Monthly Archives: November 2022

WINTERLIGHTS trains for 2022 run Fridays and Saturdays until the 16th December when the frequency steps up to most days right through to New Year’s Eve. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Liam Hebditch © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) returns the 19:00 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ train to Bishops Lydeard on Friday 18th November, the first night of the 2022 season. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The 2020 Christmas season kicked off in style on Friday 18th November with two ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services, the first departing Bishops Lydeard at 17:00 and the second at 19:00 with BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ leading for the outbound leg to Crowcombe Heathfield and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) leading on the return. The trains travel slowly because seasonal exhibits are placed along the line and the coloured lights on the carriages interact with those of the fixed displays to present additional effects, adding to the experience.

Running these services in the evenings is very demanding for the volunteers who are essential to delivering these services, with car park attendants, marquee attendants and a whole range of support volunteers working together to make sure that visitors have a great experience – so that they will hopefully tell their friends and family about it.

WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED WITH DELIVERING THESE WINTERLIGHTS SERVICES !

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – another milestone was reached as we transitioned from ‘disassembly mode’ to ‘reassembly mode’ on the ‘B’ end transmission, with the input shaft being reassembled with new bearings and being prepared for re-fitting into the housings. This paves the way for the first stage torque converter to be reassembled around the shaft, while allowing us to build up our knowledge and improve our build techniques in preparation for the challenging reassembly stages to come. Well done to Colin F and his team members Geoff and Tim for this achievement, and to Paul K and Andy V for their invaluable help in getting us to this level. Great progress, thank you all !!!

D1010 – a milestone moment as new bearings are fitted around the input shaft by Tim (L) and Colin F (R) at Williton on Tuesday 15th November 2022 after ensuring that the oilway drillings were clear of debris and fully functional. The next step will be to fit this shaft assembly into the housing and then build the first stage torque converter around it. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

On Saturday 19th November, Gordon and Leroy refitted the headcode blind boxes to the doors at the ‘A’ end of the locomotive, and set them to an appropriate headcode, one that was carried by the loco from 1975 to the end of her days in BR service. At the other end of the loco, Andy R was working on reinstating the wiring that had been disconnected when welding repairs were carried out underneath the cab floor, and Chris painted two more of the battery compartments, so good progress all round !

D1010 – now proudly displaying her running number in the fully-functional headcode boxes, the loco is taking on a much more ‘dressed’ appearance as work progresses. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the spaces bounded by the yellow marks are patches that are waiting for their sponsors. The patches are marked using a vibratory engraver so the markings are in the metal, not just in the paint, and are still visible after sanding the paint away. To SPONSOR A PATCH, see below ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – the low water pressure issue was investigated by Ian R and Tom, starting with the water pump which was examined for signs of wear or damage but passed as OK. The next area of attention was the triple pump motor, to make sure that it was running at the proper speed. The ballast resistors that allow the motor to reach the designed speed were found to have been damaged by overheating, so they were replaced and the water pressure edged up, but was still insufficient to allow the engine to be started.

Finally, after cleaning out the pipework that connected the water pressure gauge and sensor to the pump, everything came together and the engine started !

Well done to ‘Team Crompton’ for getting to the stage where a test run can be planned !

 

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently stabled at Bishops Lydeard and in regular use on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is waiting for completion of her Vehicle Inspection and Brake Test (VIBT) and a test run before she can be declared fit for traffic.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – with attention being concentrated elsewhere, the planned engine run was deferred to next weekend, when the transmission control pressures will be checked and adjusted if necessary. The loco will then need to have a number of small but important tasks dealt with during the winter months, in readiness for her return to service in the spring.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – plenty of work is taking place on multiple fronts as usual, with each member of the team engaged on different tasks. Here’s some photos to show what has been taking place:

D9518 – viewed from the ‘B’ cab of D1010 at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022, Colin G can be seen applying grey undercoat to the side frames of the ‘B’ end of the locomotive. No doubt we will see these being painted in ‘NCB Ashington Blue’ soon. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the nose end doors of the loco are in need of some TLC, especially at the bottom, below the apertures for the glass panels. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the two cab doors, one in the ‘before’ condition with door furniture removed, the other in the ‘after’ condition, with a great gloss finish and nice shiny handles. Pictured Saturday 19th November 2022 by Colin Girle © 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 fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway although her time in the far South-East is coming to an end because sister loco D9504 has now completed her overhaul and will be returning to work shortly. We expect that our ‘Teddy Bear’ will be heading home to Williton in mid-January 2023.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco has seen regular use at the NYMR though to the end of October, when public services ceased. Hopefully, the loco will see occasional use during the winter to keep her in good condition.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the fuel system of this loco is being disassembled for cleaning and to find the source of contamination that resulted in damage to the fuel injection pump. On Saturday at Williton, new volunteer Tony used his wide ranging skills to make a bracket that will be used to hold a cartridge-type fuel filter that can be replaced on a periodic basis to protect the injection pump. Thank you Tony, and welcome to the DEPG !

