depgstaff

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) has now taken over the Blue timetable workings from sister D6566 (33 048) to balance up the mileage being worked by the two locos. Pictured while being prepared for the 10:00 departure from Minehead on Sunday 20th August 2023 by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The WSR’s peak summer YELLOW timetable has been keeping our locomotives busy, with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) covering the week under review and Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 working the final week of the peak season. Dates beyond the 26th revert to the BLUE timetable and include diesel-hauled services on most weekends. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of loco allocations.

 

The postponement of the ‘DEPG at 50’ event was explained in the roundup last week, but please be aware that some of our locos will be working on Saturday and Sunday 23rd/24th September as per the WSR’s BLUE timetable. We will be running a double-headed Class 33 ‘Crompton’ hauled service on the Saturday and we might be able to run ‘Hymek’ D7017 on the Sunday if our updated Risk Assessments are approved in time. The WSR may also be announcing another special working for the Saturday, so keep this date available in your diary!

 

Here’s the plan for Saturday 23rd September:

     10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard worked by D6575 (33 057)

     12:30 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead worked by D6566 (33 048) AND D6575 (33 057)

     14:30 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard worked by D6566 (33 048) AND D6575 (33 057)

     16:35 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead worked by D6566 (33 048)

 

The FORTIES WEEKEND event will take place on September 9th and 10th and is always very popular with a wide range of related exhibits and themed activities, including the now-customary evening dance on the platform at Minehead ! Click here to go to the WSR website for details of this event.

 

Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the dismantling of the ‘A’ transmission has progressed and the turbine rail has now been lifted out of the main casing, which will now be closed up and covered up to protect it while work takes place on the more complicated part. The main findings so far are corrosion caused by condensation, the long-term effects of which can be seen on the inside of the top casing (photo below). The reverser assembly shows evidence of wear and will need some specialist attention, but it is all repairable and will not present a challenge. The turbine rail spins quietly, so this should also be a much more straightforward overhaul, compared to the damage evident in the ‘B’ transmission.

The bodywork of the loco has also been progressed, although the Great British Summer has made it a challenge for the team as they try to work between the showers. Gordon had the last laugh when he re-fitted the headcode indicator at the ‘B’ end and set the blinds to I’M 62 to remind everyone that our loco is racking up the years. There are still some patches waiting for sponsors at this end of the loco, so GET IN QUICK TO HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED before the painters reach this end of the loco.

D1010 – the headcode indicators have been reinstated after being rebuilt by Gordon, who mischievously set the headcode to I’M 62 to show off the age of our prized locomotive. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th August 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the corrosion caused by condensation is the only evidence of degradation in this view of the ‘A’ transmission top cover, taken while the cover was standing on its side and being supported by the crane. Pictured at Williton on 15th August 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the turbine rail was carefully lifted out of the ‘A’ transmission at Williton on 15th August 2023. This piece of precision engineering is the heart of the transmission and includes three torque converters of different diameters. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, but we are still short of volunteer resources and have not yet been able to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Apologies for the delay, we will get it done ASAP. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

 

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is now stabled at Bishops Lydeard after working Blue timetable duties for the past three months. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco has been working the YELLOW timetable duties but has now taken over from sister D6566 (33 048) and will handle the Blue timetable for the rest of this season.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was pictured from the signal box at Williton on Sunday 20th August 2023 while working a Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service on a typical (meaning wet) 2023 summer day. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – both ‘Hymeks’ remain ‘grounded’ until our updated Risk Assessment receives approval from the WSR, so in the meantime, work proceeds apace to get at least one of our ‘Hymeks’ ready to resume service subject to the additional controls. The new window glass was fitted to the driver’s side window at ‘A’ end, which may not sound like a big deal, but that side of the cab is festooned with equipment from the old BR(WR) Automatic Train Control (ATC) system, all of which had to be removed and countless corroded screws drilled out to gain access to the window mechanism. This coming weekend’s task is to put it all back together again !

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 had to undergo significant dismantling to gain access to replace a broken window glass on the driver’s side at ‘A’ end. The scissor mechanism can be clearly seen in this view, taken at Williton on Saturday 19th August 2023. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D7017 viewed from the ‘B’ cab, shows the equipment that has to be removed to gain access to the window mechanism. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th August 2023 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D7017 viewed from the ‘B’ cab, with a closer view of the equipment that has to be removed to gain access to the window mechanism. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th August 2023 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

D7017 is fitted with the BR(WR) Automatic Train Control (ATC) system, the components of which are attached to the side wall in the cab, blocking access to the window mechanism. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th August 2023 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the work taking place on this locomotive is of an analytical nature, to establish the probable causes of the un-commanded move that took place following engine start-up on Friday 4th August 2023. This work has already resulted in an updated Risk Assessment that includes additional controls that must be put in place before the next engine start-up. The next step is to submit the Root Cause Analysis for review, and that step should be reached by the end of this week. Once approved, we will be able to resume testing and the remedial work can be planned.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – with the diversion of effort resulting from the running of classmate D9526, the progress on this project has had to be slowed, but has not stopped. The most obvious demonstration of progress has been the reinstatement of the black ‘wasp stripes’ at the ‘B’ end of the locomotive, and they are certainly attention-grabbing !

D9518 – the black ‘wasp stripes’ have now been applied to the ‘B’ end of the locomotive, making her instantly recognisable as a ‘Teddy Bear’. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 20th August by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco has been in use for three of the last five weeks in place of the DMU on the YELLOW timetable services that ran during the peak summer period, concluding on Saturday 26th August. Take a look at our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the running dates and loco allocations. The loco is now approaching her 1,000 hour engine service, which will be quite a thorough process and is aimed at keeping this much-loved locomotive in top condition.

