Monthly Archives: June 2021

Another loco that is about to make news is our Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 because she will soon be heading southeast to the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY for the rest of this year. The K&ESR already operates a class 14, number D9504, one of a number of the class that worked from Hull Dairycoates depot in the period 1966-1968, but this loco will be undergoing maintenance, so the ideal replacement is our D9526. The team at the K&ESR already have experience of looking after their own loco and the move has the blessing of the DEPG Class 14 team, so we look forward to be able to bring you news of D9526 at work in the Garden of England.

In preparation for the move, D9526 underwent a load test on Saturday 26th June when she hauled our two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ from Williton to Bishops Lydeard and back. The two ‘Cromptons’ together weigh-in at 146 tons and this equates to a load of between 4 and 5 coaches, so it was a worthy task for the 650 hp loco. Here’s a photo of the ensemble passing through Stogumber on the climb to Crowcombe Heathfield:

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 hauls Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) through Stogumber on the climb to Crowcombe Heathfield during a test run on 26th June 2021. Photo by Steve Lewis © CC BY-NC 3.0

Click here for a short video clip of the loco working hard during the return leg. Many thanks to Martin Howard for capturing this for us all to share:

The previous day, Friday 25th June, Class 33 D6575 (33 057) worked the last of the Route Refresher workings between Williton and Dunster, propelling the WSRA’s Hawksworth-designed Taunton Inspector’s Observation Saloon W80976W on the outward journey so that the trainees could get a clear view of the track ahead. DEPG member Mark Ireland was out with his camera and he captured some interesting pictures, full of detail. Here are two of his photos:

A great view of the WSRA’s Hawksworth-designed Taunton Inspector’s Observation Saloon W80976W being propelled by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) at Blue Anchor on 25th June 2021. Note the ‘Bardic’ lamp attached to the lamp bracket at the front of the vehicle. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) propels the route refresher special out of Blue Anchor towards Dunster on 25th June 2021, showing red tail lights, red route indicator blinds and a red tail lamp. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

Many thanks to Mark for sharing his photos with us all.

OTHER LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – now resident in the loco shed on number 3 road and being kept serviceable, this loco is the subject of an article in the latest edition of the DEPG Newsletter that was distributed to members last week. The article describes the restoration project and outlines the funding requirements that will allow this loco to return to service in a reasonable period of time. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please consider joining so that you can become one of the team that is going to save D1010 from rusting away before our very eyes.

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ is in need of restoration – please JOIN US in our efforts to bring this loco back up to operational standard. Photo by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0

Our fund-raising efforts have already commenced with the recent publication of our booklet “D1010 WESTERN CAMPAIGNER – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD”. All of the revenue from the sales of this booklet will go into the D1010 restoration fund, along with revenue from sales of pre-owned books, so please help the fund grow by buying from our online store. Thanks ! 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – This loco is being prepared for service and is expected to emerge from the shed next weekend after completion of maintenance and inspection tasks. There is not enough time before the first public service for the transmission control block issue to be resolved, so the transmission will be locked in second gear. This is no problem for a ‘Hymek’; the loco will operate in the same way as she did for the 2019 running season.

The cabs of D7018 have benefitted from a replacement set of ‘Traffolyte’ placards, made using the same multi-layer engraving technique as the 1960s originals. The ‘Maximum Speed’ warning may not be relevant these days, but many of the other placards are useful and informative and need to be clear and easily readable.

Some of the new ‘Traffolyte’ placards are visible in this photo of D7018’s cab at Williton on 19th June 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the drum beat of progress from the ‘Tuesday team’ continues as they tackle the electrical equipment enclosures of this fully-dismantled loco. The photos that have been provided by Terry show the quality of the work that is being done. First, a quick look at a pair of cab steps. One newly fabricated, the other renovated. Can you tell the difference?

