Yearly Archives: 2022

  • Weekly Roundup – 23-Jan-22

    The DEPG’s BR-corporate-blue Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was unloaded from the Allelys Heavy Haulage trailer at New Bridge on the NYMR on a freezing cold Tuesday morning 18th January 2022, after a 300-mile trip from Bishops Lydeard. The loco was the subject of an official photo shoot as part of the publicity surrounding the arrival of the loco. Photo by the NYMR © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Continuing to make the news this week, our ‘celebrity’ Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ arrived at New Bridge on the NYMR at 8pm on the evening of Monday 17th January after a 300-mile journey from Bishops Lydeard that had commenced on the morning of Thursday 13th January 2022. The tortuous route involved running through Bristol during the evening rush hour, due to weight restrictions on the Avonmouth Bridge, and another diversion from the M5 through the small streets of Tewkesbury because of a weight restriction on the M5 in that area. The Allelys Heavy Haulage rig spent Thursday night parked up at Strensham Services then made the short journey to the Allelys yard near Redditch on the Friday. The rig was back on the road on Monday and the loco was unloaded on Tuesday morning, by which time the temperature was a very chilly -3C !

    Several videos featuring the loco and her journey have appeared on YouTube, including the two below:

     

    The DEPG’s YouTube video covering the loading procedure at Bishops Lydeard has now been posted on the WSRTV channel so please watch that video as well, to give support to WSRTV. Click here to view the video on WSRTV.

    47077 will remain at Pickering until the line to Grosmont is re-opened after completion of the bridge renewal work that is currently taking place. The loco will then undergo completion of the overhaul that was started at Williton and will then be used between Pickering and Grosmont while crew training takes place. At some point in the future, if all goes well, the NYMR may consider updating the loco’s Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) so that the loco will be able to work on Network Rail metals to Whitby. One step at a time; we first look forward to the loco being used on scheduled NYMR services in the summer of this year.

     

    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.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – work is proceeding on several fronts, and this has only become possible because our volunteer team has expanded. We are now consistently achieving 4 days of work per week and this is making a big difference to the rate of progress, but the pace will soon become limited by lack of funds to cover materials and consumables – so please keep on donating to allow us to keep the work progressing.

    In the last week, we have made more progress on the bodywork repairs, more progress on stripping the paint and filler from the bodyside, more progress on the pipework and we have re-started the work on the transmission. To keep all of this moving, we need more volunteers and we need more funds, so we are going to be gearing up our efforts to get more of both and get D1010 back up to scratch. We have plenty to do, but we are gaining momentum !

    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. Here’s some photos of the work that has taken place during the last week:

    D1010 – the rebuild of the front corner on the secondman’s side of ‘B’ end cab has been completed by Colin and is now ready for rubbing down and painting. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 23rd January 2022 by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – Colin’s attention then shifted to inside the cab and the repair of the second row of structural columns that each contribute to supporting the weight of the cab. While working in very cramped and crowded conditions that are not apparent from this view, the columns have now been repaired (the load is transferred to the girder that is beneath the rusty deck plate) and this will allow the wiring conduits and cab floor to be reinstated. Photo taken at Williton on Sunday 23rd January 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – meanwhile, Gordon continued the progress with the needle-gunning of the entire loco, seen here working on the driver’s side of ‘A’ end at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the pipes that carry the cooling water for the engine and transmission are coloured blue by convention, for easy identification. One of the larger pipes has been cleaned, inspected, repaired and repainted and has been hung up to dry before reinstalling it on the loco. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 23rd January 2022 by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – each transmission unit is mounted on four giant rubber-to-metal bushes, and each of these has to be cleaned and inspected. This one is not fit for further service and has to be replaced or reconditioned. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – this is one of the steel pins that goes through the transmission mounting. The size of the nut gives the scale of the part. The pin passes through a steel sleeve that is supposed to be bonded to the rubber and remain within the mounting. Not so in this case ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We are making good progress but there is plenty more to do, including the repair of the many small parts such as hinges and stays, conduits and pipework, all of which has suffered from the effects of the weather over the last 50 years since D1010 last underwent a major works overhaul at Swindon (in 1972) – see our D1010 timeline page for details.

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    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 ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is at Williton undergoing some minor repairs and maintenance, while remaining fully serviceable.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) pictured defore dawn on the clear and frosty morning of Monday 17th January 2022 with the ‘wolf moon’ descending over the DEPG’s 1954-vintage brake van number B952527. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – currently the duty loco, stationed at Bishops Lydeard (under cover, in Westridge Shed).

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the work on fitting additional fuse protection into the electrical feed for the compressor is awaiting parts delivery, so no work was performed on this loco during the last week. We expect to receive the parts in time for the coming weekend.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – other priorities prevented our Chairman Martin Howard from resuming his work on disassembling the transmission control block, so this loco will also be waiting until the coming weekend before she gets his attention. Both of our ‘Hymeks’ are currently stabled outdoors on number 1 road, and this exposes them to the vagaries of the weather. The ever-changing weather results in significant amounts of condensation forming within the locos and this combines with lack of use to cause maintenance difficulties. In the longer-term, this issue has to be solved by investing in covered accomodation for all of our locos, so that the restoration work is not wasted. This applies equally to heritage coaches and wagons, many of which do not get a chance of use from one year to another.

    The transmission housing of ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured while soaked with condensation at Williton on Sunday 16th January 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  more progress is being made on this loco as the team spreads out to work on different parts of the frame. The photos below show pipework and valves being fitted to the frames while preparations are being made for repainting the bufferbeams. A multitude of other tasks are taking place out of sight, including the reuild of the electrical cubicle.