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the newly-made bracket is ready to be installed and will be used to support a cartridge-type fuel filter to protect the fuel injection pump from contamination in the fuel system. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 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 are featuring a brand new book from well-known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS, in fact it is the fifth volume in his very popular ‘BACKTRACKING AROUND’ series of ‘THEN & NOW’ studies, this time covering the lines around Plymouth, Looe, Liskeard and Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow !

This new book is offered for sale at £18.95 with all profits going to the D1010 Restoration Fund. We look forward to receiving and sharing a book review from a purchaser in the very near future.

 

 

We have also been busy preparing more of our pre-owned book stock for online sales in time for Christmas, so keep an eye on our pre-owned book page because we are updating it regularly.

 

 

A quick reminder that we are now taking advance orders for the DEPG 2023 CALENDAR, further details of which will be posted here and on our webstore soon. To prevent waste and maximise the contribution to DEPG funds, we will be limiting the number of calendars that we order to match demand and no more. The printing costs have risen but if we control the quantity that we order, we can keep the price the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image below to place your ADVANCE ORDER. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important purpose.

 

WILLITON STATION FUNDRAISING – as mentioned last week, our friends at our local WSR station have been busy making a range of embroidered Christmas cards, gift tags and decorations that will be of interest to many, as well as being a departure from what one would normally expect to find on the DEPG website !

The many items are being photographed and examples have been placed on our online store in the ‘Christmas Items‘ category. All monies raised from the sale of these items goes to Williton Station funds. Thank you for your support !

A fine display of Christmas items that have been made by volunteers at Williton Station. Each item is for sale at the Station or via the DEPG online store. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

ON SHED – continuing with a series of photographs that have been provided by Kelvin Lumb, we have a photo of our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 on shed at Barry Open Day in August 1990, along with the WLA’s Class 52 D1013 ‘WESTERN RANGER’ and a host of other locos that are listed on the BR OPEN DAYS website. Those were the days when a massive array of locos could be assembled from all over the country without the huge expenses that we encounter now. Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing another item from his collection with us all.

The DEPG’s Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 shares the road with the WLA’s Class 52 D1013 ‘WESTERN RANGER’ at Barry in South Wales on the occasion of their open day, 19th August 1990. Photo by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a very useful item that won’t break the bank is our new DEPG keyring LED torch, now in stock and selling for £2.50 with the option of five different colours. The aluminium body, simple on/off switch, swivel keyring, great brightness and replaceable batteries make this a decent purchase. Available from our online store.

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES for 2023:

WSR DIESEL GALA : Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just let me know or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in (no password required) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is now taking bookings for the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which will be steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Also running are the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton, and two special trains on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December for visitors to the ‘DUNSTER by CANDLELIGHT‘ event. 

Demand is expected to be strong so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family or friends want to experience one or more of these events, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the images below.

   

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

 

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) shows red tail lights at the trailing end of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ test train, on the first night of testing, Thursday 10th November 2022. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The WSR took a step closer to the start of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ season by running a test train from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield and back on the evening of Thursday 10th November 2022, followed by another test on Friday 11th, paving the way for the ‘official’ services that start this Friday 18th November.

A steam loco is provided at the leading end and the six Mark 1 coaches are fully adorned with high-tech light strings that change colour and intensity as the train travels along the line, passing the various exhibits that complement the train itself, putting on quite a show. Power is provided by a generator set that is mounted inside the restored Southern Region ‘Parcels & Miscellaneous Van’ (PMV) which is coupled between Class 33 and the train, as last year.

The ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ test train operated on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th November 2022 to make sure that everything worked properly and to provide crew training opportunities in advance of the commencement of the ‘official’ services. BR(W) 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ was pictured at Bishops Lydeard on the 10th by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains depart from Bishops Lydeard, mostly at 17:00 and 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays starting Friday 18th November, and become daily in the run-up to Christmas. Click here for more information on these special services.

In addition, the WSR will be running ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton (steam hauled but with the ‘Crompton’ on standby in case banking assistance is required) and ‘DUNSTER BY CANDLELIGHT‘ services on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December as a very appropriate means of getting to this well-known event.

Please do try to support these events if you can, and also let your family and friends know that they are taking place, to spread the word further. Thank you !

 

Now for an update on a project that we featured in early summer, the AC Railbus W79978 that is owned by DEPG member Martin Rouse and based at Hayes Knoll on the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. We have received two updates from Martin, covering September and October, and both will be posted to our AC Railbus W79978 website page ASAP.

