Weekly Roundup – 06-Jul-25 – coming soon
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Weekly Roundup – 29-Jun-25
The scene on the platform at Minehead on Saturday 28th June 2025 as the UK’s most famous locomotive performed the simple task of running around her train, shortly after arriving at the seaside terminus. Gresley’s 1923-built A3 Pacific 60103 ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN’ once again demonstrated her ability to draw the crowds and fill the trains ! Photo by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0
The WSR is having a taste of ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ fever and enjoying the sight and sound of full trains and busy platforms as the public clamour to get a ride behind – or at least a close look at – the most famous locomotive in the UK and the 102-year-old crown jewel of the National Railway Museum‘s collection.
The entire operating timetable of the WSR has been re-drawn to accommodate the huge demand for haulage behind this machine, with special express trains running non-stop for the 20-mile length of the line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead along with additional evening services that have proved to be very popular. The special services use a rake of seven Mark 1 coaches with a seating capacity of around 400 passengers per trip, so a small number of tickets might still be available. It is worth clicking this link to find out more.
On non-running days, the loco is stabled at Bishops Lydeard in light steam and is available for close-up viewing, subject to special ticketing that can be obtained by clicking on this link to the WSR’s website. The need for tickets to view is dual-purpose, combining the need for crowd control with the need to bring some income to the railway’s coffers, because the cost of hosting this ‘celebrity’ loco at the WSR is significant.
Also required to support the ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ is Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048), currently the duty loco at Bishops Lydeard and on standby with her engine running in case the long-legged ‘Pacific’ needs a push up the hills. As a mainline express locomotive, the ‘SCOTSMAN‘ is not built for low-speed hill climbing and will tend to slip if high power is used during a climb, especially on a wet or slippery rail, and might need to be ‘rescued’. Manning the ‘Thunderbird’ rescue loco on a hot and sunny day is both an uncomfortable and boring duty for the crews, but DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL lightened the mood by offering up an appropriate nameplate, one that would suit the duty – as you will see below:
Class 33 D6566 (33048) was pictured on standby duty at Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 with the DEPG’s Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell offering up a suitable nameplate from his collection, in this case SCOTT TRACY of the 1960’s TV series ‘THUNDERBIRDS‘. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0
Here’s a table of JULY dates to show what is running and when:
Day Date Type of Service Notes Saturday 5th Special Blue TT Steam, Diesel and HST in use, D6566 starting at BL Sunday 6th Special Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at BL Monday 7th Flying Scotsman static – No other services At Bishops Lydeard Tuesday 8th Flying Scotsman services Six services, some sold out Wednesday 9th Flying Scotsman services Six services, some sold out Thursday 10th Flying Scotsman services Four services, some sold out Friday 11th Flying Scotsman services Six services, some sold out Saturday 12th Flying Scotsman services Six services, ALL SOLD OUT Sunday 13th Standard Blue TT and Flying Scotsman static Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD, FS static at Bishops Lydeard Monday 14th Flying Scotsman static – No other services At Bishops Lydeard Tuesday 15th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Wednesday 16th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Thursday 17th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Friday 18th No services Saturday 19th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Sunday 20th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Monday 21st No services Tuesday 22nd Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Wednesday 23rd Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Thursday 24th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Friday 25th No services Saturday 26th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Sunday 27th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Monday 28th No services Tuesday 29th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Wednesday 30th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Thursday 31st Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Key to abbreviations: BL = Bishops Lydeard MD = Minehead TT= Timetable
THIS WEEKEND:
On the weekend of 5th and 6th July, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) will be working the diesel diagram under the BLUE timetable but starting at Bishops Lydeard, with steam on the Minehead departure on both days.
ALSO IN USE ON 5th July will be the ex-GWR ‘HST’ set that has been stored on the WSR for some time. The HST will carry out two complete out-and-back runs with 80 miles of quiet and comfortable haulage on offer, starting from Minehead at 0920.
Under the present arrangements, it is not clear if this HST will operate again on the WSR after Saturday 5th July, so try and attend this Saturday to take the opportunity while it is available. Click on this link to go to the WSR’s HST RUNNING DAY page.
Sounding fine but in need of a wash, a GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST with 43097 ‘Castle Drogo’ leading and 43186 ‘Taunton Castle’ trailing was pictured departing from Teignmouth on the 15:27 Exeter St Davids to Plymouth service on Sunday 29th June 2025. This is the last season for HSTs on these services. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the intermediate gearbox from the ‘B’ bogie was carefully opened up for inspection purposes by the ‘Transmission Team’ at Williton and the results were very encouraging indeed. No water, no debris, no evidence of corrosion, and an oil pump that was working well in both directions. So far so good,
The oil pump was removed for a more thorough inspection but found to be in very good condition, so the decision was taken to put it all back together and hand it over to the painters for cleaning up and painting, and move on to the next task !
The painters drew our attention to the remains of some overhaul date information that was barely discernible after more than 50 years under the loco. The photos below appear to show the date of last overhaul as 9-75 and another date which appears to be 5-3-74 (the meaning of which is unknown). Regardless of the precise interpretation, this is a long time ago and the gearbox is in excellent internal condition considering the 50+ years of elapsed time.
This coming week, attention will focus on the ‘B’ bogie to prepare the bogie frame for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) using the Dye Penetrant (DP) method, as covered in the roundup last week.
D1010 – the date painted on the upper left side of the intermediate gearbox casing of the ‘B’ bogie is thought to be ‘5-3-74’ although the text painted above the date is illegible after 50+ years under the loco. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 28th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the much larger date painted on the upper right side of the intermediate gearbox casing of the ‘B’ bogie is thought to be ‘9-75’ but again the text painted above the date is illegible after 50+ years under the loco. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 28th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the oil pump was removed from the bottom of the intermediate gearbox of the ‘B’ bogie and was found to be in excellent condition ! Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 24th June 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the view through one of the inspection ports of the intermediate gearbox of the ‘B’ bogie showed the internals to be clean, smooth and free from corrosion, which is quite remarkable considering the sporadic use over the last 48 years since withdrawal from BR service. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 24th June 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the intermediate gearbox of the ‘B’ bogie was handed over to the painters on Saturday 28th June 2025 and Roy was straight onto the job, with the cleaning completed on Saturday morning and the green primer coat completed by the end of that same day. Class 14s D9526 (left) and D9518 (left of centre) and the ‘A’ cooler group (centre) form the backdrop. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We have re-started engraving the patches but there is quite a backlog, so please bear with us while we catch up.
