In the run-up to the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 is receiving a full re-paint in the expert hands of Colin G. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 24th May 2025, with D9518 in the background, by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
As the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL approaches, the focus is on getting our locos ready for their big show, their big opportunity to perform for thousands of visitors and be seen alongside an array of visiting locos – with some very interesting combinations of workings on the intensive timetable.
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE. Scroll down to find a link to a downloadable version.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 has been undergoing some engine maintenance at Williton while having bodywork repairs and a full repaint carried out in parallel. The pressure is on the team to get her ready in time, but progress is good and we hope to see this loco outshopped during the next few days.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 is running nicely in her faded green livery and is in use this coming weekend. Her very slightly older sister D7017 is coming to the end of a thorough bodywork overhaul at the Minehead workshops of the WSR and will no doubt emerge resplendent some time soon.
Our two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33048) and D6575 (33057) are in good working order and are ready to perform alongside the visiting locos, Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’, Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’, Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) and Class 25 25185 (D7535) plus there are opportunities for haulage by Class 03 D2133. We have an excellent event coming up !
TAKE TIME TO VISIT WILLITON DEPOT:
The DEPG depot at Williton will be open to the public on each of the four days (Thursday through Sunday) and we will have volunteers at the ready to talk about what we do and how we do it. Some loco cabs will be open for accompanied visits, subject to availability of course, and several large pieces of 1960s engineering will be available for viewing.
Here are just some of the attractions in the Depot and yard at Williton:
- D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ up on stands – the first time a ‘Western’ has been supported in this way since the days of Swindon Works, in fact the stands actually came from that workshop.
- D1010‘s bogies, engines and transmissions will be on display and the loco will be open for accompanied visits (small groups only).
- Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518, NCB Ashington No. 7 undergoing restoration in the loco shed.
- Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – Royal Ordnance Factory (Puriton) No. 1 on display in the yard, accompanied cab visits available on request.
- ‘Hymek’ MD870 cutaway display engine – please let our volunteers know if you want to view this massive engine (small groups only).
- Rod’s Model Railway Sales Stand – a very popular place to stop and browse the wide range of models and associated items on offer.
- DEPG Sales Stand with a NEW RANGE of CLOTHING and NEW BOOKS on offer.
- Irie 7 Mobile Coffee Shop – a welcoming team with hot snacks and drinks served in the yard with a direct view of the line.
- Viewing Area – a long and unbroken viewing area allowing photos at lineside level and at interesting angles.
- Help and Information – provided by our friendly and knowledgeable DEPG volunteers !
SCHEDULED DIESEL RUNNING ON THE WSR
Our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 will be working the second and subsequent leg of the Minehead diagram of the BLUE timetable on Saturday 31st May and the complete diagram on Sunday 1st June, offering 60 miles and 80 miles of ‘Hymek’ haulage per respective day. See our latest DIESELGEN posting for more details.
From now until the end of September, the DEPG’s Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ are booked to cover 34 of the 80-mile diagrams that originate from Minehead under the BLUE timetable so we are going to be kept busy ! The YELLOW timetable in the peak of the season will also see appearances by Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, fresh from the repaint that is taking place at Williton at the moment. The recent announcement of the visit by the ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ has had some impact because several diesel-loco-hauled services have switched to steam to allow the famous loco to maximise her earning potential, but this is in the interest of the railway and we need to flex to accommodate this. Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page provides the information about upcoming diesel-hauled services on the WSR. Click here or on the image below for details:
Just a reminder – our two ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 are celebrating their 50th year in preservation, with both locos being among the last four of the Class to be withdrawn from service by BR in March 1975. The WSR have kindly agreed to allocate the weekend of August 30th and 31st to showcase the ‘Hymeks’ and we hope to have both locos available for service for that mixed traction event. Please keep the date free and make plans to come along. We will announce the timetable as soon as possible, but it will be based on an enhancement of the diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable (not yellow as previously advised) that can be reached by clicking on the appropriate days in the WSR timetable (click here or on the graphic below):
Read more about the history of the DEPG and the long association with the ‘Hymeks’ on our ABOUT US pages.
The WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL will take place from Thursday 5th through Saturday 7th June with a Mixed Traction Day on Sunday 8th. The four visiting locos have been announced and they are D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’, Class 45/1 ‘Peak’ 45108, Class 50 50015 ‘Valiant’ and Class 25 D7535 (25185) so MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND and click on the images below to learn more. It is going to be a GREAT event !
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TIMETABLE LINKS – click on the below links to open a timetable pdf (check the WSR’s website for the latest information):
Click here or on the image below to find out about BRAKE VAN RIDES in the Heritage Freight Train
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
In readiness for the forthcoming SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL, we have been busy preparing a very nice new range of DEPG-branded clothing, including a 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range ! Also in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in July. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
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| Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo | Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP |
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| Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo | Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP |
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| T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt) | Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP (please order using our CONTACT FORM) |
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
| Garment type | Price |
| T shirt | £22 |
| Polo shirt | £25 |
| Sweatshirt | £35 |
| Hoodie | £37 |
| Fleece | £40 |
| Other ? Tell us what you want ! | Use our CONTACT FORM |
Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
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’ – the team have continued their work to make the loco body presentable and viewable at the forthcoming SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL, so please do plan to spend some time at Williton to see a sight that will (hopefully) only be visible THIS YEAR !
We will be able to offer visits to the loco interior, but only in a controlled way and for small groups, due to the overriding need to prioritise safety. The loco body weighs 50 tonnes and is not going anywhere, but the doorways and gangways are small and we need to keep them clear. Please go the the loco and wait for our volunteers to guide you to the area that you are interested in. We look forward to seeing you alongside D1010.
D1010 – the loco body is supported on ex-BR Swindon Works stands, allowing a rare opportunity to view the underside and one of the bogies, which will be alongside the loco. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 24th May 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
This loco will be open to visitors on all four days of the forthcoming SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL event and will be a popular attraction, being mounted on stands at the north end of our yard. This provides a unique viewing opportunity, and we will have volunteers on hand to explain the design of the underframe and the stressed skin construction, features that would not normally be apparent during a ‘conventional’ viewing. D1010‘s two Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD655 engines will also be on display, along with a transmission and a cooler group and one of her bogies. DEFINITELY NOT TO BE MISSED !
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We will be engraving the patches during the open days and will soon catch up – and hopefully attract some additional sponsorship at the event!
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was called upon to cover for a steam loco that needed some attention on Sunday 25th May, and worked the ‘QUANTOCK BELLE‘ dining train from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead, then swapped with the steam loco from the service train to work the 1635 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service to get back to her designated stabling point in readiness for use during the following week. This swap also allowed the ‘QB‘ passengers to get some steam haulage on their return journey. A very sensible solution to an operational issue.
On the Saturday, the loco had received a generous helping of TLC from Ashley and Ben to prepare her for the gala and for her travels. 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 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was waiting at the platform at Blue Anchor on Sunday 25th May 2025 with the ‘down’ ‘QUANTOCK BELLE‘ dining train as sister loco D6575 (33057) approached with the 1420 ‘up’ service to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Keith Fender © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco remains outstationed at Minehead as the ‘duty loco’, ready and waiting to be called upon at short notice. In addition to her gala appearances, this loco will be back in action on Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th June – see our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the seemingly never-ending list of welding repairs has now been completed, including one rather awkward section of roof that had rotted away but was hiding beneath several thick layers of paint – until the needle gun punched holes right through it !
The repair was made more difficult due to the overlap with the fibreglass moulded roof section, meaning that a self-supporting fabrication had to be made to keep the welding away from the fibreglass (it would be a major exercise to remove the cab roof and would have set us back several weeks), so top marks to the WSR’s resident welder Buzz for getting all of this work done !
The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has NOW TOPPED £20,000 so MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.
D7017 – the corrosion damage is clearly visible at the join between the fibreglass cab roof section and the upper bodyside. The corroded area has now been cut out and a new fabrication welded into place. Pictured at Minehead on Friday 23rd May 2025 by Neil McCannon © CC BY-NC 3.0
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| Above: The bodyside below the radiator elements has now been repaired and reassembled. Photo taken on Thursday 22nd May by Matt Higham | The radiator grille has had new steel welded along the entire length. Photo taken on Friday 23rd May by Neil McCannon |
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Above: one of the four cab door threshold plates being re-fitted. Photo taken on Wednesday 21st May 2025 by Colin Foxhall |
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D7017 – we welcomed the help given by MATT HIGHAM, pictured working on the valance panels at Minehead on Wednesday 21st May 2025. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0 |
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Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will work the 12:25 departure from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the remainder of the 60-mile diagram on Saturday 31st May and will work the full 80-mile diagram starting from Minehead at 1000 on Sunday 1st June, under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESELGEN bulletin for more details.