Here’s an extract from the October update to give a flavour to the progress being made:

   “The pneumatically-operated folding steps and handrails have been un-seized. These were fitted to allow passengers to board and alight at low height “platforms” constructed from wooden sleepers. They are controlled from the driver’s desk and can only be operated when the brakes are applied.

   The step treads require replacing on this side, the handrails and steps are missing from the other side of the railbus and so replacement items will need to be fabricated.”

The pneumatically-operated folding steps of AC Railbus W79978 are undergoing restoration at Hayes Knoll on the Swindon & Cricklade Railway. Photo dated October 2022 by Martin Rouse © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

AC Railbus W79978 update September 2022

AC Railbus W79978 update October 2022

Many thanks to Martin for keeping us updated on the progress of this very interesting project. Also mentioned in Martin’s September update is a new book that is due to be released by well-known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS entitled ‘Backtracking from Plymouth to Padstow‘ so we look forward to hearing more about this new title soon.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – more steps were taken toward re-assembling the locomotive, with Gordon continuing his work on the headcode boxes and indicator blinds, while Chris and Ian Fn tackled the battery compartment doors and Richard worked on reinstating the electrical wiring that runs under the cab floor at ‘B’ end. In parallel, work on inspection and measurement of the many individual parts that make up the hydraulic transmission continued, to allow conclusions to be reached for the repair or replacement of the parts that were damaged when bearing 3-152 failed back in 2018.

D1010 – the four sets of headcode indicator blind mechanisms are being overhauled by Gordon and one set is almost ready for re-fitting to the ‘A’ end of the locomotive. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 12th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – two of the eight battery compartment doors were cleaned up and given a grey primer coat by Chris at Williton on Saturday 12th November 2022. On the other side of the locomotive, Ian Fn was hard at work on the external cosmetic appearance of the two other battery compartment doors. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the second stage (bottom) and third stage (top) impellers from the ‘B’ transmission underwent inspection and measurement at Williton on Saturday 12th November 2022 to allow the repair options to be determined. These parts are driven from the ‘B’ engine and impart the energy to the hydraulic fluid when the relevant stage is selected and filled. The blue area of the stage 3 shaft has been damaged by the seized bearing and several blades of the stage 2 impeller have notches caused by internal collisions that resulted from the failure. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. We engraved another 50 patches recently and we have another 100+ still to do, so the scheme has been very successful (well done Colin F for suggesting it). Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – the repaired heat exchanger has been delivered by specialist subcontractor APPLIED RADIATORS in Stoke-On-Trent who provided an amazing service and turned this project around in one week ! The core of of the heat exchanger has been completely rebuilt and should now give many years of reliable service before it next needs attention.

D6566 – the rebuilt heat exchanger as returned by APPLIED RADIATORS of Stoke-on-Trent is pictured on the pallet at Williton on Saturday 12th November 2022. Photo by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The rebuilt part was re-installed in the loco by Ian R, Ian Fs, Chris and Martin on Saturday 12th November and the water and anti-freeze mixture pumped back in the following day by Ian R and Tom so that the engine could be started up, but low water pressure prevented the engine from starting so the system was drained down again and the water pump disassembled to check it for proper operation. The reduced resistance of the rebuilt heat exchanger had resulted in a higher water flow rate, but the pump could not create sufficient pressure to override the engine safety devices. No doubt that this issue will be resolved quickly and the loco will soon be able to take up her duties as standby loco.

D6566 – the rebuilt heat exchanger was re-installed in the loco at Williton on Saturday 12th November 2022. The blue pipes feed the water through the core and the engine oil is fed via the pink pipes and circulates around the core, transferring heat from hottest to coolest. Photo by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

D6566 – the water pump was disassembled at Williton on Sunday 13th November 2022. The hole in the centre of the blue housing is for the incoming water, which is then picked up by the impeller that is visible on the end of the grey triple pump motor, and thrown outward at motor speed to the output port on the blue housing. Photo by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently stabled at Bishops Lydeard in readiness for her next booked workings, which will be the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services that will run on 18th and 19th November and every weekend until Christmas week, during which they will run each day.

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco was started up so that Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) could be shunted into the loco shed. The opportunity was also used to perform some engine checks and take an oil sample, once operating temperature had been reached.

D7017 – this loco was started up on Saturday 12th November 2022 and used to shunt Barclay 578 (ROF 1) into the loco shed.  This loco is waiting for formal completion of her Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) and a test run before she can be returned to traffic. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – with attention being concentrated on sister D7017, the planned engine run was deferred to next weekend, when the transmission control pressures will be checked and adjusted if necessary. The loco will then need to have a number of small but important tasks dealt with during the winter months, in readiness for her return to service in the spring.

