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Brake van rides behind Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 are always very popular at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY that takes place at Norton Fitzwarren on the first weekend in August. Pictured approaching ‘Holmes Halt’ on the former Barnstaple branch on Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Jacquie Green © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

A free shuttle service operated between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren, with the Class 115 DMU making 8 round trips on Saturday and 9 on Sunday. Pictured approaching Norton Fitzwarren platform on Saturday 2nd August 2025 by Steve Lewis © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY was the Somerset crowd-puller last weekend, taking place as it does every year in the 33-acre site that is owned by the WSRA at Norton Fitzwarren, just 3 miles west of Taunton. This massive event has something for everyone, with craft and model displays alongside vintage machinery, classic cars, trucks and buses, in fact all sorts, supported by plenty of choices for refreshments and sustenance. WELL DONE TO THE WSRA and all of the volunteers for organising and delivering such a great event !

Burrell TT5615 ‘PRIDE OF DEVON’ took part in the parade of traction engines at the STEAM RALLY on Saturday 2nd August 2025. Photo by Steve Lewis © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Two fine examples of an even earlier form of motive power, these fine Shire Horses were being displayed at the STEAM RALLY on Saturday 2nd August 2025. Photo by Steve Lewis © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Colin Foxhall’s ‘celebrity’ Karrier Bantam 3t dropside truck was also on display alongside his lovingly restored vintage Commer camper van. Pictured at the STEAM RALLY on Saturday 2nd August 2025 by Robin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Perhaps better known as the leader of the DEPG’s ‘Transmission Team’, Colin Foxhall was also at the Rally, exhibiting his Kommer Bantam 3t dropside truck VFJ 833K. The truck pictured above is the actual vehicle featured in Series 1, 2 and 3 of the Netflix series ‘The Crown’, as the airport baggage truck, with Colin at the wheel as the baggage truck driver. This explains the ‘MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND CIVIL AVIATION’ graphics on the cab doors. When new, the truck was in fact used by Exeter City Council on somewhat less glamorous duties!

 

Elsewhere on the railway, the risk of lineside fire continued to cause difficulties, and the need to run steam engines to maintain economically-viable levels of visitor patronage was made possible by using DEPG diesels to provide the majority of tractive effort, thereby reducing the risk of fire damage to habitat and crops along the line.

An unexpected difficulty has arisen from the intensive use of diesels, in terms of crew availability. Although there is quite a large pool of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ drivers, it has still been difficult to get sufficient drivers to cover the required diagrams during the peak holiday weeks. The situation for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ are more difficult because the WSR only has six and three passed drivers respectively. Training new drivers takes a lot of time, and in some cases the trainers are fully occupied working services themselves. As safety is of paramount importance, there is no ‘quick fix’ soultion, but plans are being drawn up to correct this for next year.

 

The coming week offers another interesting mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction, so please keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).

Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.

Sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.

 

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team applied their full attention to the springs last Saturday, in an effort to get four pallet loads ready for collection. The six primary leaf springs, two secondary leaf springs and eight secondary coil springs had already been removed from the ‘B’ bogie some time back and were in store, but were found to still need cleaning before they could be put on pallets.

The six primary suspension leaf springs had been removed from the ‘A’ bogie during the previous weekend and together with the complete set of springs from the ‘B’ bogie, will be going out to a specialist spring manufacturer for testing and evaluation. Hopefully, they will all be OK for further use, which will be the best outcome and will minimise the demands on the D1010 Restricted Fund that holds all of the donations that have been made to the D1010 restoration appeal over the last few years.

In parallel, work proceeds on the replacement pins, bushings and bearings that will be needed when re-assembling the suspension system. We want to get this loco back on its bogies before the winter. If this sounds like a tall order, it is, so COME ALONG AND HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN !

Get in touch using our CONTACT FORM and we will send you the volunteering application form and take it from there. 

