Monthly Archives: May 2022

  • Weekly Roundup – 22-May-22

    The DTG’s unique Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568 is pictured at Highley station on the Severn Valley Railway on 19th May 2022 with a rake of vintage GWR coaches. Photo by Steve Hampton © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The Diesel Traction Group’s (DTG) unique surviving Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568 was in fine form during the Severn Valley Railway’s Spring Diesel Festival that took place last week, the loco being used on a shuttle service between Kidderminster and Bewdley in top-and-tail mode with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9551 at the other end of the train. Both locos are ‘centre cab’ designs, but the much larger ‘Clayton’ is a 900 HP twin-engined diesel-electric machine that was designed to overcome the issue of restricted forward visibility that affected the earlier ‘Type 1’ long-bonnet designs of Classes 15, 16 and 20. The ‘Claytons’ certainly addressed that issue with their low bonnet lines and their big windows.

    The only survivor from a class of 117 examples, this loco will be headlining at the WSR’s ‘SIXTIES DIESEL GALA’ that will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022 and this will be the very first time that this locomotive class will have run on the Minehead branch, so we look forward to enjoying a real treat !

    In addition to the ‘Clayton’, one more visiting locomotive is ‘in the frame’ and details will be announced as soon as the hire contract has been finalised. Add the two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the two Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ of our home fleet and this will make a very interesting lineup. The timetables are being adjusted to maximise the riding mileage available, and will be announced by the WSR and via DIESELGEN as soon as possible.

     

    Another loco making the news is the Western Locomotive Association’s (WLA’s) Class 52 D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’ in her temporary guise as D1040 ‘WESTERN QUEEN’ to mark the 70th Jubilee of HM Queen Elizabeth II. This splendid loco will run as D1040 for the remainder of this season. The headcode 1M64 is that of a Class 1 (express passenger) working from the Western Region to the Midland Region – can anyone provide details on the specific working?

    The WLA’s Class 52 D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’ running as D1040 ‘WESTERN QUEEN’ was pictured at Bridgnorth on the Severn Valley Railway on Sunday 22nd May 2022. Photo by DEPG member Paul Mear © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Back on our home turf, the WSR’s ‘SIXTIES DIESEL GALA’ is fast approaching and both of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 are undergoing attention to final details to prepare them for service. During the last weekend, D7017 moved inside the loco shed so that she could get a fresh coat of varnish to lift her tired paintwork and make her ‘look the part’ for her 60th year. The loco will need attention to some small areas of corrosion in advance of her next full repaint, but for this year, it was a case of a quick tidy-up and a focus on completion of remedial work associated with her recent bogie spring replacement. The two 60-year-olds made a fine sight in the sunshine, together again on number 1 road at Williton:

    Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 are being prepared for service at Williton. D7017 has just received a fresh coat of varnish and this has made a tremendous difference to her appearance – thank you Graham ! Pictured on Sunday 22nd May 2022 by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On Saturday 21st May 2022, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) hauled the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service as planned but remained attached to the ‘Taunton’ end when the train arrived at Bishops Lydeard. This was to allow sister loco D6575 (33 057) to take over the diagram for the rest of the day and again on Sunday. The reason for the switch was to allow D6566 to return to Williton for attention to a minor water leak that had been identified by a crew member on a previous working. The loco travelled back to Williton on the tail end of the 12:30 departure from Bishops Lydeard. The issue has now been resolved by Ian and Paul and both locos are available for service.

    It was great to see Stuart Nelhams (now General Manager of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway) back in charge of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) with DEPG and WSR volunteer Chris Lawton as secondman, pictured during the Williton station stop on Sunday 22nd May 2022 while working the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard 80-mile diagram. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DIESEL RUNNING DATES – the table of dates that we shared last week contained an error because the WSR have planned a full steam service for Sunday 19th June because it will be Father’s Day. The table below has been updated accordingly and we will be sending out a DIESELGEN bulletin to provide more details ASAP. Here’s the allocation for the coming months:

    Date Timetable Loco type Mileage available
    Saturday 14th May Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles – D6566 – completed
    Sunday 15th May  Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles – D6566 – completed
    Saturday 21st May Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 20 miles D6566, 60 miles D6575 completed
    Sunday 22nd May  Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles – D6575 – completed
    Thursday 9th June DIESEL GALA Home fleet plus visitor(s) Norton Fitzwarren extension
    Friday 10th June DIESEL GALA Home fleet plus visitor(s) Norton Fitzwarren extension
    Saturday 11th June DIESEL GALA Home fleet plus visitor(s) Norton Fitzwarren extension
    Sunday 12th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ or visitor 80 miles
    Saturday 18th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ or visitor 80 miles
    Sunday 19th June Blue No diesels rostered All services steam-hauled (Father’s Day)
    Saturday 25th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ or visitor 80 miles
    Sunday 26th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ or visitor 80 miles
    Saturday 2nd July Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Sunday 3rd July Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Saturday 9th July Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Sunday 10th July Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Saturday 16th July Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Sunday 17th July Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Saturday 23rd July Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Sunday 24th July Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Saturday 30th July Yellow No diesels rostered All services steam-hauled
    Sunday 31st July Blue No diesels rostered All services steam-hauled
    Saturday 3rd Sept Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Sunday 4th Sept Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Saturday 17th Sept Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Sunday 18th Sept Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Saturday 24th Sept Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Sunday 25th Sept Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles

    The usual caveats of loco availability apply, but we will be aiming to deliver the above program of running with the locos indicated and we will provide as much advance notice of any change as possible, using our DIESELGEN and Twitter feeds, so please sign up to keep up to date.

     

    FAST APPROACHING – the WSR’s 2022 DIESEL GALA will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022. We will be opening our depot to the public on these special event days.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER is still running and WE NEED YOUR HELP, so click on the images below for an update of fundraising status or to make a donation. Your support is essential to help us maintain the pace of the restoration programme and get this majestic loco back into service as quickly as possible!

    The need to get ‘Hymek’ D7017 under cover for her varnish top coat presented an opportunity to get D1010 out of the loco shed and into the sunshine. Here’s some photos showing the progress made during the last week:

    D1010 – the ‘B’ end of the loco has progressed very well and attention is now being given to the surface finish by Roy and Bob so that the undercoat layer can be applied. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) can also be seen in this picture, taken at Williton on Saturday 21st May 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – a closer look at the ‘B’ end of the loco shows that the welding work has been completed and Roy is now able to concentrate on the paintwork. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st May 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – meanwhile, at the ‘A’ end of the loco, this view shows a series of re-purposed steel patches totalling eleven feet (3.3m) in length, all resulting from the corrosion caused by rain water ingress that accumulates on the deck plate when the loco is stored outdoors and not in regular use. The patches had to be applied in small sections and include plug-welds because the skin of the loco forms part of the load-bearing structure and it cannot be simply cut open and seam welded around the edges. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st May 2022 by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    To support the work that is progressing in multiple areas on D1010, we launched our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER by offering ‘SPONSOR A PATCH’ where you can donate in support of the bodywork repairs that are taking place on D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED ON THE SPONSORED PATCH or PART.

