Monthly Archives: July 2023

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 moved from Williton to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 22nd July 2023 to be in position for her YELLOW timetable duties that commenced on Tuesday 25th July, on the 11:00 departure from Bishops Lydeard and the 15:25 return from Minehead. Photo by Steve Speck © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The YELLOW timetable comes into effect for weekdays and Saturdays from the 25th July onwards, and the diesel turns will be shared by Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) on alternate weeks. This additional diesel loco-hauled working is covering for the Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) which is out of service undergoing heavy maintenance work and may not be available for the rest of this season. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of which loco will be rostered for which service.

     The YELLOW timetable diesel-hauled service timings are:

     11:00 Depart Bishops Lydeard, arrive Minehead at 12:15

     15:25 Depart Minehead, arrive Bishops Lydeard at 17:05

A total of 40 miles with a 4-coach load, a perfect way to bring D9526 back into regular use on the WSR !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) will be working alternately on the diesel diagram of the YELLOW timetable for the next five weeks, covering for the DMU. The ‘Teddy Bear’ and driver Colin G were pictured during a period of inclement weather at Williton on Saturday 22nd July 2023 while being prepared for the ‘light engine’ move to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Brenden Hill © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

The diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable was worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) on Saturday and Sunday 22/23rd July. This loco has been outstationed at Minehead since the Diesel Gala in early June and is booked to continue covering the Sunday workings until mid August, when she is due to be relieved by one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’. One important item that needed attention last Saturday 22nd July was the windscreen wiper blade on the driver’s side, so a new blade was obtained from stock and fitted by Ian R at Williton while the loco waited for the ‘down’ train to clear the single line section.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) received a new windscreen wiper blade at Williton on Saturday 22nd July 2023. Volunteer loco manager Ian R was closely watched by (clockwise from left) Hayley, Andy C, Clive and Brenden while getting the job done between showers. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

The next major event taking place on the WSR will be the WSRA’s ANNUAL STEAM RALLY that takes place at Norton Fitzwarren during the first weekend in August. Although the event has steam in the title, it includes a vast range of exhibits from horses to tractors to vintage cars, trucks and buses. The DEPG will also be participating with Class 14 D9526 providing brake van rides over the truncated remains of the Barnstaple branch line, and we will also have one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ on static display. This event is lots of fun and is WELL WORTH A VISIT. There will be a frequent FREE (for rally-goers) shuttle service from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and Class 09 ‘Gronk’ D4107 (09019) and a FREE bus connection from Silk Mills Park & Ride.

Click here or on the images below to go to the Steam Rally website:

 

 

Beyond that, the FORTIES WEEKEND event will take place on September 9th and 10th and is always very popular with a wide range of related exhibits and themed activities, including the now-customary evening dance on the platform at Minehead ! Click here to go to the WSR website for details of this event.

 

Then, the DEPG at 50 event will feature a full day of diesel-hauled services on FRIDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER and mixed traction days on the Saturday and Sunday. Details are being finalised and will be published next week. A Friday evening service will run from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back and will offer food and drinks to all ticketed travellers (DEPG members will enjoy significant discounts and privileges) so KEEP THIS DATE FREE and make a plan to attend !

 

Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – although slightly outside of this roundup reporting period, the preparation work that had been undertaken during the previous two weeks for the lifting of the two cooler groups and the ‘A’ transmission came to fruition on Monday 24th July 2023 in one crane hire session, thanks to the close co-operation of George from HEAVER BROTHERS of Exeter who operated the truck-mounted knuckle boom crane. More details and links to video footage will be included in the next edition of roundup.  MANY THANKS to George and the D1010 volunteer team of Gordon, Leroy, Colin F, Geoff and Tim, supported by Martin, Tom and Andy R, for getting this work done safely and efficiently !