The brand new set of steps for D9518 alongside the refurbished originals – which is which ? Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

Step 1 – Heavily corroded electrical junction box from D9518 in the process of being renovated at Williton on 22nd June 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

Step 2 – Repair patch cut, formed and tack-welded into position at Williton on 22nd June 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

Step 3 – Here’s one that we prepared earlier, with the seams welded and blended with the grinding wheel to get to a smooth surface finish. This work was in progress at Williton on 22nd June 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the Great British summer does not make it easy to perform bodywork repairs on a loco in the open air, so ‘the ROF’ will go into the loco shed on number 2 road when ‘Hymek’ D7018 emerges. Some time under cover will allow for the corroded body panels to be removed and repaired as necessary. We welcome new volunteers to come along and join in on the renovation of this loco. Training will be provided, so why not START NOW by joining our volunteer team !

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

TOPICAL NEWS – the planned reopening of the Okehampton branch is a very welcome sign of progress in the reopening of former branch lines. In the case of Okehampton, it was not a branch because it was a station on the LSWR mainline route from Exeter to Plymouth via Tavistock. How useful that alternative route would be these days! Here’s some photos from DEPG member and volunteer Mike Evans:

Colas Rail Freight Class 70 number 70817 works an engineering train in connection with track renewals at Okehampton on 23rd June 2021. Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

Colas Rail Freight Class 70 number 70817 alongside a giant pile of old track at Okehampton on 23rd June 2021. Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

BOOK REVIEW – we don’t have time for a new book review this week but we can tell you that the books on our website by well-known author Roger Geach are selling well, with a sizeable contribution to the D1010 restoration fund for every copy sold. We are very appreciative of the support being offered by the author.

New copies of this book are in stock and ARE AVAILABLE FROM OUR ONLINE STORE.

This is a new book, but remember to also take a look at the pre-owned books on our DEPG ONLINE STORE, the entire proceeds of which will go to the D1010 restoration fund.

ON SHED: Following on from the 1960s photos that have been sent to us by Alan Walker, this weeks’ photo shows Swindon-built Class 42 ‘Warship’ 818 ‘GLORY’ alongside ‘Hymek’ D7014 outside the old steam shed at Swindon depot in March of 1969. The ‘Hymek’ met the cutter’s torch in August 1972 but the ‘Warship’ survived until 1985 and became a parts donor for the restoration of D821 ‘GREYHOUND’, owned by the DIESEL TRACTION GROUP (DTG) and still a regular and popular performer on the Severn Valley Railway.

Class 42 ‘Warship’ D818 ‘GLORY’ alongside ‘Hymek’ D7014 stand outside the old and severely dilapidated steam shed at Swindon depot on 8th March 1969. Photo by Alan Walker © CC BY-NC 3.0

Many thanks to Alan for sharing his photographs with us all.

DEPG NEWS: Following the announcement about diesel running dates a few weeks ago, readers have been contacting us to ask how they can book tickets for the diesel-hauled services. After some research, we concluded that the RED (high season) timetable did not offer an out-and-back diesel-hauled option, so we set up a conference call with the WSR to work on the details.

As a result, the WSR have offered two options for a diesel-hauled ‘excursion’ starting at Bishops Lydeard and running through to Dunster and return, with stops at Watchet and Blue Anchor. The options that the DEPG has to choose between are a morning departure, possibly with an additional stop at Williton (WN) for a visit to the diesel depot, or an afternoon departure with no possibility of a stop at WN due to pathing difficulties.

WE NEED YOUR FEEDBACK TO GUIDE US. Please let us know your preference so that we can maximise the appeal of this additional service and FILL THE SEATS ! Please reply to this email and let us know what you want. Thanks !

Since our earlier announcement about dates, the WSR have had confirmation of a mainline railtour that will run through to Dunster on 14th August, so there will NOT be a diesel-hauled service on that day. Sorry about that. The revised date is now 7th August.

