Monthly Archives: August 2021

  • Weekly Roundup – 29-Aug-21

    The weekend after next will see the return of the the very popular ‘1940s weekend‘ events on the WSR and as in previous years, the DEPG are delighted to be able to play a small part, even though our locos were just a glint in their respective designer’s eyes during WW2. This year, the event will be supported by our two Class 33 ‘Crompton’ diesel-electrics, D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) so please do try and get along to this event if you can. Click here for the 1940s WEEKEND timetable details.

    S&DJR Class 7F 2-8-0 53808 stands at Williton station on 13st September 2019 with a ‘wartime freight train’ as Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 stands in the South Yard. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) can just be seen in the distance in front of the Goods Shed and the boiler of GWR 4-6-0 7027 ‘THORNBURY CASTLE’ also gets into the picture, on the far right. Photo by Gordon Crook © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our projects continue to progress, as below, but the key news this week is the release of the timetables for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND that will take place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of September. This will be the WSR’s first true ‘hop-on-hop-off’ event since 2019 and will feature our two ‘Cromptons’ plus ‘Hymek’ D7018 and will include running to Norton Fitwarren in the afternoons. Here’s the outbound part of the timetables to whet your appetite (click the images to go to the WSR website timetable pages to keep up with any updates):

    The timetabling is quite intense and has plenty of interest for fans of both types of traction, so please do try and come along to support the event if you can.

    A very big THANK YOU to all who have bought and are buying tickets in support of our 2021 diesel-hauled services, and an equally big thank you to all of the volunteers who have been and are involved in putting on the shows !

    If you have a question, please reply to this email or fill in the contact form on our website. Thanks ! Please help us and help the WSR make these diesel-hauled services a success by buying a ticket to ride !

     

     

    OTHER LOCO NEWS:

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco remains out of action at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY because of an issue with the fuel injection system. The spare fuel pumps and injectors have been sent from Williton to a specialist company for calibration and balancing, and will then be sent to the K&ESR for installation into the loco. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue and allow the loco to return to service.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ remains marooned at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The latest indications are that the loco will now be moved by rail, but we do not have the date or route information yet. As soon as we do, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ remains in the bay platform, next to the signal box at Bishops Lydeard on 24th August 2021. Photo by Charlie Cox © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we continue to receive donations towards the restoration of this much-loved loco and we would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who have already contributed to the fund to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010.

    Yesterday, the engine at ‘A’ end was started up as part of the investigation into an electrical sub-system issue that had prevented the engine from running during the ‘yard shunt’ in June. Although a temporary repair has been made to allow the engine to run, a permanent repair will be needed before the loco returns to service. Here’s a short video covering the engine run, thanks to Martin and Leroy for providing the video clips:

     

    We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

    After selecting a donation link, you will then be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you want to donate. Please remember to select the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D1010 Restoration Appeal !

    In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. 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 return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton, ready for use during the forthcoming ‘1940s weekend’.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Bishops Lydeard, ready for use during the forthcoming ‘1940s weekend’.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting to replace the weak leaf spring. We are hoping to make a start on this work in late October/early November, depending on availability of space in the Swindon Shed.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – after standing-in for a steam locomotive last weekend, this loco is at Williton and is being made ready for her next turn of duty which is planned for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND of Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – we are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund continue to build and as a result, the Board has approved the re-installation of the springs, hornguides and wheels. This specialised riveting and alignment work will be performed by WSR Restorations at the Swindon Shed, Williton.

    This week, attention has turned to the many parts required for the restoration of the cab assembly. Several edges of the sheet steel components have completely corroded away, making identification difficult. The parts being repaired in the below photos are from the cab door wells, where the cab doors open inward to reveal a step up to the cab floor above. The photos of the excellent work being done by Colin F will hopefully make more sense when we can show the repaired parts being re-fitted to the cab structure. 

    D9518’s heavily corroded cab door wells in obvious need of repair at Williton on 28th August 2021. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s cab door well metalwork replacement in progress at Williton on 28th August 2021. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s cab door wells repaired at Williton on 28th August 2021. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    In preparation for the rebuilding of the Paxman 6YJXL diesel engine, the ‘turnover’ stand has been cleaned up and painted in readiness for the V6 engine to be installed. This stand allows the three-tonne engine to be positioned securely and safely as it undergoes disassembly, inspection, repair and re-assembly. 

    D9518’s Paxman 6YJXL engine turnover stand cleaned and painted and ready for use at Williton on 10th August 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We intend to raise £10,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation :

    After selecting a donation link, you will then be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you want to donate. Please remember to select the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D9518 Restoration Appeal !

    If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ 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 return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!

     

    Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.

     

    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 – long-term member and regular contributor Neale Long has brought our attention to a number of new books that should be of great interest to our readers. The titles are as follows, and we need readers to provide us with book reviews ASAP so that we can share opinions about these new publications. Here goes:

    Many thanks to Neale for bringing these books to our attention.

     

    Check out growing number of PRE-OWNED BOOKS that are available from our online store. All such books have been donated by members and supporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund. Please reply to this email or use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate. We welcome your donations!

     

    ON SHED: last week, we asked readers to try and spot D9526 among a group of 10 Class 14’s on shed at Bury Bolton Street shed on the East Lancs Railway for the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Class. Our own loco was fairly easy to spot because she was the only one wearing the logo of her previous owner, Blue Circle Industries, as in this photo below:

    Our D9526 carries the Blue Circle logo at Rawtenstall on the East Lancashire Railway on 24th July 2014. Photo by Simon Purvis © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Of the 56 locomotives produced by Swindon Works, all but 8 went on to work in industry after their short career on BR and many including our own D9518 and D9526 worked into the 1980’s doing hard labour in less than ideal settings.

    Many thanks to Simon for sharing his photos. If you were at the 50th anniversary bash and if you have a story to tell, then we would love to hear from you.