D1010 – the cooler group was lifted out from ‘A’ end of the loco at Williton on Monday 24th July 2023. The crane was provided by HEAVER BROTHERS of Exeter. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the 4.5 tonne Voith hydraulic transmission was lifted out from ‘A’ end of the loco at Williton on Monday 24th July 2023 so that it can undergo a complete overhaul in the care of the DEPG ‘transmission team’. The rain had stopped a few hours before the lifting operations began. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ was visible on the Williton webcam with both cooler groups missing during the lifting operations that took place on Monday 24th July 2023. Image captured from the Williton North Railcam, courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the overhauled ‘B’ transmission (pictured on the right with Leroy alongside) was moved out of the overhaul facility in Roughmoor Enterprise Centre (Williton) so that the unrestored ‘A’ transmission (in front of the fork lift) could be moved in. The crane was provided by HEAVER BROTHERS of Exeter. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

More details of the lifting operations and along with close-up photos of the removed assemblies will be included in the next roundup.

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is stabled at Minehead, ready for her next duties under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was pictured at Bishops Lydeard station on Saturday 22nd July 2023 with a pair of ‘Manor’ class steam locos alongside as they waited to position for hauling an incoming 10-coach mainline charter service through to Minehead and back. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was called into action on Sunday 23rd July to stand in for GWR 4-6-0 7812 ‘ERLESTOKE MANOR’ due to this visiting loco developing a leaking mudhole door that needed attention at Minehead. This unexpected working from Williton resulted in the ‘Crompton’ ending up at Bishops Lydeard, which is the desired position for her YELLOW timetable duties that commence on Tuesday 1st August.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is undergoing the re-connection of the wiring that was removed during the fault-finding that took place during the previous weekend. The driver’s side window is next on the list for attention, along with a few other electrical issues that will be repaired in time for her next booked working on Sunday 13th August.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco was started up on Saturday 23rd July so that the transmission functionality could be assessed. The test involved the continuous monitoring of the temporary additional pressure gauges that had been installed on the transmission control block. The tests showed that a control issue still exists, so the control block will need to be removed for attention. This work will be carried out during August.

D7018 – the engine was started up at Williton on Saturday 23rd July 2023 so that the reverser function of the Mekydro transmission could be tested. Martin was pictured attempting to change the direction using the manual overide handle, but the pressure levels were not correct so the interlock prevented the movement. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work goes on, even though the team have also been supporting the running of classmate D9526, as reported earlier. The team have still found the time to tackle further external paintwork and make progress with the cab overhaul. An interesting find in the bottom of the document pouch in the cab roof was this fragment of ‘HOTSPUR‘ comic book, dated from almost exactly FIFTY YEARS AGO and costing the princely sum of 3p.

D9518 – this fragment of ‘HOTSPUR’ comic book dated 28th July 1973 was found at Williton almost fifty years later, wedged in the bottom of the document pouch in the cab roof. Photo dated 22nd July 2023 by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the wiring loom from the driver’s desk was removed and laid out for measuring by John at Williton on Saturday 22nd July 2023. This complete assembly will be replaced with new wire and new crimp terminals. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the ‘B’ end of the loco received a coat of yellow paint, completed by Colin G at Williton on Saturday 22nd July 2023 and soon to be ready for the characteristic black chevrons to be added. Photo 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 is fully serviceable and ready for use in place of the DMU on some of the YELLOW timetable services during the peak summer period that starts on Tuesday 25th July. Take a look at our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the running dates and loco allocations.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a cylinder head overhaul (same massive type as the Class 33s, but 12 of them!) at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Other priorities have delayed the work on this loco, but current expectations are that the loco will be returned to service during August. More news on this topic will be included in the next edition of roundup.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard. The cab is undergoing a repaint in the capable hands of Jon T, but the loco remains serviceable and ready for action.

 

 

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, 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 !

 

 

ON SHED – almost 48 years ago today, the D+EG (forerunner of the DEPG) arranged the delivery of newly-acquired but withdrawn Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 from Old Oak Common to Taunton via Westbury. There are many interesting details to this epic journey, one that would be unimaginable on the modern railway, and some very interesting cine footage that was recorded by the DEPG representatives on board the loco, namely John Crane and Clive Burrows. The acquisition of this loco was the result of some very challenging fundraising work that was carried out by John from late 1973 onwards. We will be able to share this story in more detail at some point in the near future. Many thanks to John and Clive for their massive contributions to what we enjoy today, and thanks also to Jon Tooke for sharing this photo with us all.