   

D9526 – the meters show 925 hours since the last engine overhaul and 10597.8 miles since entering preservation. Photos taken on 19th August 2023 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9526 – an unusual sight in some ways, but not in others. A ‘Teddy Bear’ works goods through the West Country during the holiday season. What’s strange about that ! Pictured at the WSRA Steam Rally, Norton Fitzwarren, on Saturday 5th August 2023 by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a ‘top end’ engine overhaul at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Work is proceeding well, so the loco should be out and about again within a few weeks, hopefully still in time to do some running this season.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard. The cab is undergoing a repaint in the capable hands of Jon T, but the loco remains serviceable and ready for action.

 

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 !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW and ON SHED – we will have to skip these two features this week due to the weight of other news and the need to prioritise. Hopefully we will be back with these two popular features soon.

 

DEPG NEWS – the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will take place at Williton on Saturday 2nd September, starting at 14:00 and all DEPG members are entitled to attend (formal calling notices were sent by post or email earlier this month). To save paper and postage, any member who wishes to see the minutes of the previous AGM or the draft of the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2022 is asked to contact us by email or via our CONTACT FORM and we will respond by sending the requested items. This will save reams of paper and £££s of ink, most of which would otherwise go straight from the doormat to the recyling container. We will also save postage because of the lower weight in the mailings. Thank you for your understanding. 

NOTE – Members will not need to show their membership cards at the AGM (we ony issue cards on special request these days), but the register of members will be checked to ensure that all present are fully paid-up members.

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. To vote at the AGM, it is essential that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

   

DOUBLE-HEADED Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ – Saturday 23rd September 

     

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 has been quarantined pending investigation into the un-commanded move that took place shortly after engine start-up at Williton on Friday 4th August 2023. Pictured inside the loco shed carrying a ‘NOT TO BE MOVED‘ board on Saturday 12th August 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Sadly, we have to open this edition of Roundup with news of an incident that took place at Williton on Friday 4th August 2023 involving Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018. The official press release is reproduced below in full:

 

 

PRESS RELEASE – dated 14th August 2023

 

On Friday 4th August 2023, preparations were underway at Williton for a static test of ‘Hymek’ D7018 after some adjustments and checks had been made to the transmission. Following the engine start and while the preparations for the actual test were still in progress, the locomotive started to move uncommanded. This was against the parking brakes and included riding over scotches (or wheel chocks). The movement was only stopped by shutting down the engine. Some minor damage resulted, both to the locomotive and to some of DEPG’s equipment and spares. Thankfully, no-one was hurt in this incident. The Rail Accident Investigation Branch (RAIB) and the Office of Rail & Road (ORR) were informed routinely.

As an immediate consequence, an extraordinary meeting of the DEPG Board of Trustees has taken the decision to cease all operational ‘Hymek’ activities until further notice while we review the cause of the incident and develop additional controls to ensure that these precious locomotives remain safe to use.

This regrettably means that the planned ‘DEPG at 50’ celebrations at the end of September must be postponed until a later date. We particularly regret that neither ‘Hymek’ D7017 or D7018 will be able to attend the Severn Valley Railway’s ‘Magnificent Seven’ event in the Autumn as working locomotives. We recognise that this will disappoint many of our fans and followers, but it will be appreciated that the safety of both the public and our own volunteers cannot be put at risk.

Martin Howard
Chairman, DEPG Board of Directors and Trustees

 

 

 

We are all disappointed that our locos will not be able to feature in these two events this year, but most of all we are thankful that no-one was hurt. We are putting a considerable effort into the root cause analysis so that we can devise and implement the additional controls that will ensure that all of our locomotives are operated safely.

 

The response from our members, supporters and fellow preservation groups has been very supportive and encouraging. This is really helpful and is very much appreciated. The negative comments can be counted on the fingers of one hand, such comments being mostly due to the obvious disappointment. 

 

The postponement of the ‘DEPG at 50’ event will particularly affect those who booked non-refundable accommodation in the West Somerset area, but please be aware that some of our locos will be working on Saturday and Sunday 23rd/24th September as per the WSR’s BLUE timetable. We plan to run a double-headed Class 33 ‘Crompton’ hauled service on the Saturday and we might be able to run a ‘hydraulic’ on the Sunday.

 

 

Meanwhile, the WSR’s peak summer YELLOW timetable has been keeping our locomotives busy, with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 working during three of the five weeks and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) covering the other two weeks. Here are just a few of the excellent images that we have received recently:

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 worked the YELLOW timetable services during the week ending 13th August 2023 and was pictured at Minehead on Saturday 12th with a 10-coach mainline charter alongside. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 also worked the YELLOW timetable services on Tuesday 8th August 2023 – which was unexpected because Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) had been booked for that turn. Pictured at the delightful Blue Anchor station by Tony Latham © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048, left) was waiting at the platform at Williton as sister loco D6575 (33 057, right) arrived with a train from Minehead on Thursday 3rd August 2023. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The YELLOW timetable runs until the 26th August (Sundays excepted), the diesel-hauled service being the 1100 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 1525 return service. Sundays and dates beyond the 27th revert to the BLUE timetable and include diesel-hauled services on most weekends. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of loco allocations.

 

The FORTIES WEEKEND event will take place on September 9th and 10th and is always very popular with a wide range of related exhibits and themed activities, including the now-customary evening dance on the platform at Minehead ! Click here to go to the WSR website for details of this event.

 

Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – work continues on the dismantling of the ‘A’ transmission and the assessment of the components removed. The most significant area of wear discovered so far is in the reverser mechanism, and some parts will need to be replaced or repaired when the time comes to put this part of the assembly back in position. Otherwise, corrosion caused by condensation is the main source of degradation. Heritage locos take in moisture due to our variable climate and do not get enough use to dry them out, the result being internal condensation and the resulting corrosion.

Elsewhere on the loco, Steve has been progressing the electrical work in the ‘B’ cab while Gordon, Ian F and Roy attend to the many bodywork-related tasks. The repairs to the cooler group assemblies are being planned out by Tony and work will start as soon as the plan has been agreed and the materials sourced.