D1010 – the two giant leaf springs that provide the secondary suspension (supporting the loco body) were being cleaned up by Ian F at Williton on Saturday 2nd August 2025 in preparation for being sent out for specialist testing. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – undeterred by the dirtiest of jobs, Viv tackled the cleanup of one of the dampers and thrust brackets from the ‘A’ bogie at Williton on Saturday 2nd August 2025. The damper, one of four in total, will be sent out for specialist overhaul. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

D1010 – by the end of the day on Saturday 2nd August 2025, there were four pallets of springs alongside No. 2 road, ready to be sent out for specialist testing. Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was present on number 1 road at Williton. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – on Saturday 2nd August, this loco was in position on the concrete lifting pad that is on the south side of the ‘Swindon Shed’ at Williton and was being prepared to have her body lifted from her bogies so that the top of the bogies and the underside of the loco could be inspected. The loco was lifted on Tuesday 5th August and photos will be included in the next edition of Roundup. There were no major issues and we expect this loco to be back in service by Sunday 17th August, provided that everything goes to plan (doesn’t it always ?).

D6575 (33057) – pictured on the concrete lifting pad on the south side of the ‘Swindon Shed’ at Williton on Saturday 2nd August 2025. The loco has been prepared for lifting, which took place on Tuesday 5th. The lifting was a precautionary measure, and no major issues were found. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we are planning to do the pre-start preparation on this loco on Tuesday 12th August at Minehead, and we are going to be having specialist help from BOB CLEGG to make sure that we follow the procedure that ensures proper lubrication of the critical bearings prior to start-up. The Maybach engines require this special attention when they haven’t been run for some time, and it is 10 months in the case of this loco, so we definitely need to be careful.

Once the engine is running, the brake test and air test can be carried out and the loco will then be fit to move back to Williton, where final preparations will be made for test running that will confirm her reliability in time for 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.

We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon and will be a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is at Williton and is fully serviceable and available to the WSR for use as a ‘Thunderbird’ loco if required. The focus of attention has been on sister loco D7017 but D7018 remains ready to go and may be used in support of her sister when test running.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as previously reported, this loco spent the whole of last weekend shuttling up and down the remains of the former Barnstaple branch while working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren. This loco is rostered to assist steam locos on the diagrams that start from Bishops Lydeard this weekend and midweek (subject to driver availability), and it had to be said that she looks the part, blending in nicely with her Swindon-built steam-powered cousins.

 

 

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. This week, we include some photos taken on the day that she arrived on the WSR, provided to us by former DEPG Chairman BOB TILLER. Here are the accompanying notes that Bob provided:

     “After purchase on 1st May 2007 with thanks to Porterbrook Leasing, I arranged work to be carried out at Brush in Loughborough. The vacuum brakes were reinstated, cabs repaired, other repairs carried out, headcode boxes refitted, and a full repaint. Many thanks to those involved at Brush.

     We then “delivered” D1661 (47077 47613 47840) to the WSR on 28th May 2007 courtesy of assistance from Cotswold Rail (now gone) on a staff and enthusiasts charter from Derby. 

     It was a good day out, bringing 47840 to her new home.”

 

Many thanks to Bob for providing us with his photos and sharing this memory.

D1661 (47077, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was leading 47828 (D1966, 47266, 47629) on the departure from Bristol Temple Meads station on 28th May 2007, and was just about to pass under Bath Road bridge with 1Z47, the ‘NORTH STAR SPECIAL’ from Derby to Minehead. Class 45 45112 (D61) ‘ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS’ was at the rear to haul the return leg of the journey, 1Z48. Photo by Bob Tiller © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1661 (47077, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was pictured on display at Minehead on 28th May 2007 after arriving with the ‘NORTH STAR SPECIAL’ railtour from Derby. This marked the start of a new chapter in the life of this ‘celebrity’ Class 47, in the hands of the DEPG. Photo by Bob Tiller © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for use 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 continues to be a big success, even though it has created a bit of a logjam for orders. The uptick in demand from so many railway groups in connection with ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events have over-stretched the supply chain, but this is just temporary and should sort itself out in a few weeks from now. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just 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 September. 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

 

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

Remaining ‘under the wires’ on the West Coast Main Line, this week we head north from Crewe to Preston where the hard-working camera of ROGER GEACH found English Electric Type 4 Class 40 40024 (D224) on a ‘light engine’ move, but to where ? Perhaps back to her home depot of Longsight, near Manchester?

The Class 40 was a heavy and under-powered design that could not even match the performance of the top link steam locomotives that they were intended to replace, but they soon carved a niche on secondary passenger duties and on heavy freights in all regions except the Western and Southern.