Class 25 25162 was pictured passing through Newbury station on 30th July 1975 with D7017 in tow, adorned with the D+EG logo and multiple requests to not remove parts ! The ’25’ hauled the withdrawn ‘Hymek’ as far as Taunton and had to leave the loco there because the WSR was not able to receive traffic at that time. Photo courtesy of Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a Board Meeting was held at Williton on Saturday 22nd July, the synopsis for which will be prepared ASAP and shared with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address. The synopsis for the June meeting was shared last week, so any DEPG members who did not receive that email are requested to let us know by using our CONTACT FORM so that we can re-send the email or update our mailing list.

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSRA STEAM RALLY: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August at Norton Fitzwarren

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

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

      

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) worked the diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable last weekend and was pictured climbing Watts Bank just after leaving Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 16th July 2023, with secondman Mark Bladwell paying close attention to the volunteer Permanent Way gang who have stepped back to allow the train to pass. The weeds have evidently been enjoying the weather this year. Photo by Malcolm Anderson © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable was worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) on Saturday and Sunday 15/16th July. This loco has been outstationed at Minehead since the Diesel Gala in early June and is booked to continue covering the Sunday workings until mid August, when she is due to be relieved by one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’.

The YELLOW timetable comes into effect for weekdays and Saturdays from the 25th July onwards, and the diesel turns will be shared by Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) on alternate weeks. This additional diesel loco-hauled working is covering for the Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) which is out of service undergoing heavy maintenance work and may not be available for the rest of this season. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of which loco will be rostered for which service.

     The YELLOW timetable diesel-hauled service timings are:

     11:00 Depart Bishops Lydeard, arrive Minehead at 12:15

     15:25 Depart Minehead, arrive Bishops Lydeard at 17:05

     A total of 40 miles.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) will be working alternately on the diesel diagram of the YELLOW timetable for the next five weeks, covering for the DMU. Both locos were pictured at Williton on Saturday 1st July 2023 by Andy Royal. © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

In an unexpected turn of events, the DEPG were contacted last Saturday by the owners of the splendid A4-class steam loco 60007 ‘SIR NIGEL GRESLEY’ that was undergoing repair at Westridge Steam Shed, Bishops Lydeard. Our Chairman Martin Howard has provided us with the following information:

     “After a call for assistance from the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust (SNGLT), owners of Gresley A4 pacific 60007 (LNER 4498) on Saturday 15th July, we lent them 2 x 1 metre lengths of high-tensile M24 studding from our workshop stock. This was to help them repair a failed middle small end bearing that they were having trouble replacing, as the M20 studding they were using kept stripping threads. We heard later on Saturday evening that the new bearing was successfully fitted using the M24 bar, and that the SNGLT are very grateful for DEPG’s timely assistance in their hour of need.”

 

The loco was test run between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren on the Sunday and will soon be returning to main line duties. The mainline loco operators LSL sent their Class 37 D6817 (37117, 37521) to support the steam loco and the two were pictured in this excellent shot by DEPG member Steve Speck. Many thanks to Martin and Steve for providing this interesting information.

Class A4 ‘Streak’ 60007 ‘SIR NIGEL GRESLEY’ was pictured departing from Bishops Lydeard on a test run to Norton Fitzwarren on Sunday 16th July 2023. Mainline loco operator LSL’s Class 37 D6817 (37117, 37521) is visible on the left, at the end of the bay platform. Photo by Steve Speck © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The next major event taking place on the WSR will be the WSRA’s ANNUAL STEAM RALLY that takes place at Norton Fitzwarren during the first weekend in August. Although the event has steam in the title, it includes a vast range of exhibits from horses to tractors to vintage cars, trucks and buses. The DEPG will also be participating with Class 14 D9526 providing brake van rides over the truncated remains of the Barnstaple branch line, and we will also have one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ on static display. This event is lots of fun and is WELL WORTH A VISIT. There will be a frequent FREE (for rally-goers) shuttle service from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and Class 09 ‘Gronk’ D4107 (09019) and a FREE bus connection from Silk Mills Park & Ride.

 

Click here or on the images below to go to the Steam Rally website:

 

Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the focus last week was the preparation of the loco and the surrounding area for the crane that will be attending next week to lift out the two cooler groups and the ‘A’ transmission for overhaul. The lift plan also includes the movement of the completed ‘B’ transmission from the overhaul facility to a temporary storage facility where the transmission will be kept until the loco is ready for the re-installation.

