Weekly Roundup – 23-Jan-26
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 were pictured together at Williton on 18th September 2021, with the ’33’ at the tail end of a working to Dunster. Both locos were built in 1961 although the ‘Hymek’ did not enter service on BR until 18th January of 1962, following the completion of her acceptance trials. Photo by Brenden Hill © CC BY-NC 4.0
This year, we will be celebrating a handful of 65th birthdays for several locos in the DEPG fleet, with Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019), both Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33048) and D6575 (33057) and both Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 having been built in 1961 (although the ‘Hymeks’ were not released to traffic until January 1962 as their acceptance trials were deferred until the new year). The early 1960s were busy times for the loco builders as they were inundated with orders following the acceleration of the ‘Modernisation Plan’ of 1955, leading to an immense amount of work for the BR employees who had to learn how to maintain and manage their new forms of traction. Busy times indeed !
Here is a table of the relevant dates:
| Class | Number | Date built | Works Number | Date into service |
| 09 | D4107 (09019) | 1961 | – | 16-Nov-1961 |
| 33 | D6566 (33048) | 1961 | DEL170 | 26-Aug-1961 |
| 33 | D6575 (33057) | 1961 | DEL179 | 04-Nov-1961 |
| 35 | D7017 | 1961 | 7911 | 08-Jan-1962 |
| 35 | D7018 | 1961 | 7912 | 18-Jan-1962 |
BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) worksplate showing construction date as 1961 and works number DEL179. Photo from DEPG archives.
Beyer Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 worksplate showing construction date as 1961 and works number 7911. Photo from DEPG archives.
The WSR has a celebration planned for later in the year, and we hope to bring news of this in the next edition of roundup.
As announced last week, the DEPG have launched an appeal for donations toward the estimated £5,200 cost of converting recently-acquired Class 08 shunter 08401 (D3516) from air brake to dual brake by the restoration of the vacuum brake equipment that was originally fitted to the loco when built at Derby in 1958. Popular fundraising site Gofundme has been chosen for this short-term specific-purpose fundraiser, and we are delighted to report that we have received a pledge for match-funding that will double the value of any donations towards this cause. As a charity, the DEPG is also able to claim Gift Aid that will add another 25% to the value of donations, where the donor is a taxpayer and agrees to allow the DEPG to claim Gift Aid. It all adds up, so please help if you can and click here or on the image below, thank you very much !
The fund had reached £1,150 as at 17:00 on 23rd January 2026:
For those who prefer to donate directly, rather than via Gofundme, we are in the process of setting up the donation ‘products’ on our online store. Click here or on the image below to go to the 08401 donations page:
If you prefer to use online banking, the DEPG bank details are as follows (note – please email contact@depg.org after making Gift Aid donations via online banking, so that we can properly identify your donations):
Sort Code: 09-01-54 Account Number: 79983488
Account name: THE DIESEL AND ELECTRIC PRESERVATION GROUP LIMITED
Click here to visit the 08401 (D3516) dual-braking project page
As the DEPG is a registered charity, any donations made to a defined cause are applied only to that cause, so your donation will make a difference to the project of your choice. Thank you very much !
IMPORTANT DATES FOR 2026 – the following major events have been confirmed by the WSR, and the dates for a wide range of special services have also been announced – see the WSR Events Page for details and dates.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’– more progress was made on the Non-Destructive Testing last weekend, the somewhat milder weather helping the process along and making the work a bit less arduous for our volunteers !
The below photos show the basics of the Dye Penetrant Inspection process and are just a few of the 60+ photos that were taken as evidence of the work done and the results obtained. The process is straightforward, but the validity of the results depends on the quality of the surface preparation, which translates into a lot of hard work on a railway loco bogie that was built more than 60 years ago. All dirt, paint and rust must be removed from the areas of concern, and some of the spaces are quite difficult to access. After applying a chemical cleaning fluid and wiping it clean, the penetrating dye is then sprayed on and left for 15 minutes to allow it to seep into any cracks or flaws. The dye is then removed from the surface by wiping, then the developer is sprayed on. This takes the form of a white powdery layer that then acts as a wick to draw any remaining red dye into it. After 10 minutes, inspection takes place under a very strong light and photos are taken to provide evidence of the results, Any areas of concern will show as dark red patches or lines, and are then investigated further.