Many were fitted with dual drakes (air and vacuum) and these locos soldiered on into the mid-1980s, but the vacuum-only examples were the first to go when higher performance locos such as Class 47s were made available following the introduction of HSTs from 1976 onwards.

MANY THANKS to Roger for sharing his photo with us all.

Please 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, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

English Electric Type 4 Class 40 40024 (D224) was ‘under the wires’ at Preston on a ‘Light Engine’ move when pictured on Saturday 20th September 1980. The loco, from the first production batch of the Type, was 21 years old at the time and had a further three years to work before being withdrawn and sent to Crewe Works for disposal. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

NEW BOOK ON SALE

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as successful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)

There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

 

DEPG NEWS:

The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out to all members who are on the fully-paid-up register on 21st August. We will use the ‘paper’ or ‘paperless’ setting in your ‘Membermojo’ account to determine if you want a mailed or emailed version of the AGM calling notice, so check your setting by using the link or scan the QR code further below. Thank you !

 

The next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter has been produced by Mark Bladwell and is ready for distribution. Mailed copies should be on your doormat by this weekend and emailed versions will be sent out this coming Sunday. Many thanks to Mark for keeping the Newsletter production running on time.

 

 

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 !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post

Diesel and steam, working together on the WSR. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was pictured arriving at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 with a train for Bishops Lydeard while WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 waited at the platform with a train for Minehead. New volunteer Ethan W was in a position of safety while observing the proceedings. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The risk of lineside fire continues to cause difficulties for the WSR, as for many other heritage railways, where the need to run steam engines to maintain economically-viable levels of visitor patronage has to be tempered by the need to minimise the risk of fire damage to habitat and crops along the line.

The solution that has shown the best results is to use a diesel loco coupled between the steam loco and the coaching stock, with the diesel applying just enough power to keep the steam engine working, but keeping the steam power just below the level where cinders could be ejected from the chimney. This, combined with ashpan emptying and washing out at each end of the line, has shown to be a reasonable balance of entertainment and fire risk, so WELL DONE to all of the crews who have perfected this balancing act !

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 has been supporting the services that originate at Bishops Lydeard (and blending in very nicely with her Swindon-built counterparts) while Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) has being doing the same from the Minehead end of the line. The WSR steps up to the peak summer YELLOW timetable (5 trains each way per day) from Tuesday 5th August, with the Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) covering the additional out-and-back service that departs from Bishops Lydeard at 10:55 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout August and into early September.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 will be working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY at Norton Field. This very popular event takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August and has plenty to offer to people of all ages, with a huge range of fascinating exhibits plus refreshments of all kinds. The DEPG will be represented by Linda and Tony who will be manning a sales stand near to the Brake Van Ride area, so please do make a point of going along to see them.

 

The WSRA will be providing a FREE DMU SHUTTLE SERVICE between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren platform on both days of the event. Click on this link for the DMU SHUTTLE TIMETABLE.

FREE BUSES will be operating from several pick-up points nearby and are another efficient way of getting into and out of the exhibition grounds. Click on this link for a BUS TIMETABLE.

The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was looking very smart when pictured at Blue Anchor on Thursday 31st July 2025, running empty to Bishops Lydeard to be in position for the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY SHUTTLE SERVICE. Photo by Robin Wichard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 D9526 being tied up on Rally work means that Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday timetabled services from Bishops Lydeard will need to be operated by a steam loco alone, because Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) is out of action awaiting bogie repairs and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 is available but cannot be crewed on those days. In the worst case, Class 09 D4107 (09019) might have to be drafted in for support !

Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was in use on Thursday 31st July 2025 shunting the heritage goods train into position for public viewing at the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY at Norton Field. Photo provided by the WSRA © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The coming week offers an interesting mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction, so please keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in use on Thursday 24th July 2025 in support of steam and was pictured at Minehead when attached to the rear of a train bound for Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Rich Hiscox © 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.