D1010 – the loco was prepared for the cooler groups and transmission to be lifted out, and then covered up to prevent rainwater ingress. Gordon is pictured securing the tarpaulins at the end of the day on Saturday 15th July 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Meanwhile, the transmission team turned their attention to the leaking Serck pumps that drive the roof fans, one of which been leaking for some time. Both pumps will be overhauled and fitted with new seals and gaskets and the associated oil tanks will be pressure tested when the cooler groups are out of the way.

D1010 – the ‘A’ end Serck pump was stripped down at Williton on 10th July to replace the oil seals and gaskets. The pump comprises seven close-fitting plungers that are driven at an angle, resulting in linear movement of the plungers, pressurising the hydraulic fluid that in turn drives the roof fans. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Click here or on the image below for a short video clip that shows the rotation action.

   

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is stabled at Minehead, ready for her next duties under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details. She gave us an anxious moment when a driver reported a fault with the Driver’s Safety Device (DSD) not re-setting properly, so volunteer driver Robin and volunteer fitter Tom attended at Minehead to investigate. The problem was quickly traced to a sticking plunger on the secondman’s side, which was cleaned up and tested to confirm that the issue was resolved. This allowed the loco to take up her next duty without affecting her 100% despatch reliability since returning to service earlier this year. Thanks guys !

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) received some attention to the Driver’s Safety Device (DSD, aka ‘deadman’s pedal’) while stabled at Minehead on Thursday 13th July 2023. DEPG and WSR volunteer driver Robin was on hand to perform the tests and assist with the maintenance task. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Williton and is also fully operational and available for use at short notice. The loco is expected to move to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday or Sunday 29/30th July to be ready for her YELLOW timetable duties.

The spare Sulzer LDA28 cylinder heads (allocated to our Class 33s) were removed from store for periodic cleaning and lubricating at Williton on Saturday 15th July 2023. The massive dimensions of these engine parts are apparent from these two photographs. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

The Sulzer LDA28 cylinder heads are relatively simple by comparison to their lightweight Maybach equivalents, and have two pushrod-operated valves per cylinder. The Class 33s use eight of these cylinder heads per engine. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 15th July 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – Good news – after some searching, the insulation fault that has been causing trouble on this loco was traced to a junction box that was found to be full of water ! The water was drained, the contacts cleaned, and the insulation rose to an acceptable level. Some more work will be carried out to check other junction boxes and ensure that they are watertight, and then the various cables that were removed for circuit testing will need to be reconnected and checked before the loco can be test run to re-establish her reliability. Several other tasks will also be dealt with, including the broken droplight window on the driver’s side at ‘A’ end. Progress indeed, and many thanks to Neil and John for their diligent investigative work on this loco.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – after receiving attention that involved some small mechanical adjustments to the linkages and actuator arms, the transmission covers have now been re-fitted and the loco is ready for an engine run, which will allow the reverser functionality to be tested. If all goes well, the loco will be exercised in the yard before deciding the next step. If the test does not go well, there is a backup plan that will require the loco to stay inside the loco shed for a few more weeks, after which the loco should be able to take up duties again.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued in several areas and the high quality standards of this rebuild are evidently being maintained, as can be seen from the photographs below. Away from the loco shed, work is taking place on the various door panels and covers that will be needed for the restoration of the driver’s desk. The brake rigging is also progressing, with several parts currently out at subcontractors for straightening and re-bushing.

D9518 – the main electrical conduit was painted in the customary orange by Andy P at Williton on Saturday 15th July 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the ‘B’ end of the loco received a coat of yellow paint, carefully applied by Colin G at Williton on Saturday 15th July 2023. Photo 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 is fully serviceable and ready for use in place of the DMU on some of the YELLOW timetable services during the peak summer period that starts on Tuesday 25th July. Take a look at our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the running dates and loco allocations.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a cylinder head overhaul (same massive type as the Class 33s, but 12 of them!) at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Good progress is being made, and current expectations are that the loco will be returned to service towards the end of this month.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard. The cab is undergoing a repaint, but the loco remains serviceable and ready for action.

 

 

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, 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 !