 

D1010 – the Standstill Detector valve on the ‘A’ transmission has been the recipient of some severe hammer blows at some time in the past, probably in response to the valve sticking. This valve will be disassembled and overhauled along with all of the other ancillary components. Pictured at Williton on 7th August 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the amount of corrosion caused by condensation is evident from this view, taken immediately after removing the top cover. This transmission was working well before being removed for overhaul and the oil was clean, so the bearings are all in fairly good condition (so far so good). Pictured at Williton on 8th August 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – this borescope image shows the state of the bore hole that runs through the centre of the splined part of the turbine rail secondary shaft. The wire probe shows a 2mm gap where the tapered end of the main shaft was not pushed fully home when the transmission was last overhauled at Swindon Works. There is a critical oilway somewhere amongst all that sludge. Pictured at Williton on 7th August 2023 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, but we are still short of volunteer resources and have not yet been able to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Apologies for the delay, we will get it done ASAP. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is stabled at Minehead, ready for her next duties under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco has been stabled at Bishops Lydeard in connection with her YELLOW timetable duties, but had to return to Williton on Saturday 12th August for attention to her Automatic Warning System (AWS). The work was carried out by volunteer loco manager Ian R and his assistant Tom, and the loco returned to Bishops Lydeard later in the day.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) returned to Williton on Saturday 12th August 2023 for Ian R and Tom to give some attention to her Automatic Warning System (AWS). This useful BR-era mainline system allows the loco to be operated without a secondman, the additional safety vigilance being provided by the AWS. The loco was repaired and returned to Bishops Lydeard later in the day. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – as covered at the start of this roundup, both ‘Hymeks’ have been ‘grounded’ pending the outcome of an investigation into the uncommanded move of D7018 upon startup. The additional controls that will be developed as a result of the risk assessment will be applied equally to D7017 and will impact her return to service date. Hopefully, we won’t have to wait too long before she can be released from captivity.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 has been ‘grounded’ pending investigation into the un-commanded move of sister loco D7018 that took place shortly after engine start-up at Williton on Friday 4th August 2023. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 12th August 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – the transmission control block in this locomotive has been causing trouble for some time but nowhere near the kind of trouble that occurred on the 4th August and as outlined in the Press Release statement at the beginning of this roundup. We are working through the list of probable causes using industry-standard tools such as Root Cause Analysis (RCA), Fault Tree Analysis (FTA) and Failure Modes, Effects and Criticality Analysis (FMECA). All of this work takes time and diverts attention from other activities, and we are all volunteers with other commitments that also have to be covered, so please allow us a little time to work the problem and come up with a robust solution. Thanks !

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – with Colin G and Terry heavily involved with the running of classmate D9526, the rate of progress on this project has slowed, so the addition of effort from Andy P and Tony was very welcome indeed. During cleanup work in the little spaces in between the frames of the loco, a genuine lump of 300-million-year-old coal was discovered, no doubt resting there since the 1970s and 80s when the loco worked at Ashington Colliery in Northumberland. There is plenty more yet to be extracted, but the steam crews should not get too excited – because this piece was only as big as a baked bean !

D9518 – black gold – a genuine piece of Northumberland coal, discovered in between the frames of the loco during clean-up work at Williton on 8th August 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

D9518 – Colin G was concentrating hard when marking out the lines for the black ‘wasp stripes’ that will soon be applied to this ‘B’ end of the locomotive, making her instantly recognisable as a ‘Teddy Bear’. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 12th August by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is fully serviceable and ready for use in place of the DMU on some of the YELLOW timetable services during the peak summer period that runs until Saturday 26th August. Take a look at our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the running dates and loco allocations.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a ‘top end’ engine overhaul at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Work is proceeding well, so the loco should be out and about again within a few weeks, hopefully still in time to do some running this season.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard. The cab is undergoing a repaint in the capable hands of Jon T, but the loco remains serviceable and ready for action.

 

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 !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW and ON SHED – we will have to skip these two features this week due to the weight of other news and the need to prioritise. Hopefully we will be back with these two popular features soon.

 

DEPG NEWS – the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will take place at Williton on Saturday 2nd September, starting at 14:00 and all DEPG members are entitled to attend (formal calling notices were sent by post or email earlier this month – click here for the pdf version if you didn’t receive your copy). To save paper and postage, any member who wishes to see the minutes of the previous AGM or the draft of the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2022 is asked to contact us by email or post and we will respond by sending the requested items. This will save reams of paper and £££s of ink, most of which would otherwise go straight from the doormat to the recyling container. We will also save postage because of the lower weight in the mailings. Thank you for your understanding. 

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. To vote at the AGM, it is essential that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

 

EVENT POSTPONED to 2024: DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

    

 

The sun was evidently shining for one of the days of the WSRA STEAM RALLY that took place at Norton Fitzwarren on 5/6^th August 2023. Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 provided the power for the Brake Van rides along the truncated remains of the former Barnstaple branch. Well done to all volunteers for delivering such an excellent event! Pictured on Sunday 6th by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The expanse of the STEAM RALLY site is evident in this ‘over-the-bonnet’ view from the cab of Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 while taking on another load of passengers for a Brake Van ride along the truncated remains of the former Barnstaple branch. Pictured on Sunday 6th by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

The annual STEAM RALLY took place last Saturday and Sunday 5/6^th August, and the many exhibitors and campers braved some totally unseasonal weather on the Saturday but were paid back handsomely on the Sunday as the skies cleared and it felt like summer again. Although it is billed as a steam rally, there are plenty of exhibits that cover other areas such as arts and crafts, heavy horses, vintage agricultural machines, commercial vehicles, military vehicles, cars and motor bikes, coaches and wagons, so there is something for everyone. This event attracts many thousands of visitors and is well worth a visit.

 

Always a very popular feature of the event, the brake van rides along the 1.1 mile remnant of the Taunton to Barnstaple branch were provided by the DEPG this year, with our Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 making a total of 41 runs over the two days and generating a very useful income for the West Somerset Railway Association (WSRA), in fact the proceeds from the whole event will be put to very good uses across the length and breadth of the railway.

 

The shuttle services that ran between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren were rostered for the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), but were handled by a top-and-tail formation of Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) at the Taunton end and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) at the Minehead end. These two locos worked a total of 17 round trips and provided the rare opportunity for Class 09 haulage !