To clarify, the UPDATED running dates are:

• 17 July            (‘Hymek’ D7018)
• 31 July            (‘Hymek’ D7018)
• 07 August      (‘Hymek’ D7018)
• 21 August        (Crompton pair)
• 25 September  (‘Hymek’ D7018)

Once finalised, the WSR will set up the out-and-back diesel-hauled journeys as a SPECIAL EVENT which will then simplify the ticketing process. We expect to finalise these details during the coming week. The best way to keep informed is to watch our website home page or SIGN UP FOR DIESELGEN email bulletins.

The June edition of the DEPG member’s Newsletter has been printed and mailed to all members on the register. Please let us know if you have a current membership but have not received your copy. THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO JOIN US and be certain of getting your copy !

DEPG Newsletter #57 – June 2021 and another fantastic photo by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store!

Our website is updated at least weekly (usually more frequently) with the latest news plus any DIESELGEN postings that may have arisen. We have a programme of work lined up to develop each of the loco pages to include detailed histories and we will also be setting up appeal pages for D1010 and D9518 restoration. Please keep an eye on our website and let us know what else we need to be doing to make it more useful and more user-friendly.

WSR NEWS: The WSR have successfully restarted public services to Blue Anchor so we now need to support these services by buying tickets to ride!

We are working on the timetabling for the diesel-hauled services and we will be announcing the timetable and the running days via DIESELGEN and on our website and through social media. We need to make sure that these trains are well loaded so that we can demonstrate the demand for diesel haulage. Please help us make the most of the opportunity that is currently available to us.

Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link.

All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that all of the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.

The weather may have turned dismal but that has not stopped our volunteers from making final preparations to send our BR-Brush Type 4 Class 47 number 47 077 ‘NORTH STAR’ out on hire to the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY for the next two years. After receiving some TLC from the team last weekend, the loco is positively gleaming and is showing off the excellent paintwork that was applied by WSR Restorations in 2019.

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ gleaming in the sun on number 1 road at Williton on 13th June 2021 after completion of her VIBT exam. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

The loco passed her Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) examination last Sunday and this will allow the loco to move to Bishops Lydeard at the appropriate time so that she can be loaded onto an Allelys low-loader for the long road trip to Grosmont on the NYMR, a distance of over 300 miles. We have arranged some banners that will be attached to cab ends of the loco when she is ‘on the road’ so that anyone spotting the loco as she moves northwards will know that she is ‘one of ours’.

Upon arrival at the NYMR, the loco will run to Grosmont where she will undergo another inspection and receive some attention to bring her up to the standard required for possible mainline running to Whitby. We look forward to reporting more as the story develops.

Last Friday (18th), Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was in action on the Route Refresher working from Williton to Duster and back, propelling the WSRA’s Hawkworth-designed Taunton Inspector’s Observation Saloon W80976W on the outward journey so that the trainees could get a clear view of the track ahead. This duty is normally covered by one of the Class 33s but on this occasion, the Class 14 team jumped in and grabbed the opportunity for the 16-mile round trip, adding some diversity to these workings.

Class 14 D9526 arrives at Blue Anchor with the return leg of the Route Refresher working on 18th June 2021. Image courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR ©

Class 14 D9526 climbs the 1 in 65 section of Washford Bank with the route refresher special on 18th June 2021. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

Not to be outdone, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) grabbed the baton back from the audacious ‘Teddy Bear’ the following day. This loco will cover the remainder of the workings on Monday and Friday this coming week.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) prepares to propel the WSRA’s Hawkworth-designed Taunton Inspector’s Observation Saloon W80976W to Dunster on Saturday 19th June 2021 as sister loco D6566 (33 048) and Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ reposition in the background. Image courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR ©

Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

OTHER LOCO NEWS:

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) has handed over the ‘duty loco’ role to sister D6575 after working the route refresher specials and supporting the service trains since the beginning of May. She remains fully operational at Williton and ready for service if required, but being back at Williton will allow her to get a much-needed wash and some additional TLC from Ian and Tom. A shunting move on Saturday saw the loco reposition from number 2 road (directly in front of the loco shed) to number 1 road, and in the process, the loco passed over a dusty area. The powerful blower that provides cooling air to the traction motors did a fine job of kicking up a dust cloud around the loco as it moved slowly toward the exit road, as can be seen in this photo taken by Martin:

The traction motor blower of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) kicks up a dust storm in the yard at Williton on 19th June 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – now resident in the loco shed on number 3 road, work on this loco will commence with rectification of the fault in the Run Oil Pressure Switch (ROPS) circuit that prevented the engine from running during the ‘big shunt’ of 5th June. This will allow the ‘A’ engine to remain operable for use when moving the loco out of the shed to position under the 10-tonne crane to lift large assemblies such as the ‘B’ end cooler group. Eventually, as bodywork repairs progress, the ‘A’ engine will also have to be decommissioned so that its cooler group can be refurbished, but that is some way down the line. For the time being, it will be kept serviceable.

This loco is the subject of an article in the latest edition of the DEPG Newsletter that is being distributed to members next week. The article describes the restoration project and outlines the funding requirements that will allow this loco to return to service in a reasonable period of time. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please JOIN US  so that you can become one of the team that is going to save D1010 from rusting away before our very eyes.

Corrosion affecting the nose end of Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ is clearly visible in this photo dated 9th August 2019. Photo by Gordon Crook © CC BY-NC 3.0

Our fund-raising efforts have already commenced with the recent publication of our booklet “D1010 WESTERN CAMPAIGNER – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD”. All of the revenue from the sales of this booklet will go into the D1010 restoration fund, along with revenue from sales of pre-owned books, so please help the fund grow by buying from our online store. Thanks !

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – more progress from the ‘Tuesday team’ as they turn their attention away from the six sets of steps and instead focus on electrical junction boxes and trunking, along with other items from the vast array of bodywork parts that are awaiting restoration. The photo below shows the brand new set of steps, now wearing a nice coat of green primer. The cab steps of a Class 14 are provided with a mesh backing, which is a safety feature that was necessary in the days when the person designated as the ‘Shunter’ used to ride on the steps while the loco was moving. The mesh prevents one’s feet from entering the area in which the connecting rods are rotating, so this important design feature has also been added to the assembly.

The new set of steps for D9518 get a mesh backing at Williton on 15th June 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

Even more of a challenge than making a sturdy set of steps from new steel, is the repairing of old, corroded thin metal sections such as those encountered in electrical enclosures and junction boxes. The photo below show the extent of the corrosion that has beset this thin metal section. First, the corroded materials has to be cut back to reveal good metal, then new sheet metal has to be fabricated to shape and size and welded into place. Not easy, but watch this space !

Heavily corroded electrical junction box from D9518 on the bench and ripe for renovation at Williton on 15th June 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – our latest addition to the DEPG fleet has already proven her worth as Yard Pilot and was again in action on Saturday 19th June during a minor shunt that repositioned 47077 at the head of the line on number 1 road. It is only fair that ‘the ROF’ gets its fair share of TLC, so a suspicious area of corrosion was investigated and what was found underneath shows what happens to locos that are outdoors for almost all of their lives …. they dissolve !

Heavily corroded metal revealed after removing the exhaust shroud on Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 diesel-hydraulic number 578 (ROF 1) in the yard at Williton on 19th June 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

Again, as on D9518 and D1010, this damage will be rectified by cutting out the bad metal and welding new metal in its place. The skilled members of our volunteer team make it look easy, but it isn’t. It takes many years of practice to develop such skills so why not START NOW by joining our volunteer team !

If cutting and welding metal is not your thing, then don’t despair, because we have tasks to suit all at Williton, from archiving our historical artefacts through to pulling weeds in the yard. There is work for all.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

BOOK REVIEW – last week, we featured another book by well-known author and photographer Roger Geach entitled ‘Back to the Old Days WESTERNS’. Our single brand-new copy of this out-of-print 2010 publication had been donated by the author for sale in support of the D1010 restoration fund, and it was snapped up in double-quick time by a D1010 supporter. What we didn’t know at the time was that this copy was the very last brand-new copy that Roger had in his stock, so the buyer had a real bargain there !

Staying with the obvious popularity of Roger’s publications, we have reached agreement for a batch of his 2016 publication ‘PLYMOUTH TO PENZANCE’ to be offered for sale on our website, with a sizeable contribution to the D1010 restoration fund for every copy sold.

New copies of this book are in stock and ARE AVAILABLE FROM OUR ONLINE STORE. The entire proceeds from sales of this title will go into the D1010 restoration fund and we are very appreciative of the support being offered by the author.

This is a new book, but remember to also take a look at the pre-owned books on our DEPG ONLINE STORE, the entire proceeds of which will go to the D1010 restoration fund.

To help our sales of pre-owned books, please let us know if you have railway books that you want to donate to us. Contact us by replying to this email or by using this contact form so that we can work out an economic way of getting them from you. We appreciate your efforts to give us more items to sell to raise funds for the DEPG fleet.

ON SHED: Two weeks ago, we featured a photo showing three ‘Warships’ passing through Exeter St Davids on their way to Plymouth Laira shed. That rare sighting showed 842 ‘ROYAL OAK’ towing 808 ‘CENTAUR’ towing 868 ‘ZEPHYR’ and was captured by Barry Gay on 14th April 1971. We appealed for further information about this unusual working and we received the following from Mark Alden via Neale Long:

• D842 on 13/04/1971 worked the 1530 Padd-Paignton then ECS to Newton Abbot.
• At 2359 the ASLEF work to rule and overtime ban ended.
• D808 worked in the London area on 03/04/1971 and on the 15/04/71 worked the 7A08 St Blazey-Acton assisted by 6339 to Exeter.
• D868 on 13/04/1971 worked 1V19 1900 Waterloo-Exeter then taking the ECS to Newton Abbot arriving in the early hours of 14/04/71.
• D842 on 15/04/1971 worked the 1230 Paddington-Penzance.
• All three may have required attention/exams at Laira
• What is clear is that they were used from the Plymouth area following that particular move.

Many thanks to Mark for yet more information freely given for the benefit of all.

This week, we feature a photo of our very own Class 14 D9518 at Radyr, in the northwest of Cardiff, taken just six weeks before the class was withdrawn from service on BR. The loco was only four years old when withdrawn from service and was quickly snapped up by the National Coal Board (NCB) and sent to their Ashington colliery, north of Newcastle, where she worked for 17 years before becoming redundant (again) when the pit closed. Photographs of the class are rare and it is great to receive a photograph of one of our own locos, courtesy of Alan Walker.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 is seen at Radyr yard in the northwest of Cardiff on 8th March 1969. This loco holds the distinction of being the last of the class to operate on BR, working trip freight between Radyr and several other yards in the city until Saturday 19th April 1969. Photo by Alan Walker © CC BY-NC 3.0

Many thanks to Alan for sharing his photographs with us all.

DEPG NEWS: Last week, we announced that the DEPG and the WSR had been working on opportunities for diesel running under the RED (high season) timetable on the following dates:

• 17 July            (‘Hymek’ D7018)
• 31 July            (‘Hymek’ D7018)
• 14 August        (‘Hymek’ D7018)
• 21 August        (Crompton pair)
• 25 September  (‘Hymek’ D7018)

Since then, several readers have contacted us, because they were unable to book tickets on these services. This is because the online timetable has not yet been updated to take account of the diesel-hauled service. Furthermore, the range of ‘excursion’ tickets being offered by the WSR needs to be expanded to allow out-and-back diesel-hauled journeys.

While Covid-19 rules remain in force, there are many factors involved in changing the timetable, so a meeting will be held by Zoom during this coming week where the WSR and the DEPG will work out the details. We will then be able to share the details and the WSR will be able to start taking bookings. Please bear with us while we work on this.