 

 

ON SHED – here’s another of Mark Bladwell’s collection from his ‘spotting’ days, this time a view of the Maintenance Shop at Laira depot in July 1974 showing no less than EIGHT of the Class 52 ‘Westerns’ undergoing various levels of maintenance. Fourteen of the class of 74 had already been withdrawn from service by this time, so these eight represented 13% of the remaining fleet, all of which were concentrated at Laira depot. The staff clearly had their hands full as they had to keep these locos running by robbing serviceable (but part-worn) parts from those locos that had already been withdrawn, a futile and thankless waste of effort in many cases. Many thanks to Mark for sharing his photo with us all.

From left to right, D1014 ‘WESTERN LEVIATHAN’ then D1008 ‘WESTERN HARRIER’ then D1023 ‘WESTERN FUSILIER’ then D1067 ‘WESTERN DRUID’ then (at the far end on the right side) D1054 ‘WESTERN GOVERNOR’ then D1049 ‘WESTERN MONARCH’ then D1031 ‘WESTERN RIFLEMAN’ then D1069 ‘WESTERN VANGUARD’ take up the space in Laira’s Maintenance Hall. Picture dated 29th July 1974 by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a synopsis of the Board Meeting that was held at Williton on Saturday 24th June has been prepared and will be shared with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address via a separate email broadcast.

The next Board Meeting will take place this coming Saturday 22nd July at 1030, so please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to have placed before the Board.

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSRA STEAM RALLY: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August at Norton Fitzwarren

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

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

     

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) worked the diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable on both days of the ‘SIXTIES WEEKEND EVENT’ 8th/9th July 2023 and was pictured when departing from Williton for Minehead on the Saturday with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF1) on the left, and sister D6575 (33 057) on the right. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The ‘SIXTIES WEEKEND’ diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable was worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048), herself a child of the ‘Sixties’ having been introduced to traffic in August of 1961 – and is still hard at work 62 years later.

 

The BLUE Timetable features two steam or one steam and one diesel loco, and runs through to the third week in July before changing to the YELLOW timetable from the 25th onwards. The YELLOW timetable features two steam locos and one diesel, and although it was planned for the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), the ongoing maintenance work on the DMU is likely to result in a shift to a loco-hauled coaching set, which will feature haulage by our Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 on several occasions and by one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ on other days. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of which loco will be rostered for which service.

Although the additional loco running opportunities are welcomed, we look forward to the return of the DMU as soon as possible because DMUs were the mainstay of the Minehead branch throughout the ‘Sixties’ and right up to the end of BR services in December of 1970, so they are an important part of the WSR’s heritage.

 

The next major event taking place on the WSR will be the WSRA’s ANNUAL STEAM RALLY that takes place at Norton Fitzwarren during the first weekend in August. Although the event has steam in the title, it includes a vast range of exhibits from horses to tractors to vintage cars, trucks and buses. The DEPG will also be participating with one of our locos providing brake van rides over the truncated remains of the Barnstaple branch line, and we will also have a loco on static display. This event is lots of fun and is WELL WORTH A VISIT. There will be a frequent FREE shuttle service from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren and a FREE bus connection from Silk Mills Park & Ride.

 

Click here or on the images below to go to the Steam Rally website:

 

 

Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – some excellent news was received last week from the Western Locomotive Association (WLA), owners of D1013 ‘WESTERN RANGER’ and D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’, when they provided their ‘CLASS 52 BOGIE – TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR OVERHAUL‘ document for the DEPG to use a guide when arranging the overhaul of the bogies of D1010.

Having this highly professional document available to use as a guide for our own project has allowed us to accelerate the production of our own Statement of Work that will be specific to D1010, and we are very grateful indeed.

The WLA have also offered their help and support with the lifting of D1010 and the assessment of her bogies, which is also very helpful because the DEPG have never lifted a Class 52 and will need to have guidance from those who have the experience that they gained from lifting D1062 some years ago.

MANY THANKS to the WLA for supporting the preservation of all Class 52s ! 

 

The next step in the restoration of D1010 is the lifting of her cooler groups and the removal of her ‘A’ transmission using a road crane positioned alongside the loco at our Williton Depot. This is tentatively planned for Tuesday 18th July, subject to permission and subject to the weather. There are lot of detailed logistical arrangements to be made when lifting out major assemblies, and they also take up a lot more space outside than when they were neatly incorporated inside the body of the locomotive.

