On this day – 50 years ago
FIFTY YEARS AGO, on 30th July 1975, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 departed from Old Oak Common Depot in the care of Class 25 25162 (D7512) and was towed to Taunton to start a new life in preservation in the care of the D+EG (the forerunner of the DEPG). Photo taken at Reading by Michael Cheetham © CC BY-NC 3.0
Exactly 50 years ago today, the D+EG (forerunner of the DEPG) arranged the delivery of newly-acquired 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to this epic journey, one that would be unimaginable on the modern railway, and some very interesting (but as yet unpublished) cine footage that was recorded by the D+EG representatives on board the loco, namely John Crane and Clive Burrows.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. The story of this locomotive can be found in the DEPG booklet D7017 – FIFTY YEARS OF HYMEK PRESERVATION.
Many thanks to John and Clive and all who contributed to this massive effort to save this locomotive for us to enjoy today.
Class 25 25162 (D7512) hauled D7017 for the entire journey and was pictured while taking a break at Reading. This station has changed out of all recognition during the last 50 years. Photo by Michael Cheetham © CC BY-NC 3.0
The bodyside embellishments were intended to ward off the souvenir hunters, and followed the style of the ‘reserved’ steam locomotives that were still languishing at Woodhams’ scrapyard in Barry at that time. Photo taken at Reading by Michael Cheetham © CC BY-NC 3.0
In commemoration of 50 YEARS of HYMEK PRESERVATION, a new booklet was recently released by DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017. This booklet is currently IN STOCK and available for sale via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes plenty of 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, complete with many previously un-published photos. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details
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. Membership is inexpensive so 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 !