D7018 – one of our star performers that achieved 100% availability during 14 days of running during 2022, this 60-year-old is currently stabled on number 1 road in the South Yard at Williton. Pictured in the evening of Friday 11th November 2022 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the disassembly of the Paxman 6YJXL V6 diesel engine is taking place under Terry’s supervision on Tuesdays and Saturdays, while Simon, Colin G and Andy P work on the reassembly of the ‘B’ end of the loco and John C works on the electrical cubicle. Progress on multiple fronts, but a shortage of photographs – which we will hopefully remedy next week.

D9518 – orange is the designated colour for electrical items and there is plenty of orange in this view of the ‘B’ end of the locomotive at Williton on Saturday 5th November 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – this view, looking to the right and upwards of the previous view, shows one of the Westinghouse solenoid valves that operates as a switch for compressed air (through the white pipes) when the internal electrical coil is energised. The two terminals of the coil have yet to be wired up (via the orange conduit. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th November 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 fully 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 although her time in the far South-East is coming to an end because sister loco D9504 has now completed her overhaul and will be returning to work shortly. We expect that our ‘Teddy Bear’ will be heading home to Williton in mid-January 2023.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco has seen regular use at the NYMR though to the end of October, when public services ceased. Hopefully, the loco will see occasional use during the winter to keep her in good condition.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco has now moved into the loco shed so that work can progress on the investigation into the fuel contamination that resulted in damage to her fuel injection pump. Such work needs clean and dry conditions, and being outdoors in November is unlikely to tick that box !

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – pictured outside the shed on number 3 road at Williton in the evening of Friday 11th November 2022. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – pictured inside the shed on number 3 road at Williton in the afternoon of Saturday 12th November 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © 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 !

Click here for our CONTACT FORM.

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – this week, we are pleased to report that more pre-owned books that have been donated by members and supporters have been catalogued and photographed and are going to be added to our online store this week. The targets this week are 12 volumes in the ‘RAIL PORTFOLIO‘ series, as follows:

These twelve titles were amongst a large collection of pristine condition books that were donated by a DEPG member and active volunteer, for which we are very grateful. Some of these as-new books are difficult to get, so we will be setting prices individually in the range from £10 upwards (we are after all, raising funds for our fleet). Please use our CONTACT FORM if you are interested in any of the above or any other books in the Rail Portfolio series, because we may have more titles in stock. Thank you very much to all who have donated books, photographs and video tapes for the benefit of our locomotives.

 

A quick reminder that we are now taking advance orders for the DEPG 2023 CALENDAR, further details of which will be posted here and on our webstore soon. To prevent waste and maximise the contribution to DEPG funds, we will be limiting the number of calendars that we order to match demand and no more. The printing costs have risen but if we control the quantity that we order, we can keep the price the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image below to place your ADVANCE ORDER. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important purpose.

 

WILLITON STATION FUNDRAISING – as mentioned last week, our friends at our local WSR station have been busy making a range of embroidered Christmas cards, gift tags and decorations that will be of interest to many, as well as being a departure from what one would normally expect to find on the DEPG website !

The many items are being photographed and examples will be placed on our online store during the next few days, in the ‘Christmas Items‘ category. All monies raised from the sale of these items goes to Williton Station funds. Thank you for your support !

Another example of the work being done by volunteers at Williton Station. Each item is for sale at the Station or via the DEPG online store.

 

ON SHED – we recently put out a request for ‘on shed’ photos and we had some fantastic responses including ‘in service’ photographs such as the below image of our own D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ departing from Westbury with a long rake of ‘YEOMAN’ hoppers in the summer of 1976, the very last summer of mainline operation of the type. Photographer Kelvin Lumb also provided us with the caption that goes with his photograph. Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing another item from his collection with us all.

D1010 WESTERN CAMPAIGNER hauls its Yeoman set away from Westbury with a trip to Merehead Quarry (maybe?). Photo taken from the West Signal Box, summer ’76 by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a very useful item that won’t break the bank is our new DEPG keyring LED torch, now in stock and selling for £2.50 with the option of five different colours. The aluminium body, simple on/off switch, swivel keyring, great brightness and replaceable batteries make this a decent purchase. Available from our online store.

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES for 2023:

WSR DIESEL GALA : Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, use our CONTACT FORM or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in (no password required) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is now taking bookings for the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which will be steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Also running are the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton, and two special trains on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December for visitors to the ‘DUNSTER by CANDLELIGHT‘ event. 

Demand is expected to be strong so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family or friends want to experience one or more of these events, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the images below.

   

   

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was used to shunt the south yard at Williton on Saturday 5th November 2022 and was pictured at the southerly station limit along with a vivid rainbow as DEPG Chairman and driver Martin Howard prepared to change ends so that the loco could re-enter the station via Platform 2 to run around Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) in Platform 1. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

With no public train services running but with a signalman present at Williton, the opportunity was taken to shunt the yard at Williton and re-position non-operational Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) so that she can enter the loco shed at the appropriate time to undergo remedial work on her fuel system. The little shunting loco was positioned outboard of ‘Hymek’ D7017 so the logical choice for the shunt was D7017 because she had to be moved anyway.

