Weekly Roundup – 27-Jul-25
Diesel and steam, working together on the WSR. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was pictured arriving at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 with a train for Bishops Lydeard while WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 waited at the platform with a train for Minehead. New volunteer Ethan W was in a position of safety while observing the proceedings. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
The risk of lineside fire continues to cause difficulties for the WSR, as for many other heritage railways, where the need to run steam engines to maintain economically-viable levels of visitor patronage has to be tempered by the need to minimise the risk of fire damage to habitat and crops along the line.
The solution that has shown the best results is to use a diesel loco coupled between the steam loco and the coaching stock, with the diesel applying just enough power to keep the steam engine working, but keeping the steam power just below the level where cinders could be ejected from the chimney. This, combined with ashpan emptying and washing out at each end of the line, has shown to be a reasonable balance of entertainment and fire risk, so WELL DONE to all of the crews who have perfected this balancing act !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 has been supporting the services that originate at Bishops Lydeard (and blending in very nicely with her Swindon-built counterparts) while Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) has being doing the same from the Minehead end of the line. The WSR steps up to the peak summer YELLOW timetable (5 trains each way per day) from Tuesday 5th August, with the Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) covering the additional out-and-back service that departs from Bishops Lydeard at 10:55 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout August and into early September.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 will be working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY at Norton Field. This very popular event takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August and has plenty to offer to people of all ages, with a huge range of fascinating exhibits plus refreshments of all kinds. The DEPG will be represented by Linda and Tony who will be manning a sales stand near to the Brake Van Ride area, so please do make a point of going along to see them.
The WSRA will be providing a FREE DMU SHUTTLE SERVICE between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren platform on both days of the event. Click on this link for the DMU SHUTTLE TIMETABLE.
FREE BUSES will be operating from several pick-up points nearby and are another efficient way of getting into and out of the exhibition grounds. Click on this link for a BUS TIMETABLE.
The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was looking very smart when pictured at Blue Anchor on Thursday 31st July 2025, running empty to Bishops Lydeard to be in position for the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY SHUTTLE SERVICE. Photo by Robin Wichard © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 D9526 being tied up on Rally work means that Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday timetabled services from Bishops Lydeard will need to be operated by a steam loco alone, because Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) is out of action awaiting bogie repairs and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 is available but cannot be crewed on those days. In the worst case, Class 09 D4107 (09019) might have to be drafted in for support !
Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was in use on Thursday 31st July 2025 shunting the heritage goods train into position for public viewing at the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY at Norton Field. Photo provided by the WSRA © CC BY-NC 3.0
The coming week offers an interesting mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction, so please keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in use on Thursday 24th July 2025 in support of steam and was pictured at Minehead when attached to the rear of a train bound for Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
OTHER BIG NEWS THIS WEEK:
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 celebrated FIFTY YEARS IN PRESERVATION on Wednesday 30th July, being the Golden Anniversary of her departure from BR’s Old Oak Common depot (near Paddington) and her arrival at Taunton to await onward transfer to the fledgling West Somerset Railway. The weather that day was extremely hot and the two D+EG (the forerunner of the DEPG) representatives on board, namely John Crane and Clive Burrows, have plenty of stories to tell about that amazing and most interesting journey.
Read more about this loco in our booklet D7017 – Fifty Years of ‘Hymek’ Preservation – available from our online store or from our sales stand at the Steam Rally.
HST NEWS:
Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set comprising power car 43155 leading, then four Mark 3 carriages then power car 43154 trailing, was pictured passing Class 14 D9526 en route for Norton Fitzwarren and Network Rail metals on Thursday 31st July 2025. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 3.0
The ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set that had been stored on the WSR for some time has now left the railway, at least for the time being, to start a new chapter of life based at Carnforth in the care of the West Coast Railway Company (WCRC). The set moved from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 30th July and left for Carnforth on Thursday 31st, but only got as far as Taunton before being failed due to a non-functional GSM-R radio, an item of equipment that was not in use when the set was based on the WSR. No doubt this will be repaired quickly and the set will get to Carnforth without further delay.
Having the HST on the WSR has generated fierce debate, ranging from those who wanted it to stay and become a regular feature, to those who saw it as an infiltrator that needed to be banished immediately. Suffice it to say that the majority – and most visitors (those who pay to ride the railway) – were less polarised and many appreciated the quiet and comfortable way in which the HST blended-in alongside steam and diesel locomotives of a slightly earlier era – remember that the HSTs are almost 50 years old !
Who can predict the future ? We may get to see this HST or a different HST on the WSR again some time. Meanwhile, HSTs are working daily on the main line between Exeter and Penzance, so make sure that you get down to Devon and Cornwall and ride behind them while they are still in service.
Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set with power car 43155 leading and 43154 trailing, was pictured at Splash Point while climbing out from Watchet toward Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 30th July 2025. Photo by Alan Turner © CC BY-NC 3.0
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team are concentrating their efforts on the two bogies to get them ready for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) using the Dye Penetrant Process, after which we can then start the process of re-fitting parts, rather than removing them !
The primary suspension springs were removed from the ‘A’ bogie last weekend and will be going out to a specialist spring manufacturer together with the complete set of springs from the ‘B’ bogie for testing and evaluation. Hopefully, they will all be OK for further use, which will be the best outcome and will minimise the demands on the D1010 Restricted Fund that holds all of the donations that have been made to the D1010 restoration appeal over the last few years.
In parallel, arrangements are being made for the replacement pins, bushings and bearings that will be needed when re-assembling the suspension system, with a view to getting the loco back on its bogies before the winter. If this sounds like a tall order, it is, so COME ALONG AND HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN !
Get in touch using our CONTACT FORM and we will send you the volunteering application form and take it from there.
D1010 – the ‘B’ bogie in the foreground is being worked on by Ian F while Jeffery (on the left) cleans up the six primary suspension leaf springs that have just been removed from the ‘A’ bogie. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – also in the queue for cleaning up are the thrust brackets and dampers from the ‘A’ bogie, visible on the pallet in front of Jeffrey. The springs (16 per bogie) and the dampers (2 per bogie) will be sent out for specialist overhaul. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now at Williton having been towed there by Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) on Monday 28th July. The various cables, hoses and bellows were disconnected from the bogies while the loco was over the pit at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 26th July, resulting in a team of very dirty Class 33 volunteers showing up at Williton later that day. Having the brake hoses disconnected resulted in the loco being unbraked and needing to have a brake van attached at the rear when being towed – which explains the rather unusual consist that was photographed at Bishops Lydeard on the Sunday evening, all prepared and ready to go early the following morning.
D6575 (33057) – pictured at Bishops Lydeard on the evening of Sunday 27th July 2025, Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was in position ready to head to Williton the following morning, with a brake van attached to the rear, as required when towing an unbraked vehicle. Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0
The loco is expected to be lifted on Monday 4th August for further inspection and to allow bogie repairs to take place. Returning D6575 to service will become the priority of all DEPG volunteers as this loco is needed to support the WSR through the peak summer timetable. However, the work is likely to take a few weeks as several specialised subcontract operations need to be undertaken.
Moving the loco to Williton on Monday 28th July resulted in a very unusual sight – that of SEVEN DEPG LOCOMOTIVES at Williton at the same moment – almost unheard of at the height of summer !
From Left to Right: Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048), Barclay 578 (ROF 1), Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, Class 33 D6575 (33057) and just visible behind the 33, Class 09 D4107 (09019). Image taken from the Williton railcam on Monday 28th July 2025, courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we are VERY close to getting this loco back to our Williton depot so that we can prepare her for some test running, with only the formal inspection and engine pre-start work to be done, along with some painting. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon and will be a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – it has not been possible to move this loco to Norton Fitzwarren for display during the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY event, so we apologise for the disappointment. The loco is at Williton and is fully serviceable and available to the WSR for use as a ‘Thunderbird’ loco if required.
We are getting close to being able to announce the timetabling for our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as previously reported, this loco will be working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !
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 !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!
The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who ordered stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are taking place in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and 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 later in August. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
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 !
ON SHED
Another ‘on shed’ photo this week from the collection of DEPG member ANDY GALPIN, this time ‘under the wires’ at Crewe, with Class 47 1996 (47294) towing Class 76 ‘EM1’ 1500V DC electric locomotives away from the works where they all appear to have received attention. Number 26049 was at the rear, but the number of the centre loco has been mislaid. Perhaps you saw this consist on the move that day and can provide the missing number ? If yes, please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM.
MANY THANKS to Andy for sharing his photo with us all.
Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
Crewe Works on the 26th August 1970, and four-year-old Class 47 1996 (47294) was pictured towing two 1952-vintage Class 76 ‘EM1’ 1500V DC electric locos back to their home on the Manchester-Sheffield route. The rearmost loco was 26049 but the number of the centre loco has been mislaid. Can you help identify it ? Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOK ON SALE
The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as succesful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out during August.
Continued progress has been made of the restoration of our ‘NiftyLift’ cherry picker, with Tony and JT working on the electrics last week and sorting out the mess of wiring that will no doubt have caused the machine to become unreliable in the past. No doubt it will work nicely in the future !
DEPG volunteer Tony was working with ‘JT’ to sort out the wiring issues on the pre-owned ‘Niftylift’ cherry picker that has recently been acquired by the DEPG. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
The overhaul of the pre-owned ‘Niftylift’ cherry picker is progressing rapidly, as this photo of the reworked wiring shows. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
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 !