With the BLUE timetable in operation over the weekend with Class 33 D6566 (33 048) in use, Bishops Lydeard station had a distinctly ‘diesel dominated’ feel to it !

Class 09 ‘Gronk’ D4107 (09 019) prepares to depart from Bishops Lydeard with one of the 17 shuttle services that ran to the Norton Fitzwarren platform over the weekend of 5/6th August 2023. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was at the rear of the shuttle while sister D6566 (33 048) stood alongside with the arrival from Minehead. Pictured on Saturday 5th August 2023 by Josh Brinsford  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ were in action at Bishops Lydeard with D6575 (33 057) at the rear of the Norton Fitzwarren shuttle while sister D6566 (33 048) worked the BLUE timetable. Pictured on Saturday 5th August 2023 by Josh Brinsford  © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

On the YELLOW timetable that runs until the 26th August (Sundays excepted), the 1100 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 1525 return service (1350 on 12th August) are being handled by Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057), working alternate weeks. This out-and-back 40-mile diagram provides additional capacity for the peak holiday season.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) takes a break in the bay platform at the head of the 15:25 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard while WSR ‘Mogul’ 9351 prepares to depart with the 14:30 service on Tuesday 1st August 2023. Photo by Tim Edmonds © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

The FORTIES WEEKEND event will take place on September 9th and 10th and is always very popular with a wide range of related exhibits and themed activities, including the now-customary evening dance on the platform at Minehead ! Click here to go to the WSR website for details of this event.

 

Updated 17-Aug-23: The DEPG at 50 event has had to be postponed. Click here for details.

Then, the DEPG at 50 event will feature a full day of diesel-hauled services on FRIDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER and mixed traction days on the Saturday and Sunday. Details are being finalised and will be published as soon as possible, hopefully next week. A Friday evening service will run from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back and will offer food and drinks to all ticketed travellers (DEPG members will enjoy significant multiple discounts and privileges) so KEEP THIS DATE FREE and make a plan to attend !

 

Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – work has begun on the dismantling of the ‘A’ transmission to assess the amount of work required to overhaul it. The findings so far are encouraging and the accessible bearings appear to be in good condition, although there is evidence elsewhere of corrosion that has resulted from condensation. The bearings that we really need to inspect are buried deep within the converter rail, but doing the job in the absence of damage will make the overhaul work a lot easier.

D1010 – Before any dismantling work began, the ‘A’ transmission received a thorough and careful clean-up from Colin F (left) and Geoff at Williton on Monday 31st July 2023. This preparation work ensures that the minimum amount of contamination enters this valuable piece of 1960s high-precision engineering. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, but we are still short of volunteer resources and have not yet been able to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Apologies for the delay, we will get it done ASAP. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is stabled at Minehead, ready for her next duties under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco has been stabled at Bishops Lydeard and worked the shutle services for the STEAM RALLY on the weekend of 5/6th August. The loco will return to Williton in the early morning of Saturday 12th August for maintenance purposes, then return to Bishops Lydeard in readiness for her YELLOW timetable duties.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – as advised via our recent DIESELGEN bulletin, this loco has had to stand down from the next two Sunday services under the BLUE timetable as we have to attend to several maintenance issues and test the loco before she can resume normal service. The wiring has been reconnected but some faults still remain and will be attended to during the coming weekend. The driver’s side window that broke during the diesel gala has been removed and the new glass ordered, so another week should see this task completed also. We apologise for not being able to provide this loco for the 13th and 20th, but we are doing our best to get her ready in time for Sunday 27th August.

Updated 17-Aug-23: Class 35 ‘Hymek’ running has had to be suspended temporarily. Click here for details.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is causing us some trouble at the moment and is absorbing a lof of our time as we investigate the transmission control issue. Although we are working hard to resolve this, we still have some way to go and the loco will also need a significant amount of testing before she will be able to return to service. A more detailed report will be included in the next roundup.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – as reported earlier, the team have been involved with and have been supporting the running of classmate D9526, so the work on D9518 has had to be slowed (but not stopped). Work has progressed on the bead blasting and priming of 30 different sheet metal panels and covers that have been gathered up and treated over the past few weeks. Have a go at counting the freshly painted green parts in the photo below:

D9518 – 30 different panels and covers have just receved a coat of green primer following bead blasting at MAX COLOUR RENOVATIONS Ltd in Frome, Somerset. Photo dated 5th August 2023 by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the restored fire bell in the customary red colour, ready to be re-installed in the cab of the locomotive when the time comes. Photo dated 5th August 2023 by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is fully serviceable and ready for use in place of the DMU on some of the YELLOW timetable services during the peak summer period that runs until Saturday 26th August. Take a look at our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the running dates and loco allocations.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a ‘top end’ engine overhaul at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The latest news is that the work is proceeding well with seven of the 12 cylinder heads overhauled and ready to re-fit. The exhaust plenum chamber has been repaired and re-fitted, so the loco should be out and about again within a few weeks, hopefully still in time to do some running this season.

47077 – the loco was pictured while undergoing a ‘top end’ engine overhaul at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on 8th August 2023. Photo by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – the loco was pictured in the busy loco works at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway where she is undergoing a ‘top end’ engine overhaul. Pictured on 8th August 2023 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – the plenum chamber that combines the four exhaust flows and feeds the massive turbocharger has been repaired and refitted at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Pictured on 8th August 2023 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard. The cab is undergoing a repaint in the capable hands of Jon T, but the loco remains serviceable and ready for action.

 

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 !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW and ON SHED – we will have to skip these two features this week due to the weight of other news and the need to prioritise. Hopefully we will be back with these two popular features next week.

 

DEPG NEWS – the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will take place at Williton on Saturday 2nd September, starting at 14:00 and covering the items as listed in the AGM CALLING NOTICE (pdf version). All DEPG members are entitled to attend the AGM. To save paper and postage, any member who wishes to see the minutes of the previous AGM or the draft of the accounts for the year ended 31st December 2022 is asked to contact us by email or post and we will respond by sending the requested items. This will save reams of paper and £££s of ink, most of which would otherwise go straight from the doormat to the recyling container. We will also save postage because of the lower weight in the mailings. Thank you for your understanding. 