    D9518’s bufferbeam at the radiator end of the loco is a steel plate that is 5 inches (127mm) thick ! This massive piece of steel is undergoing needle-gunning in the hands of Colin G to remove the loose paint and rust so that the surface can be sanded and painted. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s compressed air system pipework is being reinstated along with the valves and other devices that keep the system in good working order. One such device is this BR-pattern filter and dirt trap that has been added to the system to capture any dirt particles that may be present. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the newly-installed filter has a vent pipe that passes down through the deck plate and can be seen in this view looking upwards, with the new copper pipe visible and the brass tap in the closed position. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s pipework is being reinstated piece-by-piece and this ‘information station’ provides our volunteers with guidance in the form of drawings and photographs to assist with identifying the right kind of pipework to use and where to connect it. Such information is essential for such a complex task. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The constant progress on this loco project has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

    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 is currently based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was at work on the K&ESR on Tuesday 18th January 2022 and is pictured while returning to the carriage shed at Rolvenden in the misty darkness. Photo by Chris McNaughton © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is currently in the Swindon Shed at Williton receiving attention from the WSR Restorations team who are performing a partial repaint that will then allow the loco to be stabled in the yard for the rest of the winter. The paint job will be completed at a later date, when the weather permits, but this approach will ensure that the bodywork is protected in the meantime.

     

    Other vehicles at Williton – the DEPG owns several other items of rolling stock including this 1954-vintage 20-ton brake van number B952527. This vehicle is used for the Diesel Driver Experience Courses that are operated by the WSR so we need to get it into decent condition so that it can go back into service later in the year. Step 1 is to clean up the vehicle and remove the detritus that has gathered after more than two years without use and Step 2 is to assess the extent of repairs required, then Step 3 is to arrange for the repairs to be carried out. We have made a start on Step 1 !

    BR-1954 (Faverdale) 20-ton brake van (aka guard’s van) number B952527 gets some TLC from Carol at Williton on Sunday 16th January 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Another important aspect of volunteering is the learning of new skills, so Colin F gave some of his time to help fellow volunteers Paul C and Mike E expand their metalworking skills to include the techniques for cutting and welding. It is never too late to learn a new skill, so hats off to all of our volunteers for their willingness and flexibility. We all learn from one-another !

    Three volunteers gathered at Williton on 22nd January 2022 to develop their skills in cutting and welding. This particular group of three have each learned additional skills and practice them at Williton as often as they can, for the benefit of our loco fleet. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 another book review from our regular correspondent Neale Long, this time covering the new work by Andrew Fowler entitled ‘THE DELTICS & BABY DELTICS – A TALE OF SUCCESS AND FAILURE‘ and published by Pen & Sword Books in May of 2021.

    Here below is Neale’s report:

    “As part of the Pen and Sword Locomotive Profile Series, author Andrew Fowler spotlights two English Electric locomotive classes with contrasting fortunes, namely the world-beating Class 55 ‘Deltics’ and their much less success brethren, the Class 23 ‘Baby Deltics’. He does this through this 197 page tome which is set out in a number of chapters, namely:                                

    •                    Prelude to the ‘Deltics’
    •                    The Prototype ‘Deltic’
    •                    The ‘Baby Deltics’
    •                    The Production Series ‘Deltics’ – an introduction
    •                    Chapters on each production series ‘Deltic’ from D9000 to D9021 (55001 – 55022)

     

    Well written and produced in the usual Pen and Sword style, the book starts with a brief introduction of the commencement of modern traction on the newly nationalised British Railways covering the pioneering LMS locomotives, Bulleid’s 10201-3 and the modernisation plan of 1955, this introduction being suitably illustrated with some historical images.

    The book then tells the story of the prototype ‘Deltic’, before then focusing on the ‘Baby Deltics’ and their particular difficulties. It then proceeds to tell the story of the 22 production-series locomotives which achieved great success on the Eastern Region of BR, replacing over 60 steam locomotives and which revolutionised the schedules on the East Coast route. The last part of the book then devotes a section to each individual production series locomotive commencing with D9000 and ending with D9021, each section containing a brief outline of the individual locomotives’ history.

    The chapters set out the story of both classes adequately and the introduction sets out the classes in context of a railway system that was modernising in the face of a deepening financial crisis. It is a generalised account of these locomotive classes which had contrasting fortunes, rather than a detailed account. Nicely illustrated in both colour and monochrome, many of the photographs feature Class 55s in blue livery rather than the earlier two-tone green, which may disappoint some Class 55 enthusiasts.

    To those expecting a book on the lines of Anthony Sayer’s excellent locomotive portfolios on classes 21/29, 28, 15/16 & 17, this volume differs as is not in that series, being a locomotive ‘profile’ series book rather than the more detailed locomotive ‘portfolio’ series, this book providing a more generalised account of ‘Deltics’ and ‘Baby Deltics’. Within that context, this book provides a reasonable account and the author has compiled a volume that will surely appeal to the many ‘Deltic’ enthusiasts and can be recommended particularly to those seeking an introduction to the story of these locomotives.”

    Many thanks to Neale for providing us with this review.

     

    ON SHED – we feature another photo from the extensive collection of Devon-based photographer Barry Gay, capturing the scene at Newton Abbot during the twilight years of the depot. This week, we feature a Class that has always been closely associated with Newton Abbot, ever since the first examples were put to work on the South Devon banks in January of 1959. Sadly, none of this Class or their diesel-electric cousins (Classes 21 and 29) have survived in preservation, but there is an effort being made by the PROJECT 22 SOCIETY to create a new-build locomotive, and we hope that this project may one day deliver a representative example of a mainline North British diesel locomotive. We wish them every success with their enormous task.

    North British Locomotive Company Type 2 diesel-hydraulic Class 22 number D6337 stands at Newton Abbot loco shed after being refuelled on the evening of 5th July 1971. This loco entered service at Newton Abbot on 13th March 1962 and was withdrawn on 21st October 1971 after a short operational life of less than 10 years. The loco was broken up at Swindon Works in May of 1972.  Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – we will be contacting our membership this week to remind members to renew their subscriptions so that we can keep our membership base growing. This is essential so that we can provide long-term security for the DEPG locomotive fleet. Please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us have your opinion of how we are doing. Thanks !

    A DEPG Board Meeting took place at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 and a synopsis will be produced ASAP and circulated to members for whom we hold an active email address. Copies of the synopsis will be included with the next DEPG Newsletter for the benefit of those who prefer written communications. Let us know your preference – we are in the process of developing our systems to allow a more selective distribution, to reduce costs and to eliminate waste.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have some stock remaining of our seasonably warm wearables, so click the the links below to find out more !

    We can also provide these garments to order in different colours, so if you want a hat or a fleece but don’t want it in black, please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. Thanks !

     

    WSR NEWS: The success of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services has been well covered in previous roundups, but last Monday, 17th January 2022, a special working took place where the Winterlights contractor’s team joined a team comprising WSR and DEPG volunteers to travel between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield to recover the displays and artefacts that had been positioned along the line as part of the show. The special working was propelled by Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) under the control of DEPG Chairman Martin Howard, and the working was captured by dashcam by one of our volunteers while on his way to Williton, just as the consist passed over Coombe Florey bridge !

    Dashcam capture of Class 09 D4107 (09 019) propelling the ex-GWR ‘Toad’ brake van over Coombe Florey bridge on Monday 17th January 2022 in the direction of Crowcombe Heathfield. Video capture by Geoff Miles © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The beauty of the early morning at Nornvis on a cold and frosty Monday 17th January 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09 019) stands at Nornvis while the staff from the Winterlights contractor disassemble the lineside displays and stow them in the ex-GWR ‘Toad’ brake van for safe return to Bishops Lydeard. Photo taken on Monday 17th January 2022 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09 019) stands at Nornvis with the ex-GWR ‘Toad’ brake van on a cold but clear Monday 17th January 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Elsewhere on the line, the track renewal project at Alcombe (between Dunster and Minehead) is proceeding well, with the trackbed prepared and the brand-new sleepers and rail in the process of being laid. The use of steel sleepers is preferred in this area because the line is built across a salt marsh, the steel sleepers being more suited to the ground conditions. For more photos of this work taking place, click this link to visit wsr.org.uk. It is great to see investment on this scale and we look forward to running over the new formation in the spring.

    Track renewal work at Marsh Common, Alcombe, with members of the WSR Infrastructure Permanent Way gang aligning the new steel sleepers before installing the new rails. Pictured on Thursday 20th January 2022 by the WSR Infrastructure team © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The WSR have published the dates for the 2022 special events, 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

     

  • 47077 NORTH STAR arrives at the NYMR

    The DEPG’s ‘celebrity’ Class 47 number 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ arrived at Newbridge on the NYMR in the evening of Monday 17th January 2022 and was unloaded by the team from Allelys the following morning after an overnight soak at -3C. Pictured with 08495 just after being unloaded by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    BR-Crewe-built (1965) Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ has arrived safely at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and will soon be residing in the new carriage shed at Pickering while undergoing inspection and recertification of her compressed air system. Once passed as ‘fit to run’ and upon the completion of bridge replacement along the line, the loco will move to Grosmont where additional work will be carried out. The loco will then be used for crew training before being used on service trains. We look forward to a successful stay at the NYMR and her eventual return to her home base on the WSR !

     

    Here’s a link to a very interesting video by Robert Townsend that covers the unloading of ‘NORTH STAR’ at Newbridge Permanent Way Depot on the NYMR on Tuesday 18th January 2022:

     

    Many thanks also to our local correspondent Martin Fisher for braving the cold weather on Monday evening and Tuesday morning to keep us informed and capture some images to share with us all. Here are some of the photos that he managed to take from the public areas of the NYMR:

    Class 08 shunter 08495 gets hold of 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ after unloading from the Allelys transport rig at Newbridge near Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, viewed on the very cold morning of Tuesday 18th January 2022. Photo by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The new carriage shed at Trout Farm near Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, viewed on the very cold morning of Tuesday 18th January 2022. Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ will be spending the next few weeks at this facility before moving to the workshops at Grosmont. Photo by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 16-Jan-22

    The DEPG’s BR-corporate-blue Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was loaded onto an Allelys Heavy Haulage trailer at Bishops Lydeard on a very cold Thursday morning 13th January 2022, in preparation for a 300-mile trip to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where the loco will operate for the next two years. The loco wears a perfect halo that was created by the early morning sunrise. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The hot news this week is the departure of our BR-Crewe-built Brush Type-4 Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ from Bishops Lydeard on the morning of Thursday 13th January 2022 via road transportation that was provided by Allelys Heavy Haulage.

     

    The team from Allelys arrived on the Wednesday afternoon to set up their loading ramp so that the loading could commence at first light on the Thursday. The WSR team of Merv Hebditch and Paul Fleet had already started up Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) and were ready to propel the 118-tonne Class 47 to the first stage of the loading ramp. Once there the Allelys winch took the strain and pulled the loco up the ramp and onto the trailer, which had also been set to incline at a similar angle. This made the winching task much harder, but was done to make the ramp angle continuous. Locomotive suspension systems are not designed to cope with multiple changes in angle, so damage could easily result from such changes.

    Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ shown making the final transition from ramp to trailer at Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 13th January 2022. The last of the six axles, each carrying almost 20 tonnes of load, will soon be aboard the purpose-built vehicle. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ shown in position on the 88-wheel trailer at Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 13th January 2022. The inclined angle of the trailer deck can be seen by the yellow lines that have been added to this photo. The incline was pre-set using hydraulic actuators that are built-in to the trailer. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The complicated and careful process of loading the loco can be viewed on a special page that is available on our website (click here) and in a video that has been posted to the DEPG YouTube channel and will also soon be posted on WSRTV channel, and is available by clicking on the image below:

    The loco has now been safely delivered to the NYMR, as you can see from their news page. She will undergo a preliminary inspection at Pickering to confirm that no damage has occurred in transit and will then be stabled securely in the new carriage shed until the bridge replacement works at Goathland are completed. While in the carriage shed the air system will be recertified for use by a contractor and once accepted as fit to run, she will be moved by rail to Grosmont loco works for completion of outstanding restoration tasks to prepare her for NYMR service. This may eventually include additional work to return her to main line standards to enable her to work to Whitby. The loco is already fitted with an early version of the mandatory Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) for mainline use, but since this has not been used since the loco left mainline network in 2007 some updating work may be needed. We look forward to the loco being used on scheduled NYMR services in the near future!

     

    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.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we have plenty more progress to report on this loco, with both new (Chris) and returning (Geoff) volunteers bringing their efforts and expertise to bear in addition to our regular team of Gordon, Leroy, Ian F and Colin F. The more the merrier, because this is a big project on a very big loco and there is plenty to do, both on and off the loco. If you want to help, JOIN US and come along to the depot on a Saturday for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. Here’s some photos of the work that has taken place during the last few days:

    D1010 – the rebuild of the front corner on the driver’s side of ‘B’ end cab has been completed by Colin and is now ready for rubbing down and painting. Pictured at Williton on Monday 11th January 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – Colin’s attention then shifted to the opposite side of the cab. In this picture, taken at Williton on Saturday 15th January 2022, the corroded skin has been cut away, exposing the corroded supports that have to be replaced before the new skin can be attached. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – after repairing the underlying structure, Colin then prepared the new steel for the replacement skin and tack-welded it into place as a temporary measure. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 16th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The highly visible and excellent progress on the bodywork is the most newsworthy aspect, but there is plenty of effort being expended on the unglamorous task of needle-gunning the entire loco, including the roof, and repairing the many other small items such as hinges and stays, conduits and pipework, all of which has suffered from the effects of the weather over the last 50 years (D1010 last underwent a major works overhaul at Swindon in 1972 – see our D1010 timeline page for details).

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    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 ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now back at Williton undergoing some minor repairs, which on Sunday 16th January involved the re-sealing some of the cab windows following reports of rainwater ingress. No doubt we won’t have to wait too long before we find out if the repair has been succesful !

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – the duty loco, stationed at Bishops Lydeard (under cover, in Westridge Shed).

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) is pictured at rest at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard on the morning of Thursday 13th January 2022. Photo by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – work proceeds on fitting additional fuse protection into the electrical feed for the compressor to ensure that, if a fault was to occur with the compressor, any damage would be minimised and localised. The same modification was performed on sister loco D7018 when that loco was rebuilt. The level of protection that was included when the loco was new was minimal. The suspension repair work that is keeping her out of service has had to be deferred until we are able to get the 60-year-old loco over the pit in the Swindon Shed (hopefully in March or April).

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – as stated last week, this loco will celebrate her 60th birthday on 18th January 2022, the loco having entered service at Bristol Bath Road depot on that day in 1962. To make sure that she is available to work later in the year, our Chairman Martin Howard has resumed his work on disassembling the transmission control block to identify the issue that is preventing the automatic gear change from functioning. The current plan is to removed the control block for detailed attention and meanwhile install the ‘known good’ control block from D7018’s ‘old’ transmission. However, that transmission was last used in 1995, so we will have to wait and see how this pans out. One way or another, the loco will be ready for the WSR Diesel Gala (from 9th to 11th June). Read about the history of this loco in our 64-page A4 booklet ‘HYMEK D7018‘.

    DEPG Chairman Martin Howard reaches into the Stone-Maybach Mekydro hydraulic transmission housing to disconnect the pressure lines that are attached to the control block of ‘Hymek’ D7018. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 16th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  work continues on the identification and refurbishment of the many pipes and conduits that need to be refitted to the frames before the major subassemblies can be re-installled. The progress over the next few weeks is going to be that of detail, with effort going into so many small tasks in preparation for the next ‘big one’.

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ on number 2 road inside the DEPG loco shed with various pieces of pipework and electrical conduit placed in the approximate location for re-installation. Each piece has to be cleaned, inspected and refurbished where necessary before being fitting back on the loco frames. Painstaking work indeed. Photo taken at Williton on Saturday 8th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The constant progress on this loco project has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

     

    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 is currently based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and celebrated her 57th birthday on the 6th January 2022. We have received confirmation that the loco will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – last week, we featured a photo that showed this loco (or her sister loco 579) working a short train of vans, probably carrying explosives, crossing the bridge over the M5 motorway just a short distance from the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) at Puriton, near Bridgwater. The point of the photo was to highlight the apparent efforts that are being made to clear the route and assess the feasibility for laying new track to the former ROF site, which is earmarked for a new factory development for the production of electric vehicles. Regular correspondent Neale Long discovered that the branch is being considered for re-opening in connection with the Rivian Electric Truck Vehicle plant that may be built on the old ROF site. The ground frame / rail connection that was controlled by Bristol Power Box was removed over 20 years ago. Thanks, Neale – let’s hope that this project gets the go-ahead and brings more work and more trains to the area. Maybe we can hire number 578 out to them and see her cross the M5 once again!

