Visiting Class 52 ‘Western’ D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ was pictured arriving at Bishops Lydeard after hauling her train from Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 7th June 2025, the third day of the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL. Photo by Glyn Warren © CC BY-NC 3.0
Saturday 7th June 2025 delivered another entertaining day at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL even though the weather did it’s best to intervene and spoil the proceedings. The spell of heavy rain in the early afternoon sent a lot of visitors and spectators running for shelter, but people returned after an hour or two, and by the late afternoon, we were bathed in sunshine again.
Unfortunately, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 disgraced herself at Minehead when her reverser failed to respond while running around her train to form the 18:27 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service, and she was only able to move in the Taunton direction. The loco was despatched to Dunster Yard where she will remain until she can be returned to Williton for attention. The issue could be caused by an electrical, a mechanical or a hydraulic issue, and we will soon find out which, and get it corrected. Apologies to all affected by the non-availability of this locomotive.
The WSR responded immediately with a replan for Saturday evening, with the minimal loss of rostered mileage and the introduction of Class 33 D6566 (33048) as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco.
Looking ahead, the weather forecast for the MIXED TRACTION DAY on Sunday is good, and there will be four diesels (D1015, 50015, D9526 and D6575 (33057)) and one steam loco in use, so this again promises to be an interesting day and well worth a visit. The DEPG yard and depot at Williton will be OPEN from 10:00 through to 16:00 with the Rail Adventure HST Power Cars 43465 and 43484 in the yard (with cab visits available) plus D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 (NCB No. 7) and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) available for inspection. The DEPG sales stand and ROD’S MODEL RAILWAY sales stand will also be available in the loco shed at Williton.
Here are some photos of today’s proceedings, just some of the many photos that have been submitted by DEPG members and supporters, all of which are very much appreciated. Thank you very much !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 looked the part at the head of the 4L07 local goods working on Saturday 7th June 2025. Pictured at Woolston by Glyn Warren © CC BY-NC 3.0
Visiting Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) was pictured bringing her train into the platform at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 7th June 2025 with Class 25 25185 (D7535) alongside. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was pictured at Blue Anchor on a goods working on Saturday 7th June 2025. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Working the 0945 departure from Minehead, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured on the approach to Crowcombe Heathfield station with the Class 115 DMU in tow on Friday 6th June 2025. Photo by Bernard Mills © CC BY-NC 3.0
Visiting Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’ poured on the power to entertain as she departed Crowcombe Heathfield in the Minehead direction on Saturday 7th June 2025. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
We look forward to seeing you at Williton tomorrow !
Click here for Sunday’s timetable.
If you are unable to attend, 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, 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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