Having the loco outdoors during such changeable weather also makes it challenging for the bodywork team, but progress is still being made in between the showers. The loco will be back inside the shed ASAP and the pace will quicken again. Meanwhile, attention is being given to the leaking Serck pumps that drive the roof fans. Both pumps will be overhauled and fitted with new seals and gaskets and the tanks will be pressure tested while the cooler groups are out of the way.

D1010 – the ‘A’ end Serck pump was removed from the loco for overhaul at Williton on Tuesday 4th July 2023 and was pictured while the drive gear was being removed from the shaft. This pump provides the hydrostatic driving force for the radiator fans at ‘A’ end. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is stabled at Minehead, ready for her next duties under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Williton and is also fully operational and available for use at short notice.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – with the loco back at Williton, the search began for the insulation issue that is causing so many problems for the electrical switchgear. The first step was to isolate the batteries and test the wiring, and when this checked out OK, the next step was to isolate the dynostarter (the combined starter motor and generator). Work is proceeding and the rogue machine or cable will soon be discovered and the issue rectified. Here are some photos that give an idea of the work that is being performed by John and Neil at Williton:

D7017 – the interior of the upper part of the electrical control cubicle that is installed in the ‘A’ cab shows just some of the control switchgear that manages the electrical systems of the locomotive. Pictured at Williton on 8th July 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7017 – the interior of the lower part of the electrical control cubicle includes the heavy-duty contactors that control the larger machines such as the vacuum exhausters. Pictured at Williton on 8th July 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7017 – the switchgear on the ‘Hymeks’ was supplied by Brush Electrical Engineering, so the driver’s controller will be very familiar to owners of classes 31, 47 and 52 amongst others. Pictured at Williton on 8th July 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – also at Williton for ongoing investigations into her ‘Mekydro’ hydraulic transmission, the loco underwent maintenance of her transmission oil strainer on Saturday 8th July, in preparation for another round of testing before deciding the next steps for the investigation. Here are some photos of this 62-year old piece of equipment, still in perfect working order after all this time:

D7018 – the transmission oil strainer is housed in a cylindrical casting and is fitted with a red ratchetting handle that only permits rotation in one direction to allow the outer surface of the internal fine mesh strainer to be ‘wiped’ clean. Pictured at Williton on 8th July 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the transmission oil strainer was supplied by Knecht of Germany in September of 1961 and is still in perfect working order. Pictured at Williton on 8th July 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D7018 – the internal components of the Knecht transmission oil strainer are visible in this view. The oil flows from the outside to the hollow core and the delivery pipe via the fine mesh cylinder, which is rotated against the fine wire brush once per running day to ‘wipe’ the surface clean. Pictured at Williton on 8th July 2023 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued on the dismantling of the driver’s desk in preparation for sandblasting and painting of the framework before the individually-restored components can be re-fitted. The various panels and doors were removed and despatched to a specialist firm for glass bead blasting and priming, and will then be spray painted by Colin G at Williton.

D9518 – the thorough approach to the restoration of this loco is apparent from this view of Colin G at work in the cab at Williton on Saturday 8th July 2023. Photo 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 is fully serviceable and ready for use. We hope to be able to use D9526 in support of the DMU on some of the YELLOW timetable services during the summer. Keep and eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for additional running dates, as they get released.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a cylinder head overhaul at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Good progress is being made, and current expectations are that the loco will be returned to service towards the end of this month.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard. The cab is undergoing a repaint, but the loco remains serviceable and ready for action.

 

 

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, 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 !

 

 

ON SHED – here’s another of Mark Bladwell’s collection from his ‘spotting’ days, this time a view within Laira depot showing two ‘thousands’ along with an unidentified Class 08 shunter. The ‘thousand’ on the left is none other than D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’, shut down after her last working in BR service just a few days previously, but happily still extant in preservation today. The other loco is D1022 ‘WESTERN SENTINEL’, a loco that managed to hold on for another few months before she also fell silent, and with a less fortunate outcome. Many thanks to Mark for sharing his photo with us all.

An unidentified Class 08 shunter shares the smoke-filled air at Laira Motive Power Depot with Class 52s D1062 ‘WESTERN COURIER’ (left) and D1022 ‘WESTERN SENTINEL’. Picture dated 29th July 1974 by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a Board Meeting was held at Williton on Saturday 24th June and a synopsis will be prepared and will be shared ASAP with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address.

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSRA STEAM RALLY: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August at Norton Fitzwarren

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

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

     

 

 

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Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 worked the diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable on Saturday and Sunday 1st/2nd July 2023 and made a delightful 1960s summer holiday picture as she approached Nornvis Bridge with the 1630 service from Bishops Lydeard on the Saturday. Photo by Bernard Bates © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The weekend diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable was covered by Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 with a faultless performance on the Saturday, but the start to the Sunday service ran into trouble and raised our stress levels for a while !

The issue was a failed electrical solenoid, which is a device that converts an electric current into a physical movement. In this particular case, it meant that the ‘Hymek’ could only operate at engine idling speed, so the progress out of Minehead was slow and the loco was held at Dunster station while the trouble was investigated. Luckily, our footplate crew of Paul T, Neil and Tom were able to quickly identify the issue and effect a temporary repair. The loco was late bringing the first train of the day into Bishops Lydeard, but a slick turnaround resulted in an on-time departure that saved the day !

This loco has encountered several similar issues over the past few weeks and the root cause is a ground fault, which occurs when current leaks from the intended path to the body of the locomotive, which, unlike that of a car, is not connected to either terminal of the battery. This kind of fault is usually the result of an insulation failure within an electric motor, relay, valve or solenoid, but can also be caused by water ingress into cable conduits. Such faults can be very difficult to locate and correct. The additional electrical stress over time causes various components to fail, starting with the weakest link. Here’s a photo of the damaged internal windings of the engine run solenoid that failed back in May, the first in the series of similar occurences:

The ‘engine run solenoid’ from Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was sent to Carwood Rewind in Yeovil for repair. The winding was found to comprise of 10,000 turns of enamelled copper wire, but the insulation had failed at winding 9526, near to the inner core of the component. Pictured at Yeovil in June 2023 by Carwood Rewind © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This weekend, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 will be the focus of attention at Williton as we start the process of locating the ground fault. Meanwhile, and as advertised, the BLUE TIMETABLE will be covered by one of our Class 33s on both Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July, so come along if you can and ride behind the ‘Crompton’ on this 80-mile diagram!

 

Making BIG NEWS last weekend was the triumphant return to service of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7076 on the East Lancs Railway (ELR) after a gap of five years during which her engine has been completely overhauled. The BR-blue loco appeared at the ELR’s Diesel Gala along with another diesel-hydraulic ‘celebrity’, the Diesel Traction Group’s Class 42 ‘Warship’ D821 ‘GREYHOUND’, the first ex-BR mainline diesel locomotive that was saved for preservation, way back in 1973. Some excellent photo opportunities arose and there were plenty of cameras there to grab the images. CONGRATULATIONS TO THE BURY HYDRAULIC GROUP for their success in returning D7076 to service in such style !

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7076 was back in action at the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) Summer 2023 Diesel Gala after a gap of five years during which her engine was completely overhauled. Pictured on 29th June 2023 by Chris Shields © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7076 was in a BR-blue diesel-hydraulic line-up at the East Lancashire Railway (ELR) Summer 2023 Diesel Gala along with Class 42 ‘Warships D832 ‘ONSLAUGHT’ and D821 ‘GREYHOUND’ and Class 52 D1041 ‘WESTERN PRINCE’. Pictured on 28th June 2023 by the Bury Hydraulic Group © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Back at home, this coming weekend is the WSR’s SIXTIES WEEKEND with several additional attractions and the now-customary dance on the platform at Minehead on Saturday evening. Click here or on the image below to visit the WSR’s event page:

 

 

See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of public diesel-hauled services this year. This page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – further progress was made on the preparation for the ‘A’ transmission to be removed from the loco, with the draining of the hydraulic fluid taking place on Monday 3rd July. The fluid was found to be the correct colour and consistency and appeared to be free from contamination, which bodes well and will hopefully allow the planned overhaul of the ‘A’ transmission to be straight-forward and less expensive than that of the ‘B’ end, where a bearing failure had already occurred.