    For the sum of £25, this scheme offers you a chance to sponsor the restoration of this much-loved locomotive, with your personal contribution being recorded and documented on a set of drawings that will be made available at our Williton depot on running days and open days. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, a unique reference number will be allocated and engraved instead.

    See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

    NOTE: EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY DONATED £25 OR MORE SINCE JULY 2021 WILL BE RECOGNISED and will be allocated an appropriate area on one of the patches or parts that have already been applied to the loco. Donations of smaller sums that accumulate to £25 are also eligible, so donate what you can when you can, and we will keep track of your total donations. Use our CONTACT FORM if you want to register your previous donations to D1010 for this campaign.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was in action for the first leg of the 10:00 Minehead diagram under the blue timetable as per our recent DIESELGEN bulletin but handed over to sister loco D6575 (33 057) for the rest of the diagram so that she could return to Williton for a repair to a minor coolant leak. The issue was resolved within a matter of hours and the loco was made ready to take up her new duty as standby locomotive.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) worked the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service on Saturday 21st May 2022 before handing over to sister loco D6575 (33 057) and tagging along for the ride back to Williton where the loco was detached from the rear of the train. The loco then made her way to the South Yard and is pictured receiving attention to a coolant leak. The minor repairs were completed by Ian and Paul within a matter of hours and the loco was again made available for service. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently based at Minehead and is available for use as required.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is now gleaming again, thanks to a fresh coat of varnish that has been applied by Graham. There are a few small tasks remaining to be completed, after which the loco will be ready to be returned to service. We are looking forward to seeing her back in action during the Diesel Gala that takes place between 9th and 11th June.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – with all of our attention having been diverted onto other things during the past few weeks, the decision was taken to leave the transmission of this loco locked in second gear for the immediate future, to ensure that she is available for the Diesel Gala and beyond. This loco operated in second gear for the whole of the 2021 season without difficulty, although it will mean that the power controller may need to be opened up a bit more to maintain timings with a 6-coach load. This should result in plenty of ‘Maybach Music’ to accompany her efforts !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – more new parts have been sourced to assist with the restoration of this loco, the latest acquisitions being a new set of steel pins and collars for the brake rigging, machined by Yeovil-based VGG Group and paid for by donations to the D9518 Restoration Fund. Thank you to all who have been donating to support the work being done on this loco !

    D9518 – a set of new brake pins and collars have been machined by Yeovil-based VGG Group to complete the brake rigging on this loco, paid for by donations to the D9518 Restoration Fund. The good quality work and the excellent turnaround time tells us that we have found another good supplier that we can use for other parts in the future. One of the ‘old parts’ is shown in the foreground for reference. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 17th May 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the BR-Swindon drawings for the brake pins and collars were regenerated in CAD by chartered mechanical engineer and DEPG volunteer Paul Clark © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – The two reconditioned Reavell exhausters that create the vacuum for the train braking system were retrieved from storage and are undergoing a re-paint before installing them onto the loco frames. Click here for a very interesting story of engineering work that was performed by Terry Deacon with materials specialist TENMAT during the restoration work on these machines. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st May 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – The engine-driven (via the transmission) 110 VDC auxillary generator was retrieved from storage and is ready to be re-installed onto the loco frames. This machine was completely reconditioned by well-known firm BOWERS ELECTRICAL, in Heanor, Derbyshire. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st May 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. 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 full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco continues to be in regular use on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. The latest news is that loco continues to perform well and is being looked after by the Class 14 experts at the railway in addition to the periodic visits from our own Class 14 team leader Simon. We hope to include some photographs of this loco soon.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is currently stabled at Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and is expected to move to Grosmont during the coming week to enter the loco works for completion of some overhaul tasks, including the replacement of the ‘triple pump’ using the spare that has been shipped from Williton to Grosmont.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this very useful locomotive was in use again over the weekend, shunting our locos around so that D7017 could get into the loco shed. Here’s a photo showing the loco in action:

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) was in use again on 21st and 22nd May 2022 and is pictured shunting D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and ‘Hymek’ D7018 into number 1 road at Williton. Photo by Paul Clark © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    If you can help by donating your time, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

     

    BOOK REVIEW – the excellent new 240-page book entitled ‘A Manual for Diesel Locomotive and DMU Drivers‘ by WSR and DEPG volunteer John Leach is selling very well, which is no surprise because it is a very high quality piece of work and is very well produced. It has even been printed in the UK, which is even more good news! This book is available from our stock for the discounted price of £34.95 from our ONLINE STORE. We will be offering this book for sale from both the Williton and Minehead DEPG sales stands at the WSR’s ‘SIXTIES DIESEL GALA’ from Thursday 9th June through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    ON SHED – last week, we featured a photo of a Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8598 that we said had been transferred to the Railway Technical Centre at Derby for use as a mobile generator. This was not the case, as pointed out by long-term DEPG member Neville Sloper who wrote as follows:

    “D8521 was the RTC mobile generator. D8598 was used for in-cab signalling trials on the Styal line, hence it often being seen at Longsight. It was also the test bed for the E70 brake unit, as used in the HST and class 56 and the pipes seen coming from the former tablet catcher recess are actually air brake pipes (the brake pipe is visible on the buffer beam on the Longsight photo).

    Many thanks to Neville for taking the time to set the record straight. We always welcome such feedback, aimed at ensuring the accuracy and reliability of information that we are presenting. As a result, the photo below now has a revised caption:

    This photograph shows Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8598 at Longsight Diesel Depot (Manchester) on 19th January 1975. This loco only worked for seven years before being withdrawn from service at the end of 1971 – but survived until 1979 due to being of some use to the RTC who used it as a test bed for in-cab signalling and for the E70 brake control unit (note the additional pipework emanating from the tablet catcher recess and also on the right hand side of the buffer beam). Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    A new on-shed photo that is highly topical has been provided by well-known heritage railway engineer Bob Meanley and shows another appropriately-named Class 52 ‘Western’, in this case D1064 ‘WESTERN REGENT’ at the Exeter St. Davids ‘stabling point’ (a term that often denotes a place that was formerly a ‘proper’ shed in steam days, but has been downgraded subsequently). The photo was taken from Platform 6 and shows one of the many water columns that were fed from the giant water tank at the south end of the station (off to the left of this picture). The former steam shed (off to the right of the picture) was just a collection of walls by this time, the roof having been removed some time previously. Open countryside and the banks of the River Exe form the background. Many thanks to Bob for sending his photograph to us to share.

    This photograph shows Class 52 D1064 ‘WESTERN REGENT’ at Exeter St. Davids stabling point in July 1968. This loco was built at Crewe and entered service in May 1963, initially based at Cardiff Canton depot. The loco was painted into BR-blue livery in March 1968, just four months prior to this photo being taken. Withdrawal came in December 1975 due to minor accident damage that was deemed beyond economic repair. Photo by Bob Meanley © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DEPG NEWS – the Board will be meeting at Williton at 1030 on the morning of Saturday 28th May so please let me know if you have a question that you would like to have tabled at that meeting.

    The May Newsletter is in the works and is planned for distribution next week. We have a short list of members who have stated that they only want an electronic copy, but all other members will be sent a paper copy. Let me know if you want to go ‘paperless’.

    AN IMPORTANT NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY – the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the DEPG is scheduled to take place on the afternoon of Saturday 3rd September 2022, at Williton. All members will be advised via the forthcoming Newsletter mailing, which will also include a nomination form for board appointments.

     

    WSR NEWS: the next event will be the ‘SIXTIES DIESEL GALA’ that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June when the DEPG facility at Williton will again be open to the public. Please make a plan to come along to this important event in support of both the WSR and the DEPG. Timetables for this gala have not yet been published but are expected very soon and will be shared via our DIESELGEN email bulletin service.

    The timetables and the dates for the 2022 special events are as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 15-May-22

    We have just had confirmation that the Diesel Traction Group’s (DTG) unique surviving Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568 will be attending at the WSR’s ‘SIXTIES DIESEL GALA’ that will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022. This will be the very first time that this rare beast has visited the WSR and we look forward to the unique sight and sound of this twin-engined diesel-electric machine as she tackles the significant gradients along the line.

    In addition to the ‘Clayton’, one more visiting locomotive is ‘in the frame’ and details will be announced as soon as the hire contract has been finalised. Add the two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the two Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ of our home fleet and this will make a very interesting lineup. The timetables are being adjusted to maximise the riding mileage available, and will be announced by the WSR and via DIESELGEN as soon as possible.

     

    Also making the news this week …

    … is the long-awaited publication of a 240-page book by DEPG driver and WSR Diesel Traction Inspection JOHN LEACH, the contents of which will be fascinating to heritage diesel lovers as well as footplate crew. This book is the culmination of many years of hard work and preparation and we hope that it becomes essential reading for all with a detailed interest in heritage diesel traction.

     

    Here’s what John has to say about his new book:

         “The book is 240 pages long, hard back and in A4 format. It includes 87 diagrams, 39 tables and many photos, particularly of loco parts. Very roughly, it is a balance of 50/50 traction and the other knowledge required by a Driver. Please note that it is a manual for Drivers, and does not convey the depth of knowledge required by fitters, although there are cross references to other works (such as the BR manual ‘Diesel Traction’, 1962) for those requiring much deeper information. My own work is technical, but is a step down from ‘Diesel Traction’, with many of the diagrams being illustrative rather than technically correct, as I have tried to illustrate the basic working of various pieces of equipment. It is entitled ‘A manual for diesel loco and DMU drivers’.”

    John’s new book is available for £34.95 from our DEPG online store by clicking on the image or on this link.

     

    John is well known throughout the DEPG and WSR for his in-depth training courses for diesel footplate crew. He is highly knowledgeable and keen to teach others, so it is not surprising that this is what his publisher, Platform 5, had to say:

         “This book focuses on the role and duties of heritage railway diesel drivers and secondmen, but contains little that should not be comprehensible to anyone with an interest in diesel traction and footplate matters.

         The author is a fifth-generation railwayman who began his footplate career in 1970 and is now a diesel driver and traction inspector at the West Somerset Railway. Of the book, he writes, “It is the standard of knowledge that was required of me by BR, and that which I now seek to pass on to others”.”

    We wish John every success with his new book !

     

    DEPG driver John Leach and secondman Terry Deacon were in charge of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048), pictured in the sunshine during the Williton station stop on Saturday 14th May 2022 while working the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DIESEL RUNNING DATES – we are now able to confirm further loco allocations for the diesel running days and we will be sending out a DIESELGEN bulletin to provide more details later this week. Here’s the allocation for the next coming months:

    Date Timetable Loco type Mileage available
    Saturday 14th May Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles – D6566 – completed
    Sunday 15th May  Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles – D6566 – completed
    Saturday 21st May Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Sunday 22nd May  Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Thursday 9th June DIESEL GALA Home fleet plus visitor(s) Norton Fitzwarren extension
    Friday 10th June DIESEL GALA Home fleet plus visitor(s) Norton Fitzwarren extension
    Saturday 11th June DIESEL GALA Home fleet plus visitor(s) Norton Fitzwarren extension
    Sunday 12th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ or visitor 80 miles
    Saturday 18th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ or visitor 80 miles
    Sunday 19th June Blue No diesels rostered All steam (Fathers Day)
    Saturday 25th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ or visitor 80 miles
    Sunday 26th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ or visitor 80 miles
    Saturday 2nd July Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Sunday 3rd July Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Saturday 9th July Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Sunday 10th July Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Saturday 16th July Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Sunday 17th July Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Saturday 23rd July Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Sunday 24th July Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Saturday 30th July Yellow No diesels rostered All services steam-hauled
    Sunday 31st July Blue No diesels rostered All services steam-hauled
    Saturday 3rd Sept Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Sunday 4th Sept Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Saturday 17th Sept Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Sunday 18th Sept Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Saturday 24th Sept Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Sunday 25th Sept Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles

    The usual caveats of loco availability apply, but we will be aiming to deliver the above program of running with the locos indicated and we will provide as much advance notice of any change as possible, using our DIESELGEN and Twitter feeds, so sign up to keep up to date.

     

    SOME VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 DIESEL GALA will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022. We will be opening our depot to the public on these special event days.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER is still running and WE NEED YOUR HELP, so click on the images below for an update of fundraising status or to make a donation. It all adds up, that’s for sure!

     

    The heavier nature of the repairs required at ‘A’ end can be seen in this series of four photographs that were provided by DEPG volunteer (and master of the art of welding, amongst many other talents) Colin Foxhall, and it goes without saying that we are very grateful for his contribution to the restoration of D1010. Here goes:

    D1010 – the ‘A’ end of the loco has corroded to a greater extent than the ‘B’ end so the repairs are more invasive and require more metal to be removed so that the underlying structure can be rebuilt with sufficient strength. Pictured at Williton on Monday 9th May 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – each section supports another, so it is important to build up from the solid metal of the buffer beam and then restore the sub-structure before adding the skin. More patches that need sponsoring ! Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 10th May 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – trial-fitting a piece of sheet steel that has been formed and shaped in three dimensions. There’s no flat sheet metal parts on a ‘Western’ ! Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 10th May 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – job done ! The corner of ‘A’ end on ‘A’ side has now been repaired and the rigidity has been restored, along with the curves that are characteristic of a ‘Western’. More excellent work by DEPG volunteer Colin and his assistants Geoff and Tim. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 10th May 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On Saturday, Brian continued his work on the battery compartment doors, some of which have been repaired in the past so just need cleaning and painitng, and other that have rusted through and will need to be removed for repair on the bench. There are eight doors, four on each side of the loco, and they are quite substantial in construction to cope with the weight of the batteries, which have to be pulled out for periodic maintenance or replacement:

    D1010 – two of the eight battery compartment doors were opened up for attention at Williton on Saturday 14th May 2022. The doors, hinges and stays are strong enough to carry the full weight of the batteries, visible in their black plastic carriers in the upper right quadrant of the picture. Photo by Brian Litherland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    To support the work that is progressing in multiple areas on D1010, we launched our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER by offering ‘SPONSOR A PATCH’ where you can donate in support of the bodywork repairs that are taking place on D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED ON THE SPONSORED PATCH or PART.