After the customary period of pre-heating, the engine fired up straight away. The recent engine repair work on D7017 has brought back the ‘Maybach Music’ and the engine sounds as good as ever. The swap-around will allow D7017 to go out for a test run when a suitable opportunity presents itself, although that is more likely to happen when sister loco D7018 is also ready for her test run. We are all looking forward to that !

 

Meanwhile, elsewhere on the railway, preparations are in full swing for the forthcoming ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ season, with coaches and locos being fitted with their lights and trial runs scheduled for 10th/11th of November. The generator will be carried inside the former Southern Region Parcels & Miscellaneous Van’ (PMV) which will be coupled between Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and the train, as last year.

The ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains depart from Bishops Lydeard, mostly at 17:00 and 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays starting Friday 18th November, and become daily in the run-up to Christmas. Click here for more information on these special services.

Volunteers gathered at Minehead on Saturday 5th November to prepare the strings of lights for attachment to the coaches for this season’s ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services. Photo courtesy of the WSR plc © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The Southern Region ‘Parcels and Miscellaneous Van’ (PMV) number S1464S was being prepared for its role as a mobile power supply at Minehead on Friday 28th October 2022, in good time for this season’s ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services. Photo courtesy of the WSR plc © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The generator and power distribution equipment will be carried inside the ‘PMV’ which will be positioned between the train and the Class 33 ‘Crompton’ locomotive at the Taunton end of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains. Pictured at Minehead on Friday 28th October by the WSR plc © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

One of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ will be attached to the Taunton end of each ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ train and will assist the steam locomotive on the ascent to Crowcombe Heathfield. The ‘Crompton’ will then become the lead engine on the return to Bishops Lydeard, so we can look forward to 40 running opportunities in connection with these services.

In addition, the WSR will be running ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton (steam hauled but with the ‘Crompton’ on standby in case banking assistance is required) and ‘DUNSTER BY CANDLELIGHT‘ services on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December as a very appropriate means of getting to this well-known event.

Please do try to support these events if you can, and also let your family and friends know that they are taking place, to spread the word further. Thank you !

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – more progress this week, with Chris working on the battery compartment restorations and Gordon and Roy cleaning and painting several parts that are being added back to the locomotive, now that we have passed the disassembly stage. The same applies to the transmission, with attention now being given to the processes and equipment needed for the rebuild, now that we have determined the rebuild plan and have evaluated the repair and replacement options for the parts that are damaged or approaching the end of their life. Exciting times indeed !

D1010 – the compressor access grille from ‘A’ side has been cleaned and painted and is now ready for re-fitting to the locomotive. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the third stage (top gear) impeller is a very interesting example of machining that would be challenging to produce to such a high standard, even on today’s computer-controlled machinery. The stains around the oval cutouts of this two-piece component show evidence of hard work at high speeds when in mainline service, back in the 1970s. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – probably a question only for our octogenarian readers, but did you make this part ? If so, then we would very much like to hear from you ! The inspection stamp seems to read ‘M P A H’. This close-up of the third stage impeller was pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. We engraved another 50 patches recently and we have another 100+ still to do, so the scheme has been very successful (well done Colin F for suggesting it). Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details:

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – the work on cleaning up the engine room continued with more deck plates being removed and steam cleaned. LATEST UPDATE: The failed heat exchanger has been rebuilt by specialist subcontractor APPLIED RADIATORS in Stoke-On-Trent who provided an amazing service and turned this project around in one week ! The rebuilt heat exchanger is on its way back to us now and we should have it available for installation into the loco during this coming weekend. 

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently stabled at Bishops Lydeard in readiness for her next booked workings, which will be the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ test trains that will run on 10th and 11th November in preparation for the start of these special services on Friday 18th November. 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – as covered previously. This loco is waiting for formal completion of her Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) and a test run before she can returned to traffic.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco has had to wait in line for her turn for attention. The work list on this loco comprises a number of small but important tasks that will be tackled during the coming weeks.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – continued progress on a wide number of work fronts has increased because disassembly work has started on the Paxman 6YJXL V6 diesel engine that last operated in sister loco D9526 until removed for overhaul in 2017. The engine will be completely stripped down, then each part cleaned, inspected and replaced or repaired as necessary. The required parts are already in stock, so what is needed now is many hundreds of hours of volunteer time to perform the overhaul.