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 or 579 pictured on the bridge over the M5, just north of Bridgwater with a short train of explosives from the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) at Puriton (which closed in 2008). Photo by Paul Stanford courtesy of the Cornwall Railway Society © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 – we have a book review from Neale Long covering another of Anthony Sayer’s reference works, this time in relation to the little-known Type 1 diesel-electric locomotives built by the British Thomson-Houston company and the North British Locomotive Company, later allocated Class numbers 15 and 16. This book is available from the publisher direct by clicking on the image below:

    Neale writes:

    “In the latest in the series of locomotive profiles, Anthony Sayer turns his attention to two more ill-fated BR Modernisation Plan locomotive classes, namely the British Thomson-Houston Class 15 and the mechanically and structurally similar North British Class 16.  Using his tried and trusted formula and primary research sources, the author examines with thoroughness the work of these two classes that were used initially on East London, Great Eastern and London Tilbury and Southend lines. As in his previous tomes, the author follows a similar methodical structure, commencing with Class introduction, technical description, performance, locomotive histories, run-down, withdrawal, disposal, and conclusion. The chapters are :

      • Class introduction
      • Some Technical Aspects
      • Locomotive Design
      • Acceptance Testing
      • Deliveries, Allocation and Withdrawal
      • Overhaul and Maintenance
      • Locomotive Histories
      • Performance
      • Accidents and Fire Damage
      • Operations – A High Level Summary
      • Details and Differences
      • Liveries
      • Storage and Withdrawal
      • Storage Locations
      • Scrapping – Private yards
      • Scrapping – BREL Workshops
      • Post withdrawal – Carriage Pre-Heat units
      • Preservation
      • Concluding remarks

    The author tells of yet another sorry episode in the BR Modernisation Plan which turned from an initial carefully thought-out strategy to blind panic and a rush towards replacement of steam, with the railways losing money and traffic at an alarming rate in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Plans to thoroughly test and scrutinise prototypes with a view to perpetuating the successful ones – and not perpetuating the less successful ones – were swept away and several unsatisfactory designs were perpetuated with entirely predictable results. These two classes were clearly in the latter category. Starting with the LMS prototype 10800 from which these two classes were based, the author with great accuracy and clarity tells the whole sorry tale. Somehow these classes were built; the work for which they were designed was in decline and the BR Traction plan of 1967 sealed their fate. The author has done a fine job of telling the story of these classes which until now have not been covered in detail. A good selection of rare images illustrate the book, very much in the same style of previous books which examined the history of classes 17, 21/29, 28 & 17 and this particular edition is a fine accompaniment to those volumes.

    The book tells that, even back in the days of LMS 10800, concerns were being raised about the suitability of the application of un-modified Paxman diesel engines to rail. Equally fascinating was the fact that there were doubts about the requirement for Type 1 diesels under 1957 Modernisation Plan, but the ER made a case for type 1’s in that the use of Type 2 diesels on diagrams for Type 1’s was not suitable from a financial stand point. All this is admirably told in this fine book.

    Pleasingly though, this particularly sorry tale does have a happy ending as one British Thomson-Houston Class 15, number D8233, survives and is one of the more challenging restorations currently progressing at Bury, so there will be the opportunity to see and hear and ride behind this dinosaur from an age long past. Brief mention of this is made in the book, but I think in view of the magnitude of its restoration, time, money and effort made, this merited rather more than just a few lines and a picture of D8233.

    Overall, this is yet another superb locomotive study from Anthony P Sayer who is to be commended for tackling two more unheralded locomotive classes and can be unreservedly recommended.”

    Many thanks to Neale for providing us with this detailed book review !

     

    ON SHED – we have received more photos from the extensive collection of Devon-based photographer Barry Gay, capturing the scene at Newton Abbot. Here’s another of Barry’s photos, this time from 1978, along with a caption that is based on his own text:

    Newton Abbot, 5th March 1978 and a Class 55 ‘Deltic’, number 55003 ‘MELD’ is on shed for refuelling while a Class 31 rests on the traverser. The ‘Deltic’ had worked the 0815 1Z15 Paddington to Par, the ‘DELTIC RANGER re-run’ railtour, with the ‘Deltic’ coming off at Newton Abbot after a visit to Paignton and back. The railtour was taken into Cornwall by ‘Peak’ 46003. This is the only time that a ‘Deltic’ visited Newton Abbot, I believe. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – we will be contacting our membership later this month to remind members to renew their subscriptions so that we can keep our membership base growing. This is essential so that we can provide long-term security for the DEPG locomotive fleet. Please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us have your opinion of how we are doing. Thanks !

    A DEPG Board Meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022, so please let me know if you have any points that you would like me to raise on your behalf.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have some stock remaining of our seasonal wearables, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    DEPG fleece jacket with collar, unlined, zip pockets, black with silver DEPG logo, £25 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

     

    WSR NEWS: The minutes of the Partnership Development Group meeting from December 2021 have now been published and are available from the excellent and informative wsr.org.uk site by clicking this link. Work continues on the track relaying project at Alcombe, near Minehead, while infrastructure maintenance is taking place at multiple sites across the railway. All of this is made possible due to the exellent patronage of the Christmas Specials and the fundraising work carried out by the WSRA and the WSRHT, so thanks to all those who are donating to all of these ‘WSR family’ causes. It is much appreciated and is for the benefit of all !

     

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

  • D7018 is 60 years old today !

    Our carefully restored Class 35 Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7018 originally entered service at the Bristol Bath Road depot of British Railways on 18th January 1962, so today marks her official 60th birthday !

    Click the below image to go to a superb piece of video by DEPG member Mark Ireland, taken on Saturday 21st August 2021 at Stogumber Station (renowned for their excellent cream teas, served in the garden alongside the line) on the West Somerset Railway.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 departs from Stogumber Station on the West Somerset Railway while working a public timetabled service on Saturday 21st August 2021. Image from a video by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Learn more about D7018 and her 24-year-long restoration in our 64-page A4 booklet ‘HYMEK D7018’ available from our online store or by calling at our depot in Williton on a Saturday.

