D7017 – the loco is nearing the end of a bodywork overhaul and is currently being repainted. Pictured at Minehead on Saturday 17th May 2025 by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0
Although a combined team of DEPG volunteers and WSR staff have been working hard with the objective of getting D7017 back in service in time for the WSR’s Summer Diesel Festival (5-7th June), it has not been possible to get the work completed in the time remaining, so this loco will not be available for service at the gala. Although the welding work has now been completed, we still need to repaint the loco and then she needs to undergo various inspections and have a test run, so we now expect the loco to be completed and passed as fit to run in July.
Although disappointing in respect of the missed gala attendance, the loco will be all the better because of the work that has been done, and will be resplendent for the 50th Anniversary Event that will be taking place on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August this year.
SISTER LOCO D7018 will be stepping in to take up D7017’s gala duties with the following amendments:
- On Friday 6th June: services previously rostered for D7017 will be covered by D7018
- On Saturday 7th June: the 0945 Bishops Lydeard service will be hauled by 50015 ‘Valiant’, otherwise all services previously rostered for D7017 will be covered by D7018
- On Sunday 8th June: services previously rostered for D7017 will be covered by D7018
Other dates that are planned for Class 35 ‘Hymek’ haulage (D7017 or D7018) are
| Date | Timetable | Notes |
| Saturday 9th August | D7017 allocated NOTE – this running day may be changed for a full weekend of running on 16th/17th August. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page when making travel plans. | |
| Saturday 30th August | 50 YEARS of HYMEK PRESERVATION celebration with both D7017 and D7018 in use | |
| Sunday 31st August | 50 YEARS of HYMEK PRESERVATION celebration with both D7017 and D7018 in use | |
| Saturday 27th September | D7017 allocated | |
| Sunday 28th September | D7017 allocated |
Note that Sunday 10th August has changed to Class 33 haulage for operational reasons.
Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:
The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:
Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.
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VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.
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