     

    DEPG NEWS: Following the success of the ‘excursion’ season so far, we can now focus on selling tickets for the fifth and final run, which takes place on Saturday 25th September with haulage from our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren on the return leg. The ticketing links for this service is below (this is a link to the WSR website):


    IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, our diesels will be in use for the ‘1940s WEEKEND‘ on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of September and again for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September. This running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will also be operating a diesel during the AUTUMN STEAM GALA (believe it or not!) on Friday 1st October and Saturday 2nd October (probably D7018). Mark the dates in you diary !

    Below are links to the WSR website:

           

     

    OTHER DEPG NEWS: Our Williton Diesel Depot will be the venue for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the DEPG, taking place at 1430 this coming Saturday 4th September. Only fully paid-up members can vote at the AGM so please renew your membership online by clicking this link.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store! Our next new product will be the 2022 calendar, for which we have now received many high quality photos, so thank you very much if you have contributed. We have made the selection and the calendar will be at the printers during the coming week.

     

    WSR NEWS: The WSR are now operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!

    Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !

    The WSR’s Class 03 shunter D2133 awaits its next shunting duty at Dunster West Sidings in the afternoon of Friday 27th August 2021. Photo by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 3.0

    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.

     

    Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

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  • Weekly Roundup – 22-Aug-21

    After a very wet and unseasonal start to the day, the 60th birthday special for our two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ ran between Bishops Lydeard and Dunster yesterday with the best loading yet achieved on our diesel-hauled ‘excursion’ trains, so a BIG THANK YOU to everyone who came along for the celebration and to everyone involved in the preparations that went on behind the scenes.

    The locos performed admirably and gave a very good account of themselves (as usual) with D6575 (33 057) hauling the train to Dunster and D6566 (33 048) hauling for the return leg.

     

    Also notable on Saturday was the first official duty as “passed secondman” for 18-year-old Tom Courtney, who is also a member of the volunteer team that looks after these 60-year-old machines and keeps them in fine form, so CONGRATULATIONS and THANKS to Tom!

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) arrives at Dunster Station at the head of the ‘Crompton 60th birthday special’ on Saturday 21st August 2021. Sister loco D6566 (33 048) was attached at the rear of the train and hauled the train on the return journey to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) positions at Bishops Lydeard ‘up’ siding while shunting her train on Saturday 21st August. Photo by secondman Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    An additional bonus last Saturday was the substitution of ‘Hymek’ D7018 for the steam loco on the 12:35 service to Dunster (with onward heritage bus connection to Minehead) and the return working, due to an issue that had arisen with the booked steam loco and could not be resolved in time for her duty. The sight and sound of the ‘Hymek’ hauling six coaches was picked up by several members and supporters including Mark Ireland who released the following video of D7018 at Stogumber. Many thanks to all who have provided us with their photos and videos!

     

     

    Special thanks also to RAILCAM UK for setting their railcams to ‘capture’ mode so that we could create a video of the event using the railcams at Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Williton and Blue Anchor. The footage is currently being edited and will be released later this week. Meanwhile, here are some stills to whet your appetite:

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) hauls the 60th birthday ‘special’ non-stop through Williton on Saturday 21st August 2021 with sister D6566 (33 048) trailing. Image by Railcam UK and the WSR ©

     

    Unique WSR ‘Mogul’ 2-6-0 9351 waits at Williton for ‘Hymek’ D7018 to clear the section and release the token so that she can continue on the return leg of her journey on Saturday 21st August 2021. Image by Railcam UK and the WSR ©

     

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

    Our next scheduled diesel-hauled services are during the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND (Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September) where all three of our available locos will be in service on an intensive timetable.

     

    A very big THANK YOU to all who have bought and are buying tickets in support of our 2021 diesel-hauled services, and an equally big thank you to all of the volunteers who have been and are involved in putting on the shows !

     

    If you have a question, please reply to this email or fill in the contact form on our website. Thanks ! Please help us and help the WSR make these diesel-hauled services a success by buying a ticket to ride !

     

    OTHER LOCO NEWS:

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently out of action at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY because of a misfire that developed last weekend. The loco has racked up almost 100 hours of work at the K&ESR but showed signs of a temperature difference between ‘A’ bank and ‘B’ bank of her Paxman 6-cylinder V-type engine and this developed into a misfire shortly afterwards. The spare fuel pumps and injectors have been sent from Williton to a specialist company for calibration and balancing, and will then be sent to the K&ESR for installation into the loco. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue and allow the loco to return to service.

    Class 14 D9526 waits for ex-Longmoor Military Railway Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST number 25 to pass at Wittersham Road Station on 2nd August 2021. Photo by Jacky Duncan © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ remains marooned at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The latest indications are that the loco will now be moved by rail, but we do not have the date or route information yet. As soon as we do, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.

     

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we continue to receive donations towards the restoration of this much-loved loco and we would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the fund to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010. We have had a great start, but this is a big project so please keep the funds rolling in. Rapid progress towards our fund-raising target will result in rapid progress on the restoration work because we can engage sub-contract specialists who can work on the loco 5 days a week, not just on Saturdays.

    DEPG volunteer Gordon carefully chips away the life-expired Prestolith filler from the bodyside of D1010 at Williton on 21st August 2021. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DEPG volunteer Ian F also hard at work removing the life-expired Prestolith filler from the bodyside of D1010 at Williton on 21st August 2021. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

     

    After selecting a donation link, you will then be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you want to donate. Please remember to select the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D1010 Restoration Appeal !

    In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. 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 return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting to replace the weak leaf spring. We are planning to make a start on this work in late October/early November.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – we are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund continue to build and as a result, we are now able to approve the re-installation of the springs, hornguides and wheels. This specialised riveting and alignment work will be performed by WSR Restorations at the Swindon Shed, Williton.

    This week, our ‘Tuesday Team’ were concentrating on gathering the many parts required for the restoration of the cab assembly. Each part has to be positively identified then cleaned up, repaired as necessary then painted prior to starting the re-assembly work. Meanwhile, the frames await their turn for the rivetting work that will then allow the re-installation of the wheelsets. There’s plenty to be done, that’s for sure.

    D9518 frames mounted on trolleys in the Swindon Shed at Williton for alignment and rivetting of the hornguides (one of which is shown in light green primer) as a precursor to the installation of the wheelsets. Pictured on 3rd August 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We intend to raise £10,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

    After selecting a donation link, you will then be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you want to donate. Please remember to select the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D9518 Restoration Appeal !

     

    If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ 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 return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!

     

    Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.

     

    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 – instead of a book review, we will use this space to cover something new and different that may open up another avenue for fund-raising via our webstore. Member and volunteer Wendy has produced a piece of artwork that has been used to create greeting cards with a DEPG theme, her first featuring Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) on a crew refresher special working approaching Williton in May of this year. Wendy has also donated her original artwork and it will be auctioned at the forthcoming AGM to raise funds for the DEPG.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) captured approaching Williton in May 2021 in this print from an original artwork by Wendy Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Many thanks to Wendy for her initiative to both expand our range of DEPG-themed products and contribute to our fund-raising efforts. Much appreciated !

     

    Check out growing number of PRE-OWNED BOOKS that are available from our online store. All such books have been donated by members and supporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund. Please reply to this email or use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate. We welcome your donations!

     

     

    ON SHED: continuing with our theme from the last few weeks, here’s another photo of Bury Bolton Street shed on the East Lancs Railway for the 50th anniversary gathering of preserved Class 14s including our own D9526. Although ten locos gathered for the celebration, one loco developed a fault and was unable to participate in the running that day, the culmination of which was nine Class 14’s coupled together at the head of a passenger train ! 

     

    Ten preserved Class 14s including our own D9526 on shed at Bury Bolton Street on 24th July 2014. Photo by Simon Purvis © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Can you tell which of the locos in this photo is D9526 ?

    Many thanks to Simon for sharing his photos, more of which will be shared next week. If you were there and if you have a story to tell, then we would love to hear from you.

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: Following the success of the ‘excursion’ season so far, we can now focus on selling tickets for the fifth and final run, which takes place on Saturday 25th September with haulage from our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren on the return leg. The ticketing links for this service is below (these are links to the WSR website):

     

    IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September, the draft timetable for which was reviewed at a Gala Planning Meeting recently, the details of which should be released this week. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have timetable details. We will also be operating a diesel during the AUTUMN STEAM GALA (believe it or not!) on Friday 1st October and Saturday 2nd October (probably D7018). Mark the dates in you diary !

     

     

     

    OTHER DEPG NEWS: Board member and Treasurer Julien Weston also completed his secondman training last week and joined the ranks of ‘passed secondmen’. This is an important step on the path to driving our locomotives, to eventually boost our number of qualified drivers.

    One important date for the diaries of all volunteers is the FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER because we are planning a WILLITON WORK WEEK so that we can make significant progress on major projects, including D7017.

     

    REMINDER: This coming Friday 27th August is the closing date for attendance, apologies, nomination and proxy forms to be returned to Ian Robins, our company secretary, in preparation for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Only fully paid-up members can vote at the AGM so please renew your membership online by clicking this link.

    The date for the next AGM is set for 14:30 on Saturday 4th September, at Williton Diesel Depot.

     

     

    DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store! Our next new product will be the 2022 calendar, so if you have photos that you would like us to include, please let me know ASAP because we will be making our final selection during this coming week. Thanks !

     

     

    WSR NEWS: The WSR are now operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!

    Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !

     

    The WSR’s Class 03 shunter D2133 hauled the empty coaching stock that delivered passengers to Dunster towards Minehead as part of the shunt-release operation that allows the train engine to change ends. The sleeper barrier marking the limit of operation can be seen in the distance on this bright and sunny Sunday 8th August 2021. Photo taken while stationary by driver Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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.

     

    Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

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  • DIESELGEN – three diesels running 21-Aug-21

    DEPG Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 arriving at Dunster Station on 7th August 2021. Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    In addition to the ‘Crompton 60th birthday special’ that is running between Bishops Lydeard (BL) and Dunster (DR) today, our Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7018 has been called into action to provide cover for a steam locomotive that has developed an issue.

    The workings today are:

    1135 BL – DR with D6575 (33 057) leading and D6566 (33 048) trailing

    1325 DR – BL with D6566 (33 048) leading and D6575 (33 057) trailing

    and

    1235 BL – Minehead (MD) with haulage by D7018 and bus connection to MD from DR

    1410 MD – BL with haulage by D7018 and departure from DR at 1440

     

    Walk-up tickets are available for these services.

     

    If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Here are the links:

    BL: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-bl2.htm

    CH: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-ch1.htm

    WN: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-wn2.htm

    BA: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-ba1.htm

     

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

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

     

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 15-Aug-21

    D6566 (33 048, left) and D6575 (33 057, right) pictured at Williton during a rare and much appreciated moment of winter sunshine on 31st December 2020. Photo by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    After three successful ‘excursion’ specials that have been hauled by ‘Hymek’ D7018, the next special which runs this coming Saturday 21st August will be a commemoration of the 60th BIRTHDAYS of both D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057). These two locos will be working in top and tail mode so that the leading loco will be hauling an equivalent load of between 5 and 6 coaches, typical of their workload on passenger services such as Cardiff-Crewe and Cardiff-Portsmouth Harbour in the ’80s. This will allow a decent volume of ‘Sulzer sound’.

    As a special arrangement for this service, a birthday cake is being provided by the loco owners and arrangements are being made for tea and coffee to be available, so please BUY A TICKET and come along to support these hard-working locomotives if you can.

    The departure time from Bishops Lydeard will be 11:35 for the trip to Dunster where the trailing locomotive will take the lead for the journey back to Bishops Lydeard, arriving at 14:40. Extension to Norton Fitzwarren will not be possible on the 21st August because the Norton Fitzwarren section is in use that day for other services.