D9518 – two of the side sheets that will soon be fitted to the side frames were undergoing painting at Williton on Saturday 5th November 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – this view shows the new flexible connection (upper centre) and other new pipework components that have been purchased to complete the compressor installation. Also visible to the centre left is the black valve at the top of the vertical section of the white vacuum pipe that applies the brakes automatically when demanded by the Drivers Safety Device (DSD), sometimes known as the ‘Deadmans’ device. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – this shaft provides the drive from the transmission to the generator (visible in the previous picture) via the ‘Layrub’ flexible couplings that are in stock and awaiting installation. Once installed, there is even less room in which to work between the frames, so this part will not be fitted until other work has been completed. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – meanwhile, John C continued his careful work on the overhaul of the electrical cubicle, wiring up the new rotary switches that control the vacuum exhausters. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – one of the crankcase covers of the Paxman 6YJXL 26-litre V6 diesel engine that last ran in D9526 in 2017 was removed to allow a peek inside. The outside is messy because of a failed gasket, but inside looks very good. Pictured on Saturday 5th November 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 fully 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 although her time in the far South-East is coming to an end because sister loco D9504 has now completed her overhaul and will be returning to work shortly. We expect that our ‘Teddy Bear’ will be heading home to Williton in mid-January 2023.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco has seen regular use at the NYMR though to the end of October, when public services ceased. The mileage run by this loco during the past four months is listed below:

Month	Miles run	Number of operating days
July	1183	14
August	1194	17
September	522	9
October	864	18
TOTAL	3763	58
		Average of 65 miles per day

We can safely say that her first season in service on the NYMR has been a big success !

47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ approaches Goathland station with a 7-coach train from Pickering on Monday 1st August 2022. This loco covered 3,763 miles on the NYMR between mid July and the end of October. Photo by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the fuel injection pump has been sent out to COLCHESTER FUEL INJECTION Ltd for a thorough overhaul. The loco has been repositioned outside the loco shed on number 3 road and will enter the loco shed when lead volunteer Simon B is ready to disassemble the fuel system to find the source of the contamination. We expect this loco to be out of use for several months while this work takes place.

 

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 are pleased to report that a number of pre-owned books that have been donated by members and supporters have been catalogued and photographed and are going to be added to our online store this week. Here’s a sample of what will be added:

 

These eight titles are amongst a set of 17 pristine condition books that were donated by a DEPG member and active volunteer, for which we are very grateful. Some of these as-new books are difficult to get, so we will be setting prices in the range from £15 upwards. Please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are interested in any of the above or any other books by Kevin Derrick, because we have more titles in stock. Thank you very much to all who have donated books, photographs and video tapes for the benefit of our locomotives.

 

A quick reminder that we are now taking advance orders for the DEPG 2023 CALENDAR, further details of which will be posted here and on our webstore soon. To prevent waste and maximise the contribution to DEPG funds, we will be limiting the number of calendars that we order to match demand and no more. The printing costs have risen but if we control the quantity that we order, we can keep the price the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image below to place your ADVANCE ORDER. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important purpose.

 

 

WILLITON STATION FUNDRAISING – our friends at our local WSR station have been busy making a range of embroidered Christmas cards, gift tags and decorations that will be of interest to many, as well as being a departure from what one would normally expect to find on the DEPG website !

The many items are being photographed and examples will be placed on our online store during the next few days, in the ‘Christmas Items‘ category. All monies raised from the sale of these items goes to Williton Station funds. Thank you for your support !

An example of the work being done by volunteers at Williton Station. Each item is for sale at the Station or via the DEPG online store.

 

 

ON SHED – last week, we put out a request for ‘on shed’ photos and we had some fantastic responses, such as the below photograph of D1058 ‘WESTERN NOBLEMAN’ departing from Westbury with a long and heavy train of ‘Presflo’ wagons bound for Exeter in 1976, the very last summer of mainline operation of the type. Photographer Kelvin Lumb also provided us with the caption that goes with his photograph. Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing this gem with us all.

D1058 WESTERN NOBLEMAN crawls out of the south side sidings at Westbury hauling its loaded Presflo cement wagons bound for Exeter. You can almost hear the wheels screeching and grinding and those Maybachs throbbing as the driver controls his mammoth load. Photo taken from the West Signal Box, Summer ’76 by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Do you have a photo of one of our locos that would make for a good Christmas Card ? If yes, let us know by using our CONTACT FORM because we are always on the lookout for interesting and unusual images for various purposes, all profits going to DEPG funds. Thanks !

 

DEPG NEWS –  the BOARD MEETING took place at Williton last Saturday, 5th November 2022 and a synopsis will be shared with all members for whom we have a valid email address ASAP. The next meeting will be held on 17th December.

The dates for the WSR DIESEL GALA for 2023 have been firmed up. The event will follow a similar pattern to that of this year, running from Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023 as diesel-only and then with a mixed traction day on the Sunday.

The DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS will also involve diesel running later in the year, on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023. Details of both events will be announced as soon as possible. PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THESE IMPORTANT DATES.