Arrangements for the lift of both cooler groups and the ‘A’ transmission are well advanced, with the weather set to play an important part because the loco will need to go back inside the loco shed as soon as possible after removal of these major assemblies and the loss of the roof sections that are part of them. The earliest date will be Tuesday 11th July but Tuesday 18th July is also a possibility. The 5-tonne lift will be performed by a road crane and the removed transmission will then be cleaned externally before being moved to the transmission overhaul area for dismantling. The two cooler groups require repairs to corroded metalwork that has been the cause of repetitive water leaks for many years. The welding will be carried out by Tony.

D1010 – the ‘A’ transmission was drained of hydraulic fluid by Geoff at Williton on Monday 3rd July 2023 and the 300 litres of extracted fluid was found to be in very good condition. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated quite an interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is stabled at Minehead, ready for her next duties under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Williton and is also fully operational and available for use at short notice.

D6575 is also on standby and available for use, and was pictured at Williton on Saturday 24th June 2023 in the company of Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – as already stated, this loco is back at Williton for investigations into her electrical system – and the replacement of a cabside window.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – also at Williton for ongoing investigations into her ‘Mekydro’ hydraulic transmission.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued on multiple fronts, with electrical work progressing while further dismantling of the driver’s desk released more component parts for refurbishment. The loco also gained a genuine GWR-pattern lamp that can be seen in the photo below, mounted neatly on top of the marker light housing. These GWR-pattern lamps have the mounting bracket on the side, not on the back as was the practice of ‘other regions’.

D9518 – the steady and highly visible restoration progress was being explained to an interested visitor by Colin G when this photo opportunity arose on Saturday 1st July 2023. Photo 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 is fully serviceable and ready for use. We hope to be able to use D9526 in support of the DMU on some of the YELLOW timetable services during the summer. Keep and eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for additional running dates, as they get released.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a cylinder head overhaul at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Our volunteer loco manager Ian Robins was there last week and he has sent us some photos of the progress being made. Current expectations are that the loco will be returned to service towards the end of this month.

47077 – the loco has been out of service since failing in May 2023 with a fractured cylinder head bolt. The loco is currently undergoing attention at the Grosmont works of the NYMR. Photo dated 28th June 2023 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – all twelve cylinder heads have been removed, exposing the cylinders and pistons so that they can be cleaned up and inspected. Pictured at Grosmont Works on 28th June 2023 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – some of the removed cylinder heads can be seen in this picture, awaiting cleaning and inspection. Pictured at Grosmont Works on 28th June 2023 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – the removed exhaust manifolds are lined up alongside the loco, waiting for cleaning and inspection. Pictured at Grosmont Works on 28th June 2023 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard, ready for action. The opportunity has been taken to start work on a cab internal repaint, the first step for which is corrosion control on the 51-year old loco. The work will be carried out by well-known WSR and DEPG volunteer Jon Tooke.

 

 

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, 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 !

 

 

ON SHED – well-known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS has provided us with a photo of former ScotRail push-pull loco 47 703 ‘The Queen Mother’ at Bishops Lydeard on 27th April 1994. The loco had arrived at the head of the ‘Exmoor Explorer’ railtour from Peterborough and handed over to WSR steam locos at Bishops Lydeard. Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was there to observe the proceedings! Many thanks to Bernard for sharing his photo with us all.

Class 47 47 703 ‘The Queen Mother’ was pictured at Bishops Lydeard on 27th April 1994 after handing over the ‘Exmoor Explorer’ railtour to WSR steam locomotives for the onward leg to Minehead. Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was stabled in the bay platform alongside. Photo by Bernard Mills © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a Board Meeting was held at Williton on Saturday 24th June and a synopsis will be prepared and will be shared ASAP with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address.

 

Further progress was made on the upgraded Oil Storage area, with the shuttering now in place awaiting the delivery of 7 cubic metres of concrete. Thanks again to Paul T and Graham for their continuing efforts to upgrade this facility.

Williton Depot – Graham was pictured on Saturday 1st July 2023 while preparing the area for the arrival of 7 cubic metres of concrete that will allow the ground in the vicinity of the oil store to be levelled for safe use by the fork lfift truck. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSR SIXTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th July

WSRA AUGUST STEAM RALLY: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August at Norton Fitzwarren

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

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

    

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post