    For the sum of £25, this scheme offers you a chance to sponsor the restoration of this much-loved locomotive, with your personal contribution being recorded and documented on a set of drawings that will be made available at our Williton depot on running days and open days. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, a unique reference number will be allocated and engraved instead.

    See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

    NOTE: EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY DONATED £25 OR MORE SINCE JULY 2021 WILL BE RECOGNISED and will be allocated an appropriate area on one of the patches or parts that have already been applied to the loco. Donations of smaller sums that accumulate to £25 are also eligible, so donate what you can when you can, and we will keep track of your total donations. Use our CONTACT FORM if you want to register your previous donations to D1010 for this campaign.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was in action for both days of the weekend on the 10:00 Minehead diagram under the blue timetable as per our recent DIESELGEN bulletin.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) covered the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard workings on both days of the weekend and is pictured on Sunday 15th May 2022 on the first return leg of the 80-mile diagram, leaving Bishops Lydeard just after a shower had passed through. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    ADVANCE INFORMATION – the 10:00 Minehead diagram will again be hauled by one of the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ on Sat/Sun 21/22 May. The BLUE TIMETABLE offers 80 miles of diesel-haulage with two return trips starting at Minehead. Keep up to date about future diesel running via DIESELGEN.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is available for use as required.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is now receiving attention for a fairly short list of tasks that need to be dealt with before she can be returned to service. This loco will swap places with D1010 for the weekend of 21/22 May and go into the loco shed so that her paintwork can be cleaned and varnished in time for the Diesel Gala that takes place between 9th and 11th June.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – an engine run was performed on Saturday 14th May 2022 to ensure that all of her systems were functional. There is a short list of tasks that need to be completed to get this loco ready for service, so she will be the focus of attention in the coming weeks.

    The loco was being used for target practice by the local seagull population, so sales team volunteer Mark took pity on her and treated her to a thorough wash-and-brush-up, and also provided us with the following photograph. Mark – many thanks for doing such a great job !

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 had attracted the ‘wrong kind of attention’ from the seagulls, so volunteer Mark used his day off as an opportunity to bring the loco back up to her usual sparkling-clean condition. Pictured at Williton on Monday 9th May 2022 by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continues behind the scenes on the many small parts that need to be restored or replaced to allow the major assemblies to be re-installed. This week, a pair of new brake return springs were delivered, having been made to the original Swindon drawing and paid for by donations to the D9518 Restoration Fund. Thank you to all who have been donating to support the work being done on this loco !

    D9518 – the two brand new brake return springs that were made to the BR-Swindon drawing by the Tested Spring Company at Tividale in the West Midlands (great service, by the way!) and paid for by donations to the D9518 Restoration Fund. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 14th May 2022 by Simon Purvis © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. 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 full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco continues to be in regular use on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. The latest readings from the meters on the loco show that the loco has been used for 364 hours and has covered 7,408 miles while out on hire in the southeast. This is remarkable and shows how well-suited the ‘Teddy Bear’ is to duties on this line. Well done D9526 !

    As promised a few weeks’ ago, here are the photos from another excellent supplier, ICS Online in Preston, who have reconditioned the ‘spare’ starter motor for D9526 and turned the complete job around in less than two weeks. Fantastic service !

    D9526 – the armature of the spare starter motor had suffered from overheating, so the team at ICS Online performed a thorough reconditoning of the part, restoring it to as-new performance. Photo dated 28th April 2022 by Iain Parker, ICS Online © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9526 – the field coils of the spare starter motor were removed and re-insulated to ensure reliable operation of this 110 V DC machine for many years to come. What an excellent service from the team at ICS Online in Preston. Photo dated 28th April 2022 by Iain Parker, ICS Online © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is currently stabled at Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and is expected to move to Grosmont during the coming week to enter the loco works for completion of some overhaul tasks, including the replacement of the ‘triple pump’ using the spare that has been shipped from Williton to Grosmont. After removal, the worn triple pump will be sent to a specialist firm for complete refurbishment and will become the new spare, and will be stored at Williton.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – no change this week.

     

    If you can help by donating your time, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

    BOOK REVIEW – see article above regarding ‘A Manual for Diesel Locomotive and DMU Drivers‘ by John Leach, available from our ONLINE STORE.

     

    ON SHED – this week, with the news that Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568 will be visiting the WSR, this is a good opportunity to present a photo of another class member that very nearly made it into preservation, after being transferred to the Railway Technical Centre (RTC) at Derby for use as a mobile generator. The loco is D8598, one of the batch that was built by Beyer Peacock in Manchester, to the ‘BR standard Type 1’ design, entering service in August of 1964. Unfortunately, the design was flawed and there was no real effort made to correct the issues, so all 117 locomotives were withdrawn from service by the end of 1971. Some had been cut up when less than four years old, but D8598 managed to avoid the cutting torch until 1979. Only D8568 survived into preservation, by working in industry until 1982, being acquired by our good friends at the DTG in 1983.

    This photograph shows Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8598 at Longsight Diesel Depot on 19th January 1975. This loco only worked for seven years before being withdrawn from service at the end of 1971 – but survived until 1979 due to being of some use to the RTC who used it as a mobile generator (note the additional electrical conduits emanating from the tablet catcher recess near the double arrows logo). Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DEPG NEWS – the station car park at Williton was dominated by twelve vintage Land Rovers on Saturday 14th May 2022 as the Somerset Series 1 Land Rover Club had arranged a visit to Williton depot for a guided tour. The tour lasted nearly three hours during which the group viewed our restoration projects and witnessed the start-up of ‘Hymek’ D7018, before heading off in convoy for a cream tea at Stogumber station. A very useful donation was received as a token of their appreciation !

    Twelve Series 1 (1948 through 1958) Land Rovers gathered at Williton on Saturday 14th May 2022. Pictured in Williton Station car park by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The 3-year lease for Unit 9 Roughmoor Business Centre (adjacent to our Williton depot) has been agreed and the DEPG will take over the unit later this month. This will provide us with sufficient covered and clean working space to allow the further disassembly and subsequent repair of the ‘B’ transmission from D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. The DEPG already leases the adjacent Unit 8 but since the loss of use of the Old Goods Shed at Williton Station, Unit 8 is too crowded to permit further disassembly of the turbine rail.

     

    ANOTHER NOTE FOR YOUR DIARY – the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the DEPG is scheduled to take place on the afternoon of Saturday 3rd September 2022, at Williton. All members will be advised via the forthcoming Newsletter mailing, which will also include a nomination form for board appointments.