Here are some photos of the easiest area to access, the top surface of the bogie frame:
D1010 – the second stage of the Dye Penetrant Inspection process involves spraying the red dye penetrant onto the area being inspected (the first stage is preparation and cleaning). After 15 minutes, this red dye will be wiped off in readiness for the next stage of the process. The ‘B’ bogie was pictured at Williton on 18th January 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0
D1010 – the third stage of the Dye Penetrant Inspection process involves spraying the white developer onto the area being inspected. The ‘B’ bogie was pictured at Williton on 18th January 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0
D1010 – next is the inspection, paying close attention to any dark red spots or lines that may appear as the white powdery layer draws any remaining red dye towards itself. The light pink areas are caused by residual dye and do not signify any issues. This view is looking down on one of the axle boxes of ‘B’ bogie through the aperture that normally contains a leaf spring. Pictured at Williton on 18th January 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0
D1010 – the bogie is fabricated from several large pieces of steel, but also many small pieces, each with a purpose and all welded together to provide the necessary stiffness and ruggedness. This photo shows the quality of the welding, with no detectable flaws and a very good and uniform appearance. The dark red areas in the corners are caused by the penetrant being trapped and are not defects. Any areas of concern would need to be inspected more closely. Pictured at Williton on 18th January 2026 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 4.0
Class 08 08401 (D3516) – this loco is the subject of a Gofundme appeal to raise money to support the conversion from air braking to dual braking. The loco is currently on No 2 road outside the loco shed where Ian and his team can take measurements while working on the detailed planning for the conversion to dual braking.
08401 (D3516) – Gofundme appeal poster – by Linda Trott
Meanwhile, we continue to gather up and prepare the many parts that are needed to perform the dual-braking conversion.
08401 (D3516) – DEPG volunteer Roy Jones was busy tidying up the recently-acquired vacuum chamber and applying a coat of primer when pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th January 2026. Roy has Class 09 D4107 (09019) and D1010‘s ‘B’ bogie for company. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – with her main generator now fitted with new brushes and having been checked for correct brushgear operation, the crane was used to assist with re-fitting her Westinghouse 3CV50 compressor. In parallel with this activity, DEPG volunteer Jon Tooke set about the two repair jobs that were listed for the cab of the loco. The first was the adjustment of the droplight window mechanism that was fitted to the loco last year, and this was quickly dealt with.
The next task was to investigate a ‘spongy’ area of the cab floor – and as expected, it was found that the plywood layer had become waterlogged and had rotted and broken up. The underlying steel structure was OK, so the plywood layer was removed and will be replaced with new material during the coming weeks.
D4107 (09019) – having been replaced this time last year, the droplight window mechanism had now bedded-in and was in need of some adjustment, so ‘JT’ was called in to deal with the task ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th January 2026 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0
D4107 (09019) – the poor state of the plywood layer of the cab floor quickly became evident after pulling up the linoleum layer. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th January 2026 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0
D4107 (09019) – the underlying steel structure was found to be in good condition and just in need of a cleanup. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th January 2026 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0
D4107 (09019) – a major improvement was brought about by cleaning up and scraping away the old paint and rust, followed by the application of rust-conversion paint. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th January 2026 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0
D4107 (09019) – the Westinghouse 3CV50 compressor was re-fitted to the loco at Williton on Saturday 17th January 2026. The compressor had been removed to allow access to the main generator for the purposes of brushgear maintenance and replacement of the brushes. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 4.0
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is outdoors on No 1 road and is having one of her vacuum exhausters removed for overhaul. When the shed is available, she will move indoors so that her leaking engine room roof can be removed and repaired.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is based at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain ‘on duty’ and available for use if required.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is stabled outdoors on number 1 road at Williton and is receiving some light maintenance and undergoing internal cleaning. The loco will undergo Ultrasonic Axle Testing at a date to be arranged, in preparation for some visits to ‘other railways’ (to be announced as soon as contracts have been finalised).
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is currently under cover at Swithland on the Great Central Railway and will remain there until called into action at the end of February. The GCR will be using the loco for some charter services and also for their SPRING WEEKEND (although this is not yet showing on the GCR website), in addition to their DIESEL GALA in April. Please do try and go along to one or more of these events to show your support for D7018 and help ensure that her visit is a big success !