    Our two ‘Cromptons’ each worked on the mainline for more than 35 years before being sold into preservation. The table below gives the vital statistics and shows the longevity of this well-designed and well-built class of ‘very useful locomotives’:

    ‘D’ number TOPS number Manufacturers Serial number Date into traffic Date withdrawn Date into service on WSR

    Length of service
    D6566 33 048 DEL170 26-AUG-61 13-FEB-97 25-OCT-97

    TOTAL: 54 years 3 months
    D6575 33 057 DEL179 04-NOV-61 09-MAY-96 02-JUN-12

    TOTAL: 44 years 10 months 

     

    D6566 approaching York in 1967 on the Cliffe (Kent) to Uddingston (Scotland) cement working. The Kent-based ‘Crompton’ worked the train as far as York where a Class 40 would have taken over for the climb towards Glasgow. Photo from the Ian Robins collection ©

     

    Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company (BRCW) 1,550 hp Type 3 (later Class 33) serial number DEL170, ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) of August 1961 carries shed plate 73C (Hither Green, Lewisham, Kent) at Williton on 24th December 2020. Photo by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    From left to right, WSR ‘Mogul’ 2-6-0 number 9351 and Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) together at Williton on 1st June 2021. Photo by Chris Lawton © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D6575 (33 057) approaches Doncaster with the Cliffe-Uddingston cement working on 4th May 1963. Photo from the Ian Robins collection ©

     

     

    A very big THANK YOU to all who have bought and are buying tickets in support of our 2021 diesel-hauled services, and an equally big thank you to all of the volunteers who have been and are involved in putting on the shows !

    Tickets for the ‘Crompton 60th Birthday Special’  on Saturday 21st August are still available so BUY YOUR TICKET NOW !

    If you have a question, please fill in the contact form on our website. Thanks ! Please help us and help the WSR make these diesel-hauled services a success by buying a ticket to ride !

     

     

    OTHER LOCO NEWS:

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco continues to be busy at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY and has racked up almost 100 hours of work already. Observations from the K&ESR crews have shown that there is a temperature difference between ‘A’ bank and ‘B’ bank of the Paxman 6-cylinder V-type engine and attempts to correct this by tweaking the fuel delivery pumps have not resolved the problem. To avoid putting the engine at risk, a pair of spare fuel pumps will be sent out from Williton this week for calibration as a pair, then fitted to D9526. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue and protect the engine from becoming damaged by the imbalance.

     

    Class 14 D9526 is pictured running around her train at Tenterden on 2nd August 2021, with sister loco D9504 confined to barracks while waiting for a major overhaul. Photo by Jacky Duncan © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ remains marooned at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Sadly, we still do not have the date or route information yet, but when we do, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.

     

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we continue to receive donations towards the restoration of this much-loved loco and we would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the fund to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010. We have had a great start, but this is a big project so please keep the funds rolling in. Rapid progress towards our fund-raising target will result in rapid progress on the restoration work because we can engage sub-contract specialists who can work on the loco 5 days a week, not just on Saturdays.

    Last weekend, the marker light fittings were removed from the cab ends and the heavily corroded areas were taped-up to keep them in position while assessment work continues. The yellow lines drawn on the body show the extent of the cuts that will be made to remove the corroded sheet metal and expose the underlying cab support structure, which is also in need of renewal.

    In parallel, Richard L, a new member of our volunteer electrical engineering team, started work on tracing the fault in the “Run Oil Pressure Switch (ROPS)” circuit that had prevented the ‘A’ engine from running back in June. We intend to run the ‘A’ engine one more time before draining down the coolant and removing the cooler group so that it can be refurbished. Step by step, we are continuing to make progress with our restoration plan (read our restoration plan by clicking on this link).

     

    D1010 with marker lights removed to allow the corroded metal to be cut out at Williton on 7th August 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 with tape applied to keep the corroded body panels in shape until we are ready to cut them out to allow access to the underlying cab support structure. Seen at Williton on 7th August 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

     

    After selecting a donation link, you will then be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you want to donate. Please remember to select the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D1010 Restoration Appeal !

    In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. 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 return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton and is fully operational and ready to work with sister D6575 (33 057) on the ‘excursion’ special on Saturday 21st August in top-and-tail mode to celebrate their 60th birthdays !

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – no change – this loco is outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations and will be working with D6566 (33 048) on the special on 21st August.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting to replace the weak leaf spring. We are planning to make a start on this work in late October/early November.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – with a break in her duties until the Mixed Traction Weekend of 17-18 September, the opportunity has been taken to perform planned maintenance tasks to keep this popular machine in A1 condition. Here’s a photo of Terry and Chris performing the chassis and bogie lubrication tasks:

    D7018 chassis and bogie grease point maintenance being performed by Terry and Chris at Williton on 3rd August 2021. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – we are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund continue to build and as a result, we are now able to approve the re-installation of the springs, hornguides and wheels. This specialised riveting and alignment work will be performed by WSR Restorations at the Swindon Shed, Williton.

    We intend to raise £10,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

     

    After selecting a donation link, you will then be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you want to donate. Please remember to select the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D9518 Restoration Appeal !

     

    Here’s some photos of the tasks awaiting us this coming week:

    The cab of D9518 is now inside the main shed for restoration. Photo taken at Williton on 7th August 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 cab interior view showing almost total disassembly and giving a hint of just how much work there is to be done. Pictured at Williton on 7th August 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The wheelsets from D9518 ready for the BLUE gloss that will help return the loco to the NCB livery that she carried when in service at Ashington colliery in Northumberland between 1969 and 1987. Photo taken at Williton on 7th August 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ 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 return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!

     

     

    Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.

     

    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 have learned that DEPG member and supporter Andrew Royle (not our Staff Rep Andy Royal, different person, different spelling) has released a second edition of “TRACTION TIMES”, a popular and highly enjoyable work that we featured in October last year. His new book is entitled “TRACTION TIMES – A SECOND SELECTION” and is available from Transport Treasury Publishing via this link: https://ttpublishing.co.uk/product/traction-times-a-second-selection/

     

    This 112-page paperback continues in the style of the previous publication and features more high-resolution and fully-captioned photographs from the early days of dieselisation. It is well worth the asking price of £14.50

    ISBN: 9781913251093 – “TRACTION TIMES – A SECOND SELECTION” by Andrew Royle, published by Transport Treasury Publications in August 2021.

     

    We don’t have this one (yet) but we do have many other PRE-OWNED BOOKS that will be added to our online store ASAP. All such books have been donated by members and supporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund. Please use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate. We welcome your donations!

     

     

    ON SHED: last week, we posed some questions about the following shot of a number of Class 14s on shed at the end of a hard day’s work.:

    Where and when ?

    Several of our readers were quick to point out that the ‘where’ was Bury Bolton Street shed and the ‘when’ was 24th July 2014, the occasion of the largest gathering of the class since the days of the NCB. The same photo with the colour restored is below:

     

    Ten preserved Class 14s on shed at Bury Bolton Street on 24th July 2014 photo by Simon Purvis © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Many thanks to Simon for sharing his photos, more of which will be shared next week. If you were there and if you have a story to tell, then we would love to hear from you.

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: Following the success of the first three runs of ‘Hymek’ D7018, we can now focus on selling tickets for the fourth run, which takes place on Saturday 21st August with haulage from our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057).

    A reminder of the running days follows (both are Saturdays):

    • 21 August        – Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!
    • 25 September  – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren

     

    The ticketing links for these services are as below (these are links to the WSR website):

     

    IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the draft timetable for which was reviewed at a Gala Planning Meeting last week and the details of which should be released this week. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have timetable details. Meanwhile, mark the date in your diary !

     

     

     

    OTHER DEPG NEWS: A Board meeting was held at Williton and via Zoom on Saturday 14th August, a synopsis of which will be included with the next roundup. One important date for the diaries of all volunteers is the FIRST WEEK OF NOVEMBER because we are planning a WILLITON WORK WEEK so that we can make significant progress on major projects, including D7017.

    September is approaching and all members need to have their memberships up to date in order to be eligible to vote at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Please renew your membership online by clicking this link.

     

    As a REMINDER – the date for the next AGM is set for 14:30 on Saturday 4th September, at Williton Diesel Depot. Formal notices have already been sent out, so please reply to this email if you have not yet received your copies and you believe your membership is up to date.

    By the way, our initiative to offer AGM paperwork by email rather than post resulted in more than 50 members opting for paperless, saving us £50 from DEPG funds for the AGM paperwork alone. Please let us have your email address and you could help us save more in future.

     

     

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

     

     

    WSR NEWS: The WSR are now operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!

    Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !

     

    The WSR’s Class 03 shunter D2133 waits in the goods yard at Dunster in preparation for the first shunt-release operation of the day on Sunday 8th August 2021. Photo by driver Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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.

     

    Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

    Go to Depot news

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 08-Aug-21

    Saturday 7th August saw the third of our diesel-hauled ‘excursions’ behind Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018, this time including an extension to Norton Fitzwarren on the return leg. The weather was not kind during the first leg of the journey, so our diehard lineside photographers had to endure some very heavy rain to be able to get their pictures.

    Here’s a link to a video compilation that has been posted on YouTube by member and supporter Mark Ireland – the ‘Maybach Music’ on this video is amazing!

    Video compliation by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Here’s some photos from the day and there are more on our Twitter and Facebook pages (these are links to public pages so you don’t need a Twitter of Facebook account to view them):

    D7018 approaches Stogumber during an unseasonal downpour while heading for Dunster on 7th August 2021. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D7018 awaits the ‘Right Away’ to depart from Norton Fitzwarren platform for the 3-mile climb to Bishops Lydeard on 7th August 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D7018 digs in to the 1 in 75 gradient as she approaches Longlands Bridge on the climb from Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard on 7th August 2021. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D7018 approaching Stogumber and heading for home as secondman Terry gives a wave to our intrepid photographer on 7th August 2021. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    A very big THANK YOU to all who bought a ticket and rode the train and to all of the volunteers involved in putting on this show !

    And now a correction to my statement last week about passenger loading being lighter on the 31st July compared to 17th July. This observation was not borne out by the facts because each of these ‘excursion’ services has actually carried more passengers than the previous run. We are hoping for a similar success for the forthcoming ‘Crompton Birthday Special excursion’ that will run between Bishops Lydeard and Dunster on the 21st August 2021

    To commemorate their 60th birthdays, we will be running BOTH of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ in top-and-tail mode on the 21st and this will allow supporters to sample haulage from both machines during the same journey. Extension to Norton Fitzwarren will not be possible on the 21st August because the Norton Fitzwarren section is in use that day for other services.

    Tickets for Saturday 21st August are still available so BUY YOUR TICKET NOW !

     

     

    Some more questions have been raised by our followers and travellers, so this would be a good time to answer those questions:

    Q: Are these ‘excursion’ services Covid-secure ?

    A: The WSR have taken a hard line on Covid precautions throughout the pandemic in the interest of public safety and are still requesting that passengers use facemasks and refrain from changing seats during the journey. The staff on the train will intervene in any cases where passengers may be disregarding the safety of others. Loadings on these services have been set to ensure that there is plenty of room on the train.

     

    Q: I booked and paid a deposit for a Diesel Experience Course in 2019/20 and I am still waiting to hear about it.

    A: The WSR have recently been in contact with the DEPG to arrange dates for DECs that will allow previous bookings to be honoured. We will include more information as soon as it has been confirmed by the WSR.

     

    If you have a question, please reply to this email or fill in the contact form on our website. Thanks !

    Please help us and help the WSR make these diesel-hauled services a success by buying a ticket to ride !

     

     

    OTHER LOCO NEWS:

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco continues to be busy at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY and has covered her booked workings and received favourable comments from the K&ESR crews. One issue that arose was an oil leak that was quickly dealt with by the Class 14 team that normally look after sister loco D9504 on the K&ESR. Our loco is clearly in safe hands and it is great to hear that she has been so well received by our southeastern friends.

    Class 14 D9526 is pictured at Tenterden at the head of a scheduled service to Bodiam on 2nd August 2021. Photo by Jacky Duncan © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 D9526 waits for ex-Longmoor Military Railway Hunslet ‘Austerity’ 0-6-0ST number 25 at Wittersham Road station on the K&ESR on 3rd August 2021. Photo by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ remains at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Sadly, we still do not have the date or route information yet, but when we do, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.

    47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ stabled in the bay platform at Bishops Lydeard on 1st August 2021, sandwiched between an ex-GWR ‘TOAD’ brakevan and our Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057). The banner proclaims ‘ON TOUR’ but the only tour she has had so far is around the yard at Westridge steam shed ! Photo by Liam Hebditch © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we continue to receive donations towards the restoration of this much-loved loco and we would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the fund to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010.

    We have had a great start, but this is a big project so please keep the funds rolling in !

    Rapid progress towards our fund-raising target will result in rapid progress on the restoration work because we can engage sub-contract specialists who can work on the loco 5 days a week, not just on Saturdays.

    This weekend, the areas around the cab window frames were probed to determine the extent of the damage. Although the photos below may give a different impression, this kind of corrosion can easily be cut out and new metal welded in. The window frames will have to be removed, but we were expecting that. So far, there are no showstoppers so we will continue with our plan (read our restoration plan by clicking on this link).

     

    D1010 cab window frame upper rear corner at Williton on 7th August 2021 showing corrosion damage. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 cab window frame lower rear corner at Williton on 7th August 2021 showing a stress corrosion fracture. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 cabside overhead warning placards were removed at Williton on 7th August 2021. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

     

    After selecting a donation link, you will be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you are able to donate. Please remember to add the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D1010 Restoration Appeal !

     

    In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. 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 return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton and is fully operational and ready to work with sister D6575 (33 057) on the ‘excursion’ special on Saturday 21st August in top-and-tail mode to celebrate their 60th birthdays !

     

    BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) is captured on film while showing her age at Williton on 5th June 2021. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – no change – this loco is outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations and will be working with D6566 (33 048) on the special on 21st August.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting to replace the weak leaf spring.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – we are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund continue to build and as a result, we are now able to approve the re-installation of the springs, hornguides and wheels. This specialised riveting and alignment work will be performed by WSR Restorations at the Swindon Shed, Williton.

    We intend to raise £10,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

     

    After selecting a donation link, you will be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you are able to donate. Please remember to add the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D9518 Restoration Appeal !

     

    Here’s some photos of last week’s progress on this loco:

    The cab of D9518 is now inside the main shed for restoration. Photo taken at Williton on 3rd August 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The wheelsets from D9518 show a nice smooth finish thanks to efforts by Colin G. The next step is to apply the black gloss. Photo taken at Williton on 3rd August 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The frames of D9518 are now inside the Swindon Shed for alignment and rivetting of the hornguides after which the frames will be reunited with the wheelsets. Photo taken at Williton on 3rd August 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ 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 return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!

     

     

    Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.

     

    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 a review from regular contributor Neale Long covering a recent book “The Clayton Type 1 Bo-Bo Diesel-Electric Locomotives – British Railways Class 17 by Anthony P. Sayer”.

    This major hardback reference work was published by Pen & Sword on 28th May 2021 and runs to 374 pages. Here’s the report from Neale:

    “For his third edition focusing on some of the less successful British Railways Diesel Locomotives, author Anthony Sayer turns his attention to the ill-fated Clayton Class 17s.

    Conceived as the standard British Railway Type 1 locomotive primarily to be used on local freight/trip working, they were to replace earlier Modernisation Plan locomotives whose designs fell short of requirements due to having single cabs with limited vision requiring double-manning. Extensively researched and beautifully written, Anthony tells the fascinating though essentially sad story of these ill-fated locomotives from conception through to design, construction, their lamentably short life actually in service, rundown, demise and disposal. Told in great detail and copiously illustrated, this excellent publication contains 374 pages.

    The level of detail unearthed by the author is very likely to ensure that this is the principal reference book devoted to this sadly overlooked and little-known class of locomotives. This fine study sheds much light on to the very short lives of the class. Readers may already be aware of the principal issue the class suffered, namely the Paxman horizontal diesel engines which became so problematic that two locomotives were fitted with alternative Rolls-Royce designs. What is not so generally known is that the many problems associated with the class could have been avoided had BR listened to the engine manufacturer and fitted cast iron crankcases and cylinder heads, thoroughly tested a prototype and possibly used an alternative to the Napier turbocharger.

    Particularly interesting was the problems the state-owned industry had in creating a suitable support structure that could ensure that a coherent spare parts supply and stock management system existed. Money inevitably resulted in conflicting objectives within the BRB CMEE and the more regionally focused Performance and Service committee. However, as history was to prove, the work for which they were designed was generally lost and what hastened their departure from BR was that the Class 20 became viable when operated in pairs to become in effect a type 4, suitable for long distance heavy freight work.

    Anthony Sayer’s superb tome offers much to diesel historians on a class which prior to this publication has been overlooked. This book redresses this oversight and is highly recommended.”

    ISBN: 9781526762009 “The Clayton Type 1 Bo-Bo Diesel-Electric Locomotives – British Railways Class 17 by Anthony P. Sayer – published by Pen & Sword on 28th May 2021

    Hardback, 374 pages, 280 photos/diagrams.

    Many thanks to Neale for providing us with this review.

     

    We don’t have this one (yet) but we do have many other PRE-OWNED BOOKS that will be added to our online store ASAP. All such books have been donated by members and supporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund. Please reply to this email or use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate. We welcome your donations!

     

     

    ON SHED: and now for something completely different – this week we are posing some questions about the following shot of a number of Class 14s on shed at the end of a hard day’s work. Where and when ?

    If you can provide at least one correct answer, you will be eligible to make a donation to the restoration of D9518. All will be revealed next week.

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: Following the success of the first three runs of ‘Hymek’ D7018, we can now focus on selling tickets for the fourth run, which takes place on Saturday 21st August with haulage from our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057).

     

    A reminder of the remaining running days follows (both are Saturdays):

    • 21 August        –  Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!
    • 25 September  – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren

     

    The ticketing links for these services are as below (these are links to the WSR website):

     

    IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the draft timetable for which will be reviewed at a Gala Planning Meeting later this week and hopefully released in time for the next edition of roundup. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have timetable details. Meanwhile, mark the date in you diary !

     

     

     

    OTHER DEPG NEWS: August is approaching and all members need to have their memberships up to date in order to be eligible to vote at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Please renew your membership online by clicking this link.

    As a REMINDER – the date for the next AGM is set for the afternoon of Saturday 4th September. Formal notices will be sent to all registered paid-up members during the next few days. Please let us know if you DO NOT want paper copies and you would prefer to have pdf copies of the AGM documents (there is no need to respond again if you have already responded to a previous email on the subject).

     

     

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

     

     

    WSR NEWS: The WSR are now operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!

    Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !

    DEPG Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 arriving at Dunster Station on 7th August 2021. Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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.

     

    Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

    Go to Depot news

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  • DIESELGEN – D7018 running on 07-Aug-21

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 prepares to depart from Williton to Bishops Lydeard to pick up her train on the morning of 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7018 is the booked locomotive for this Saturday’s diesel-hauled excursion from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster and back plus an extension to Norton Fitzwarren on the return journey. This gives a total running distance of 42 miles, departing from Bishops Lydeard at 11:35 and returning from Norton Fitwarren at 15:25.

    Advance bookings on this service are looking strong so BOOK NOW to ensure that you get a chance to ride and enjoy the ‘Maybach Music’ !

    Space will be allocated for walk-up passengers on the day, but BOOK NOW to make sure that you don’t get left behind.

    The remaining diesel running days for 2021 will be as follows (both are Saturdays):

    • 21 August        (Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!)
    • 25 September  (‘Hymek’ D7018, with extension to Norton Fitzwarren)

     

         

    Please try to support these diesel running days as a way of showing your support for running diesels on the WSR. Thanks !

     

    IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRAFFIC WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the timetable for which has not yet been released but promises to be diesel-action-packed on both days. This event will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have firm details. Meanwhile, mark the date in you diary and buy a ticket using the link below !

     

    If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Here are the links:

    BL: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-bl2.htm

    CH: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-ch1.htm

    WN: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-wn2.htm

    BA: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-ba1.htm

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

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

     

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 01-Aug-21

    Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7018 runs through Williton non-stop en route from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster on Saturday 31st July 2021 as sister ‘Hymek’ D7017, Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 and BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) look on with envy. Webcam image courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR ©

     

    Saturday 31st saw another successful day out on the WSR with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 hauling an excursion service between Bishops Lydeard and Dunster. Although passenger loading was lighter than the previous week, the service still made a positive contribution to both the WSR and DEPG funds, so a big THANK YOU to all who bought a ticket and rode the train.

    Extension to Norton Fitzwarren was not possible on the 31st July because a steam loco had arrived from Southall in preparation for a mainline run from Taunton on the following day. The visiting loco had to occupy the Norton Fitzwarren section to turn around and take on coal, so that whole section of line was unavailable to us. However, on Saturday 7th August, we are going to be extending through to Norton Fitzwarren and tickets have been selling well, so BUY YOUR TICKET NOW !

    Here’s some photos from the day and there are more on our Twitter and Facebook pages (these are links to public pages so you don’t need a Twitter of Facebook account to view them):

     

    D7018 at the platform at Williton, preparing to depart to Bishops Lydeard on the morning of 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D7018 waits at Blue Anchor on 31st July 2021 as BR(WR) 4-6-0 7822 ‘FOXCOTE MANOR’ approaches tender-first from Dunster. Webcam image courtesy of Railcam UK, the WSR and the WSHRT ©

     

    With her engine running after taking some ‘exercise’ in the South Yard at Williton, D7017 watches her sister D7018 approaching with the return leg of the Dunster excursion on 31st July 2021 with D6566 (33 048) also in view. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D7018 back at Williton and cooling down after another successful day at work on the WSR’s Dunster ‘excursion’ service on the 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Some questions have been raised by our followers and travellers, so this would be a good time to answer those questions:

    Q: Why do we have to disembark at Dunster? It would be great to have some haulage behind Class 03 D2133, even if it is only for a short distance.

    A: The rule book does not allow passengers to be on board when shunting a train. We will raise the possibility of future Class 03 haulage with the WSR and the Gala Planning Team for possible inclusion in a 2022 event. Thanks for your suggestion !

    Q: Why did the service on 31st July end after returning from Dunster when it could have included an additional run to Williton and back ?

    A: The timetable has been studied several times to try and find paths for a service extension, but the timings ended up with lengthy waiting periods and a late return to Bishops Lydeard, which would not suit passengers who had onward bus and train connections. We will run to Norton Fitzwarren when we can, and we will be doing so on the 7th August and the 25th September (and probably on 17/18 September as well).

    If you have a question, please email me or fill in the contact form on our website. Thanks !

    Please help us and help the WSR make these diesel-hauled services a success by buying a ticket to ride !

     

     

    OTHER LOCO NEWS:

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – after clocking up 50 hours of use during her first few weeks at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, we have been advised that this loco is booked as traction for public services on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of August, so we hope to be able to share some photos of this running soon. Well done D9526 !