     

    WSR NEWS: the next event will be the ‘SIXTIES DIESEL GALA’ that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June when the DEPG facility at Williton will again be open to the public. Please make a plan to come along to this important event in support of both the WSR and the DEPG. Timetables for this gala have not yet been published but are expected very soon and will be shared via our DIESELGEN email bulletin service.

    The timetables and the dates for the 2022 special events are as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

     

    Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

    Go to Depot news

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

  • DIESELGEN – Weekends in May 2022

    BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was stabled at Minehead in the company of BR(W) 0-6-0PT 9466 on Thursday 5th May 2022. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) will haul the 1000 and 1430 departures from Minehead (MD) to Bishops Lydeard (BL) and the 1230 and 1635 return services on Saturday 14th May and Sunday 15th May 2022.

    Also, either D6566 (33 048) or D6575 (33 057) will haul these services on Saturday 21st May and Sunday 22nd May 2022.

     

    The booked departure times for these BLUE TIMETABLE services are as follows:

         Depart MD 1000 arrive BL 1130

         Depart BL 1230 arrive MD 1350

         Depart MD 1430 arrive BL 1555

         Depart BL 1635 arrive MD 1800

     

    Other services are also scheduled – see the WSR timetable page for details. Please do try and come along to enjoy a ride on the WSR behind a 1961-vintage BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ !

     

    ADVANCE INFORMATION – the 1000 MD diagram (as above) will be hauled by one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ on Sunday 12th June, Sat/Sun 18/19 June and again on Sat/Sun 25/26 June. Dates in July, August and September will be announced in a separate DIESELGEN post.

     

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Here are the links:

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

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

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

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

    Seaward Way : http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-md2.htm

    Minehead : http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-md1.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.

     

    Social media channels:

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  • Weekly Roundup – 08-May-22

    The DEPG sales stand was back in action on all four days of the Spring Steam Gala, but Chris had a prior engagement for the Saturday (something to do with a ‘Deltic’ …) so DEPG member Mark Ireland volunteered to man the stand and has now been inducted to the sales team. That will teach him. Well done Mark ! Pictured on Saturday 7th May 2022 at Williton by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The DEPG opened our Williton depot to the public on all four days of the WSR’s SPRING STEAM GALA (Thursday 5th through Sunday 8th May) and attendance was good (the busiest days being Thursday and Saturday) and the event resulted in sales and donations totalling close to £500 – which is not bad at all for a STEAM gala !

    Donations were boosted by the guided tours that were provided by Leroy (on all four days – thank you Leroy !) and also by Terry, and our visitors were impressed by the obvious progress on both D1010 and D9518. The dual attractions of locomotives under heavy overhaul and the Model Railways sales stand operated by Rod Saunders worked very well and is a recipe that we will be offering at the Diesel Gala as well. Many thanks to all who worked so hard to make the event such a success !

    The model railway sales stand was very well patronised and brought additional visitors into our diesel depot. Similarly, most of the visitors wanting to see our locos were also attracted by the wide range of models being offered by Rod Saunders (above, centre), so it was a win-win combination. Pictured on Saturday 7th May 2022 at Williton by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DIESEL RUNNING DATES – We are now able to confirm the loco allocations for the diesel running days and we will be sending out a DIESELGEN bulletin to provide more details later this week. Here’s the allocation for the next few weekends:

    Date Timetable Loco type Mileage available
    Saturday 14th May Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Sunday 15th May  Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Saturday 21st May Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Sunday 22nd May  Blue Class 33 ‘Crompton’ 80 miles
    Thursday 9th June DIESEL GALA Home fleet plus visitor(s) Norton Fitzwarren extension
    Friday 10th June DIESEL GALA Home fleet plus visitor(s) Norton Fitzwarren extension
    Saturday 11th June DIESEL GALA Home fleet plus visitor(s) Norton Fitzwarren extension
    Sunday 12th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ or visitor 80 miles
    Saturday 18th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles
    Sunday 19th June Blue Class 35 ‘Hymek’ 80 miles

    The usual caveats of loco availability apply, but we will be aiming to deliver the above program of running with the locos indicated and we will provide as much advance notice of any change as possible, using our DIESELGEN and Twitter feeds, so sign up to keep up to date.

     

    SOME VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 DIESEL GALA will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022. We will be opening our depot to the public on these special event days.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER has been boosted by the recent raffle income and by donations made at the events of the last two weekends, but we are still some way from our target so WE NEED YOUR HELP ! Click on the images below for an update of fundraising status or to make a donation. It all helps, that’s for sure!

    We were unable to work on the loco during the gala weekend so our team worked mid-week to make sure that the work progressed on the ‘A’ side at the ‘A’ end of the loco (nearest the main doors). As mentioned last week, the ‘A’ end needs a more invasive form of repair compared to the ‘B’ end, so progress will take the form of stops and starts as larger tasks are tackled. Here’s some photos of the work that was completed last week:

    D1010 – repairs around the driver’s door handrail mounts at ‘A’ end have now been completed except for the area shown in the yellow circle – this area will be opened up and repaired in the very near future. More patches that need sponsoring ! Pictured at Williton on Wednesday 4th May 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the ‘skin’ around the leading sandbox porthole at the ‘A’ end has been extensively repaired, so much so that only one of the 10 mounting holes for the cast aluminium frame remains. The other nine holes have been marked and now need to be drilled ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 7th May by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    To support the work that is progressing in multiple areas on D1010, we launched our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER by offering ‘SPONSOR A PATCH’ where you can donate in support of the bodywork repairs that are taking place on D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED ON THE SPONSORED PATCH or PART.

    For the sum of £25, this scheme offers you a chance to sponsor the restoration of this much-loved locomotive, with your personal contribution being recorded and documented on a set of drawings that will be made available at our Williton depot on running days and open days. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, a unique reference number will be allocated and engraved instead.

    See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

     

    NOTE: EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY DONATED £25 OR MORE SINCE JULY 2021 WILL BE RECOGNISED and will be allocated an appropriate area on one of the patches or parts that have already been applied to the loco. Donations of smaller sums that accumulate to £25 are also eligible, so donate what you can when you can, and we will keep track of your total donations. Use our CONTACT FORM if you want to register your previous donations to D1010 for this campaign.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now outstationed at Minehead and is rostered for use this coming weekend under the blue timetable as per our recent DIESELGEN bulletin.