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – attention was given to a leaking seal on the fuel pump while the loco was at Williton last weekend and the loco then swapped roles with sister D6575 (33057) to take over the ‘Thunderbird’ duties in support of the ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ services. D6566 will be in charge of the 1015 service from Bishops Lydeard and the associated 80-mile diagram on both Saturday and Sunday of this coming weekend, 5th/6th July 2025.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now back at Williton and is available for service if called upon.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the re-painting of this loco is being carried out by the WSR’s Harry Spencer but working as a volunteer in his own time. This very kind offer from Harry will help the DEPG conserve funds following the unexpectedly high amount of work that had to be carried out on bodywork corrosion repairs. The roof panels need lifting back on, for which the WSR’s ‘Atlas’ rail-mounted crane will need to be used, but another kind offer from well-known railway preservationist Andrew Forster will allow this to be done with an entirely voluntary workforce, at minimal cost. We are planning to do this work on Tuesday 15th July, subject to availability of volunteers.
We are very grateful to both Harry and Andrew for their kind offers of help and support !
We are planning on getting D7017 back to Williton during July so that she can be worked up to readiness for her return to service during August. This will involve some test running with sister loco D7018.
The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has TOPPED £20,000 but we will need to keep it open a while longer to cover the cost over-run. MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.
The cost of this bodywork overhaul continues to increase, so we have had to keep the fund open to help reduce the impact on other DEPG projects. Please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco has returned to Williton to undergo some basic maintenance work that will keep her in good running condition. Her next booked date for public service was going to be Saturday 9th August, but crew availability will result in that day being handed over to one of the Class 33s. The need to keep drivers available for test running of sister D7017 is impacting other running opportunities during August, as we build up to our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – in addition to the progress on the wiring, work continues on the engine overhaul and we hope to include some photos in the next roundup.
D9526 – on Tuesday 10th June 2025, the Paxman 6YJXL engine was still in the early stages of re-assembly. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9526 – by the following week, Tuesday 17th June 2025, the camshaft had been re-installed along with the timing gears. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9526 – by the following week, Tuesday 24th June 2025, the engine re-build had progressed a lot further. The water pump (grey) and drive shaft have been re-installed in this view from the output end of the engine, with Tuesday Team volunteer Nick just getting into the frame. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
Quality work needs to be funded, so we will continue to appeal for funds to support the work, right up to the point where the loco is completed. Any surplus will then be used to ensure her proper care and upkeep. If you like what we are doing, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is inside the loco shed at Williton so that her re-paint can be completed. The loco ran in a mixture of undercoat and gloss during the gala, so she now has to stay indoors until the job is completed, which will be in time to allow her to take up her first booked working of the YELLOW timetable on Tuesday 15th July.
D9526 – on Saturday 28th June 2025, only the ‘A’ nose end and bonnet remained in undercoat, the rest of the loco gleaming with a carefully applied gloss coating. Pictured at Williton by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL was a massive success and we quickly sold all of our gala stock. This is OK because the new clothing is highly configurable so it is made to order anyway. We expect to be able to deliver within two weeks of an order being placed via our ONLINE STORE, so click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in July or August. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
Apologies, but we will have to skip this popular feature this week due to a chronic lack of time. Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
A new book has arrived in stock, the second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes, and we have high hopes that it will be as successful as the first in the series. We have added this book to our online store and will start shipping THIS WEEKEND.
We also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author and this very interesting book is also available via our online store.
Although we have only just started to promote the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, we need to ask Roger to share the limelight with our Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL because he has just completed the production of a new booklet covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017 and his work is currently IN STOCK and available for sale at the WSR bookshops and via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The DEPG Board of Trustees held a scheduled Board Meeting at Williton on Saturday 28th June 2025 and decided that the date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September at Williton. We will be sending the AGM information package out in early August, along with the next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
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Weekly Roundup – 22-Jun-25
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) called in at GWR’s Bristol St. Philip’s Marsh depot for tyre turning on her way home from the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY on Tuesday 17th June 2025. Transport by Allelys, photo by Dave Griffiths © CC BY-NC 3.0
After her successful visit to the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY in Kent, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) took a break during her 200-mile road homeward journey by calling at GWR’s Bristol St Philip’s Marsh depot for ‘tyre turning’, which is a process by which the shape of each wheel and flange are kept within specification, which is essential for both efficiency and safety.
It may not be entirely obvious, but railway vehicles have ‘tyres’, albeit hardened steel ones, and these gradually wear and change their profile until the wear limits are reached. When new, the tyres are thick enough to allow several sessions on the wheel lathe, which a massive machine that is designed for the purpose of removing metal as the wheel is being rotated, and specialised cutting tools are used to return the tyre to the correct shape – which is a conical taper, as shown in the diagram below:
Railway wheel and Rail profile drawing – by Scholar44, courtesy of Wikipedia
The drawing shows that the wheels are tapered and the rails are set at a similar angle to ensure that the wheel self-centres and self-steers around curves. There is an entire branch of science behind this and it is essential for smooth running at high speeds, but also for minimising wear and tear. Although our ‘Crompton’ won’t need to go above 25mph in heritage use, keeping her tyres correctly profiled will help get the maximum life out of the wheels and allow her to visit other railways in future.
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was positioned over the Hegenscheidt wheel lathe at GWR’s Bristol St Philip’s Marsh depot on Tuesday 17th June 2025, ready for tyre turning to be carried out on the first axle. Ashley and Tom (L-R) were accompanying the loco and representing the DEPG. Photo by Ashley Harris © CC BY-NC 3.0
The Hegenscheidt wheel lathe at GWR’s Bristol St Philip’s Marsh depot is a highly specialised piece of equipment and is kept busy, especially in the autumn when leaves on the track can result in wheelslides that creates flat spots on wheels. The cure is a visit to the lathe – and more material lost from the diameter of the wheel. Pictured on Tuesday 17th June 2025 by Dave Griffiths © CC BY-NC 3.0
Two video clips have been provided by DEPG members Dave G and Ashley, one showing the electrically-powered ‘mule’ that is used to haul the loco over the wheel lathe and then move it along as each axle gets the tyre-turning treatment. The second video clip shows the wheel being rotated during the turning process. Metal shavings (known as ‘swarf’) can be seen falling from the lower section of the wheel as the cutting tools do their work, re-creating the profile, but with a smaller overall diameter.
Many thanks to all of our contributors for sharing their photos and videos. Click on the images below to watch the video clip.
The NITEQ ‘mule’ at work hauling D6566 (33048) onto the wheel lathe on Tuesday 17th June 2025. Video by Dave Griffiths © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was filmed while undergoing tyre turning at GWR’s Bristol St. Philip’s Marsh depot on Tuesday 17th June 2025. Video by Ashley Harris © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) showed evidence of freshly turned tyres when back on the WSR on Sunday 22nd June 2025. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
THIS WEEKEND:
There are NO DIESEL-HAULED SERVICES this weekend (28th/29th June) but our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ may be in use supporting the ‘Flying Scotsman‘ non-stop services that will be running between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. See the WSR’s TIMETABLE page for details.