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. To vote at the AGM, it is essential that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

 

EVENT POSTPONED to 2024: DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

     

 

Exactly 48 years ago – Class 25 25162 hauled recently-withdrawn ‘Hymek’ D7017 through Reading General station on a hot and sunny Wednesday 30th July 1975, en route from Old Oak Common to Taunton. The ‘Hymek’ had been saved from the scrapman because of funds raised by the D+EG and was destined for the fledgling West Somerset Railway, but had to take up temporary residence at Taunton because the WSR was not able to receive traffic at that time. Photo by Michael Cheetham © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The Diesel and Electric Preservation Group (forerunner of the DEPG) will celebrate it’s 50th anniversary as a preservation organisation in September of this year, but on a very hot day 48 years ago, the first object of it’s attention was moved from British Rail’s Old Oak Common depot (three miles outside Paddington) to Taunton after being acquired by the group. The loco was destined for Minehead on the West Somerset Railway, but the line was not ready to receive traffic, having been closed by BR in January 1971 and left unmaintained for several years. The loco stayed initially at Taunton stabling point, and was later moved to be within the confines of Taunton station itself, where work was done by volunteers to tidy up the loco and perform some basic maintenance.

The move to Taunton took place on 25th March 1976 and the loco hauled the first passenger service in the hands of a preserved ex-mainline loco when she worked the ‘Quantock Flyer’ from Minehead to Williton and back on 19th March 1977. Well done to all those who worked so hard to save this wonderful machine and start an organisation that now owns six locomotives and has three other locomotives in its care.

 

2023 is a year that is filled with golden anniversaries in the field of railway preservation. One such anniversary is that of the very first ex-mainline diesel to be saved for preservation, Class 42 ‘Warship’ D821 ‘GREYHOUND’, now based on the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) in the care of the DIESEL TRACTION GROUP (DTG) along with the DTG’s other locomotives, D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7029 and Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568.

The DEPG have been invited to send D7017 and her sister D7018 to the SVR to take part in their late September ‘MAGNIFICENT SEVEN‘ event, which will feature intensive operations using mostly diesel-hydraulic locomotives. As wonderful as this opportunity is, it puts a lot of stress on our volunteers at Williton to not only get the two locos working reliably on our ‘home’ line for our own anniversary event, but to do additional work to allow them to travel to an ‘away’ railway where they will be scrutinised and expected to perform without fault. This is a massive challenge, but we will do our level best to get them ready so as not to disappoint !

 

Here’s a short video clip of D7017 undergoing a test start-up at Williton after reinstatement of her wiring:

MANY THANKS to John, Neil, Ian R and Tom for getting this work done !

 

 

The YELLOW timetable is now in effect for weekdays and Saturdays until 26th August, and the diesel turns are being shared by Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) on alternate weeks. This additional diesel loco-hauled working is covering for the Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) which had been out of service undergoing heavy maintenance work, but has happily now passed inspection and will gradually return to active use, initially on crew training turns.

Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of which loco will be rostered for which service.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 worked the YELLOW timetable on Saturday 29th July 2023 and was pictured at Williton with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 on number 1 road alongside. Behind the ‘Hymek’, D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ is partly hidden by tarpaulins that are covering the roof apertures created by the removal of the cooler groups. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was out on a test run on Saturday 29th July 2023, running from Minehead to Williton and back. The newly overhauled unit was gleaming in a welcome moment of sunshine when pictured at Williton by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

This coming weekend sees the WSRA’s ANNUAL STEAM RALLY taking place at Norton Fitzwarren, and it is an event that is well worth supporting, regardless of the weather !

Although the event has steam in the title, it includes a vast range of exhibits from horses to tractors to vintage cars, trucks and buses. The DEPG will also be participating with Class 14 D9526 providing brake van rides over the truncated remains of the Barnstaple branch line, but we are unable to fulfil our previous intention of having one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ on static display, due to the over-run of their repair work. We will also have a SALES STAND at the show, manned by stalwart Chris Shields with support from other DEPG volunteers.

This event is lots of fun and is WELL WORTH A VISIT. There will be a frequent FREE (for rally-goers) shuttle service from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and Class 09 ‘Gronk’ D4107 (09019) and a FREE bus connection from Silk Mills Park & Ride.

 

Click here or on the images below to go to the Steam Rally website:

Click here to go to the WSR’s STEAM RALLY page.

 

Beyond that, the FORTIES WEEKEND event will take place on September 9th and 10th and is always very popular with a wide range of related exhibits and themed activities, including the now-customary evening dance on the platform at Minehead ! Click here to go to the WSR website for details of this event.

 

Then, the DEPG at 50 event will feature a full day of diesel-hauled services on FRIDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER and mixed traction days on the Saturday and Sunday. Details are being finalised and will be published as soon as possible, hopefully next week. A Friday evening service will run from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back and will offer food and drinks to all ticketed travellers (DEPG members will enjoy significant multiple discounts and privileges) so KEEP THIS DATE FREE and make a plan to attend !