    ADVANCE INFORMATION – the 10:00 Minehead diagram will be hauled by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) on Sat/Sun 14/15 May and 21/22 May. The BLUE TIMETABLE offers 80 miles of diesel-haulage with two return trips starting at Minehead. Keep up to date about future diesel running via DIESELGEN.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) is now outstationed at Minehead to cover the weekend workings that originate at Minehead. This loco is booked to work the 10:00 departure for two return trips (80 miles) on each day of the next two weekends. Pictured on Thursday 5th May 2022 at Minehead in the company of BR(W) 0-6-0PT 9466 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and was treated to an ‘A’ exam on Saturday by Ian and Tom, and they also took the opportunity to replace the vinyl numerals that had conveniently decided to peel themselves off. This was only convenient because they were the wrong font and needed to be replaced by the authentic font anyway, as can be seen from the picture below:

    BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was treated to a new set of ‘proper’ numerals on Sunday 8th May 2022 after her corporate-era ‘Rail Alphabet‘ font numerals decided to detach themselves from the loco ! © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is now receiving attention for a fairly short list of tasks that need to be dealt with before she can be returned to service. The plan is well under way to get the loco into a presentable external condition in time for the Diesel Gala that takes place between 9th and 11th June.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 received attention from Graham’s paintbrush with a coat of varnish that will get her through the season in style. This loco will be subjected to a full repaint next year, after attention to some small areas of corrosion. Pictured at Williton on 8th May 2022 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Beyer Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017’s faded paintwork will take on a new appearance after a careful clean followed by a coat of varnish. The larger areas need to wait until the loco is under cover and free from airborne dust. There are some small areas of corrosion that will just have to be varnished over for this season. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 8th May by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco was open to the public at Williton for all four days of the Steam Gala, proudly showing off her Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD870 V16 engine while basking in the sunshine. Here’s a picture:

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was open to the public on all four days of the steam gala and received plenty of attention. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 7th May by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – activities at Williton were restricted by the need to open the depot to the public, but Terry and Andy P continued working on the fuel system pipework and fittings. Here’s some photographs to show what has been happening on this loco:

    D9518 – the non-return valve of the bulk fuel filler port had become stuck after so many years out of use, so it was removed by Andy P for attention and was soon sorted out and readied for re-installation. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 7th May 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the repaired bulk fuel filler port was re-fitted to the loco by Andy P at Williton on Saturday 7th May 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – a view of the rolling chassis as it gradually acquires the many components that are needed to restore it to working order. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 8th May 2022 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the heat exchanger for the hydraulic transmission fluid has now been re-connected. It sits between the two red supports that will eventually carry the exhausters. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 7th May 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. 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 full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco continues to be in regular use on the Kent & East Sussex Railway.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is currently stabled at Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and is expected to move to Grosmont during the coming week to enter the loco works for completion of some overhaul tasks, including the replacement of the ‘triple pump’ using the spare that has been prepared for shipment from Williton to Grosmont:

    The spare ‘triple pump’ for Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ has been wrapped up and is ready for the 300-mile journey to Grosmont for installation into the loco. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 7th May 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – no change this week.

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) was in the yard at Williton and her new bronze green paintwork was available for viewing throughout the steam gala. Pictured along with fellow diesel-hydraulics (L-R) D7017, D7018 and D1010 on Sunday 8th May by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    If you can help by donating your time, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

     

    BOOK REVIEW – this week, we have a book review from regular contributor and DEPG member Neale Long, covering Part Two of the Book Law Publications title ‘BR Early Diesels in Colour‘ as follows:

    BR Early Diesels in Colour – Part Two – TOPS Classes 37 to 55 published by Book Law Publications

         “This is the accompanying volume to ‘Part One – TOPS Classes 01 to 35’ published earlier this year. Using the same format at Part One, this second volume continues its survey of all early BR diesels, with another gorgeous collection of full colour images, which like the previous volume does full justice to the subject matter. This second volume covers classes 37, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 50, 52, 53 & 55 and various designs that did not receive any TOPS classification such as various shunters built by North British, Ruston & Hornsby, Hunslet and Barclay; the prototype ‘DELTIC’ and the SR 1-Co-Co-1. The volume ends with some truly spectacular views over the more scenic lines in the North of England with the Settle & Carlisle and Oxenholme to Shap featuring classes 17, 25, 28, 37, 40, 47 and 50.

         Book Law publishing have continued their good work in this second volume full of sumptuous colour images of many much-loved classes, the vast majority of which have not been published before. With a high standard of reproduction, thoughtful and informative captions, this splendid publication with surely appeal to not only heritage traction enthusiasts in particular, but also to railway historians and modellers who seek to learn more about this fascinating period in Britain’s railway history.

         From the Group’s perspective, the volume covers two classes with which it has a direct involvement, namely classes 47 and 52 and both classes are well covered in this volume. Pride of place must surely go to the superb side profile image of a green livered D1661 ‘NORTH STAR’ traversing the line between Worcester Foregate Street and Worcester Shrub Hill on what one presumes is a Hereford to London service. From the diesel-hydraulic perspective, there are several fascinating images; – namely D601 ‘ARK ROYAL’ at Taunton on the up ‘Mayflower’ and D845 ‘SPRIGHTLY’ and an unidentified sister at Teignmouth on the Paignton to Bradford ‘Devonian’ service.

         Class 52 enthusiasts won’t be disappointed either, with an interesting if somewhat rare image of D1013 ‘WESTERN RANGER’ in maroon with small yellow panels rather that the more common image of her in BR blue. But perhaps the most interesting image is that of a brand new D1058 ‘WESTERN NOBLEMAN’ on a Cardiff-Portsmouth Harbour service at Keynsham, this author at least has never seen a photograph of a Class 52 on one of these services.

         Of the diesel-electrics, again there are so many fascinating views, but the photograph of a class 37 at Cargo Fleet (Teeside) on the inaugural molten metal torpedo train from Middlesborough to Consett is worthy of mention, images of Class 37s with brake tenders in the Northeast similarly so. Great to see an image of a Class 40 at Wiske Moor water troughs, replenishing her boiler water tanks. Enthusiasts of all the generic ‘Peak’ classes will not be disappointed although the original split box locomotives only figure right at the end of the volume but amazingly illustrates a unique yellow warning panel which extends to the one headcode box.

         Overall, this is a beautifully produced volume which is the perfect accompaniment to the excellent Part One in the series. A must for all lovers of heritage traction, this volume can be recommended without hesitation.”

    Many thanks to Neale for this book review.

     

    Another very interesting publication this month is the June edition of RAILWAYS ILLUSTRATED which carries a four-page article on the WESTERN LOCOMOTIVE ASSOCIATION (WLA) as they approach their celebration of 45 years of preservation of their two Class 52 locomotives, D1013 ‘WESTERN RANGER’ and D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’. This article is a credit to the WLA and their achievements and is well worth a read.

     

    ON SHED – this week, we have a rare photo of our very own D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ at Exeter St. Davids, fresh from an engine change and a repaint at Laira depot, being put to work on a Paddington service almost exactly 47 years ago today. This is another shot from Devon-based photographer Barry Gay and we are very grateful to Barry for permission to use his work. The detail that he provides with each of his photographs is amazing. Thank you Barry !

    This photograph shows D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ departing from Exeter St. Davids with the 1A49 12:05 Penzance to Paddington on 11th May 1975. The gleaming loco worked the train from Plymouth, having just emerged from Laira depot with two reconditioned engines and a full repaint. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the most recent Board Meeting has been prepared and will be emailed during the next day or two to all members for whom we hold a valid email address.