On the weekend of 5th and 6th July, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) will be working the diesel diagram under the BLUE timetable but starting at Bishops Lydeard, with steam on the Minehead departure on both days.
ALSO IN USE ON 5th July will be the ex-GWR ‘HST’ set that has been stored on the WSR for some time. The HST will carry out two complete out-and-back runs with 80 miles of quiet and comfortable haulage on offer, starting from Minehead at 0920. Click on this link to go to the WSR’s HST RUNNING DAY page.
Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST (43155 leading, 34154 trailing) made for a great picture when crossing Lower Ker Moor on 14th August 2024. Photo by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – attention remains focused on the ‘B’ bogie to remove more parts and allow the bogie frame to be prepared for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) using the Dye Penetrant (DP) method. This involves cleaning off all paint, dirt and rust to expose a clean metallic surface, upon which a special type of paint known as the ‘penetrant’ is sprayed in the area of interest. After some time, the coating is cleaned off and another special type of paint known as the ‘developer’ is applied. This reacts with residue of the ‘penetrant’ and provides a clearly visible indication of potential defects that need further investigation. We are not expecting to find any issues, but we need to take this opportunity to inspect for defects while we have the bogie in this stripped-down condition.
Another step forward was the removal of the intermediate gearbox from the ‘B’ bogie and the modification of the ‘Hymek’ transmission stand to accommodate this large and awkwardly-shaped piece of heavy machinery. The next step will be to drain the oil and inspect the internals, especially the oil pump and directional valves. More on this next week.
D1010 – the intermediate gearbox from the ‘B’ bogie was suspended from the crane in the foreground while volunteer Colin F carried out modifications to the ‘Hymek’ transmission stand to allow it to be used to hold the intermediate gearbox. Gordon can be seen at work on the ‘B’ bogie in the background. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st June 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the intermediate gearbox from the ‘B’ bogie was lowered onto the modified ‘Hymek’ transmission stand by Ethan R under the supervision of Colin F. The gearbox will be cleaned and inspected by the Transmission Team to determine if further disassembly is justified. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st June 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We have re-started engraving the patches but there is quite a backlog, so please bear with us while we catch up.
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was in use on the BLUE timetable service on Sunday 22nd June, starting from Bishops Lydeard. The loco was swapped with sister D6575 (33057) at Minehead and was returned to Williton on Friday 27th June for attention to be given to a leaking fuel pump before the loco can ben made available for service again. Hopefully, this will be sorted out during this coming weekend.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard as the ‘duty loco’ and designated as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco in support of ‘Flying Scotsman’ services. Booked for use on on the BLUE timetable on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July STARTING FROM BISHOPS LYDEARD.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the re-painting of this loco will be carried out by the WSR’s Harry Spencer but working as a volunteer in his own time. This very kind offer from Harry will help the DEPG conserve funds following the unexpectedly high amount of work that had to be carried out on bodywork corrosion repairs. The roof panels need lifting back on, for which the WSR’s ‘Atlas’ rail-mounted crane will need to be used, but another kind offer from well-known railway preservationist Andrew Forster will allow this to be done with an entirely voluntary workforce, at minimal cost.
We are very grateful to both Harry and Andrew for their kind offers of help and support !
This has already been factored into the timetable and we are planning on getting D7017 back to Williton during July so that she can be worked up to readiness for her return to service during August.
The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has TOPPED £20,000 but we will need to keep it open a while longer to cover the cost over-run. MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.
The cost of this bodywork overhaul continues to increase, so we have had to keep the fund open to help reduce the impact on other DEPG projects. Please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will return to Williton on Friday 27th so that maintenance work can take place to keep in running condition.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – in addition to the progress on the wiring, work continues on the engine overhaul and we hope to include some photos in the next roundup.
Quality work needs to be funded, so we will continue to appeal for funds to support the work, right up to the point where the loco is completed. Any surplus will then be used to ensure her proper care and upkeep. If you like what we are doing, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is inside the loco shed at Williton so that her re-paint can be completed. The loco ran in a mixture of undercoat and gloss during the gala, so she now has to stay indoors until the job is completed, hopefully in time to allow her to take up her first booked working of the YELLOW timetable on Tuesday 15th July.
While rubbing down the paintwork at the ‘A’ end of the locomotive, some blue paint was found on the lens housing of the red marker light – which didn’t make sense at first because this loco has never carried a blue livery. It was then revealed that this marker light had been replaced by a part obtained from NCB Ashington following the demise of that facility, and the blue was in fact ‘Ashington Blue’, the same colour as sister loco D9518 will be wearing when she returns to service in a few years from now.
D9526 – on Saturday 21st June 2025, the ‘A’ nose end was undergoing rubbing down in preparation for a gloss top coat. Pictured at Williton by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9526 – the rubbing down revealed a layer of blue paint underneath the green – but only on the lens housing of the red marker light. This was determined as being ‘Ashington Blue’ (the darker of the blue shades, the lighter being an undercoat), because this part had been recovered from scrapped locomotives from that NCB facility ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is turning out to be a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was a very popular loco at the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY’s Diesel Gala event, seen here drifting down the bank towards Grosmont station with the 12:11 departure from Pickering. Photo dated 13th June 2025 by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required. She has not seen much use lately because our yard has been devoid of locomotives, but that is returning to a more normal situation so she might get some use soon.
Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) was stabled on No. 3 road in Williton South Yard when pictured on Saturday 21st June 2025, with the DEPG’s brake van B952527 and D1010‘s ‘A’ bogie behind her. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL was a massive success and we quickly sold all of our gala stock. This is OK because the new clothing is highly configurable so it is made to order anyway. We expect to be able to deliver within two weeks of an order being placed via our ONLINE STORE, so click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in July. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
We have been provided with a batch of photos for our ON SHED feature by well-known author, photographer and DEPG member ROGER GEACH and this week we feature a Class 45 ‘Peak’, in fact 45016 which was formerly D16 and dating back to December 1960. The location is the Tilcon stone drop, at Portwood, Stockport, delivering stone from Tunstead in the Peak district, which seems quite appropriate for this Class of loco!
Last week, we featured loco is 25242 (D7592) stabled at Bletchley and asked for information on the likely working that caused it to be there. Regular correspondent Neale Long surmised that it was probably a stone working from the Peak district, which makes the connection to this week’s choice.
Do you have photographs of loco workings of the past that you would like to share ? If yes, please use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch with us.
Many thanks to Roger for sharing his photos with us all.
BR ‘Type 4’ Class 45 ‘Peak 45016 (D16) was pictured at the stone drop near Portwood, Stockport on 29th May 1984 with a stone train from Tunstead in the Peak District. The loco was based at Holbeck (Leeds) depot for almost all of its 24-year working life. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
A new book is coming, the second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes, and we have high hopes that it will be as successful as the first in the series. We will be adding this book to our online store during the next few days and expect to receive stock in early July.