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just use our CONTACT FORM or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in (no password required) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is now taking bookings for the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which will be steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Also running are the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton, and two special trains on Friday 2nd and Saturday 3rd December for visitors to the ‘DUNSTER by CANDLELIGHT‘ event. 

Demand is expected to be strong so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family or friends want to experience one or more of these events, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the images below:

     

 

Thank you for supporting the DEPG and the WSR !

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) worked the DIESEL DRIVER EXPERIENCE COURSE on Saturday 29th October 2022, the first such course to run since 2019. D6575 was pictured approaching Williton on the return leg from Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead. Photo by Peter Nicholson © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was hard at work hauling the DIESEL DRIVER EXPERIENCE COURSE that ran along the full length of the line on Saturday 29th October, fulfilling bookings that were taken in 2019. The heritage goods train was used for the working, adding interest and variety on a day that also include the penultimate steam-hauled services, with two locos in steam, BR(W) 4-6-0 7822 ‘FOXCOTE MANOR’ and GWR 2-6-2T No. 5199.

The loco and expanded crew had to take on additional tasks last Saturday, starting with a shunt at Williton to collect a coach that had to be delivered to Minehead, and add it between the loco and the brake van. Then, upon arrival at Minehead, the coach had to be shunted to the ‘right place’ and the heritage goods train collected instead.

The train then headed along the full length of the line toward Norton Fitzwarren, where the ‘Norton Triangle’ was used to turn the complete train so that the brake van would be in the right place for the final leg, the return to Williton at the end of the day. This gave a rare photo opportunity, placing one of our diesels on the truncated line that once reached to Barnstaple, 43 miles distant.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) made a rare visit to Allerford, on the remains of the line that once ran to Barnstaple, while working the DIESEL DRIVER EXPERIENCE COURSE on Saturday 29th October 2022. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The East and West chords of the ‘Norton Triangle’ allow complete trains to be turned around. The train arrives from the north via Allerford Junction and takes the East Chord to Barnstaple Junction, then reverses towards Allerford until the train is clear of Orchard Junction, then the train heads northward via the West Chord. Map 10 extract courtesy of WSR plc © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The course participants were treated to an even more action-packed day than usual, and there were plenty of envious onlookers, myself included ! The DIESEL DRIVER EXPERIENCE COURSES are offered by the WSR and when dates are published for 2023, we will update the link on the ‘Drive a Locomotive’ page on our website to point at the relevant page on the WSR website. Be sure to make your booking early, as places are limited and will be snapped up very quickly.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – more progress this week, with bodywork details being attended to by Gordon and Ian FN while Paul K and Andy V carried out inspection and assessment of transmission components that had been separated by Colin F, Geoff and Tim. Here’s some photos:

D1010 engine air intake on ‘A’ side at ‘A’ end was opened up for cleaning and painting by Ian FN at Williton on Saturday 29th October 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the stator (guide vane) assembly from the first stage (low gear) torque converter of the ‘B’ end transmission, exposing the large diameter multi-groove ‘labyrinth seals’ that prevent pressurised hydraulic fluid from taking the easy route out of the turbine. These non-contacting seals depend on very close tolerances: any leakage will reduce the efficiency of the transmission. The turbine fits around the outside, the impeller fits inside. Pictured at Williton on 29th October 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the ‘B’ transmission failed because bearing 3-152 (between the second and third stage torque converters) broke up and jammed. The bearing failed because the oilways that feed oil to the bearing had become blocked with debris over the 47 years since the bearing last saw the light of day, resulting in severe overheating and loss of hardness. Pictured at Williton on 29th October 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – a close-up view of the failed bearing 3-152 shows the blackened and distorted lumps of metal that were once shiny and smooth rollers, giving an idea of the temperature that was reached at the moment of failure. The brass cage that held the rollers in place had completely disintegrated, with only a few traces of it remaining. Pictured at Williton on 29th October 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. We engraved another 50 patches recently and we have another 100+ still to do, so the scheme has been very successful (well done Colin F for suggesting it). Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – the work on cleaning up the engine room continued with the deck plates being removed and steam cleaned. LATEST UPDATE: The failed heat exchanger has been delivered to specialist subcontractor APPLIED RADIATORS in Stoke-On-Trent who have the capability to re-manufacture the core that comprises 630 tubes of 6mm diameter (1/4″). The work will cost almost £2,500 and will completed by the middle of this month.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – now that she has completed her DIESEL DRIVER EXPERIENCE COURSE (DDEC) duties and relocated to Bishops Lydeard, her next booked workings will be the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ test trains that will run on 10th and 11th November in preparation for the start of these special services on Friday 18th November. 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week. This loco is waiting for completion of her Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) and a test run before she can returned to traffic.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco also has to wait in line for her turn for attention. The work list on this loco comprises a number of small but important tasks that will be tackled during the coming weeks.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the number of work fronts has increased because disassembly work has started on the Paxman 6YJXL V6 diesel engine that last operated in sister loco D9526 until removed for overhaul in 2017. The engine will be completely stripped down, then each part cleaned, inspected and replaced or repaired as necessary. The required parts are already in stock, so what is needed now is many hundreds of hours of volunteer time to perform the overhaul.