     

     

    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.

     

    Go to the D7018 loco page

    Go to the D7017 loco page

    Go to Loco Status page

    Go to the Welcome page

    Go to the Home page

     

     

  • Loading 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ at Bishops Lydeard

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ pictured with a halo in the early morning winter sunshine after being loaded onto an Allelys heavy transport rig at Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 13th January 2022 and soon to start her journey northward to the NYMR. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Click here to go to the Gallery page that presents a series of photos and video clips of the process of loading our 118-tonne Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ on to an Allelys transport rig for haulage to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

     

    Go to Class 47 loco info page

    Go to Loco Status page

    Go to Depot news

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

  • 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ is on the road – updated

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ pictured after being loaded onto an Allelys heavy transport rig at Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 13th January 2022 and soon to start her journey northward to the NYMR. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ pictured departing Bishops Lydeard on an Allelys heavy transport rig just before midday on Thursday 13th January 2022 at the start of her 300-mile journey northward to the NYMR. Video by Chris Shields © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our ‘celebrity’ BR-Brush Class 47 ‘NORTH STAR’ is on the move, heading northwards to the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY via the following route (note the break in journey between Thursday evening and Monday morning):

     

    A358 from Bishops Lydeard to Taunton

    A3259 to A38 to the M5 northbound

    M5 to Junction 22 (leave Mway due to weight restrictions on the Avonmouth bridge)

    A38 to A368 to A37 to A4174 through Bristol

    M32 to M4 westbound Junction 20

    M4 to M5 northbound

    M5 to Junction 9 (leave Mway due to route restrictions in the Tewkesbury area)

    A438 to A38 to M50

    M50 to M5 to ALLELYS BASE AT STUDLEY (Near Redditch, Worcs).

     

    RESUME JOURNEY ON MONDAY 17th JANUARY

    A435 to M42

    A42 to M1 to M18

    M62 to A1(M) to Junction 42

    A63 to A19 to A64

    A169 to A170 to Park Street, Pickering

     

    Please send your photos to contact@depg.org if you get to see her en route !

    Social media channels:

     

    Thanks !

     

    Go to Class 47 loco info page

    Go to Loco Status page

    Go to Depot news

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

  • 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ heads North !

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ pictured while being loaded onto an Allelys heavy transport rig at Bishops Lydeard at first light on Thursday 13th January 2022 and soon to start her journey northward to the NYMR. Photo by Chris Shields © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our ‘celebrity’ BR-Brush Class 47 ‘NORTH STAR’ is on the move today, heading northwards to the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY where she will spend the next year or two operating on the NYMR under a hire agreement that was put in place last summer. The move was delayed due to logistical challenges along the route, but everything is now in place and the loco is on the move today. More details including route information will be posted ASAP.

     

    Go to Class 47 loco info page

    Go to Loco Status page

    Go to Depot news

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 09-Jan-22

    1962-vintage Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 stand together at Williton during a rare break in the rain on Saturday 8th January 2022 while DEPG Chairman Martin Howard (left) and Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell prepare to cut the birthday cake. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our two Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 celebrate their 60th anniversaries this month, with D7017 turning 60 on January 8th and D7018 turning 60 on January 18th. Both locos entered service at Bristol Bath Road depot in January 1962, at a time when the depot was still being built around them. D7017 remained a Bristol loco until 1971 when she was reallocated to Old Oak Common (in West London) and D7018 remained at Bristol until 1966 when she moved to Cardiff Canton depot for a short while then back to Bristol until 1972, after which the dwindling fleet was concentrated at Old Oak.

     

    Both locos were part of a small group of four of the originally 101-strong Class that survived in service until March 1975 when they were withdrawn and were sold for scrap. Luckily, four of these fine locos survive today, two with us at Williton plus D7029 with the Diesel Traction Group at the Severn Valley Railway and D7076 with the Bury Hydraulic Group based on the East Lancashire Railway.

    The 60th birthday cake pictured in the rain at Williton on Saturday 8th January 2022, in celebration of Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018, both of which turn 60 this month. Photo (and cake) by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The worksplates on D7017 and D7018 both show their build date as 1961, but it is customary to determine the age of the loco based on it’s first day in revenue-earning service, therefore January 8th, 1962 for D7017 and January 18th, 1962 for D7018.

    Read more about D7018 and her history in our 64-page A4 booklet ‘HYMEK D7018’ available from our online store.

     

    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.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – This loco has benefitted from 12 man-days of work since the 1st of January, with significant progress being made with the bodyside repairs. Gordon and Ian F have been busy with the needle gunning, and Leroy and Geoff have been removing pipework and inspecting it to determine if repairs are necessary. Meanwhile, Colin F has been replacing corroded sections with new metal as can be seen from these views below:

    D1010 being carefully opened up at ‘B’ end by Colin F at Williton on Monday 3rd January 2022, to allow access to the sub-structure. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 showing very good progress with the restoration of ‘B’ end cab side by Colin F at Williton on Tuesday 4th January 2022. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the skin below the handrails at ‘B’ end had blistered out due to corrosion taking place behind the skin. The blistered sections were cut out and replaced with new steel by Colin F at Williton on Tuesday 4th January 2022. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the corner skin was removed from ‘B’ end by Colin F at Williton on Sunday 9th January 2022 to allow replacement of the corroded sections. The repairs are being tackled in small sections to ensure that the authentic shape is retained. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    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 ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco worked the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services from their start on 19th November right through to the very last day, Friday 31st December, when sister D6575 (33 057) took over to steal the limelight by bringing the last two services of the year into Bishops Lydeard. Here’s a link to a short video clip of the last day of ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ workings, with D6575 (33 057) at the tail end, but in fairness, we need to be grateful to D6566 (33 048) for doing the bulk of the work from November all the way through December !