 

OTHER BIG NEWS THIS WEEK:

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 celebrated FIFTY YEARS IN PRESERVATION on Wednesday 30th July, being the Golden Anniversary of her departure from BR’s Old Oak Common depot (near Paddington) and her arrival at Taunton to await onward transfer to the fledgling West Somerset Railway. The weather that day was extremely hot and the two D+EG (the forerunner of the DEPG) representatives on board, namely John Crane and Clive Burrows, have plenty of stories to tell about that amazing and most interesting journey.

Read more about this loco in our booklet D7017 – Fifty Years of ‘Hymek’ Preservation – available from our online store or from our sales stand at the Steam Rally.

 

HST NEWS:

Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set comprising power car 43155 leading, then four Mark 3 carriages then power car 43154 trailing, was pictured passing Class 14 D9526 en route for Norton Fitzwarren and Network Rail metals on Thursday 31st July 2025. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set that had been stored on the WSR for some time has now left the railway, at least for the time being, to start a new chapter of life based at Carnforth in the care of the West Coast Railway Company (WCRC). The set moved from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 30th July and left for Carnforth on Thursday 31st, but only got as far as Taunton before being failed due to a non-functional GSM-R radio, an item of equipment that was not in use when the set was based on the WSR. No doubt this will be repaired quickly and the set will get to Carnforth without further delay.

Having the HST on the WSR has generated fierce debate, ranging from those who wanted it to stay and become a regular feature, to those who saw it as an infiltrator that needed to be banished immediately. Suffice it to say that the majority – and most visitors (those who pay to ride the railway) – were less polarised and many appreciated the quiet and comfortable way in which the HST blended-in alongside steam and diesel locomotives of a slightly earlier era – remember that the HSTs are almost 50 years old !

Who can predict the future ? We may get to see this HST or a different HST on the WSR again some time. Meanwhile, HSTs are working daily on the main line between Exeter and Penzance, so make sure that you get down to Devon and Cornwall and ride behind them while they are still in service.

Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set with power car 43155 leading and 43154 trailing, was pictured at Splash Point while climbing out from Watchet toward Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 30th July 2025. Photo by Alan Turner © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team are concentrating their efforts on the two bogies to get them ready for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) using the Dye Penetrant Process, after which we can then start the process of re-fitting parts, rather than removing them !

The primary suspension springs were removed from the ‘A’ bogie last weekend and will be going out to a specialist spring manufacturer together with the complete set of springs from the ‘B’ bogie for testing and evaluation. Hopefully, they will all be OK for further use, which will be the best outcome and will minimise the demands on the D1010 Restricted Fund that holds all of the donations that have been made to the D1010 restoration appeal over the last few years.

In parallel, arrangements are being made for the replacement pins, bushings and bearings that will be needed when re-assembling the suspension system, with a view to getting the loco back on its bogies before the winter. If this sounds like a tall order, it is, so COME ALONG AND HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN !

Get in touch using our CONTACT FORM and we will send you the volunteering application form and take it from there. 

D1010 – the ‘B’ bogie in the foreground is being worked on by Ian F while Jeffery (on the left) cleans up the six primary suspension leaf springs that have just been removed from the ‘A’ bogie. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – also in the queue for cleaning up are the thrust brackets and dampers from the ‘A’ bogie, visible on the pallet in front of Jeffrey. The springs (16 per bogie) and the dampers (2 per bogie) will be sent out for specialist overhaul. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now at Williton having been towed there by Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) on Monday 28th July. The various cables, hoses and bellows were disconnected from the bogies while the loco was over the pit at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 26th July, resulting in a team of very dirty Class 33 volunteers showing up at Williton later that day. Having the brake hoses disconnected resulted in the loco being unbraked and needing to have a brake van attached at the rear when being towed – which explains the rather unusual consist that was photographed at Bishops Lydeard on the Sunday evening, all prepared and ready to go early the following morning.

D6575 (33057) – pictured at Bishops Lydeard on the evening of Sunday 27th July 2025, Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was in position ready to head to Williton the following morning, with a brake van attached to the rear, as required when towing an unbraked vehicle. Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The loco is expected to be lifted on Monday 4th August for further inspection and to allow bogie repairs to take place. Returning D6575 to service will become the priority of all DEPG volunteers as this loco is needed to support the WSR through the peak summer timetable. However, the work is likely to take a few weeks as several specialised subcontract operations need to be undertaken.