We will also be stocking the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author and hope to add this to our online store next week.
Although we have only just started to promote the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, we need to ask Roger to share the limelight with our Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL because he has just completed the production of a new booklet covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017 and his work is currently IN STOCK and available for sale at the WSR bookshops and via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The DEPG Board of Trustees will be holding a scheduled Board Meeting at Williton on Saturday 28th June 2025. If you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to have put to the Board, please use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
-
Weekly Roundup – 15-Jun-25
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) made her first visit to an event on another railway since entering preservation on the WSR back in 1997. The loco was pictured arriving at Groombridge on the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY (in Kent) on Friday 13th June 2025. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0
Almost immediately after completing her duties in the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL (refer to the previous roundup), hard working Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was loaded onto a road trailer for the 200-mile journey to the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY in Kent to make a guest appearance at their ‘CUCKOO LINE GALA’ event, marking the 60th anniversary of the closure of the line between Eridge and Tunbridge Wells.
The event was a big success, with record attendances on the three days (at least one of which was extremely hot weather-wise), with both steam and diesel locos of the appropriate types in use on all three days. Some of the steam locos had their numbers changed during the event to match those that would have been seen on the line before closure, but our ’33’ did not need to be changed because D6566 worked over that line on many occasions.
Although the Spa Valley Railway has two Class 33s of their own (33063 (D6583) and 33065 (D6585)), both are currently undergoing overhaul, so D6566 was invited as a representative of the Class in green livery with small yellow panels, just as she would have been when the line was still active under British Railways before closure in 1965.
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was taking a break when pictured with BR-Standard Class 4 2-6-4T 80078 on the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY on Friday 13th June 2025, recreating an impression of the ‘Cuckoo Line’ pre-closure, back in 1965. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was pictured at Eridge on the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY on Sunday 15th June 2025 with her DEPG support team alongside, namely Paul, Tom, Ashley and Ian. The loco performed perfectly throughout, so well done Team 33 ! Photo by Ashley Harris © CC BY-NC 3.0
Another well-patronised event that took place last weekend was the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY diesel gala, with a range of locos from Classes 31, 33, 37, 50 and 55 plus our very own 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ in use and proving very popular as always. The wonderful 1903-vintage NER Electric Autocar 3170 also participated, giving a reminder that electrically-powered vehicles were in public service use in the UK more than 120 years ago.
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was a very popular loco at the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY’s Diesel Gala event, seen here shortly after departing from Pickering with a train for Grosmont. Photo dated 14th June 2025 by Kevin Knight © CC BY-NC 3.0
Visiting Class 37 37688 (D6905, 37205) ‘Great Rocks’ also participated at the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY’s Diesel Gala event, courtesy of owning group D05 Preservation. Pictured in Railfreight ‘Construction Sector’ livery on the approach to Levisham on 14th June 2025 by Neale Long © CC BY-NC 3.0
Although originally built in 1903 with a petrol engine powering a generator, the sole surviving ‘Autocar’ was returned to service in 2018 with a diesel engine (for safety reasons). This wonderful machine was pictured at Goathland during the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY’s Diesel Gala event on 14th June 2025 by Neale Long © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ and the other locally-based diesel locos are in use on the NYMR again this weekend because of the high fire risk resulting from the hot and dry weather.
MEMORIES OF THE WSR’ 2025 gala event
Thank you to the many members and supporters who have submitted their photos and given their permission to share them for the benefit of the DEPG. Selecting images for the next DEPG Calendar will be hard indeed !
Click here or on the image below for a link to a Flickr site that carries a range of excellent images by CHRIS HOPPER, taken on the WSR on Friday 6th June 2025:
CLICK HERE for a link to the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL gallery on wsr.org.uk, an amazingly useful and essential resource for all things WSR.
THIS WEEKEND – AN UPDATE TO THE PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED INFORMATION:
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) will be working the diesel diagram under the BLUE timetable on Saturday 21st June with a start from Minehead at 10:00 as usual, but sister loco D6566 (33048) will be covering the steam turn on the Sunday, starting at Bishops Lydeard, with steam on the Minehead departure.
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – a return to the more ‘normal’ activities this week, with attention being given to cleaning up the many parts (some large and heavy) that have been removed from the bogies and preparing them for detailed inspection and measurement. In parallel, Ian F continued his rounds of work on the loco body while Andy R actually managed to engrave some sponsored patches and reduce the backlog ! Many thanks to all of our members and supporters for your amazing help with the fundraising for this loco.
D1010 – the loco body is safely supported on ex-BR Swindon Works stands while Ian F continues his rounds of rubbing down, filling and painting. The loco is in the undercoat stage but we are using old gloss over the repaired areas to provide a degree of protection against the weather. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 14th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – now here is a volunteer who continues to enjoy his work cleaning up what must feel like a never-ending succession of parts that have been removed from D1010’s bogies. Viv was pictured at Williton on Saturday 14th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – this large and heavy part is one of the four thrust brackets that transfer the traction and braking forces between the loco body and the bogies. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 14th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We have re-started engraving the patches but there is quite a backlog, so please bear with us while we catch up.
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations. In use on Sunday 22nd June but STARTING FROM BISHOPS LYDEARD.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – outstationed at Minehead as the ‘duty loco’. In use on Saturday 21st June starting from Minehead.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the disappointment of not being able to get this loco ready in time for the recent gala event has now subsided, and we are focused on getting the loco back to Williton during July so that she can be worked up to readiness for her return to service during August. Here’s a status update:
- All bodywork repairs have now been completed.
- A full body repaint is currently taking place inside the loco shed at Minehead.
- The roof sections will then be re-fitted so that the loco can be moved outdoors
- Several inspection and test activities will take place at Minehead to allow the loco to return to Williton.
The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has NOW TOPPED £20,000 so MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.
D7017 – a very unusual view, made possible by the overhead safety harness system in use within the WSR’s Minehead loco shed. Photo dated 4th June 2025 by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7017 – the new lower section of the bodyside grille, the penultimate piece of welding repair work being carried out by WSR resident welder Buzz at Minehead in early June 2025. Photo by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7017 – the repair to the shoulder of the roof section. This was the last piece of welding repair work that had to be carried out on the loco. Pictured at Minehead on 4th June 2025 by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7017 – only the paintwork remains to be done. The loco was complete and ready for undercoating when pictured at Minehead in early June 2025 (the bodyside window frames go back in when the painting has been completed). Photo by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0
The cost of this bodywork overhaul continue to increase, so we have had to keep the fund open to help reduce the impact on other DEPG projects. Please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is now at Minehead and is waiting for the opportunity to return to Williton – perhaps with her slightly older sister ?