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – with 360 litres (80 gallons) of fresh oil running through her engine after maintenance at Williton, this loco worked the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services on the very last day, Friday 31st December, allowing sister D6566 (33 048) to head for Williton and a well-earned rest ! D6575 (33 057) is now at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard, in the company of 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ and Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019).

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) is now the duty locomotive and is outstationed at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard in the company of BR-Brush Class 47 47 077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ and at the other end of the lineup, Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019). Photo taken on 9th January 2022 by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – resting at Williton after celebrating her 60th birthday on 8th January 2022 !

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – resting at Williton as she prepares for her 60th birthday on 18th January 2022 !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  the detailed work of refitting the pipes and conduits to the frames is now in progress and will consume a lot of man-hours before the next ‘high profile’ events which will be the reinstallation of the major subassemblies (transmission, cooler group, brake frame, cab, electrical console and ultimately, the engine). The photos below shows the ‘rolling chassis’ on number 2 road inside the loco shed at Williton:

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ is now positioned on number 2 road inside the DEPG loco shed where Simon and Mike E were pictured working on the re-installation of the many pipes and conduits that are best installed while the major sub-assemblies are out of the way. Photo taken at Williton on Saturday 8th January 2022 by Chris Lawton © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ is gradually re-acquiring various ancillary items including this fuel filter and priming pump. All parts have to be overhauled and tested prior to being re-installed on the loco. Pictured at Williton on 9th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ gets attention from Nick and Colin F at Williton on 21st December 2021, as they work out the assembly sequence for the many pipes and conduits that need to be reinstalled. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ has now been cleaned up and is ready for re-assembly. Pictured at Williton on 18th December 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

    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 is currently based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and celebrated her 57th birthday on the 6th January 2022. We have received confirmation that the loco will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 stands at Tenterden Station on the KESR at the head of the 1420 service to Bodiam on 3rd August 2021. Photo by Colin Girle© CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard, waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which is now expected to take place by road later this month. To keep the loco in full working order, an engine run was performed by Ian and Tom on Sunday 9th January so that the engine and other systems could be tested and exercised. Everything went well and the loco remains ready for action.

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ underwent an engine run at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 9th January 2022. The exhaust plume shows that the Sulzer 12-cylinder twin bank engine was cold at the time that the photo was taken, the exhaust becoming clear a short while afterwards. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is now housed within the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ where it will receive further attention to its bodywork while under cover. When new in 1972, this loco was based at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, where it worked with its sister loco number 579 hauling wagons from the explosives factory to a junction with the main Bristol to Exeter line (formerly Huntspill Sidings) for onward transit by mainline rail. The locos had to cope with the steep gradient of the bridge over the then-new M5 motorway, just north of the A39 Bridgwater junction (J23).

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF No. 1) or 579 (ROF No. 2) pictured on the bridge over the M5, just north of Bridgwater with a short train of explosives from the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) at Puriton (which closed in 2008). Photo by Paul Stanford courtesy of the Cornwall Railway Society © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The reason to show this photo now is because the disused and overgrown railway branch line is being cleared and relaid so that it can connect with a new industrial development that is being built on the former ROF site. The work is visible when travelling on the M5. If anyone has any further information about this, please let me know so that we can share it in a future roundup. Thanks to Martin Howard for bringing this to our attention!

     

    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 – we had a book review from Neale Long lined up for this week, but time has run out so we will need to include it in the next roundup. We will be creating web pages for book reviews so that they can be found more easily and be of benefit to more visitors. Many thanks to Neale for his efforts and apologies for not being able to include his article this week.

     

    ON SHED – we have received more photos from the extensive collection of Devon-based photographer Barry Gay, capturing the scene at Newton Abbot in the late 1960s as the lightweight diesel-hydraulics were getting close to the end of their short operating lives, and about to be ousted by the diesel-electric heavyweights of classes 45, 46 and 47. Here’s another of Barry’s photos along with a caption that is based on his own text:

    Newton Abbot, 3rd May 1969 – this image shows the store area behind the traverser. Locos were parked here to await works attention, ocassionally to be condemned. From left to right, North-British Class 43 ‘Warships’ 863 ‘WARRIOR’, 857 ‘UNDAUNTED’, 852 ‘TENACIOUS’ and a glimpse of Swindon-built Class 42 D830 ‘MAJESTIC’. All of particular interest. D857 was sent to Swindon for overhaul in the new single emblem livery as was 852 behind it. This loco was still green with a small yellow warning panel and the Ds painted out, the only one like this I seem to remember. D830, the Paxman engined 2400hp experiment, never worked again and was sent for scrap. Now the interesting story of D863 . . . it was due to go to Swindon for overhaul with 857 and 852 but for some reason ended up being scrapped at Cashmore’s in Newport, South Wales. Crossed wires somewhere!! Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – we will be contacting our membership later this month to remind members to renew their subscriptions so that we can keep our membership base growing. This is essential so that we can provide long-term security for the DEPG locomotive fleet. Please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us have your opinion of how we are doing. Thanks !

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have some stock remaining of our seasonal wearables, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    DEPG fleece jacket with collar, unlined, zip pockets, black with silver DEPG logo, £25 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

     

    WSR NEWS: With the hard-won successes of the 2021 season behind us, the WSR now returns to the normal winter activities involving permanent way renewals and upgrades. The first site being tackled is between Minehead and Dunster, where life-expired bullhead rail is being replaced by flat-bottomed rail on steel sleepers – this kind of sleeper being better suited to the marshy conditions in this area. This work takes place in all weathers so spare a thought for the PW team next time you see the rain lashing at your window. They may well be out there working !

