Assisting in keeping heritage alive on the West Somerset Railway

Passion for the Past. Vision for the Future.

For more than 50 years, the WSRA has been restoring, preserving and protecting the locomotives, carriages and railway heritage of the West Somerset Railway.

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GWR Small Prairie 4561 with a train at Minehead on the West Somerset Railway

Our key projects

Volunteers painting the frames of 80064 at Cranmore

80064Return a magnificent BR Standard locomotive to steam.

Volunteers are at work on her frames and axleboxes at Cranmore. Follow the progress in our news.

Support 80064 ›

4561 in steam at Knowle Hill

4561Bring a much-loved GWR Small Prairie back to life.

Out of service since 1998 and now being restored. Money given for 4561 is only spent on 4561.

Support 4561 ›

The Hawksworth Saloon W80976W

Hawksworth SaloonSaved and home. Now help refurbish her for passengers.

Appeal open. Windows, panels, woodwork and the guard’s compartment all need work.

Support the Saloon ›

The Quantock Belle’s four BR Mark 1 coaches in maroon, hauled by a GWR Manor through the Somerset countryside

Mark 1 coachesKeeping our BR Mark 1 carriages fit to carry passengers.

Ten of our eleven carriages are BR Mark 1s, including the four-coach Quantock Belle dining train. TSO 4911 is being restored at Cranmore now.

Our carriages ›

Your support
makes it happen

Every donation, membership and hour given by our volunteers goes into restoring and caring for the locomotives, carriages and track of the West Somerset Railway.

See our impact ›

Get involved

There are many ways to support our work: become a member, volunteer, make a donation or join our 50:50 Club.

Join usBecome a WSRA memberVolunteerShare your skills and timeDonateGive monthly or once50:50 ClubOur monthly prize drawLeave a legacyHelp preserve our railway heritage

Latest news

View all news ›

A volunteer at work on 80064 in the workshop at Cranmore80064 Restoration UpdateGreat progress at Cranmore despite the wind and power cuts.25 Oct 2026An axlebox crown for 8006480064 Axlebox Crowns UpdateThe latest on the axlebox crowns for 80064.24 Oct 2026The Hawksworth Saloon arriving home on the West Somerset RailwayHawksworth Saloon appealShe is saved and home. Here is what she needs next.Appeal open
Heritage · Preservation · Community