Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was one of the star attractions at the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY diesel gala last weekend, pictured approaching Quorn station from the Loughborough direction with a train for Leicester North. The ‘Hymek’ was making her first visit to the line and will be staying in the Midlands for a while. Pictured on Sunday 7th September 2025 by Steve Rhymes © CC BY-NC 3.0
The appearance of ‘Hymek’ D7018 at the Great Central Railway’s Diesel Gala was another TREMENDOUS SUCCESS, hot on the heels of the HYMEK 50 YEARS event that was held on the West Somerset Railway (WSR) the previous weekend. The ‘Hymek’ was in use on all three days of the event and participated in the mixed traction day on the Sunday, proving to be one of the most popular attractions with plenty of admirers packed into the coaches, listening out for that famous ‘Maybach Music’.
The highly variable weather presented a challenge to the photographers, but we still received a large number of excellent photos showing the ‘Hymek’ in an unusual setting, surrounded by the architecture of a former trunk route that still boasts double track for much of the distance between Leicester North and Loughborough.
Here are a few of the many images that were captured between Thursday 4th and Sunday 7th September:
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6535 (33116) and an unidentified steam engine stand to the left of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 at Loughborough stabling point on Saturday 6th September 2025, with Class 55 ‘Deltic’ 55019 (D9019) ‘ROYAL HIGHLAND FUSILIER’ on the right. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was alongside Class 37 37714 (D6724, 37024) ‘Cardiff Canton’ at Rothley Station on Saturday 6th September 2025, both ‘Type 3s’ having been based at the South Wales depot during their careers – the Hymek between 1966 and 1972 and the ’37’ in 1988. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
DEPG Chairman Martin Howard and Treasurer Paul Tucker supported D7018 throughout the event and were pictured enjoying a relaxing moment on Friday 5th September 2025 while at Loughborough stabling point. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6535 (33116) is also pictured, along with Class 47 1705 (47117) ‘SPARROWHAWK’ and Class 55 ‘Deltic’ 55019 (D9019) in the distance. Photo by Ian Farnfield © CC BY-NC 3.0
The sun was glinting from the windscreen of Class 45 ‘Peak’ D123 (45125) as ‘Hymek’ D7018 approached Loughborough Station on the first day of the gala, Thursday 4th September 2025. To the left of the ‘Peak’ is resident ‘Heavy Tractor’ 37714 (D6724, 37024) ‘Cardiff Canton’. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
And just in case you still haven’t seen enough pictures of ‘Hymeks’ already, here are a few more from the highly successful HYMEK 50 WEEKEND held at the West Somerset Railway on Saturday and Sunday 30/31 August 2025:
Green-liveried Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was heading North to reverse back onto sister D7017 to double-head the 12:25 service to Minehead where the locos swapped ends for the return journey during which D7017 took the lead. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 30th August 2025 by Peter Squire © CC BY-NC 3.0
Minutes later, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 had reversed to join sister D7017 at the head of the 1225 departure for Minehead, with Secondman Mark Bladwell about to do the coupling while visiting driver Steve Wainwright received an update from (L-R) D7017 driver Neil McCannon and Diesel Traction Group (DTG) engine specialist Bob Clegg. Pictured on Saturday 30th August 2025 at Bishops Lydeard by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0
An approximately one hour later, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 made a wonderful picture as she led sister loco D7017 into Washford Station on the 2M12 all-stations service to Minehead, comprising eight coach loads of delighted travellers. Pictured on Saturday 30th August 2025 by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0
The coming week sees the continuation of the standard BLUE timetable (four trains each way per day) with steam working from Bishops Lydeard and Class 33 D6575 (33057) working from Minehead. 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).
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
Sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – back to the seemingly never-ending task of removing dirt and grime from the bogies and bogie components, the D1010 team came across an interesting detail that may or may not be a reliable indicator, but perhaps our friends at the WLA and DTG can give their views as well:
The thrust brackets that attach to the loco underframe to transmit the traction force and resist the braking force are massive steel fabrications that have the loco number ‘1010’ stamped on them. The damper brackets bolt to the thrust brackets, but one of the brackets from the ‘A’ bogie has ‘1000’ stamped on it, which either means it is from D1000 ‘WESTERN ENTERPRISE’ or it is for the 1000 series of locomotives. We would like to believe the more interesting of these two possibilities. The other three brackets are in storage at the yard, so we will find them and make a note of what numbers are stamped upon them.
As stated last week, the equalising beams and pedestals were found to be well worn and in need of refurbishment, but some parts were fully intact and still functional. The degree of wear on the pins and bushings was more extreme than that found on the ‘B’ bogie, but everything is repairable and will be sent out to subcontract for refurbishment.
The next step with the ‘A’ bogie is to remove the primary springs (eight coil springs and two massive leaf springs) and get the springs tested and inspected.