    BR Swindon-built (1960) Class 03 D2133 is pictured in the sunshine, heading for Dunster on Wednesday 5th January 2022 with a short train of life-expired rail panels for stripping and recycling. Photo by WSR Infrastructure Engineering © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

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

     

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  • Happy 57th Birthday to D9526 !

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 stands at Tenterden Town Station on the K&ESR at the head of a rake of historic coaches forming the 1420 service to Bodiam on 3rd August 2021. Photo by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our Class 14 number D9526 entered service with British Railways at Bristol Bath Road depot on the 6th of January 1965, so she became 57 years of age yesterday !

     

    Currently on loan to the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY, this loco had a very succesful 2021 season and generated a useful contribution to DEPG funds, seeing regular use on the K&ESR while standing in for her slightly older sister D9504 who is undergoing heavy maintenance at present.

     

    D9526 will return to Williton in May this year, in time to participate in the WSR’s 2022 DIESEL GALA.

     

    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 !

     

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  • Rounding up the DEPG year 2021

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) hauled the return leg of the very last ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ service of 2021, pictured after arriving at Bishops Lydeard on 31st December 2021, marking the end of a very succesful festive season for the WSR. Perhaps the diesel loco will also get some festive lights next year. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of our members and supporters ! Let’s hope that it is going to be a good one for all of you and for people all around the world !

    Here’s a quick roundup of the last 12 months to put us in the mood for thinking about the good things that are ahead of us in 2022:

     

    JANUARY 2021 – We vacated the Brunel-era broad gauge Goods Shed at Williton to allow a full structural survey to take place.

    Inside south-facing view of the Old Goods Shed at Williton showing the railway siding on the left and the roadway access on the right of the central platform. The black-coloured column is the cast iron support for the goods crane. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    FEBRUARY 2021 – Our online store went live and our first online sale was recorded !

     

     

    MARCH 2021 – Both Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ were busy working engineering trains in support of track upgrades along the length of the WSR.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was captured at Goviers Lane Crossing at Watchet on 22nd March 2021 while in the process of returning three empty ‘DOGFISH’ ballast wagons to the Permanent Way depot at Dunster after the completion of track relaying work at Doniford. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    APRIL 2021 – We published our booklet in support of fund raising for the restoration of Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’.

     

     

    MAY 2021 – The WSR reopened for public services, the ‘Cromptons’ worked the crew training specials and Class 14 D9526 worked the ‘Watchet Shuttle’.

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 worked the empty stock of the ‘Watchet Shuttle’ public service on 29th May 2021, pictured at Splash Point by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    JUNE 2021 – Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ emerged from bodywork repairs at Williton and ran to Bishops Lydeard.

    Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ resplendent in the late-1970s livery applied by WSR Restorations was pictured descending Watts Bank on the approach to Bishops Lydeard on 21st June 2021, her first run on the WSR since 2018. Photo by Chris Shields © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    JULY 2021 – Summer entertainment began with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 in action on the Dunster ‘Excursion Specials’, while Class 14 D9526 moved to Kent on hire to the K&ESR.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in action on the first of the ‘Diesel Excursion Specials’ and was pictured at Barnstaple Junction on 17th July 2021 while running around her train at Norton Fitzwarren. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    AUGUST 2021 – Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) ‘top and tailed’ the ‘Excursion Special’ in celebration of their 60th birthdays !

    Class 33 images by Ian Robins and Peter Nicholson, card design by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    SEPTEMBER 2021 – The succesful and highly enjoyable MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND event took place and we hosted the RAILCAM UK team.

    A ‘Type 3’ gathering with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) on the left (the ‘up’ direction towards Bishops Lydeard) and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 on the right (the ‘down’ direction towards Minehead) at Blue Anchor on 17th September 2021. Photo by Barrie Childs © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    OCTOBER 2021 – The SEAWARD WAY LEVEL CROSSING reopened, heralding the return of through services to Minehead for the 2022 season.

    Seaward Way Level Crossing at Minehead was completely rebuilt and upgraded during 2021. Control of the crossing was handed back to the WSR Operations Department on 26 October 2021 and we are looking forward to running through to Minehead again in 2022. Photo by Richard Neal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    NOVEMBER 2021 – Our annual ‘WORK WEEK’ saw some major steps forward with new and restored valances fitted to D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, but even this achievement was eclipsed later in the month by the re-wheeling of Class 14 D9518 !

    D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ front end valances were restored or renewed and then refitted to the loco at Williton on 20th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Class 14 D9518 frames in the air and ready to be lowered onto her wheels at Williton on 27th November 2021, a great achievement and an important milestone for the D9518 RESTORATION PROJECT. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    DECEMBER 2021 – We promoted the DEPG at the Newton Abbot show, the two ‘Cromptons’ and their crews worked many late nights on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ trains and OUR ONLINE STORE ENDED THE YEAR WITH MORE THAN £12,000 IN SALES which generated a massive contribution to our restoration projects !

    Thank you to everyone who supported the DEPG and the WSR in 2021 ! Your help was essential and was much appreciated !


    DEPG volunteer Mike Evans pictured while manning the stand at the Newton Abbot Railway Studies and Modellers Show which took place at the Passmore Edwards Library in the town on Saturday 4th December 2021. The show was a great success and helped spread the word about who we are and what we do. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are putting so much effort into looking after our fleet of heritage diesel locomotives and protecting their future !

     

    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 wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other WSR gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    Many more items of news from 2021 can be found by browsing our website. Sign up for ROUNDUP to have the news delivered to your emailbox on a weekly basis.

    We will be back next weekend with the first roundup of 2022 !

    Meanwhile, be sure to stay safe and stay well.

     

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