Devon and Somerset

Yes there will. Whilst V3 is written i am looking to source more photos and can add additional comments. The plan is to fit into the Lightmoor publishing timetable when it can. It may not make the end of 2018 but early 2019. this is yet to be determined but i will provide updates when known Freddie

I am pleased to say that Volume 2 of my book covering a description of the line (3 chapters) plus signalling will be available from Lightmoor www.lightmoor.co.uk tomorrow Thursday 7th December. I will be doing a book signing at Minehead Station on 29th December and Bishops Lydeard on 30th December. Martin is right, there will be a volume 3. i am sorry to disappoint all those interested in the operating aspects and recollections, accidents etc but there is so much material and only another volume would do it justice. Enjoy Volume 2 and Happy Christmas to all. Regards Freddie

Well at Cotford St Luke you are close to the line and can explore its eastern stretches (albeit most now in fields again!). i hope you settle in well in your new home (not far from the site of the annual WSRA Steam Fayre too-perhaps with a chance to ride on the line to Allerford Bridge :-)

It is indeed planned to be out in Autumn 2017. Enjoy volume 1. ps Westerns were the best locos ever built (don't tell the Churchward Moguls but they were special too!)

Adrian to be on a par with ian's book would be quite acolade. Ian is kindly doing my station track diagrams etc for Volume 2, so those should not disappoint! Happy reading. Freddie

Thank you Godfrey, it was good to meet you! i hope it is well received although i think the Booker Prize may be out of reach! :-) It will be good (i hope) with a warm fire and drink over Xmas. i can indeed confirm that we (Lightmoor and I) hope/plan to get Volume 2 out for autumn 2017. It is written and i am editing/topping -tailing in the next couple of months and sourcing a few more photos. Its also nice to hear from Douglas G-i hope the book re-ignites the modelling spirit and should have some photos you have not seen! thank you for the "plug" Martin!

thank you for the extra detail-the token story would make a good sound bite in V2. your other story/report shows what a dangerous job railway work was all those years ago and how accidents encouraged/forced changes.

That is a nice story-probably fairly typical of a young employee! Do you have any more stories or information? The book talks about early locos (with photos) and unveils the name of the driver of the first train. V2 will cover locos in more detail along with memories of those who worked the line and an accident (no major injuries) in 1878-i hope you grandfather was not involved in that.

The book is indeed on its way. Thank you to the gentleman i met at Exeter Central for posting this. Volume 1 has gone to the printers and should be available just before and at Warley. It had to be two volumes because one volume would not do justice to the researched material and the line's trials and tribulations in building it. Just think positively... double the photos (some not published before) and time to save to buy Volume 2!! It is already written so just needs to go through the final processes.