D1010 – the massive thrust bracket from the ‘A’ bogie carries the thrust bearing plate and also provides the attachment for the damper bracket. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – taking a closer look, the thrust bracket is stamped ‘1010’ as expected but the damper bracket is stamped ‘1000’. Perhaps the damper and bracket were previously carried by the Class doyen, D1000 ‘WESTERN ENTERPRISE’ ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – one of the so-called ‘pedestals’ that carry the equalising beams that balance the load on the outer axles. Apart from a liberal coating of grease and dirt, this pedestal from the ‘A’ bogie is in very good condition. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – similarly, several of the rod-end bearing assemblies that connect to the equalising beams are in very good condition, apart from wear on the pins and bushings. All of these moving parts will be thoroughly inspected and refurbished. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © 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 currently outstationed at Bishops Lydeard but will work an Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) train on Wednesday 17th September and return to Williton so that her planned maintenance work can be continued. The approximate timings for this ECS move will be:
- Depart Bishops Lydeard at 10:55 arriving Minehead at 12:05
- Depart Minehead at 15:15 arrive Bishops Lydeard at 16:25
- Depart Bishops Lydeard at 17:25 ‘Light Engine’, arrive Williton at 18:00
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was returned to traffic on Saturday 23rd August and has been in regular use ever since, supporting the WSR and covering for steam locomotives. This loco is booked to work the BLUE timetable services originating at Minehead this coming weekend (13/14 September) and mid-week (Tu/We/Th) but will take a rest during the FORTIES WEEKEND (20/21 September).
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – currently stabled at Williton in full working order, this loco is next booked to operate the weekend BLUE timetable services that originate from Minehead on Saturday and Sunday 27/28 September.
We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to or worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts are a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – already covered – this loco was moved by road (thanks to Allelys Heavy Haulage) to the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY (GCR) on Monday 1st September and will remain at the GCR for several months before finding her way back to Somerset.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the superstructure at the ‘short end’ of the loco resumed last weekend with Colin G and Andy P engaged in resolving some alignment issues that had resulted from the replacement of the old and well-compressed vibration insulating material with new and thick material. Photography is tricky because of the staging that has been erected around the loco for safety reasons, but we did manage to get a few shots of these two camera-shy team members.
D9518 – volunteer Andy P was working above the deckplate, adjusting the framework that forms the bonnet superstructure. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9518 – meanwhile, Colin G was at work under the deckplate, making sure that the boltholes were lining up correctly. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 6th September 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now stabled outdoors on No. 2 road at Williton and is fully operational and available for use by the WSR, should the need arise.
D9526 is stabled on No 2 road at Williton, ready to be called into use if required. Pictured on Saturday 6th September 20205 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway although the use of steam locomotives has steadily increased as the risk of lineside fires has reduced, and our loco has to take her turn with the other diesel locos that together have been the mainstay of the line through the dry months.
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 3 road at Williton and is available for use 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:
Shipments are now flowing out again as our supplier gets to grips with their order backlog. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you haven’t yet ordered and are missing out on 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 we now have the new design for the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ featuring two locos side by side, one in green livery and the other in blue.
New design for the DEPG Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Click here to place your order !
We hope to have a new design for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ soon, probably becoming available in November. Here’s a review 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
When this photo was taken, just over 55 years ago, the subject loco was just two years old and was hard at work hauling express passenger services from Crewe towards the North, in the days before the overhead electric wires had been installed and energised on that section of the West Coast Main Line. Until electrification had been completed, the electric locos that had hauled the trains from Euston were replaced at Crewe by the latest products from the English Electric factory, in the form of the fity Class 50s.
Our subject loco is D407, brand new in March 1968 and later destined to become 50007 ‘Hercules’ (in 1978) and ‘SIR EDWARD ELGAR’ in 1984. This loco still operates on the main line today as 50007 ‘Hercules’, owned by the Class 50 Alliance and based at Kidderminster on the Severn Valley Railway.
Many thanks to regular contributor Andy Galpin for sharing his photo with us all.
English Electric Class 50 D407 was pictured at Crewe Station on 26th August 1970 while backing on to her train before heading north on the then-non-electrified section of the West Coast Main Line. This loco moved to the Western Region in 1974, entering preservation in 1994 and still operates on the main line today. Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0
Please 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 !
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 successful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !
And competing for your hard-earned cash, we now have PART 3 of the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy in stock, which is quite a surprise, given that Parts 1 and 2 were only released in February and July of this year. Author MICHAEL RHODES has been very busy !
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| Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy) | Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £21.95 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) is set for Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton Diesel Depot at 1400 as usual. The AGM information package was sent out to all members who were on the fully-paid-up register on 21st August. We will provide a summary of the AGM proceedings in the next edition of Roundup.
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 !