Moving the loco to Williton on Monday 28th July resulted in a very unusual sight – that of SEVEN DEPG LOCOMOTIVES at Williton at the same moment – almost unheard of at the height of summer !

From Left to Right: Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048), Barclay 578 (ROF 1), Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, Class 33 D6575 (33057) and just visible behind the 33, Class 09 D4107 (09019). Image taken from the Williton railcam on Monday 28th July 2025, courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we are VERY close to getting this loco back to our Williton depot so that we can prepare her for some test running, with only the formal inspection and engine pre-start work to be done, along with some painting. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon and will be a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – it has not been possible to move this loco to Norton Fitzwarren for display during the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY event, so we apologise for the disappointment. The loco is at Williton and is fully serviceable and available to the WSR for use as a ‘Thunderbird’ loco if required.

We are getting close to being able to announce the timetabling for 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 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as previously reported, this loco will be working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.

 

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 is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!

The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who ordered stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are taking place in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just 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 August. 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

 

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

Another ‘on shed’ photo this week from the collection of DEPG member ANDY GALPIN, this time ‘under the wires’ at Crewe, with Class 47 1996 (47294) towing Class 76 ‘EM1’ 1500V DC electric locomotives away from the works where they all appear to have received attention. Number 26049 was at the rear, but the number of the centre loco has been mislaid. Perhaps you saw this consist on the move that day and can provide the missing number ? If yes, please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM.

MANY THANKS to Andy for sharing his photo with us all.

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, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

Crewe Works on the 26th August 1970, and four-year-old Class 47 1996 (47294) was pictured towing two 1952-vintage Class 76 ‘EM1’ 1500V DC electric locos back to their home on the Manchester-Sheffield route. The rearmost loco was 26049 but the number of the centre loco has been mislaid. Can you help identify it ? Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

NEW BOOK ON SALE

The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as succesful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)

There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

 

DEPG NEWS:

The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out during August.

Continued progress has been made of the restoration of our ‘NiftyLift’ cherry picker, with Tony and JT working on the electrics last week and sorting out the mess of wiring that will no doubt have caused the machine to become unreliable in the past. No doubt it will work nicely in the future !

DEPG volunteer Tony was working with ‘JT’ to sort out the wiring issues on the pre-owned ‘Niftylift’ cherry picker that has recently been acquired by the DEPG. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The overhaul of the pre-owned ‘Niftylift’ cherry picker is progressing rapidly, as this photo of the reworked wiring shows. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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 !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post

A floral tribute was carried on each service that ran on the WSR last weekend, 19/20th July, in memory of the young life that was sadly lost in the A396 road incident on Exmoor just a few days previously. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was so adorned when arriving at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 20th. Class 09 D4107 (09019) is visible on the left. Photo by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ‘West Somerset Steam Express‘ from London Paddington to Minehead and return also carried a wreath while on WSR metals. The Stanier ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 45212 worked through to Minehead where she was turned for her journey back to Paddington. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was at the platform waiting for her booked departure time. Photo by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

And later in the day at Minehead, the ‘West Somerset Steam Express‘ was at the platform with Class 47 47812 (D1916, 47239, 47657) in the supporting role. Also visible (L-R) are the ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST (43154 and 43155), then Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) then the WSR’s Class 115 DMU. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ongoing period of dry weather may have been punctuated by occasional and sometimes heavy rainfall, but the lineside vegetation dries out again in a matter of hours and remains a significant fire risk. The addition of some diesel power reduces the need for the steam locos to exert so much effort, in turn reducing the risk of hot cinders being ejected from their chimneys, but still gives visitors the sight and sound of steam. This approach is favoured for the longer and heavier trains that originate from Bishops Lydeard.

Last week saw Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 at work supporting steam successfully on Saturday, Sunday and most of Tuesday, but the loco started to run roughly toward the end of the day and had to be left at Williton for attention. Luckily, the issue was quickly traced to a loose coupling on a fuel injector pump and the loco was made ready for service again.

On Sunday 20th July 2025, D9526 worked the 10:15 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service and the associated 80-mile diagram. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Steven Beale © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This temporary loss of D9526 meant that some services had to be operated by a steam loco alone and some by the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 also having to take some of the load, the ‘Hymek’ supporting the steam loco on two services in the afternoon of Thursday 24th.