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – although the re-wiring work has been continuing in the background throughout, the engine work had to be paused while mechanical resources were being shared with sister loco D9526, but work has now re-started and we hope to share some engine overhaul photos in the next roundup. Meanwhile, the steady progress on the re-wiring is evident from these photos:
D9518 – the evidence of the progress of the rewiring is the number of blue crimp tags on the wiring terminals of the electrical control cubicle. Pictured at Williton on 14th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9518 – looking down through the cab floor, the orange-painted conduit that carries the wiring bundles from the electrical control cubicle to the equipment bay can be seen to be filling up with wiring, including the heavy-duty cables that run from the batteries and the generator. Pictured at Williton on 14th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Quality work needs to be funded, so we will continue to appeal for funds to support the work, right up to the point where the loco is completed. Any surplus will then be used to ensure her proper care and upkeep. If you like what we are doing, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – after her successful appearances at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL earlier in June, the loco has returned to the loco shed at Williton so that her re-paint can be completed. The loco ran in a mixture of undercoat and gloss during the gala, so she now has to stay indoors until the job is completed, hopefully in time to allow her to take up her first booked working of the YELLOW timetable on Tuesday 15th July.
D9526 – on Saturday 14th June 2025, the radiator grille was being degreased by volunteer Andy P prior to undercoating. The loco is being repainted in her original two-tone green livery. Pictured at Williton by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – already covered.
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL was a massive success and we quickly sold all of our gala stock. This is OK because the new clothing is highly configurable so it is made to order anyway. We expect to be able to deliver within two weeks of an order being placed via our ONLINE STORE, so click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in July. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
We have been provided with a batch of photos for our ON SHED feature by well-known author, photographer and DEPG member ROGER GEACH and this week we feature a Class 25, one of a total of 478 locomotives (including Classes 24 and 25) which became known as ‘Rats’ because they showed up everywhere !
Our featured loco is 25242 (D7592), built at BR’s Darlington Works in 1964 because the Derby facility was so busy producing them that other sites (both BR and private builders) had to be engaged to expand the population rapidly – hence the unflattering nickname. The loco was pictured at Bletchley Stabling Point on Saturday 7th May of 1983, almost exactly one year before the loco was withdrawn as being surplus to requirements. Do you have knowledge of the workings that this loco may have been handling at Bletchley ? If yes, please use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch with us.
Many thanks to Roger for sharing his photos with us all.
BR ‘Type 2’ Class 25 25242 (D7592) was pictured at the loco stabling point at Bletchley on Saturday 7th May 1983. The loco was based at Longsight (Manchester) at the time. Do you have knowledge of the workings in and around Bletchley ? Use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
Although we have only just started to promote the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, we need to ask Roger to share the limelight with our Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL because he has just completed the production of a new booklet covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017 and his work is currently IN STOCK and available for sale at the WSR bookshops and via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The DEPG Board of Trustees will be holding a scheduled Board Meeting at Williton on Saturday 28th June 2025. If you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to have put to the Board, please use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
-
Weekly Roundup – 08-Jun-25
The Diesel Traction Group’s mainline-registered Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ was a star performer at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL, pictured approaching Blue Anchor station on a service destined for Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 7th June 2025. Photo by Robin Wichard © CC BY-NC 3.0
Two different BR-era liveries on show at Williton on Friday 6th June 2025 – Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’ wears the ‘large logo’ livery dating back to the 1980s while Class 25 25185 (D7535) is in the standard BR-blue of the 1970s. Photo by George Turner © CC BY-NC 3.0
Another popular visitor from the East Lancashire Railway was Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120), pictured crossing Sampford Brett bridge on the approach to Williton with a train for Minehead on Friday 6th June 2025. Photo by Bernard Mills © CC BY-NC 3.0
The WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL took place from Thursday through Sunday last week and was a resounding success, despite the weather making more than one attempt to dampen the spirits of the many visitors, some of whom spent all four days accumulating mileage along the 23-mile distance between Norton Fitzwarren and Minehead. The visiting locos (pictured above) performed very well and gave very entertaining performances, and several members of the home fleet also participated, with notable performances from Class 14 D9526 and the two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33048) and D6575 (33057) both singly and when working in multiple.
Our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 worked perfectly on Friday and most of Saturday and the timekeeping was excellent until D7018 refused to change direction when running around her train at Minehead on the Saturday evening. To avoid blocking access to the platform at Minehead, D7018 was dispatched along the line to the Permanent Way (PW) yard at Dunster where she was sidelined so that the issue could be investigated, and Class 33 D6575 (33057) was instead rostered to cover the ‘Hymek’ turns on the Sunday. We are pleased to report that D7018 has now been repaired (it was an electrical issue), and we apologise for the disappointment resulting from her misbehaviour.
This was the only issue that affected the timetable, which was otherwise excellent with a very interesting mix of workings, including some rare combinations such as the ‘Western’ and the ‘Hymek’ in tandem, and two ‘small Sulzers’ of Classes 25 and 33 working in tandem.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 had only just returned to service after some engine work and sounded very sweet indeed. It had not been possible to complete her re-paint in time, so she ran in a mixture of undercoat and gloss, but still looked very smart.
A welcome bonus was the Heritage Goods Train which consisted of an interesting mix of very well-presented wagons with a brake van at each end, offering rides between the main staging points along the line and with traction types including classes 14, 33 and 35, even including the Minehead station pilot, Class 03 D2133 working a shuttle service between Minehead and Blue Anchor, offering brake van rides that were very much appreciated by fans of this smaller traction type.
In the yard at Williton, Rail Adventure Class 43 HST power cars 43484 (nearest) and 43465 provided additional interest while the very popular ‘Irie 7‘ mobile catering van looked after the thirsts and hunger of the visitors – and what a great spot from which to relax and watch the proceedings. On Friday 6th June 2025, Class 14 D9526 was at the platform with the ‘down goods’ and Barclay 578 (ROF 1) was on display in the yard. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Former BR driver and DEPG stalwart Mike Harris was persuaded to take a look in Rail Adventure Class 43 HST power car 43465 and immediately felt at home in the chair, remembering the days when he used to drive these 125 mph machines. Pictured on Saturday 7th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 performed perfectly on Friday (she was not rostered on Thursday due to the lack of qualified drivers) and also on Saturday, right up until 6pm when her reverser developed an electrical fault and left her stuck in one direction and unable to run around her train. Pictured at Williton during the downpour that almost cleared the platforms on the afternoon of Saturday 7th June 2025 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was employed on the ‘DMU drag’ on Sunday 8th June 2025 and provided the travellers with great views over Blue Anchor bay on the last leg of the journey to Minehead. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Visiting Class 25 25185 (D7535) was employed on the ‘DMU drag’ on Friday 6th June 2025, and this turned out to be the best day in terms of weather, as this well-lit view from Williton Bridge testifies. Photo by Bernard Mills © CC BY-NC 3.0
MANY THANKS to all who have contributed photos for sharing via the DEPG. We will need to set up some gallery pages on our website and will provide a link in the next edition of Roundup. Thank you all !