 

 

Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – as sneakily reported in the last roundup, the lifting of the two cooler groups and the ‘A’ transmission came to fruition on Monday 24th July 2023 in one crane hire session, thanks to the close co-operation of George from HEAVER BROTHERS of Exeter who operated the truck-mounted knuckle boom crane. There are literally hundreds of photos and hours of video footage to be worked through in order to create a video for the DEPG channel, but the focus on the repair work on the two ‘Hymeks’ is priority so the media work will just have to wait in line until resources are available. Meanwhile, here are some more photos that give a flavour of that very interesting day:

D1010 – the heavy-duty knuckle-boom crane was provided by HEAVER BROTHERS of Exeter. Driver and crane operator George (on the right) received his pre-lift briefing from DEPG Chairman Martin Howard at Williton on Monday 24th July 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – Step 1 – the cooler group was lifted out from ‘A’ end of the loco at Williton on Monday 24th July 2023. This made space for our volunteers to get inside and release the bolts that held the ‘A’ transmission. Leroy appears to be satisfied with the proceedings ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – Step 2 – with the cooler group lifted out and the drive shaft disconnected, the ‘A’ transmission was prepared for lifting out at Williton on Monday 24th July 2023. Volunteers Geoff (yellow hat) and Leroy (white hat) make the final preparations for lifting. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the 4.5 tonne Voith hydraulic transmission was lifted out from ‘A’ end of the loco at Williton on Monday 24th July 2023 so that it can undergo a complete overhaul in the care of the DEPG ‘transmission team’. Lift team members Martin (L) and Leroy (R) appear happy with the rate of progress. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – where the sun don’t shine ….. the lifting of the ‘A’ transmission exposed the inner axle of the ‘A’ bogie, covered with the dirt accumulated over 50 years of running, including many miles on the mainline before the loco entered preservation in 1977. Pictured at Williton on 24th July 2023 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the ‘A’ transmission was given a quick external clean then moved to the DEPG’s nearby transmission repair facility. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 25th July 2023 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – Step 3 – the cooler group was lifted out from ‘B’ end of the loco at Williton on Monday 24th July 2023. This assembly had already been partly stripped down while still in the loco, so it was lighter and easier to move without risk of damage. Pictured from a very unusual angle by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the cooler group from ‘A” end now has to be stripped of radiator elements so that it can undergo repairs to corroded sections. Pictured in ‘selfie’ mode at Williton on Tuesday 25th July 2023 by volunteer Nick Boyce © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

 

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is stabled at Minehead, ready for her next duties under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Bishops Lydeard and will work the shutle services for the STEAM RALLY that run between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren on the weekend of 5/6th August. The loco will then remain at Bishops Lydeard in readiness for her YELLOW timetable duties.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is undergoing the re-connection of the wiring that was removed during the fault-finding that took place during the previous weekend. The driver’s side window is next on the list for attention, along with a few other electrical issues that will be repaired in time for her next booked working on Sunday 13th August.

D7017 – the engine was started up at Williton on Saturday 29th July 2023 so that the electrical systems could be tested. Volunteers Tom (L) and Neil (R) gave the ‘all clear’ after completing the tests. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is undergoing detailed investigation work on the transmission control block to trace the source of the issue that has prevented the use of the loco this season. The most likely outcome will be that the control block will need to be swapped back with the previous block that did not change gear automatically, because this at least allows the loco to be operated at reduced power. The investigation work is needed so that we can understand the issues and repair the block on the bench without the benefit of a test rig. This is taking a lot of time, hence the late roundup, but is a priority task !

The Stone-Maybach ‘Mekydro’ hydraulic transmission control schematic depicts a 1960s computer comprising almost entirely of circuits formed from fluid pressure flows, with 39 valves, some of which have multiple cores and time-dependent functions. It is from another era, and is not exactly straightforward. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – as reported earlier, the team have been involved with and have been supporting the running of classmate D9526, so the work on D9518 has been slowed (but not stopped) to allow our volunteers to have a breather. We will return to this loco in a later edition of roundup.

 

This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is fully serviceable and ready for use in place of the DMU on some of the YELLOW timetable services during the peak summer period that started on Tuesday 25th July. Take a look at our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the running dates and loco allocations.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a cylinder head overhaul (same massive type as the Class 33s, but 12 of them!) at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. The latest news is that the broken studs have been replaced and the cylinder heads are undergoing overhauls to get them all up to a high standard for future reliability. Some cracks have been found in the casting of the plenum chamber that feeds the exhaust gases into the turbocharger. These will either need specialist repair of the plenum chamber will have to be replaced. We have spares at Williton but their condition is unknown. Sounds like a weekend task coming on !

47077 – the plenum chamber that feeds exhaust gases into the turbocharger has been found to have multiple cracks that will need specialist repair – or the whole casting will need replacement. Pictured on 28th July 2023 at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway by Josh Smith © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard. The cab is undergoing a repaint in the capable hands of Jon T, but the loco remains serviceable and ready for action. Progress is good and the upper half of the interior is looking good already !

Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the upper half of the cab interior was treated to multiple coats of cream-coloured paint over the weekend of 29th July 2023 and is certainly looking much better for the attention. Many thanks to volunteer and photographer Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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 !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW and ON SHED – we will have to skip these two features this week due to the weight of other news and the need to prioritise. Hopefully we will be back with these two popular features next week.

 

DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the Board Meeting that was held at Williton on Saturday 22nd July is in progress and will be e-mailed to all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address, hopefully some time next week.

The ‘Williton Infrastructure Division’ – which comprises several volunteers with a long history of handling infrastructure projects at Williton – were very busy in the inclement weather last weekend, and made considerable progress on multiple fronts. WELL DONE TEAM WID ! Here is one of several photos that we will be sharing over the coming weeks:

Williton infrastructure projects absorbed considerable effort over the weekend of 29th July 2023. The first of several work sessions involved the delivery of concrete and the team of (L-R) Mike H, Tom and Graham (plus Paul T, out of camera) were worn out by the end of the day ! Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSRA STEAM RALLY: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August at Norton Fitzwarren

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

       

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 moved from Williton to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 22nd July 2023 to be in position for her YELLOW timetable duties that commenced on Tuesday 25th July, on the 11:00 departure from Bishops Lydeard and the 15:25 return from Minehead. Photo by Steve Speck © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The YELLOW timetable comes into effect for weekdays and Saturdays from the 25th July onwards, and the diesel turns will be shared by Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) on alternate weeks. This additional diesel loco-hauled working is covering for the Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) which is out of service undergoing heavy maintenance work and may not be available for the rest of this season. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of which loco will be rostered for which service.

     The YELLOW timetable diesel-hauled service timings are:

     11:00 Depart Bishops Lydeard, arrive Minehead at 12:15

     15:25 Depart Minehead, arrive Bishops Lydeard at 17:05

A total of 40 miles with a 4-coach load, a perfect way to bring D9526 back into regular use on the WSR !