The coming week offers a similar mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction, so please keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in use on Thursday 24th July 2025 in support of steam. The ‘Hymek’ will also be in use supporting a steam service on Thursday 31st July. Pictured at Williton ready for her ‘Light Engine’ (LE) move to Bishops Lydeard by Bill Johnson © 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.

 

COMING UP SOON:

 

LOCO NEWS: – apologies for the very ‘light report’ this week, due to time constraints.

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team continued their work on the bogies and brake parts, and also held a team meeting to review the outstanding tasks and adjust the priorities. More on this next week.

Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco underwent a bogie and underframe inspection at Bishops Lydeard last Sunday 20th, the outcome being that the loco has to be lifted from her bogies to confirm that the bogie pivot castings have not suffered any damage. The loco is being prepared for movement to Williton, where she will be lifted using the four 25-tonne electrically-operated jacks that were originally used at BR’s Bristol Bath Road depot. The move to Williton will involve Class 09 D4107 (09019) and a brake van, and will take place early on Monday morning, 28th July.

Returning D6575 to service will become the priority of all DEPG volunteers as this loco is needed to support the WSR through the peak summer timetable.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we are VERY close to getting the loco back to our Williton depot so that we can prepare her for some test running in early August, perhaps with D7018 for company. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco was in use on Thursday 24th July and is booked to be in use on Saturday 26th (in the evening) and again on Thursday 31st July. This loco will then move to Norton Fitzwarren to be on display during the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY event.

We are close to being able to announce the timetabling for 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 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as previously reported, this loco developed a rough-running engine issue while in use on Tuesday 22nd July, but the problem was quickly solved and the loco will be released back to traffic on Saturday 25th. This loco is next booked to work the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.

 

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, and was a magnet for our volunteer loco manager Ian Robins when he was holidaying ‘Up North’ recently. 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 is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!

The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who are ordering stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are coming up in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just 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 August. 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

 

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

Another definitely ‘on shed’ photo this week comes from the collection of DEPG member ANDY GALPIN, who shared a series of his shots from Didcot and Reading with us recently. Here’s the information that Andy has provided with his photograph:

   “1634 at the back of Bletchley depot 15^th August 1970, with an AM10 unit (later Class 310) in the background. The ladder and the open roof hatch still make me smile. Afraid I was there ‘unofficially’ but, nearly 55 years later, I reckon I’m quite safe!”

 

Does anyone have any idea as to what might have been taking place here ? If yes, please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM.

MANY THANKS to Andy for sharing his photo with us all.

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, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

Bletchley Depot on the 15th August 1970, and six-year-old Class 47 1634 (47052) was undergoing some kind of ‘al fresco’ maintenance involving an open roof and a ladder. This loco entered service on 10th November 1964 and worked for more than 38 years before being withdrawn and sent for scrap in April of 2003. Not a bad innings. Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

We continue to receive orders for the two NEW BOOKS that we added to stock recently. The second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes is now available and we also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author. Both books are of high quality and are available via our online store.

 

 

We also have stock of the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, and we have the NEW BOOKLET that has recently been released by DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017. This booklet is currently IN STOCK and available for sale 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 date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. 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 !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post

The floral tributes lined up outside Minehead Middle School on Friday 18th July 2025 as a mark of respect for the life lost and the injuries sustained in the A396 road incident on Exmoor the previous day. Photo by Getty Images via the BBC © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This edition of Roundup starts on a sombre note as we reflect on the sadness affecting West Somerset at this time. The DEPG are deeply saddened by the incident on the A396 on Exmoor on Thursday 17th July. Our thoughts go out to all those in our local community who have been affected by this tragedy.

 

Even the weather has become dark and heavy, replacing the blue sky and intense heat of one week prior and allowing the WSR to plan for a return to steam haulage for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, on account of the rain that is forecast between now and then.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was in use on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 15-17th July 2025 in support of the WSR’s unique 4-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351. Pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on Tuesday by Jo Ward © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The sun has also set on the very successful visit of the ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ with the last of the special services completing their runs with the support of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) on Sunday 13th July. The mixed traction workings were made necessary by the intense heat and dryness that had turned the lineside vegetation into tinder, making it a significant fire risk. The addition of some diesel power reduced the need for the steam locos to exert so much effort, in turn reducing the risk of hot cinders being ejected from their chimneys. It was a strategy that worked well and allowed visitors to continue enjoying the sight and sound of steam. Although the ‘Scotsman‘ has spark arrestors fitted for mainline use, these devices reduce the risk of fires but do not eliminate the risk, so some diesel power was added to counter the extreme weather conditions.