D9518 – the overhaul of the Paxman 6YJXL 26-litre V6 diesel engine that last ran in D9526 in 2017 has commenced at Williton. Pictured on Saturday 29th October 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – meanwhile, Colin G continued his work on re-installing the cables and conduits and painting them in the designated colours (white for air/vacuum, orange for electrical). Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th October 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – this view, taken between the frames and looking up at the brake cylinders and return springs, shows the new valves and pipework associated with the system that allows condensed moisture to be drained from the brake cylinders. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th October 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – another brake relay valve has been attached to the side frames and now awaits the fitting of the associated pipework. The large grey object is the Voith L217U hydraulic transmission. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th October 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the 58-year-old DC electric motor for the fuel lift pump has just arrived back at Williton after a thorough overhaul that was performed by BOWERS ELECTRICAL at Heanor, Derbyshire. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th October 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the manufacturer’s identification plate for the DC electric motor for the fuel lift pump shows that it was made by Associated Electrical Industries (AEI) in Newcastle, Staffordshire. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th October 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 fully 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 although her time in the far South-East is coming to an end, because sister loco D9504 has now completed her overhaul and will be returning to work shortly. We expect that our ‘Teddy Bear’ will be heading home to Williton some time in the next few months.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use at the NYMR, although usage is reducing as autumn sets in. During the last three months, this loco has covered more than 2,500 miles, so her first season in service has been a big success !

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the fuel system has been dismantled so that the fuel injection pump can be sent out to COLCHESTER FUEL INJECTION Ltd for a thorough overhaul. The loco will need to be moved inside the loco shed so that the fuel system can be investigated to find out where the contamination is coming from. We expect this loco to be out of use for several months while this work takes place.

 

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 – last week’s book review by regular contributor Neale Long resulted in several orders for the recently-released book ‘THE BEATEN TRACK – VOLUME 2’. Click here or on the image below to go to the full article on our website:

A quick reminder that we are now taking advance orders for the DEPG 2023 CALENDAR, further details of which will be posted here and on our webstore soon. To prevent waste and maximise the contribution to DEPG funds, we will be limiting the number of calendars that we order to match demand and no more. The printing costs have risen but if we control the quantity that we order, we can keep the price the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image below to place your ADVANCE ORDER. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important purpose.

 

ON SHED – we almost had to skip this feature this week because of a lack of suitable photos ! If you like this feature, please SEND US YOUR PHOTOS with a bit of explanation of where and when they were taken, so that we can share them with our readers. Luckily, we have Barry Gay and his vast collection of photos to call upon, so thank you very much, Barry, for saving the day yet again !

D1032 ‘WESTERN MARKSMAN’ roars out of Exeter St Davids during what is thought to be her final full year of operation, 1972, before becoming one of the very first of the Class to be withdrawn from service in May 1973 after BR took the decision to cancel all further works overhauls. The loco became a parts donor at Laira before being cut up at Swindon Works in December of 1974. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Do you have a photo of one of our locos that would make for a good Christmas Card ? If yes, let me know because we are always on the lookout for interesting and unusual images for various purposes, all profits going to DEPG funds. Thanks !

 

DEPG NEWS – First, a reminder – the funeral of former DEPG Chairman JOHN CRONIN will take place in Westbury-on-Trym, Bristol, on Friday 4th November 2022. Please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you plan to attend at the memorial service that will take place at 12:45 later that day.

Former DEPG Chairman the late John Cronin was pictured at Williton on 15th July 2017 by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

If you want to make a donation to John’s chosen causes (the DEPG and the RNLI), a JustGiving page has been set up for that purpose. Here’s the link: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/johncronin

 

The next BOARD MEETING of the DEPG will take place at Williton this coming Saturday, 5th November 2022. Please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you have a question that you would like to put to the board.

 

The dates for the WSR DIESEL GALA for 2023 have been firmed up. The event will follow a similar pattern to that of this year, running from Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June as diesel-only and then with a mixed traction day on the Sunday. The DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS will also involve diesel running later in the year, on Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September. Details of both events will be announced as soon as possible. PLEASE MAKE A NOTE OF THESE IMPORTANT DATES.

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, by using the form attached or available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just use our CONTACT FORM or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

 

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in (no password required) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is now taking bookings for the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which will be steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’.

The colours and sights of last years’ services resulted in a sell-out and demand is going to be solid again this year, so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family want to experience it, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here or click on the image below.

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post