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) will be working alternately on the diesel diagram of the YELLOW timetable for the next five weeks, covering for the DMU. The ‘Teddy Bear’ and driver Colin G were pictured during a period of inclement weather at Williton on Saturday 22nd July 2023 while being prepared for the ‘light engine’ move to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Brenden Hill © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

The diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable was worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) on Saturday and Sunday 22/23rd July. This loco has been outstationed at Minehead since the Diesel Gala in early June and is booked to continue covering the Sunday workings until mid August, when she is due to be relieved by one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’. One important item that needed attention last Saturday 22nd July was the windscreen wiper blade on the driver’s side, so a new blade was obtained from stock and fitted by Ian R at Williton while the loco waited for the ‘down’ train to clear the single line section.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) received a new windscreen wiper blade at Williton on Saturday 22nd July 2023. Volunteer loco manager Ian R was closely watched by (clockwise from left) Hayley, Andy C, Clive and Brenden while getting the job done between showers. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

The next major event taking place on the WSR will be the WSRA’s ANNUAL STEAM RALLY that takes place at Norton Fitzwarren during the first weekend in August. Although the event has steam in the title, it includes a vast range of exhibits from horses to tractors to vintage cars, trucks and buses. The DEPG will also be participating with Class 14 D9526 providing brake van rides over the truncated remains of the Barnstaple branch line, and we will also have one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ on static display. This event is lots of fun and is WELL WORTH A VISIT. There will be a frequent FREE (for rally-goers) shuttle service from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and Class 09 ‘Gronk’ D4107 (09019) and a FREE bus connection from Silk Mills Park & Ride.

Click here or on the images below to go to the Steam Rally website:

 

 

Beyond that, the FORTIES WEEKEND event will take place on September 9th and 10th and is always very popular with a wide range of related exhibits and themed activities, including the now-customary evening dance on the platform at Minehead ! Click here to go to the WSR website for details of this event.

 

Then, the DEPG at 50 event will feature a full day of diesel-hauled services on FRIDAY 22nd SEPTEMBER and mixed traction days on the Saturday and Sunday. Details are being finalised and will be published next week. A Friday evening service will run from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back and will offer food and drinks to all ticketed travellers (DEPG members will enjoy significant discounts and privileges) so KEEP THIS DATE FREE and make a plan to attend !

 

Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – although slightly outside of this roundup reporting period, the preparation work that had been undertaken during the previous two weeks for the lifting of the two cooler groups and the ‘A’ transmission came to fruition on Monday 24th July 2023 in one crane hire session, thanks to the close co-operation of George from HEAVER BROTHERS of Exeter who operated the truck-mounted knuckle boom crane. More details and links to video footage will be included in the next edition of roundup.  MANY THANKS to George and the D1010 volunteer team of Gordon, Leroy, Colin F, Geoff and Tim, supported by Martin, Tom and Andy R, for getting this work done safely and efficiently !

D1010 – the cooler group was lifted out from ‘A’ end of the loco at Williton on Monday 24th July 2023. The crane was provided by HEAVER BROTHERS of Exeter. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the 4.5 tonne Voith hydraulic transmission was lifted out from ‘A’ end of the loco at Williton on Monday 24th July 2023 so that it can undergo a complete overhaul in the care of the DEPG ‘transmission team’. The rain had stopped a few hours before the lifting operations began. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ was visible on the Williton webcam with both cooler groups missing during the lifting operations that took place on Monday 24th July 2023. Image captured from the Williton North Railcam, courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the overhauled ‘B’ transmission (pictured on the right with Leroy alongside) was moved out of the overhaul facility in Roughmoor Enterprise Centre (Williton) so that the unrestored ‘A’ transmission (in front of the fork lift) could be moved in. The crane was provided by HEAVER BROTHERS of Exeter. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

More details of the lifting operations and along with close-up photos of the removed assemblies will be included in the next roundup.

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is stabled at Minehead, ready for her next duties under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was pictured at Bishops Lydeard station on Saturday 22nd July 2023 with a pair of ‘Manor’ class steam locos alongside as they waited to position for hauling an incoming 10-coach mainline charter service through to Minehead and back. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was called into action on Sunday 23rd July to stand in for GWR 4-6-0 7812 ‘ERLESTOKE MANOR’ due to this visiting loco developing a leaking mudhole door that needed attention at Minehead. This unexpected working from Williton resulted in the ‘Crompton’ ending up at Bishops Lydeard, which is the desired position for her YELLOW timetable duties that commence on Tuesday 1st August.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is undergoing the re-connection of the wiring that was removed during the fault-finding that took place during the previous weekend. The driver’s side window is next on the list for attention, along with a few other electrical issues that will be repaired in time for her next booked working on Sunday 13th August.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco was started up on Saturday 23rd July so that the transmission functionality could be assessed. The test involved the continuous monitoring of the temporary additional pressure gauges that had been installed on the transmission control block. The tests showed that a control issue still exists, so the control block will need to be removed for attention. This work will be carried out during August.

D7018 – the engine was started up at Williton on Saturday 23rd July 2023 so that the reverser function of the Mekydro transmission could be tested. Martin was pictured attempting to change the direction using the manual overide handle, but the pressure levels were not correct so the interlock prevented the movement. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work goes on, even though the team have also been supporting the running of classmate D9526, as reported earlier. The team have still found the time to tackle further external paintwork and make progress with the cab overhaul. An interesting find in the bottom of the document pouch in the cab roof was this fragment of ‘HOTSPUR‘ comic book, dated from almost exactly FIFTY YEARS AGO and costing the princely sum of 3p.

