Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was pictured in Westridge Shelter at Bishops Lydeard on Friday 21st March 2025 in the company of visiting GWR 2-8-0 number 2807. The ’33’ dates from 1961 but the ’28xx’ dates back to 1905 and worked heavy freights on the main line for 58 years ! Photo by Richard Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0
The WSR re-opened on SATURDAY 22nd MARCH with three out-and-back services originating at Bishops Lydeard (RED timetable) with the surprise of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) working the 12:25 departure from Bishops Lydeard, covering for visiting steam loco GWR 2-8-0 number 2807 that could not be readied for service in time. Hopefully, we will get to see the heavy freight loco working on the line in the near future, while it is on loan from the Gloucestershire Warwickshire Railway.
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was pictured at Watchet on Saturday 22nd March 2025 while working the 14:20 service from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Tom Goodman © CC BY-NC 3.0
The ’33’ made the most of her opportunity and delivered a fine performance on a 6-coach train, half of which was dedicated to the very popular FISH & CHIP SPECIAL service which was fully booked on the first day, making a great start to the new running season !
The WSR’s Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was also in action on the Saturday, undergoing driver refresher training in preparation for working the 12:25 departure from Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 23rd. This unit will be in use again on Sunday 30th March, also on the 12:25 departure and the 14:20 return.
The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was out and about on Saturday 22nd March 2025 on driver refresher training duties. The rusty-looking rails show that the ‘up’ loop has not seen much use in recent months, but the first day of service sorted that out. Pictured while crossing with the ‘down’ service at Williton by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) awaits departure time at Bishops Lydeard with the 12:25 return FISH & CHIP SPECIAL service to Minehead while the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) prepares for a driver refresher training run before returning to service the following day. Pictured on Saturday 22nd March 2025 by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0
The re-opening of the line was a culmination of a huge effort by staff and volunteers along the length of the line, and everything was made ready for the big day, so WELL DONE to all involved in this massive effort !
D7017 UPDATE
Inside the loco shed at Minehead, more progress was being made on Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 as a combined team of WSR staff and DEPG volunteers worked on the bodywork repairs that need to be completed before a full repaint can be carried out.
The work being done on both of the ‘Hymek’ sisters is taking a high priority because of the need to have these locos back in use during their 50th anniversary in preservation. The WSR have very kindly allocated the weekend of Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August for showcasing ‘Hymek’ haulage, and we are working on the event format and hope to make an announcement in conjunction with the WSR very soon. Meanwhile, SAVE THE DATES !
We are delighted to announce that the revised target for donations to the D7017 bodywork overhaul fund HAS BEEN REACHED, so a BIG THANK YOU goes out to the 80 people who have donated to this project so far, keeping it moving forward to ensure that the loco will be back in service in time for the WSR’s Summer Diesel Festival (5-7th June).
THANK YOU FOR YOUR FANTASTIC SUPPORT !
The repair work is going to cost around £15,000 so the amount raised will cover most of the work being done on the loco, the remainder being provided from the DEPG’s general fund. The sub-contract route was taken to make sure that the loco gets repaired in time to be able to take pole position in the celebration of 50 years of ‘Hymek’ preservation that will take place on 30th and 31st of August this year.
The fund now stands at £12,492 and will remain open until the work is completed to make sure that we have sufficient funding to cover any unexpected costs, so don’t despair if you haven’t yet donated, because we can still accept your donation !
All funds donated via this appeal will be allocated to returning D7017 to service in time for the forthcoming season.
Can you help ? Click here to donate £17 to D7017 !
If you want to help with this short-term appeal, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon above) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Here are some photos of the progress being made on D7017 at Minehead:
D7017 – the corner valance has now been replaced with a new piece of sheet steel, fashioned into the required shape and welded into position. Pictured at Minehead on Tuesday 18th March 2025 by Neil McCannon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7017 – the piece of Swiss cheese that has been removed will be offered for sale to raise funds for the loco. This is a genuine piece of BR-era metalwork and probably goes all the way back to Beyer Peacock’s Gorton Works assembly line. Pictured at Minehead on Tuesday 18th March 2025 by Neil McCannon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7017 – the before and after comparison shows that the loco was indeed overdue for bodywork attention. Pictured at Minehead on Tuesday 18th March 2025 by Neil McCannon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7017 – the side valances have been removed to allow repairs to the corroded metalwork around the bottom of the handrails. The footplate can be seen directly beneath the door (see next photo). Pictured at Minehead on Tuesday 18th March 2025 by Neil McCannon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7017 – the footplates that are mounted at the cab thresholds have been removed for cleaning and to allow repair of rotted metalwork underneath. Pictured at Minehead on Tuesday 18th March 2025 by Neil McCannon © CC BY-NC 3.0
Many thanks to the WSR engineering team at Minehead and to our volunteers at Minehead for doing such a great job on D7017 !