    The synopsis will show that the Board has approved the lease of Unit 9 Roughmoor Business Centre (adjacent to our Williton depot) as a means of providing sufficient covered and clean working space to allow the further disassembly and subsequent repair of the ‘B’ transmission from D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. The DEPG already leases the adjacent Unit 8 but since the loss of use of the Old Goods Shed at Williton Station, Unit 8 is too crowded to permit further disassembly of the turbine rail. Indications are that we should be able to move into the additional space later this month.

     

    WSR NEWS: the next event will be the ‘SIXTIES DIESEL GALA’ that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June when the DEPG facility at Williton will again be open to the public. Please make a plan to come along to this important event in support of both the WSR and the DEPG. Timetables for this gala have not yet been published but are expected soon and will be shared via our DIESELGEN email bulletin service.

    The dates for the 2022 special events are as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

     

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 01-May-22

    The DEPG sales stand at the Bristol Model Railway Exhibition, pictured with a ‘potential customer’ browsing through the items …. or perhaps he was really a member of the sales team in a staged photo …. Mark is not telling but Chris is giving the game away ! Pictured on Sunday 1st May 2022 by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The DEPG sales stand at the BRISTOL MODEL RAILWAY EXHIBITION was busy raising funds and attracting new members on all three days of the show, with our sales stand being manned by Chris Shields and Mark Bladwell (on all three days) and Mark Townsend (Sat/Sun) with help from sales stalwarts John Kite and Peter Bamber. Running a sales stand for three days is an endurance test in itself and we are very grateful to our volunteers for giving up so much of their time in support of our locos ! Early indications are that approximately £500 has been added to our funds as a result of this effort, so well done all !

     

    The WSR’s SPRING STEAM GALA will take place next week from Thursday 5th May through Sunday 8th May. The timetables for this event have now been published and can be accessed by clicking this link to the WSR website. New information about visiting locomotives can be found on the news page of wsr.org.uk so keep an eye on this very useful site. Here’s the latest posting on this subject: http://www.wsr.org.uk/news.htm#2519

    The DEPG’s diesel depot at Williton will be open to the public for all four days of the gala and well-known model railway retailer Rod Saunders will have a sales stand offering a wide range of pre-owned models. If you are planning to attend the event, please allow enough time for a visit to Williton.

     

    MORE VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 DIESEL GALA will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022. We will be opening our depot to the public on these special event days.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER is raising the level of awareness of this major project so donations and sponsorships continue to arrive, but at a slower rate as a result of the negative impact of world events. Click on the images below for an update of fundraising status or to make a donation. Every little helps, that’s for sure!

    This week, the focus shifted back to bodyside repairs on the ‘A’ side, which is now easily accessible after the relocation of the loco to the westerly side of the loco shed. The ‘A’ end of the loco has suffered more from corrosion than the ‘B’ end that has already been repaired, and this is probably because the loco had her ‘A’ end rebuilt three times during her first ten years of BR service as a result of collision damage and each repair resulted in additional water traps and additional debris accumulating. With his experience gained from his repairs on the ‘B’ side and ‘B’ end, Colin set to work to remedy this situation as follows:

    D1010 – after peeling back a corroded section of bodyside plating, the extent of the work needed is exposed, then assessed and repairs made to the structural members before patching the ‘skin’. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 26th April 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the ‘skin’ has been patched using steel recovered from the non-standard valances that were fitted to the loco at Merehead back in the 1980s – and the changes of livery that the loco has undergone in preservation are perfectly captured by the multiple layers of paint ! Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 26th April 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – examination of the right hand side of the previous picture shows some ripples that needed investigating – and resulted in more re-skinning as far as the inboard sandbox porthole, again repaired using recovered steel from Merehead days. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 26th April 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – as we move closer to the ‘A’ end of the loco, we expected to find worsening corrosion and we were not disappointed. This is the mounting area for the handrail of the driver’s door at ‘A’ end. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 26th April 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – and now remedied with a significant increase in the stiffness and strength in this area. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 26th April 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    To support the work that is progressing in multiple areas on D1010, we launched our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER by offering ‘SPONSOR A PATCH’ where you can donate in support of the bodywork repairs that are taking place on D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED ON THE SPONSORED PATCH or PART.

    For the sum of £25, this scheme offers you a chance to sponsor the restoration of this much-loved locomotive, with your personal contribution being recorded and documented on a set of drawings that will be made available at our Williton depot on running days and open days. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, a unique reference number will be allocated and engraved instead.

    See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

    NOTE: EVERYONE WHO HAS ALREADY DONATED £25 OR MORE SINCE JULY 2021 WILL BE RECOGNISED and will be allocated an appropriate area on one of the patches or parts that have already been applied to the loco. Donations of smaller sums that accumulate to £25 are also eligible, so donate what you can when you can, and we will keep track of your total donations. Use our CONTACT FORM if you want to register your previous donations to D1010 for this campaign.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard and is available to the WSR for contract work or ‘Thunderbird’ work as required. We are going to be operating our two ‘Cromptons’ on several weekend turns under the blue timetable as per our recent DIESELGEN bulletin. Sign up to DIESELGEN to make sure that you are informed about all rostered workings of DEPG locomotives.

    ADVANCE INFORMATION – we anticipate that the 10:00 Minehead diagram will again be hauled by one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ on Sat/Sun 14/15 May and 21/22 May. This will be confirmed nearer the time via DIESELGEN.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco worked the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard diagram (two round trips, 80 miles total per day) on Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May and is currently stabled at Minehead to provide ‘Thunderbird’ cover during the Spring Steam Gala. The weather was very nice on the Saturday and DEPG volunteer Geoff was at Stogumber enjoying one of their famous cream teas when he heard our loco approaching the station on the first return leg of her two round trips, and he snapped this picture from the platform:

    BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) worked the 10:00 Minehead diagram on Saturday 30th April and Sunday 1st May 2022 and was pictured rolling in to Stogumber station on the second leg of the 80-mile working. Photo by Geoff Miles © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is now receiving attention for a fairly short list of tasks that need to be dealt with before she can be returned to service. The plan is to get the loco into a presentable external condition in time for the Diesel Gala that takes place between 9th and 11th June.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 received attention from Leroy, Neil and Martin at Williton on Saturday 30th April 2022 to prepare her for her return to service. In this picture, Martin has re-fitted one of the four covers for the lifting points and is giving the area a quick wipe over in advance of Graham’s paintbrush. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    One of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017’s bogie brake cylinders was flagged as needing some attention so Neil and Leroy disassembled it at Williton on Saturday 30th April 2022 so that it could be overhauled. In this picture, Leroy is cleaning up the piston rod of the air-operated brake cylinder in advance of replacing the piston seals. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week – but she will be the next in line for attention !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – progress continues on the many parts that need to be re-fitted to the frames in advance of the next ‘big lift’. Attention this week focused on the fuel pump, fuel and lubricating oil pipework and a collection of other small parts. Here’s some photographs to show what is happening on this loco:

