DMU Operations: Western Region
Taunton - Minehead
DMUs seemed to appear on these service in the early 1960s. Cross-Country sets, of both the GRC&W and Swindon builds (Class 119s and 120s), were the main types used although others such as a Derby suburban triple[1] (Class 116) have been noted. A through Saturdays only train from Paddington would bring Swindon Inter-City sets (Class 123s).[2]
The line had been recommended for closure in the Beeching Report but reprieved due to the number of buses it would involve for the newly opened Butlins holiday camp at Minehead. It would close in January 1971, the last train running on 2 January 1971.[3]
The line would become the "West Somerset Railway" preserved line.
February 1964
A Swindon Cross-Country set approaches Bishops Lydeard station in February 1964. Image taken by John Vaughan. Stuart Mackay Collection.
23rd June 1965
A Swindon Cross-Country DMU is seen just east of Stogumber with a Minehead-Taunton service on 23 June 1965. Michael Mensing.
23rd June 1965
A Swindon Cross-Country DMU departs from Crowcombe station on 23 June 1965. The closest vehicle appears to be W50739. Michael Mensing.
27th April 1966
A two-car GRC&W Cross-Country DMU in Minehead station on the 27th of April 1966 prior to working the 19.15 service to Taunton. The KDH Archive.
22nd July 1968
A Class 120 heads away from the camera towards Williton having just left Watchet and passed under the Doniford Road bridge, 22/7/68. Photographer unknown. Stuart Mackay Collection.
3rd January 1970
A Class 119 set at Minehead station on January 3rd, 1970. Steve Davies Collection.
3rd January 1970
A Class 119 set at Minehead station on January 3rd, 1970. Steve Davies Collection.
3rd January 1970
A GRC&W Cross-Country set at Williton station on January 3, 1970. Steve Davies Collection.
3rd January 1970
A Class 119 sits in Minehead station on January 3, 1970. Steve Davies Collection.
3rd January 1970
A GRC&W Cross-Country set Stogumber station on the Taunton to Minehead line, 3rd January 1970. Steve Davies Collection.
27th April 1970
A GRC&W DMU at Dunster on the 27th of April 1970. The KDH Archive.
27th April 1970
A GRC&W Cross-Country DMU lurking in Minehead station on 27 April 1970. The KDH Archive.
27th April 1970
Seen leaving Watchet on the 27th of April 1970 is a 3-car GRC&W Cross-Country DMU on the 13.25 Taunton to Minehead service. The KDH Archive.
29th August 1970
The 17:00 Taunton - Minehead service on the single line section at Norton Fitzwarren, 29 August 1970. Formed of two Swindon Class 120 DMUs, leading is set 502, the rear set is a hybrid with a suburban centre car. Stuart Mackay Collection.
5th December 1970
A Swindon Cross-Country DMU ready to depart from Taunton for Minehead on 5 December 1970. The service only had a few weeks to go before it was discontinued. Stuart Mackay Collection.
circa mid-June 1977
An official image (5 of 18, negative W6691/8) from a internal BR photo album titled 'Refurbished Class 117/118 DMU Production'. It shows the heater and new heater air intake under the number one side of one of the power cars from set L410 circa mid-June 1977. British Rail.
Unknown date
A Cross-Country set in Minehead station. Date unknown, but probably near to the closing of the line in 1971. Stuart Rankin.
Unknown date
A Swindon Cross-Country set in Williton station, seen from a passing train, circa 1970/1. This is now part of the West Somerset Railway. Stuart Rankin.