Here are the running dates for D7018 on the GCR:
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – more progress is being made on this loco due to the combined efforts of the Tuesday and Saturday teams. This allows the work on the engine to continue in parallel with the work on the loco structure. The fixed and opening panels are undergoing repairs and a re-paint in advance of being re-fitted to the ‘B’ end (the ‘short’ end) of the loco.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is now based at Bishops Lydeard where she will remain throughout the winter to cover for Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019).
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway but has been ‘stopped’ because of an issue with her ‘triple pump’ – which is an electrical machine that is a combined water pump, oil pump and fuel pump, all driven from one big DC electric motor. The spare has been taken from stock at Williton and sent to a specialist subcontractor for reconditioning before sending it to the NYMR for installation into 47077. This work is planned for completion by the end of February.
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is stabled outdoors on Number 4 road at Williton and was thought to be fully serviceable. However, the loco was going to be started up last weekend and run for a while, but the batteries objected and will need a recharge before another start attempt is made – perhaps this weekend, weather permitting.
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 Saturdays and Tuesdays 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:
Feeling the cold ? Go ahead and order a fleece jacket or sweatshirt via our ONLINE STORE, just click on this link or on the images below to give it a go !
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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, or both in blue. Please let us know if you would like to order a combination that is not obvious on our online store – we are adding more options on a weekly basis. We intend to offer a Class 14 design in the coming weeks.
The range of colours has 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 |
These garments 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 – not really ‘on shed’ but recently ‘off shed’ at York to take over ‘THE AYR ABERDONIAN‘ railtour from Class 40 40150 (D350), our very own 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ then worked the return leg through to Plymouth. This railtour was a 3-day affair, starting in Plymouth on Friday 18th September 1981 and being hauled by 8 different locos of 6 different classes, starting with Class 50 50010 (D410) ‘Monarch’ as it made its way to the ‘Far North’ and Stranraer Harbour. The schedule and locos used for haulage can be found on the Six Bells Junction website, from where the below table has been borrowed – with thanks !
Here’s the narrative from photographer and participant MARK ELVEY:
“47077 – a big fix by those clever ER controllers for F&W’s ‘THE AYR ABERDONIAN’ returning south on Sunday 20th September 1981.
40150 has just been removed at York in favour of one of the WR’s finest class 47s, to the delight of everyone on board … well, I didn’t mind !”
Many thanks to Mark for sharing this image and his memories with us all.
Just one question … it looks as if the characters have been removed from the nameplate, perhaps stolen. Was this actually the case, or was it just a trick of the light ?
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613. 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was pictured before departure from York en route to Plymouth on Sunday 20th September 1981, on the return leg of what had been an epic 3-day railtour to the north of Scotland. The ’47’ had taken over from 40150 (D350) at York, no doubt to the delight of some on board. Photo by Mark Elvey © CC BY-NC 4.0
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 !
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
There are many new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
Do you have a space on your wall where your 2025 DEPG calendar used to be ?
THIS IS THE VERY LAST CHANCE to grab one of the last few calendars before they are all sold. In fact, the last box of DEPG 2026 A3 CALENDARS is almost empty and the last copies will soon be heading out of the door next week, so if you haven’t ordered yours already, then NOW IS THE TIME TO PLACE YOUR ORDER!
Click here or on the following image to see a mini-presentation that steps through each page and gives the flavour of the contents. MANY THANKS to all of the photographers who donated their work for the benefit of the DEPG !
Here’s a one-page representation of the DEPG 2026 calendar. In the actual calendar, each month occupies a separate A3-sized page. Click here or on the image below to get your copy while stocks last. 
DO YOU HAVE PHOTOS THAT YOU COULD OFFER FOR THE 2027 DEPG CALENDAR ? If so, please get in touch via contact@depg.org or by using our CONTACT FORM. We typically prepare the calendars during April so that they are ready for sale at the diesel gala in June. Thanks !
DEPG NEWS: the next meeting of the DEPG Board of Trustees and Directors will take place at Williton on Saturday 24th January. If you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to put to the Board, please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. Thanks !
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 !