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 restoration of the many component parts.
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 – after taking one step forward and two steps back, an issue with a coolant leak has now been addressed and the team have responded admirably to the pressure to get this loco ready for her planned appearances at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL 2025. The engine work is complete, the re-assembly of the ancillary equipment in the engine bay is complete, although the bonnet will remain off the loco until after the engine tests have been concluded. The repaint is proceeding well and the standard of finish is as we have come to expect from Colin G, so we are looking forward to seeing this loco emerge from the loco shed in the very near future !
D9526 – the master is at work; Colin G has carefully prepared the loco for painting and was applying the top coat of gloss to the buffer beam at Williton on Saturday 24th May 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9526 – engineering volunteer Thomas was lending a hand by cleaning up the gasket surfaces on the rocker covers for the Paxman engine when pictured at Williton on Saturday 24th May 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9526 – the work on the Paxman engine was almost complete by the end of play at Williton on Saturday 24th May 2025. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) and has been in almost daily use during the last seven weeks because the NYMR has had to switch to a diesel-hauled service in the face of an elevated lineside fire risk. Now that some rainy weather has replaced the weeks of continuous sunshine, the NYMR will gradually re-introduce steam haulage on a controlled basis, but we hope to still see our popular ‘celebrity‘ loco in use on a regular basis.
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required.
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: although we have only just started to promote the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, we need to ask Roger to share the limelight with our Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL because he has just completed the production of a new booklet covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017 and his work is currently IN STOCK and available for sale at the Summer Diesel Festival and via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW. If you intend to collect your copy from our depot at Williton, use the coupon wn_collect to cancel the postage charge when checking out, or simply buy your copy during your visit.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
ON SHED: this week, we feature a photograph that will remind many of us (of a certain age) about the times when BR had so many locos that depots and stabling points were stuffed full on weekends and such places became a magnet to spotters. However, my experience was often severe frustration at not being able to determine the loco numbers because of the way the locos were positioned, often resulting in only a few numbers that could be seen clearly enough to be relied upon.
So, when DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL offered the below photo for the ‘On Shed’ feature, my first question was ‘how did you manage to get those loco numbers ?’ Here is his reply:
“In 1972, following advice from a good friend of mine, I applied for a BR photographic permit through the Western Region. After an interview (he was ex-Military), I was very strongly told that any misbehaviour would result in it being withdrawn and I would possibly be fined. I passed the interview and was given the pass. I have attached a similar blank form because I cannot find my original.
The pass was renewed every 12 months which gave BR an opportunity to not renew it if there had been any concerns. The one I had did not permit crossing running lines, crossing viaducts or entering tunnels.
I think the issue of these passes ended in 1976/77 when HSTs became more prevalent and it was felt that ordinary people being on the lineside was becoming a risk.
As a result, I managed to get around depots where others may have failed ! I can only recall a slight resistance at Newton Abbot on a Saturday afternoon where I had to assure the PIC that I was not taking photos that would be seen by the Western Region hierarchy. A couple of fitters were working on a car !!!”
Westbury Stabling Point on Saturday 29th June 1974 and EIGHT locos are taking a rest after a week of Class 6 heavy hauling. From left to right, they are D1051, D1036, D1055, D1070, D1023, 31112, 46014 and D1022. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0
Many thanks to Mark for sharing his photo and experiences with us all.
If you have photos that you would like to share, please let us know via contact@depg.org and we will happily include them in future editions.
DEPG NEWS – evidently a glutton for punishment, DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL has also been busy producing another edition of the quarterly DEPG Newsletter, with Edition #69 being distributed on time last week and hopefully, by now, received by all DEPG members. Please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know if you are a member but have not received your copy, either by post or by email.
Edition #69 of the DEPG quarterly Newsletter has now been distributed to all members, either by post or email, according to their stated preference. Sign up as a member to receive your copy !
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 !