WSR NEWS
The WSR have published their running calendar for 2025 on their website and social media channels, and we have updated our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page including provisional loco allocations, some of which are subject to change to align with the availability of the locos and the crews. As the information becomes more refined, we will update our page and send out a DIESELGEN bulletin with the clarification. Click here or on the banner below to view the provisional allocations:
Click here or on the image below to visit the WSR’s timetable page:
The WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVALhas been confirmed as being Thursday 5th through Saturday 7th June with a Mixed Traction Day on Sunday 8th. The first two of the visiting locos have been announced and they are D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ and Class 45/1 ‘Peak’ 45108 so MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND and click on the images below to learn more. It is going to be a GREAT event !
Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page
Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP
Thank you very much for your support !
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – with the need to get Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 into the loco shed for engine maintenance and a repaint, it became necessary to get the partially-dismantled ‘B’ bogie out of the loco shed and move it to No. 1 road outside, where it will be covered by a tarpaulin and worked on during good weather days. The team also needed to shift the various removed bogie parts from the loco shed to the relevant container, so quite a bit of shifting and tidying was involved.
The result is that both bogies are now outdoors and available for volunteers to work on. When the weather does not co-operate, we have a container full of parts that need to be cleaned, inspected and painted, so we won’t run out of work just yet !
D1010 – the partially-dismantled ‘B’ bogie has now been moved out of the loco shed and is on Number 1 road where further dismantling will take place. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd March 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – DEPG Chairman Martin and DEPG volunteer loco manager Gordon (right) investigate the fastenings for the intermediate gearbox with a view to removing the gearbox to allow cleaning and inspection of the frame beneath. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd March 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the view from a train – team 1010 volunteers Ian F (left) and Gordon (right) take a moment to watch the first train of the new season depart from Williton station on Saturday 22nd March 2025. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Our appeals for MORE VOLUNTEERS are working but WE STILL NEED MORE HELP to get this huge loco back on the rails, so please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM if you are able to join the team.
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. The weather is improving, so it won’t be long before we will be able to re-start the engraving work.
Rest assured that every sponsor will receive their certificate and the details of where to find their sponsored patch. We will be making a further push for funds soon, because we have some big ticket items for refurbishment, including the remaining cardan shafts and 32 springs from the suspension system.
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – the work on this loco was concluded on Saturday 22nd March 2025 by the issuing of a Vehicle Inspection and Brake Test (VIBT) certificate that allows the loco to return to service. The plan is for the loco to move back to Bishops Lydeard on Friday 28th March. This loco has occupied the loco shed at Williton for six months and has received lashings of tender loving care, but her time has come to get back to work and the remaining bodywork repairs and repaint will have to wait until next winter. Almost all of our volunteers have played a part in getting this work done, so thank you all and let’s get on to the next job !
D4107 – the loco has completed her Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) and has now been released to return to traffic at Bishops Lydeard. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd March 2025 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – the oil leak that caused this loco to shut down after working a ballast train on Saturday 15th March was the result of a fracture in the oil filter housing, so the housing had to be removed and replaced with a spare taken from our stock. The repair work was completed on Sunday 23rd March, so the loco is mechanically sound again. There are a few outstanding maintenance tasks to be completed, then the loco will be released back to traffic and will probably move to the Minehead end of the line as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco and in readiness for the first scheduled diesel-loco-hauled service of the year, the 10:00 Minehead diagram on Saturday 10th May.
The spare oil filter housing has been installed along the side of the engine block and painted, making Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) mechanically sound once again. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0
And viewed from the other direction. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 23rd March 2025 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0
THIS LOCO WILL BE HEADING FOR THE SPA VALLEY RAILWAY for the weekend of 13th to the 15th June 2025 to participate in their ‘Cuckoo Line Gala’ event !
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – as already reported, this loco has been very busy and is probably looking forward to swapping places with her sister during this coming weekend, so that she can get some rest !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – covered previously, making good and steady progress.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the transmission testing work that was reported in a previous roundup had to be paused because of an issue with the Directional Interlock Contactor, so the team set about investigating the operation of the interlock mechanism to the fullest extent that they could, without the engine running. Another attempt at completing the static testing was made on Tuesday 25th March, slightly outside the date range of this roundup, but the news is such that an exception needs to be made.
THE DIRECTION CHANGING PHASE OF THE STATIC TEST HAS BEEN COMPLETED SUCCESSFULLY !
The next phase of testing will involve the loco getting some light exercise in the yard under controlled conditions, and will take place when circumstances permit. Let’s take this step by step !