    Williton-based Class 14 D9526 preparing to haul a mixed rake of coaches both old and older on the K&ESR in July 2021. Photo via K&ESR Operating Department Twitter account

     

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ remains at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Last week, we prepared the loco for a possible rail move, but we have now been advised that the loco will probably be moving by road. We do not have the date or route information yet, but when we do, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.

    47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ stabled in the bay platform at Bishops Lydeard on 31st July 2021 in the company of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057). Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – many thanks to all who have contributed to the appeal for funds to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010 – we are very appreciative of your support. We have had a great start, but we have a long way to go, so please keep the funds rolling in !

    In parallel with the work on the bodysides, our volunteers have started assessing the amount of work required to repair the loco cabs as this is the area that has suffered the worst of the corrosion. The route indicator boxes and sandbox filler trims were removed last week and the side access panels have been removed this weekend, allowing a closer inspection to take place.

    Headcode boxes removed from D1010 for restoration at Williton on 25th July 2021. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Gordon removing the hinges of one of the cab underfloor access panels on D1010 on 25th July 2021. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Multiple layers of different coloured paint on D1010 tell a 59-year story at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Perforation corrosion around the sandbox filler port of D1010 at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Corrosion of the internal cab frame is visible through the access panel at ‘B’ end of D1010 at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

    After selecting a donation link, you will be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you are able to donate. Please remember to add the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D1010 Restoration Appeal !

    In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. 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 return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    While on the subject of ‘Westerns’, take a look at these pictures of a new product release by MASTERPIECE MODELS. These highly detailed ‘O’ gauge models were brought to our attention by Bob Meanley, whom we would normally associate with his preservation work on Tyseley’s ‘Halls’ and ‘Castles’ …. could it be that he has a soft spot for ‘Westerns’ ?

    Fantastic models, well done to Masterpiece Models and thanks to Bob for bringing them to our attention.

     

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton and is fully operational and available for standby duty. DATE FOR YOUR DIARY – our two ‘Cromptons’ will be working an ‘excursion’ special on Saturday 21st August in top-and-tail mode to celebrate their 60th birthdays !

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – no change – this loco is outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations and will be working with D6566 (33 048) on the special on 21st August.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting to replace the weak leaf spring. The opportunity was taken to start her up on 31st July 2021 and give her some ‘exercise’ in the confines of the South Yard at Williton. The passengers on the ‘Hymek’-hauled ‘excursion’ had the additional treat of two helpings of ‘Maybach Music’ as the locos passed at Williton.

    Two ‘Hymek’ sisters D7017 and D7018 pass at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – we are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund have had a great start and that we are now able to fund the re-installation of the springs, hornguides and wheels. This specialised riveting and alignment work will be performed by WSR Restorations at the Swindon Shed, Williton.

    We intend to raise £10,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

    After selecting a donation link, you will be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you are able to donate. Please remember to add the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D9518 Restoration Appeal !

    Here’s some photos of last week’s progress on this loco:

    Colin F hard at work on battery box components at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The rebuilt battery box for D9518 takes shape at Williton on 31st July 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ 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 return D9518 to operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!

     

    Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.

     

    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 – we deviate from the usual style of book review to say CONGRATULATIONSto well-known railway author BERNARD MILLS on the occasion of his retirement from railway service at Newton Abbot station after more than 56 years ! What a fantastic achievement !

    Bernard was unable to attend his retirement party because of having to isolate at home in advance of carpal tunnel surgery, but his cake was delivered to him and it appears to be quite appropriately decorated !

    We have several of Bernard’s titles waiting to be added to our PRE-OWNED BOOKS category on our online store. All such books have been donated by members and supporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund. Please reply to this email or use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate. We welcome your donations!

     

     

    ON SHED: picking up on photos of Didcot Railway Centre that we featured a few weeks ago, we have now received several photos from readers who captured our ‘Hymek’ D7018 on film while she was undergoing restoration at Didcot in the 1980s. Here are the pictures:

    D7018 at Didcot in early blue livery with small yellow warning panels. The loco only carried this livery in preservation between 1978 and 1985. Photo by Alistair Allen © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D7018 at Didcot in April 1986 in a reprise of the original livery that she carried for the first few weeks of 1962 before acquiring the small yellow warning panel. Photo by Neil Carr © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D7018 undergoing radiator grille repairs while at Didcot, with D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ in green livery standing behind. The headcode 3B22 was probably set by members of the GWR 2-8-0 number 3822 preservation group to advertise their presence nearby! Photo taken on 5th June 1986 by Neil Carr © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Many thanks to Alistair and Neil for sharing their photos with us all. We welcome all contributions of photos or stories and we will try to include them when we can.

     

     

    DEPG NEWS: Following the success of the first two runs of ‘Hymek’ D7018, we can now focus on selling tickets for the third run, which takes place this coming Saturday 7th August.

    A reminder of the running days follows (all are Saturdays):

    • 07 August        – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren
    • 21 August        – Crompton pair, top and tail, celebrating their 60th birthdays!
    • 25 September  – ‘Hymek’ D7018, with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren

     

    The ticketing links for these services are as below (these are links to the WSR website):

    IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, we have been advised that our diesels will be in use for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on 17-18 September, the timetable for which has not yet been released. This new running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line. We will send out a DIESELGEN bulletin as soon as we have timetable details. Mark the date in you diary !

     

     

    OTHER DEPG NEWS: August is approaching and all members need to have their memberships up to date in order to be eligible to vote at the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM). Please renew your membership online by clicking this link.

    As a REMINDER – the date for the next AGM is set for the afternoon of Saturday 4th September. Formal notices will be sent to all registered paid-up members during the coming week.

     

     

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

     

     

    WSR NEWS: The WSR are now operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!

    The trespass notice positioned just beyond Dunster station dates back to the times of the ‘Railway Executive’ of the British Transport Commission that took control of the railways following the Transport Act of 1947. Minehead can be seen in the distance as the ‘shunt release’ takes place for the return journey to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Derek Thompson © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !

    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.

     

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