CLICK HERE for a link to the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL gallery on wsr.org.uk, an amazingly useful and essential resource for all things WSR.
THIS WEEKEND:
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) has gone on a visit to the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY (in Kent) to participate in their ‘CUCKOO LINE GALA‘ event, commemorating the 60th year since the line was closed down – and providing evidence that it is very much open now !
Class 33s were a common sight in the years before closure, and the railway specifically wanted an example in BR-green livery to complement the selection of steam locos that will also be in operation. Click on this link for more details.
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) is out on a visit to the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY in Kent to participate in their ‘CUCKOO LINE GALA‘ event. Pictured at Eridge on Friday 13th June 2025 by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0
Also taking place this weekend is the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY’s ANNUAL DIESEL GALA which will include our very own Class 47 ‘celebrity’ 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ along with a number of guest locos. Our loco has been very busy of late, covering well over 1000 miles in both April and May, and heading that way for June, which will be very good news for the DEPG’s Treasurer. Here’s a photo showing our loco, clearly the object of much care and attention, for which we are very grateful:
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was pictured backing on to her train at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on Wednesday 7th May 2025. Photo by Ian Heath © CC BY-NC 3.0
Back at home, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) will be working the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and the associated 80-mile diagram on both Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June. Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
LOCO NEWS
With the DEPG yard being open to the public last weekend and all of our volunteers involved in the event, the loco news this week is confined to the work done on Sunday 8th June to establish the cause of the failure that affected Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 during the evening of Saturday 7th.
The loco had arrived at Minehead on time with the 15:30 service from Norton Fitzwarren and had detached and run around her train and was positioned and ready to back onto the stock and couple up. However, the reverser had other ideas and the red ‘REVERSER FAULT‘ light stayed on, preventing the driver from moving the loco in the Minehead direction.
In order to clear the obstruction that the ‘Hymek’ was causing, the only option (in the absence of an available shunting loco) was to send the ‘Hymek’ up the line towards Dunster, where the loco entered the Permanent Way (PW) sidings and was stabled, safely out of the way.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was sent to Dunster after disgracing herself on the evening of Saturday 7th June 2025 when she developed a reverser fault while running around her train at Minehead and spoiled an otherwise on-time event. Pictured as Class 03 D2133 worked through with the ‘Up Goods’ on the morning of Sunday 8th June 2025 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
The DEPG sent a team to Dunster on the morning of Sunday 8th June and within a few hours, the engine had been started and checks performed to establish the cause of the trouble. The transmission was changing direction as requested, but the safety device know as the ‘Directional Interlock Contactor’ (DIC) was not registering that the selected direction had been engaged, so the ‘fault’ light remained red and the loco would not move in that direction. The cause of the trouble was a simple failure with the DIC and a spare spring holder was fitted to resolve the problem. By then, the loco had lost her place in the running, but at least we knew what was wrong and had resolved the issue. Apologies to all for the disappointment, but the loco is OK and will be out and about again for our ‘50 YEARS of HYMEKS’ weekend on 30/31 August.
D7018 – the Directional Interlock Contactor (DIC) is a small box of electro-mechanical gadgetry that is mounted on top of the transmission and tests to ensure that the desired direction has been engaged before the driver is able to apply power. Pictured at Dunster on Sunday 8th June 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7018 – one of the contacts within the Directional Interlock Contactor (DIC) had come adrift due to the failure of the spring holder (coloured white, just visible at the bottom of the spring). Pictured at Dunster on Sunday 8th June 2025 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7018 – the failed spring holder that caused displacement of one of the contacts within the Directional Interlock Contactor (DIC). Pictured at Dunster on Sunday 8th June 2025 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL was a massive success and we quickly sold all of our gala stock. This is OK because the new clothing is highly configurable so it is made to order anyway. We expect to be able to deliver within two weeks of an order being placed via our ONLINE STORE, so click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in July. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
We have been provided with a batch of photos for our ON SHED feature by well-known author, photographer and DEPG member ROGER GEACH and we start with one that he has scanned from the collection of his late friend Tony Gale. This photo shows a Class 31 at the loco stabling point at Exeter St Davids station in 1976. Nothing unusual about that, but this loco was based at Immingham and was outside her usual territory. Had she worked down on a freight via Severn Tunnel Junction, perhaps ? There is no headcode to help us this time !
Many thanks to Roger and condolences for the loss of his good friend, Tony Gale.
Brush ‘Type 2’ Class 31 31120 (D5538) was pictured at the loco stabling point at Exeter St Davids Station on 1st June 1976. The loco was based at Immingham at the time and seems to be a little lost – or perhaps she is simply on her holidays! Photo by the late Tony Gale © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
Although we have only just started to promote the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, we need to ask Roger to share the limelight with our Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL because he has just completed the production of a new booklet covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017 and his work is currently IN STOCK and available for sale at the Summer Diesel Festival and via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
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Gala Roundup – Day 3 : 07-Jun-25
Visiting Class 52 ‘Western’ D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ was pictured arriving at Bishops Lydeard after hauling her train from Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 7th June 2025, the third day of the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL. Photo by Glyn Warren © CC BY-NC 3.0
Saturday 7th June 2025 delivered another entertaining day at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL even though the weather did it’s best to intervene and spoil the proceedings. The spell of heavy rain in the early afternoon sent a lot of visitors and spectators running for shelter, but people returned after an hour or two, and by the late afternoon, we were bathed in sunshine again.
Unfortunately, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 disgraced herself at Minehead when her reverser failed to respond while running around her train to form the 18:27 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service, and she was only able to move in the Taunton direction. The loco was despatched to Dunster Yard where she will remain until she can be returned to Williton for attention. The issue could be caused by an electrical, a mechanical or a hydraulic issue, and we will soon find out which, and get it corrected. Apologies to all affected by the non-availability of this locomotive.
The WSR responded immediately with a replan for Saturday evening, with the minimal loss of rostered mileage and the introduction of Class 33 D6566 (33048) as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast for the MIXED TRACTION DAY on Sunday is good, and there will be four diesels (D1015, 50015, D9526 and D6575 (33057)) and one steam loco in use, so this again promises to be an interesting day and well worth a visit. The DEPG yard and depot at Williton will be OPEN from 10:00 through to 16:00 with the Rail Adventure HST Power Cars 43465 and 43484 in the yard (with cab visits available) plus D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 (NCB No. 7) and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) available for inspection. The DEPG sales stand and ROD’S MODEL RAILWAY sales stand will also be available in the loco shed at Williton.
Here are some photos of today’s proceedings, just some of the many photos that have been submitted by DEPG members and supporters, all of which are very much appreciated. Thank you very much !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 looked the part at the head of the 4L07 local goods working on Saturday 7th June 2025. Pictured at Woolston by Glyn Warren © CC BY-NC 3.0
Visiting Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) was pictured bringing her train into the platform at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 7th June 2025 with Class 25 25185 (D7535) alongside. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was pictured at Blue Anchor on a goods working on Saturday 7th June 2025. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Working the 0945 departure from Minehead, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured on the approach to Crowcombe Heathfield station with the Class 115 DMU in tow on Friday 6th June 2025. Photo by Bernard Mills © CC BY-NC 3.0
Visiting Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’ poured on the power to entertain as she departed Crowcombe Heathfield in the Minehead direction on Saturday 7th June 2025. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
We look forward to seeing you at Williton tomorrow !
Click here for Sunday’s timetable.
If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:
Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.
Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.
Social media channels:
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Gala Roundup – Day 2 : 06-Jun-25
Visiting Class 52 ‘Western’ D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ was waiting at the platform while Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was being detached from Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 after piloting the ’14’ on a Goods working from Norton Fitzwarren. The ‘Hymek’ then attached as Pilot Loco ahead of the ‘Western’ for the trip to Minehead. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard on Friday 6th June 2025, the second day of the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Another excellent day was had by all at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL on Friday 6th June 2025 with all of the rostered locomotives putting in some fine performances that were high in entertainment value and brought back many memories. There were several interesting diesel-hydraulic combinations with different classes of loco operating in tandem. The two Class 33s working IN MULTIPLE showcased the versatility of these very useful machines, with simultaneous application of power delivering a haulage capability that reminded us of their use in multiple on the cement trains, the heavy stone trains and block oil trains of the past.
WELL DONE to the GALA PLANNING TEAM for putting this show together and to the volunteers, staff and visiting crews for delivering on it ! There is MORE TO COME with an even bigger day of running tomorrow, followed by a mixed traction day featuring three hydraulics and the Class 50 on Sunday.
The weather was much better today with a good mix of blue sky and white cloud, which was a big help to the photographers. The forecast for tomorrow might present more of a challenge, but let’s wait and see what actually happens. It will still be a great show, regardless of the weather !
Here are some photos to give a quick flavour of today’s proceedings, with some photos taken at the DEPG Viewing Area in Williton by Natalie and others taken at different locations by Josh, with thanks to both contributors.
Viewed from the cab of Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1), visiting Class 25 25185 (D7535) was arriving at Williton with a Class 2 train for Minehead. Pictured with Rail Adventure Class 43 power car 43484 alongside (and 43465 out of sight behind) on Friday 6th June 2025 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Looking from the cab of Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) in the opposite direction, visiting Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’ approached the platform at Williton with a train for Bishops Lydeard. Pictured on Friday 6th June 2025 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
This time from the cab of Rail Adventure Class 43 HST Power Car 43484, the two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6575 (33057) and D6566 (33048) came into view while working in multiple on a train from Bishops Lydeard. Pictured on Friday 6th June 2025 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
After arriving at Williton from Bishops Lydeard on Friday 6th June 2025, Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) awaits the incoming service that will release the token for the next stage of the journey. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
An interesting power combination with 1740 hp Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 and 2700 hp Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ having arrived at Williton from Bishops Lydeard on Friday 6th June 2025 while Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) approaches the ‘up’ platform with a service from Minehead. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Mainline performer D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ was pictured at the platform at Bishops Lydeard on Friday 6th June 2025 while awaiting her pilot loco (‘Hymek’ D7018) for the journey to Minehead. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Visiting Class 25 25185 (D7535) was working the ‘DMU Drag‘ when pictured at the Watchet Station stop on Friday 6th June 2025. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
We look forward to seeing you at Williton tomorrow !
Click here for Saturday’s timetable
Click here for Sunday’s timetable.
If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:
Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.
Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.
Social media channels:
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Gala Roundup – Day 1 : 05-Jun-25
Visiting English Electric Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’ was a popular choice for haulage on Thursday 5th June 2025, the first day of the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL, and was pictured arriving at Williton Station while resident Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) waited with a goods train for Minehead (with passengers in the brake van). Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
An excellent start was made for the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL on Thursday 5th June 2025 with all of the rostered locomotives performing well and all services running on time. Everything went well except the weather, which delivered the occasional but brief shower and kept the skies dark. The outlook is better for tomorrow, so we look forward to some blue sky to brighten up the photos !
Tomorrow also sees the addition of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 on a 92-mile roster starting from Minehead at 0945 and the addition of Class 33 ‘Crompton D6566 (33048) working IN MULTIPLE (with a single crew) with sister loco D6575 (33057) on the 1045 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 1325 return service.
Here are some photos and videos to give a quick flavour of today’s proceedings, mostly taken from the DEPG Viewing Area at Williton:
With her fresh coat of paint gleaming, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 put in some spirited performances on both goods and passenger services on Thursday 5th June 2025, including this ‘DMU Drag’, pictured departing Williton for Minehead with the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) in tow. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Another very popular choice for traction was the Diesel Traction Group’s magnificent mainline-registered Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ also pictured departing Williton for Minehead on Thursday 5th June 2025. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
After arriving at Bishops Lydeard from Minehead on Thursday 5th June 2025, South Devon Diesel Traction’s Class 25 ‘Derby Sulzer’ 25185 (D7535) will hand over to a larger ‘Derby Sulzer’ in the form of Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) for the return journey to Minehead. Photo by Lee Robbins © CC BY-NC 3.0
The following short video clips were all taken from the viewing area at Williton on Thursday 5th June 2025 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Link to video clip: Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 
Link to video clip: Class 50 50015 ‘Valiant’ 
Link to video clip: Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ 
Link to video clip: Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 
We look forward to seeing you at Williton tomorrow !
If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:
Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.
Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.
VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.
Social media channels:
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Weekly Roundup – 01-Jun-25
An unusual view at Bishops Lydeard : on Saturday 31st May 2025, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was running around her service train while Transrail-liveried 37240 (D6940) was taking a break after banking the ‘WHISTLING GHOST‘ mainline charter from Birmingham. Note: the roof of Westridge shelter is undergoing replacement. Photo by Ashley Harris © CC BY-NC 3.0
Another unusual view at Bishops Lydeard : on Tuesday 3rd June 2025, Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108, Class 50 50015 ‘Valiant’ and D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ have been coupled up to Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) and are about to be towed into the loco stabling area to be readied for their WSR SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL appearances. Photo by Lee Robbins © CC BY-NC 3.0
As the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL approaches, the Weekly Roundup has been pulled forward to allow for daily updates that will include photos shared by DEPG members and supporters. As we are all involved in preparations and setting-up, this Roundup will be brief and will focus on gala matters.