D7018 – transmission team leader Colin F (left) was working with Neil on the setting up of the Directional Interlock Contactor that is mounted on top of the transmission. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 25th March 2025 by Tim Zilkha © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the need to prepare sister D9526 for her period of occupation of the loco shed has drawn resources away from D9518 temporarily, but work continues on the electrical rewiring and on the body panel restorations. We will include some photos in the next edition of roundup.
Quality work needs to be funded, so we will continue to appeal for funds to support the work, right up to the point where the loco is completed. Any surplus will then be used to ensure her proper care and upkeep. If you like what we are doing, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco received an underframe wash using our new Erhle HD623 hot wash machine at Williton yard on Saturday 22nd March and was then shunted into the loco shed at the head of a very unusual consist that was captured by the Williton Station Railcam and is shown below. The purpose of the incarceration is to perform engine maintenance (for which the bonnet needs to be removed) and a paint refresh in time for her appearance at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL 2025.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was at the head of the consist with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 next then a GWR Gunpowder Van then Barclay 578 (ROF 1) providing the motive power then Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) in this image taken from the Williton Railcam on Saturday 22nd March 2025 courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 enjoyed an underframe hot wash courtesy of Colin G and the new Erhle HD623 cleaning machine at Williton on Saturday 22nd March 2025 before being shunted inside the shed for a programme of maintenance work. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and was one of the participants in an evening ‘BR Blue’ photo shoot at Grosmont on Sunday 23rd March 2025. If you went along to this event and have any photos of this loco that you would be willing to share, please get in touch via our CONTACT FORM and we will be happy to feature some of your work in a forthcoming edition of roundup. Thanks !
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco has overcome her recent spate of stater motor issues, thanks to a nice reconditioned motor from ICS in Preston. The unreliable motor and our useless spare have now been sent to Preston to be turned into one good reconditioned unit that will sit on our spare parts shelf and be at hand in case the trouble persists – which it probably won’t, now that we have a spare being organised – but such is life !
Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this little loco was in use for much of Saturday 22nd March 2025, shunting between number 1 and number 2 roads at Williton. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
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 !
BOOK REVIEW: The sale of books, both new and pre-owned, is a valuable source on income for the DEPG and is a growth area, especially as the search engines regularly return DEPG results on the first page, greatly increasing the chances of making a sale and boosting DEPG coffers.
We are always on the lookout for donations of pre-owned books featuring any class of diesel or electric traction. We often receive mixed donations that include steam-era books as well, but we make sure that the steam titles get passed to our colleagues in other voluntary groups around the WSR, so MANY THANKS to those who have donated and if you have books to pass on, then PLEASE KEEP DONATING !
This week, we feature ‘THE CHANGING RAIL SCENE IN SOUTH WALES 1990s – PRESENT‘ by John Jackson as another example of a pre-owned book with an almost new feel, at the excellent price of £7.50.
There are many other pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
ON SHED: last week, we featured a photo of Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45070 (D122) about to restart her ‘light engine’ run on the up relief at Cardiff Central Station. This resulted in some feedback from regular contributor NEALE LONG who provided us with the following information:
“Yet another fascinating image from the late Mike Evans, this time of a Class 45 at Cardiff ‘Light Engine (LE)’. I did quite a few miles behind these rugged and capable Type 4’s and it is good to see an image of these fine locomotives in South Wales. The caption is almost certainly correct in that it was a Canton-Pengam LE working for the afternoon Pengam-Newcastle/Edinburgh 4S88/4E88 (can’t recall when the service was cut back to Newcastle), therefore the depicted working was either 0S88 or 0E88.
As regards other Class 45 workings, these included steel traffic to Newport and Cardiff from Scunthorpe and Teeside, internal traffic to Margam from Severn Tunnel Junction. West Wales petroleum traffic would have been in the hands of Class 47s and double headed Class 37s until the arrival of the Class 60s in the early 1990s. The oil working that would have produced a Class 45 was the Gainsborough/Tuxford-Llandarcy Oil Refinery crude oil working, formerly a Class 37 working which swapped an ER Class 37 for a WR Class 37 at Washwood Heath and vice versa.”
MANY THANKS to Neale for providing this information. Let’s see what he makes of this one:
Class 31 31200 (D5624) looked dull and dreary on a similar day in December 1985 as she waited at the head of a rake of newspaper vans at the Riverside platforms of Cardiff Central Station. The traffic was lost and the platforms demolished by 1994, but the loco lasted until 2007, a remarkable working life of 47 years. Photo by the late Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0
DEPG NEWS – we at the DEPG are rather partial to nice pieces of German engineering, so the Ehrle HD623 was a natural choice, especially as it was recommended by friends at Cranmore on the East Somerset Railway. Local area supplier WEST COUNTRY ENVIRONMENTAL provided us with the machine and with the training, and we were off to a clean start within hours of the machine being delivered. We have plenty of work lined up for this competent piece of kit, that’s for sure.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !