just for a few hours before needing to head home and rest, meant everything. These small moments are the ones that matter most.

Below are a few more images captured during our visit along with a short video of steam locomotive 9351 departing the station under the bridge.

IMAGES

Close-up of a black vintage steam locomotive's large drive wheel and mechanical linkage. SnapsbyTK.
A detailed close-up highlights the powerful wheels and intricate mechanical components of Steam Locomotive 9351.
Sign reading 'NOTICE PLATFORM NARROWS DO NOT WAIT INFRONT OF SIGNAL BOX' on a brick wall beside a train.
One of the Yellow Water Hose’s dotted along the platforms, used to refill the water supplies on the carriages.
A British Red Telephone box at the entrance to one of the platforms at Bishops Lydeard
Classic British Red Telephone Box

VIDEO

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