D6566 (33048) was supporting 4-6-2 ‘Pacific’ 60103 ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ on Sunday 13th July 2025, pictured at Williton as the pair hauled a late evening dining special back to Bishops Lydeard on the last run of this famous steam loco on the WSR for 2025. Photo by Kiru Cross © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ongoing concern about the weather has again resulted in the planned YELLOW timetable being scaled back to a BLUE timetable for Tues/Weds/Thurs 22/23/24th July, but the rainfall that is forecast on Sunday and Monday should allow a return to steam operation on those days.

For Saturday 19th, Class 14 D9526 will again operate with 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 on the diagram that starts at Bishops Lydeard (10:15 departure onwards) and Class 33 D6566 (33048) will operate on the diagram that starts at Minehead (10:00 departure onwards).

An additional service that results in some re-timing of the standard timetable on Saturday is the ‘WEST SOMERSET STEAM EXPRESS‘ railtour, originating at Paddington and due to be hauled by Stanier ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 45212 with Class 47 47812 (D1916, 47239, 47657) supporting. This train runs right through to Minehead, bringing another famous loco to the WSR (45212 was one of the very last steam locos to operate in BR service back in 1968).

On Sunday 20th, diesels will rule the roost, with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 working the Bishops Lydeard diagram and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) working the diagram that starts from Minehead (keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change).

 

A weather-related issue has resulted in the temporary loss of Class 33 D6575 (33057) from the active loco fleet, so the ‘Thunderbird’ loco last weekend was Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018. 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was on ‘warm standby’ in the yard at Williton on Saturday 12th July 2025 for possible use as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco, starting the day with an engine run to confirm that all systems were ‘go’. Click here or on the image above to play the video. Apologies for the camera shake towards the end – it was VERY hot in the intense sunshine! Video clip 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 team took advantage of the relative coolness of the loco shed to continue work on cleaning up the many bogie parts and progress them towards readiness for re-fitting. The visit by professional loco examiner MATT HIGHAM resulted in some very welcome good news when he determined that the brake rigging of both the ‘A’ and the ‘B’ bogies was well within wear limits and could be re-fitted to the bogie after cleaning, painting and re-greasing. This means a saving of the replacement cost of the many pins and bushings that are involved in the brake rigging, and allows us to focus on the suspension components, most of which are quite heavily worn and will need to undergo refurbishment and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).

On his next visit, Matt will attend to the air system on the loco and replace some lengths of corroded pipework, a task that is made a lot easier by having the engines and transmissions out of the loco. However, in the blazing sunshine of last week, the temperature inside the loco body was far too high to allow anything more than a cursory examination, so this work has had to be deferred to his next visit.

D1010 – the bogie damper was the subject of Andy P’s attention at Williton on Saturday 12th July 2025, when temperatures outdoors were far too hot for comfortable working. The damper has to go out for specialist testing, but at least it will look respectable ! 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) – this loco is now the Duty Loco and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is at Bishops Lydeard and is awaiting an underframe and bogie inspection after being involved in a low-speed derailment of one bogie while shunting outside Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 10th July 2025. This derailment is still the subject of a formal enquiry, so we won’t be giving any details at this time, but we hope to get permission to move the loco to Williton soon, and then we can make a start on the work needed to return her to service.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the re-painting of this loco has progressed rapidly and we are close to getting the loco back to our Williton depot so that we can paint the underframe and bogies and attend to the various maintenance tasks (electrical machine checks and engine checks). We hope to get the loco back in the next week or two and prepare her for some test running in early August, perhaps with D7018 for company.

MANY THANKS to Harry Spencer for working as a volunteer to 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 were lifted back into place on Tuesday 15th using the WSR’s ‘Atlas’ rail-mounted crane, with WSR volunteer Andrew Forster in charge, again helping the DEPG to minimise the overall expense. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon.