The best way to keep informed is to watch our website home page or SIGN UP FOR DIESELGEN email bulletins.

The June edition of the DEPG member’s Newsletter has been printed and will be distributed before the end of this month. It will be mailed to all members who are registered and current at the time of mailing, so THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO JOIN US and be certain of getting your copy !

DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store!

Our website is updated at least weekly (usually more frequently) with the latest news plus any DIESELGEN postings that may have arisen. We have a programme of continuous development for the website, with the two most recent pages providing additional information:

• D1661 47077 47613 47840 ‘NORTH STAR’
• Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1)

WSR NEWS: The WSR have successfully restarted public services to Blue Anchor so we now need to support these services by buying tickets to ride!

As already mentioned, we are working on the timetabling for the diesel-hauled services and we will then be making a big effort to ensure that all of the tickets get sold. This is the BEST WAY to ensure that we get more running opportunities on the WSR. Let’s make the most of the opportunity that is currently available to us.

Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link.

All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.

Top billing again this week goes to the work that will allow our BR-Brush Type 4 Class 47 number 47 077 ‘NORTH STAR’ to hitch a long ride northbound to spend some time working on the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY. The hire agreement is close to being finalised and we expect that it will be signed in the coming week. The loco will move as soon as practicable thereafter and will work on the NYMR for a period of at least two years, providing the DEPG with an income stream at this difficult time when our normal operations have been severely curtailed by the impact of Covid-19. The loco remains under DEPG ownership but will be maintained to mainline standard by the NYMR and may see occasional use on the Network Rail route to Whitby.

Last Saturday saw the careful execution of a well-planned depot shunt that released the ’47’ from her captivity in the loco shed and allowed Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ to go into the shed so that her bodywork repairs can commence.

Here are some of the excellent photos that were taken last Saturday (many thanks to the photographers!):

On 5th June 2021, 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ made her first heritage-era appearance in BR blue with red backing to her nameplates, recreating her late-1970s look. The liberal coating of dust on parts of her roof hints at her 19-month imprisonment in the shed at Williton. Photo by Jon Aroussi © CC BY-NC 3.0

On 5th June 2021, a depot shunt took place so that 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ could be released from the loco shed and swap places with D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. Photo by Lee Robbins © CC BY-NC 3.0

A fine study of DEPG ‘celebrity’ 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ as she repositions to number 1 road at Williton Diesel Depot on 5th June 2021. Photo by Lee Robbins © CC BY-NC 3.0

‘NORTH STAR’ had been hidden away inside the loco shed since October 2019 which is when she was moved from the WSR Restorations paint shop in the North corner of the ‘Swindon Shed’ at Williton after being repainted into BR blue, in a style that she carried in the late 1970s when she was based at Cardiff Canton depot.

The ’47’ last worked on the WSR in 2017 and always performed well, but corrosion had set in to her roof and the resulting water leaks caused damage to some internal compartments as well as several areas of her bodywork. In the summer of 2018, the roof was removed for extensive repairs that were undertaken by DEPG and Growler Group member Mark Stanley (well known for his fine work on English Electric Class 37 D6948) and Mark also carried out the corrosion repairs on the bodywork before handing the loco over to WSR Restorations for a repaint. The loco changed from two-tone green to BR blue before going into the DEPG loco shed for completion of the repair work.

During the last 19 months (much of which was lockdown), work has focused on the rebuild of the Serck Hydrostatic radiator shutters that had long since failed to work properly. In fact, the photos from when she first worked on the WSR in 2007 show that some of the louvres were not working back then! All four assemblies were removed and rebuilt using new rotating parts designed by DEPG member Paul Clark and the 28 aluminium louvres were renovated by Graham Perry before being reassembled by the Williton team. The resulting work will give good service for many years to come.

Class 47 D1661 ‘NORTH STAR’ arrives at Blue Anchor on 4th October 2017 while Ex-ROF Barclay 0-4-0 number 579 waits for the road to Minehead. The malfunctioning radiator louvres are obvious in this photo by Malcolm Garner © CC BY-NC 3.0

On Saturday 12th June 2021, a team comprising Jon Tooke, Leroy and Darren gave the loco a much-needed wash to remove the layer of dust that had accumulated during her time inside the shed. The result is a gleaming loco that might even win the ‘temporary’ approval of those who dislike the livery of the BR corporate era.

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ gets a wash and brush up from Darren at Williton on 11th June 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

OTHER LOCO NEWS:

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was busy again, covering the route refresher training turns for the drivers, guards and secondmen that will be involved in the extension of services to Dunster and Minehead (via bus link) under the RED timetable, starting on 16th July 2021. These special workings involve propelling the WSRA’s Hawkworth-designed Taunton Inspector’s Observation Saloon W80976W from Williton to Dunster with multiple stops at points of interest along the route so that the trainees can refresh their knowledge. The return run is a quiet affair because the trainees have to sit a written exam while the loco hauls the saloon back to Williton at a leisurely pace. These training runs repeat again on Monday and Friday this week – see our DIESELGEN bulletins for detailed information.

The route refresher training special to Dunster departs from Williton on Saturday 12th June 2021 with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) propelling the Hawksworth Saloon under the careful control of driver John Leach. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 was the subject of remedial work to her fuel supply system last week so the opportunity was taken on Saturday 5th June to run to Crowcombe Heathfield and back in the company of sister loco D6566 (acting as both a test load and as insurance). The run went well so D6575 is now available for duty as required.

Class 33 pair D6566 (33 048, trailing) and D6575 (33 057, leading) head off towards Crowcombe Heathfield from Williton on a test run on 5th June 2021. Photo by Brenden Hill © CC BY-NC 3.0

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – this loco now resides in the loco shed on number 3 road and will remain there for the duration of her bodywork repairs. Apart from some localised corrosion damage around the windows, the level of repair required for the main body of the locomotive is limited to removal and replacement of the ‘Prestolith’ filler that was applied when new to smooth out the surface distortions caused by welding the outer skin panels to the framework beneath. The ‘Westerns’ have the same stressed skin design as the ‘Warships’ and both are more akin to aircraft structures than conventional locomotive structures. This gave the benefit of light weight but introduced some difficulties that had to be overcome by development of suitable repair techniques. The cab sections are a different situation and are likely to need extensive renovation. This loco is the subject of a fund-raising campaign that commenced with the publication of our new booklet “D1010 WESTERN CAMPAIGNER – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD”. All of the revenue from the sales of this booklet will go into the D1010 restoration fund, along with revenue from sales of pre-owned books, so please help the fund grow by buying from our online store. Thanks ! 

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ is now back inside the loco shed at Williton as pictured on 12th June 2021 along with the wheelsets from Class 14 D9518. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the ‘Tuesday team’ have been working on creating a new and authentic set of steps to replace the set that is missing. When completed, the team will move on to tackle the cab, which is a major piece of superstructure that will keep them busy for quite a while! 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently the subject of a hire request from another heritage railway, although the discussions are at early stages and the hire is subject to agreement. If this goes ahead, the loco will be away until October but will be earning valuable income for the DEPG in our time of need.

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – as announced last week, this 1972-vintage 0-4-0 diesel-hydraulic shunting loco has just been taken under the wing of the DEPG for a 10-year period during which the DEPG will restore and maintain the loco and use it as the “Williton Depot Pilot”. This loco is one of a pair that were introduced at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater in 1972 as replacements for existing lower-powered locomotives that were unable to haul works trains over the bridge that had been built over the brand new M5 motorway, just north of junction 23. Both locomotives were loaned to the WSR by BAE Systems when the works closed and ownership has subsequently transferred to the WSR.

ROF 1 (works number 578) is now going to be based at Williton and ROF 2 (works number 579) has already been restored and has been in regular use at Minehead for many years (see previous photo with D1661 dated 4th October 2017).