    D9518 – the fuel transfer and priming pump was subjected to inspection by Class 14 team leader Simon at Williton on Saturday 30th April 2022. This component is hard to access once fitted, so it needs to be in good condition prior to re-installation. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – new sand deflector plates were fitted to the sanding valves at Williton on Saturday 30th April 2022. These simple parts perform an essential service in helping the loco to haul heavy loads when railhead conditions are wet or slippery. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – another simple but essential part is this brake rod, the worn component shown above and the remanufactured component shown below. All of this work has to proceed in the background to support the more visible progress. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. 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 full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco continues to be in regular use on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. In fact, so regular is her use that she has just completed ANOTHER 50-hour inspection and is back at work supporting this busy railway. To provide some insurance against possible failure, the spare but worn starter motor was sent out for reconditioning at a CAV specialist firm in Preston. The service provided by ICS Online was amazing and the reconditioned motor is on its way back to us already. Well done guys ! We will provide photos next week because this issue of roundup is already photo-heavy.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is currently stabled at Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, and is expected to move to Grosmont during the coming week to enter the loco works for completion of some overhaul tasks. One issue that was identified during a recent engine run was arcing around the commutator of the ‘triple pump’. This pump is a large electrically-powered machine that includes three pumps driven from the same motor – the water pump, the oil pump and the fuel pump. Luckily, we have a spare that was reconditoned in the year 2001 but has never been used, so it had to be pulled out of the spares container at Williton on Saturday and cleaned up prior to shipping it to Yorkshire:

    The spare ‘triple pump’ for Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was pulled out of storage and checked over at Williton on Saturday 30th April before sending it to the NYMR for installation into the loco. The part is un-used since overhaul – but the warranty ran out in 2002 ! Pictured while suspended from the crane, the oil pump is on the left with the fuel pump alongside. The water pump is at the other end. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The spare ‘triple pump’ for Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was given a clean-up and an inspection at Williton on Saturday 30th April before sending it to the NYMR for installation into the loco. This view shows the suction (centre) and delivery ports of the water pump, with the small frost drain port at the bottom. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – no change this week.

     

    Continuing her visit to Williton is Bishops Lydeard-based Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019), the loco having her brand-new batteries fitted on Saturday 30th April 2022 while some other electrical maintenance work took place to get her ready to return to service. We expect this loco will be leaving us soon to return to Bishops Lydeard.

    Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) has received a brand-new set of 48 traction batteries, complete with outer cases carrying the BR double-arrow logo. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 30th April 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) also received attention to her electrical machinery, with the exhauster drive motor shown with covers removed to allow the brushgear to be cleaned and inspected by Ian and Tom. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 30th April 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) also needed her electrical switchgear cleaned and inspected. This view shows one of the two Battery Isolation Switches along with one of the start contactors (this is the positive polarity side; – the other side of the loco has a similar box with the negative side of the circuit in it). Pictured at Williton on Saturday 30th April 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    Let’s not forget that the DEPG also owns a number of wagons, include the 1954-vintage (LNER pattern) BR brake van number B952527 that was last used in a Diesel Driver Experience Course working back in 2019. This vehicle is in need of works attention to her roof and bodyside, but has been undergoing a clean up to prepare her for possible use later in the year. Here’s a view of the work being undertaken:

    After spending a lot of time carefully preparing the wood for painting, Carol applies the wood preserver coating to the running boards of the DEPG’s 1954 BR (Faverdale) 20t brake van B952527 at Williton on Saturday 30th April 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    If you can help by donating your time, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

     

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

     

    BOOK REVIEW – this week, we combine the book review with an obituary for DAVID HARTLEY who passed away recently. The news reached us via long-time DEPG member Neale Long:

       “Sorry to report the passing of BSC locomotive engineer and Class 14 enthusiast David Hartley on Easter Monday 18th April 2022. An early visit to Williton by David and that great preservationist, the late Gerald Boden, saw them acquire no less than three class 14s and a Class 40, all of which David ably maintained.

       The welcome afforded to David and Gerald was reciprocated with extreme generosity and the initial restoration of our very own D9526 in 1983/84 owed much to David’s professional expertise. Essentially, he was ‘Mr Class 14’ with his encyclopaedic knowledge, based on his great experience of working on the class with his father at BSC Corby.

       He will be greatly missed by all Class 14 owners. His passing is extremely poignant given the imminent publication of the second volume on the Class 14 focusing on the history of the class post-BR, it is especially sad given his great knowledge on this period.”

    Many thanks to Neale for bringing this to our attention and for the words that he has provided.

     

    Out of respect to David, we stay with the Class 14 and provide the following review of a D+EG booklet from 1980 that has been provided by Class 14 team leader Simon Purvis, as follows:

    Here’s Simon’s book review:

    “Following on from Jon Tooke’s review of ‘old’ books, the aim of this D+EG 1980 booklet was to raise money for the acquisition of D9526 and it explains the original (D+EG) thinking behind the locos’ acquisition. 

    The subjects covered include:  ‘THE UNCERTAIN BEGINNING’ – where some of the ‘political’ issues were discussed, as well as some of the reasoning behind the design.

    ’56 TIMES 95′ gives an overview of the mechanical design and the major components.

    ‘FOUR YEARS ON BR’ explains the type of traffic and allocations whilst working for their builders, leading into ‘A LIFE OF INDUSTRY’ at Ashington and Corby.

    The early preservation hopes and experiences are also covered with reports from not only the WSR, but the NYMR, GCR, SRPS, and Glos/Warks.

    There are a good few black and white photos covering the construction of the class, their working for BR as well as the locos working in industry. The booklet ends with the class individual histories, up to 1980.

    This booklet is essential reading for enthusiasts of the class, as well as Railway historians researching this short, but important period of railway development.

    Perhaps the DEPG would consider reprinting this booklet, (and perhaps update it) so that additional funds could be generated for D9518?”

     

    Many thanks to Simon for this book review. Would you like to buy a copy of this booklet, updated and reprinted ? Post a message via our CONTACT form.

     

    ON SHED – this week, we provide a photo taken from the cab of our own D9526 at the East Lancs Railway, showing the late David Hartley in the cab of sister survivor D9520:

    This photograph shows the late David Hartley relaxing in the cab of Class 14 survivor D9520 at the ’14s at 50′ event at the East Lancs Railway in July 2014, surrounded by nine other preserved members of the class. The photograph was taken from the cab of our very own D9526 by Simon Purvis © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the most recent Board Meeting will be produced and emailed to all members for whom we hold a valid email address ASAP. More news on this next week.

     

    WSR NEWS: the next event will be the ‘SPRING STEAM GALA’ that takes place from Thursday 5th through Sunday 8th May when the DEPG facility at Williton will be open to the public. Please make a plan to come along if you can, and have a tour of the depot. Timetables for this gala are now available by clicking this link to the WSR website.

     

    The timetables and the dates for the 2022 special events are as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

     

     

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