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 fund is still open, so please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco was made available to cover the ‘Thunderbird’ duties over the weekend of 12/13th July, but before we could make that commitment, we had to deal with a simple but critical issue that had cropped up during the last day of the Summer Diesel Festival – the horns had stopped working !

The horns on a ‘Hymek’ are quite exposed on the roof of the cab and do not have any grille or mesh to protect them from debris entering and building up internally. The risks of working at height make it difficult to remove and clean the horns as often as we would like, so the job tends to wait until more than one horn starts to become intermittent. Add to that a failure of one of the horn valves on the driver’s desk and the result is a ‘stopped’ loco.

Luckily, the ‘Transmission Team’ came to the rescue by erecting a safety tower around the cab of the loco so that they could work safely and remove each horn in turn for cleaning and re-tuning. The valve was treated to a new set of rubber seals, and all four horns now work properly again. Thank you guys !

D7018 – the horns on the cab roof at ‘A’ end have now been returned to their normal operation after intervention by the ‘Transmission Team at Williton on Tuesday 15th July 2025. The cable tie is temporary. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the rubber seal in the horn valve on the driver’s desk at ‘B’ end had disintegrated, rendering the horns out of order at that end of the loco. All four horns are now working properly again. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 15th July 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

We hope to use D7018 in support of the test running of sister D7017 during early 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 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.

 

 

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco was worked from Williton to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 12th July 2025 so that she could position over the pit for an underframe lubrication and examination. The intention was for the loco to return to Williton afterwards so that the paintwork could be finished, but the Operating Department had other plans and the loco was ‘grabbed’ and kept at Bishops Lydeard to be in position for service on Tuesday 15th July in support of a steam loco, as covered previously.

We will need to take whatever opportunity we can to get the loco under cover so that the paintwork can be finished off. This loco is booked to work the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.

 

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, and was a magnet for our volunteer loco manager Ian Robins when he was holidaying ‘Up North’ recently. As the official representative of the DEPG, he was provided with a cab pass and was able to assess the loco as it worked between Pickering and Grosmont. His verdict – EXCELLENT INDEED!

Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !

47077 – the view from the cab at Grosmont, with resident Class 31 31128 (D5546) ‘Charybdis’ ahead. Pictured on 11th July 2025 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – the man himself, volunteer DEPG loco manager Ian R alongside our ‘celebrity loco’ at Levisham, en route to Pickering. Pictured on 11th July 2025 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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 is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!

The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who are ordering stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are coming up in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just 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 August. 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

 

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 are most definitely ‘on shed’ this week with a great image of the ‘new’ gathering to displace the ‘old’ at Plymouth Laira depot on the very hot and bright Friday, 11th July 2025. The occasion was a visit by the Plymouth Railway Circle, including well known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS.

The ‘new’ takes the form of Class 175 ‘Coradia’ diesel-hydraulic multiple units, built in 1999 by Alstom at Washwood Heath, Birmingham. These units have been cascaded from their previous operator, Transport for Wales (TfW) and are now being taken on by GWR for use in Devon and Cornwall. The ‘old’ takes the form of the Class 43 diesel-electric power cars and Mark 3 coaches that comprise the ‘Castle Class’ HSTs or ‘High Speed Trains’, dating back to 1976 – so definitely ‘older’, but still highly competent and a much loved form of transport, sadly now in their twilight months. RIDE ON THEM WHILE YOU STILL CAN !

MANY THANKS to Bernard for sharing his photo with us all.

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, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !

 

A hot and bright summer’s day at Plymouth Laira depot with the ‘new’ (1999!) Class 175 units amassing and preparing to take over from the ‘old’ Class 43 ‘Castle’ sets. From Left to Right, 175007, 175009, 175002, 43198 and 43093. Pictured on Friday 11th July 2025 by Bernard Mills © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

We continue to receive orders for the two NEW BOOKS that we added to stock recently. The second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes is now available and we also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author. Both books are of high quality and are available via our online store.

 

 

We also have stock of the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, and we have the NEW BOOKLET that has recently been released by DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017. This booklet is currently IN STOCK and available for sale 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 date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. 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 !

 

Go to the previous Roundup post