The below photo shows number 578 (ROF 1) with some temporary protective paint patches that were applied to the worst of the rust spots during the recent period of bad weather, but a deep bodywork restoration will soon commence and will bring a shine back to this useful little locomotive.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 diesel-hydraulic number 578 (ROF 1) basks in the sunshine in the yard at Williton on 31st May 2021. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

BOOK REVIEW – this week we feature another book by well-known author and photographer Roger Geach entitled ‘Back to the Old Days WESTERNS’. This 2010 publication comprises 80 printed pages filled with photographs of the famous Class 52 ‘WESTERNS’ at work in locations ranging from West Wales to Chesterfield, in addition to the usual locations in the south-west. Many of the photos are taken by the author and are accompanied with interesting captions that add to the detail that is visible in the photographs. This book is out of print, but the author has donated a copy for sale in support of the D1010 restoration fund.

In the typical way of most things ‘Western’, the book was sold within minutes of being offered via our weekly ROUNDUP email newsletter. The entire proceeds from sales of this title will go into the D1010 restoration fund and we are very appreciative of the support being offered by the author.

This is a new book, but remember to also take a look at the pre-owned books on our DEPG ONLINE STORE, the entire proceeds of which will go to the D1010 restoration fund.

To help our sales of pre-owned books, please let us know if you have railway books that you want to donate to us. Contact us by replying to this email or by using this contact form so that we can work out an economic way of getting them from you. We appreciate your efforts to give us more items to sell to raise funds for the DEPG fleet.

ON SHED: Last week, we featured a photo by Barry Gay showing three ‘Warships’ passing through Exeter St Davids on their way to Plymouth Laira shed. That rare sighting showed 842 ‘ROYAL OAK’ towing 808 ‘CENTAUR’ towing 868 ‘ZEPHYR’ and was captured by Barry Gay on 14th April 1971. Does anyone have any knowledge of that movement and the reasons for it?

Staying with ‘ROYAL OAK’, here’s a photo of 842 taken two months later, also at Exeter St Davids and by Barry Gay:

North British Class 43 ‘Warship’ 842 ‘ROYAL OAK’ arrives at Exeter St Davids on 15th June 1971 with the 2B99 service from Barnstaple. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photographs with us all.

DEPG NEWS: As mentioned last week, the DEPG and the WSR have been working on opportunities for diesel running under the RED (high season) timetable. Last week’s roundup contained an error in the dates that were being planned for ‘Hymek’ D7018 and the corrected dates are as follows:

• 17 July
• 31 July
• 14 August
• 25 September

In addition, we hope to run both Class 33s in multiple on 21 August as a tribute to the 60th birthdays of the pair.

As stated last week, we will be making a big effort to promote these services to make sure that they run at a profit. This is what we must do to ensure that we can get more running days. More patronage equals more income equals more opportunities; it is as simple as that.

The best way to keep informed is to watch our website home page or SIGN UP FOR DIESELGEN email bulletins.

The June edition of the DEPG member’s Newsletter is in the works and is planned for distribution before the end of this month. It will be mailed to all members who are registered and current at the time of mailing, so THIS IS A GREAT TIME TO JOIN US and be certain of getting your copy !

DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store!

Our website will be updated to carry all of the news and all of the donated pre-owned books, just as soon as we can get to it. The focus of our voluntary efforts remains on 47077 until she heads northwards (and on the Newsletter!).

WSR NEWS: The WSR have successfully restarted public services to Blue Anchor so we now need to support these services by buying tickets to ride!

The Chairman of the WSR has announced a major campaign for fundraising with a target of ONE MILLION POUNDS to secure the railway through to the 2022 operating season. Such numbers sound incredible, but the railway has to balance its books like any other organisation and when income is hit as hard as it has been by Covid-19, then the money has to come from somewhere else.

Read more on the WSR appeal page by clicking this link.

All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.