DEPG LOCO STATUS
Loco Status Running days Notes Class 09 D4107 (09019) In service Supporting role only At Bishops Lydeard Class 14 D9518 Undergoing restoration Static exhibit At Williton Class 14 D9526 Expected to be in service All four days Class 33 D6566 (33048) In service Fri/Sat Class 33 D6575 (33057) In service Thu/Fri/Sat Class 35 D7017 Undergoing restoration Inside the loco shed At Minehead Class 35 D7018 In service Fri/Sat/Sun Class 52 D1010 Undergoing restoration Static exhibit At Williton Barclay 578 (ROF 1) Available for use Static exhibit At Williton Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE. Scroll down to find the link to a downloadable version.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 has not yet emerged from the loco shed at Williton, but her engine work has been completed and the repaint is progressing well. Some paintwork details will not be finished in time, but the loco will be sufficiently presentable and is expected to be running on all four days of the event, and will be in charge of some positioning moves on the Wednesday 4th.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 has completed another weekend of trouble-free running and will take over the rostered working of sister D7017 as well as covering her own booked workings, due to the ongoing bodywork overhaul that is preventing D7017 from running. As a result, D7018 will be running on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Our DIESELGEN bulletin gives more details.
Our two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33048) and D6575 (33057) are in good working order and are ready to perform alongside the visiting locos, Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’, Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’, Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) and Class 25 25185 (D7535) plus there are opportunities for haulage by Class 03 D2133. We have an excellent event coming up !
TAKE TIME TO VISIT WILLITON DEPOT:
The DEPG depot at Williton will be open to the public on each of the four days (Thursday through Sunday) and we will have volunteers at the ready to talk about what we do and how we do it. Some loco cabs will be open for accompanied visits, subject to availability of course, and several large pieces of 1960s engineering will be available for viewing.
WILLITON DEPOT OPENING HOURS:
Thurs/Fri/Sat 0930 to 1730 Sunday 1000 to 1600 Here are just some of the attractions in the Depot and yard at Williton:
- D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ up on stands – the first time a ‘Western’ has been supported in this way since the days of Swindon Works, in fact the stands actually came from that workshop.
- D1010‘s bogies, engines and transmissions will be on display and the loco will be open for accompanied visits (small groups only).
- Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518, NCB Ashington No. 7 undergoing restoration in the loco shed.
- Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – Royal Ordnance Factory (Puriton) No. 1 on display in the yard, accompanied cab visits available on request.
- Rail Adventure HST Power Cars 43465 and 43484
- ‘Hymek’ MD870 cutaway display engine – please let our volunteers know if you want to view this massive engine (small groups only).
- Rod’s Model Railway Sales Stand – a very popular place to stop and browse the wide range of models and associated items on offer.
- DEPG Sales Stand with a NEW RANGE of CLOTHING and NEW BOOKS on offer.
- Irie 7 Mobile Coffee Shop – a welcoming team with hot snacks and drinks served in the yard with a direct view of the line.
- Viewing Area – a long and unbroken viewing area allowing photos at lineside level and at interesting angles.
- Help and Information – provided by our friendly and knowledgeable DEPG volunteers !
The two RailAdventure HST power cars (43465 and 43484) that were used to bring the visiting loco convoy to the WSR are spending their leisure time in the DEPG yard at Williton. Pictured on Tuesday 3rd June 2025 by Darren Hill © CC BY-NC 3.0
JUST A REMINDER …
Advance ticket sales for each day of the Summer Diesel Festival will cut off at 10AM the previous day, so e-tickets for Thursday must be pre-booked before 10AM on Wednesday and so on. After that time, tickets will need to be obtained from the ticket offices on the platforms.
Click here for advance ticketing
The WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL will take place from Thursday 5th through Saturday 7th June with a Mixed Traction Day on Sunday 8th. The four visiting locos have arrived and they are D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’, Class 45/1 ‘Peak’ 45108, Class 50 50015 ‘Valiant’ and Class 25 D7535 (25185) so MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND and click on the links below for timetable information. It is going to be a GREAT event !
TIMETABLE LINKS – click on the below links to open a timetable pdf (check the WSR’s website for the latest information):
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
In readiness for the forthcoming SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL, we have been busy preparing a very nice new range of DEPG-branded clothing, including a 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range ! Also in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in July. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP 
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP 
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt) Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP (please order using our CONTACT FORM) The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page
Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP
Thank you very much for your support !
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
Although we have only just started to promote the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, we need to ask Roger to share the limelight with our Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL because he has just completed the production of a new booklet covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017 and his work is currently IN STOCK and available for sale at the Summer Diesel Festival and via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW. If you intend to collect your copy from our depot at Williton, use the coupon wn_collect to cancel the postage charge when checking out, or simply buy your copy during your visit.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
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DIESELGEN – D7017 update
D7017 – the loco is nearing the end of a bodywork overhaul and is currently being repainted. Pictured at Minehead on Saturday 17th May 2025 by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0
Although a combined team of DEPG volunteers and WSR staff have been working hard with the objective of getting D7017 back in service in time for the WSR’s Summer Diesel Festival (5-7th June), it has not been possible to get the work completed in the time remaining, so this loco will not be available for service at the gala. Although the welding work has now been completed, we still need to repaint the loco and then she needs to undergo various inspections and have a test run, so we now expect the loco to be completed and passed as fit to run in July.
Although disappointing in respect of the missed gala attendance, the loco will be all the better because of the work that has been done, and will be resplendent for the 50th Anniversary Event that will be taking place on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August this year.
SISTER LOCO D7018 will be stepping in to take up D7017’s gala duties with the following amendments:
- On Friday 6th June: services previously rostered for D7017 will be covered by D7018
- On Saturday 7th June: the 0945 Bishops Lydeard service will be hauled by 50015 ‘Valiant’, otherwise all services previously rostered for D7017 will be covered by D7018
- On Sunday 8th June: services previously rostered for D7017 will be covered by D7018
Other dates that are planned for Class 35 ‘Hymek’ haulage (D7017 or D7018) are
Date Timetable Notes Saturday 9th August D7017 allocated NOTE – this running day may be changed for a full weekend of running on 16th/17th August. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page when making travel plans. Saturday 30th August 50 YEARS of HYMEK PRESERVATION celebration with both D7017 and D7018 in use Sunday 31st August 50 YEARS of HYMEK PRESERVATION celebration with both D7017 and D7018 in use Saturday 27th September D7017 allocated Sunday 28th September D7017 allocated Note that Sunday 10th August has changed to Class 33 haulage for operational reasons.
Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:
The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:
Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.
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