D9518 – this fragment of ‘HOTSPUR’ comic book dated 28th July 1973 was found at Williton almost fifty years later, wedged in the bottom of the document pouch in the cab roof. Photo dated 22nd July 2023 by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the wiring loom from the driver’s desk was removed and laid out for measuring by John at Williton on Saturday 22nd July 2023. This complete assembly will be replaced with new wire and new crimp terminals. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the ‘B’ end of the loco received a coat of yellow paint, completed by Colin G at Williton on Saturday 22nd July 2023 and soon to be ready for the characteristic black chevrons to be added. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is fully serviceable and ready for use in place of the DMU on some of the YELLOW timetable services during the peak summer period that starts on Tuesday 25th July. Take a look at our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the running dates and loco allocations.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a cylinder head overhaul (same massive type as the Class 33s, but 12 of them!) at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Other priorities have delayed the work on this loco, but current expectations are that the loco will be returned to service during August. More news on this topic will be included in the next edition of roundup.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard. The cab is undergoing a repaint in the capable hands of Jon T, but the loco remains serviceable and ready for action.

 

 

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 !

 

 

ON SHED – almost 48 years ago today, the D+EG (forerunner of the DEPG) arranged the delivery of newly-acquired but withdrawn 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 cine footage that was recorded by the DEPG 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. We will be able to share this story in more detail at some point in the near future. Many thanks to John and Clive for their massive contributions to what we enjoy today, and thanks also to Jon Tooke for sharing this photo with us all.

Class 25 25162 was pictured passing through Newbury station on 30th July 1975 with D7017 in tow, adorned with the D+EG logo and multiple requests to not remove parts ! The ’25’ hauled the withdrawn ‘Hymek’ as far as Taunton and had to leave the loco there because the WSR was not able to receive traffic at that time. Photo courtesy of Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a Board Meeting was held at Williton on Saturday 22nd July, the synopsis for which will be prepared ASAP and shared with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address. The synopsis for the June meeting was shared last week, so any DEPG members who did not receive that email are requested to let us know by using our CONTACT FORM so that we can re-send the email or update our mailing list.

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSRA STEAM RALLY: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August at Norton Fitzwarren

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

      

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) worked the diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable last weekend and was pictured climbing Watts Bank just after leaving Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 16th July 2023, with secondman Mark Bladwell paying close attention to the volunteer Permanent Way gang who have stepped back to allow the train to pass. The weeds have evidently been enjoying the weather this year. Photo by Malcolm Anderson © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The diesel diagram of the BLUE timetable was worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) on Saturday and Sunday 15/16th July. This loco has been outstationed at Minehead since the Diesel Gala in early June and is booked to continue covering the Sunday workings until mid August, when she is due to be relieved by one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’.

The YELLOW timetable comes into effect for weekdays and Saturdays from the 25th July onwards, and the diesel turns will be shared by Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) on alternate weeks. This additional diesel loco-hauled working is covering for the Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) which is out of service undergoing heavy maintenance work and may not be available for the rest of this season. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of which loco will be rostered for which service.

     The YELLOW timetable diesel-hauled service timings are:

     11:00 Depart Bishops Lydeard, arrive Minehead at 12:15

     15:25 Depart Minehead, arrive Bishops Lydeard at 17:05

     A total of 40 miles.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) will be working alternately on the diesel diagram of the YELLOW timetable for the next five weeks, covering for the DMU. Both locos were pictured at Williton on Saturday 1st July 2023 by Andy Royal. © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

In an unexpected turn of events, the DEPG were contacted last Saturday by the owners of the splendid A4-class steam loco 60007 ‘SIR NIGEL GRESLEY’ that was undergoing repair at Westridge Steam Shed, Bishops Lydeard. Our Chairman Martin Howard has provided us with the following information:

     “After a call for assistance from the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust (SNGLT), owners of Gresley A4 pacific 60007 (LNER 4498) on Saturday 15th July, we lent them 2 x 1 metre lengths of high-tensile M24 studding from our workshop stock. This was to help them repair a failed middle small end bearing that they were having trouble replacing, as the M20 studding they were using kept stripping threads. We heard later on Saturday evening that the new bearing was successfully fitted using the M24 bar, and that the SNGLT are very grateful for DEPG’s timely assistance in their hour of need.”

 

The loco was test run between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren on the Sunday and will soon be returning to main line duties. The mainline loco operators LSL sent their Class 37 D6817 (37117, 37521) to support the steam loco and the two were pictured in this excellent shot by DEPG member Steve Speck. Many thanks to Martin and Steve for providing this interesting information.

Class A4 ‘Streak’ 60007 ‘SIR NIGEL GRESLEY’ was pictured departing from Bishops Lydeard on a test run to Norton Fitzwarren on Sunday 16th July 2023. Mainline loco operator LSL’s Class 37 D6817 (37117, 37521) is visible on the left, at the end of the bay platform. Photo by Steve Speck © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The next major event taking place on the WSR will be the WSRA’s ANNUAL STEAM RALLY that takes place at Norton Fitzwarren during the first weekend in August. Although the event has steam in the title, it includes a vast range of exhibits from horses to tractors to vintage cars, trucks and buses. The DEPG will also be participating with Class 14 D9526 providing brake van rides over the truncated remains of the Barnstaple branch line, and we will also have one of our Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ on static display. This event is lots of fun and is WELL WORTH A VISIT. There will be a frequent FREE (for rally-goers) shuttle service from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren worked by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and Class 09 ‘Gronk’ D4107 (09019) and a FREE bus connection from Silk Mills Park & Ride.

 

Click here or on the images below to go to the Steam Rally website:

 

Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is updated several times per week and is kept as accurate as we can make it. The loco allocations are subject to availability (of course), but we do try to field the allocated loco wherever possible. Click on the banner below to go to the website page:

The DIESEL RUNNING DATES pages is supplemented by our DIESELGEN bulletin service which captures non-public running such as special trains and engineering workings (where we have sufficient notice to publish such workings). Sign up for DIESELGEN emails or keep an eye on our website homepage.

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the focus last week was the preparation of the loco and the surrounding area for the crane that will be attending next week to lift out the two cooler groups and the ‘A’ transmission for overhaul. The lift plan also includes the movement of the completed ‘B’ transmission from the overhaul facility to a temporary storage facility where the transmission will be kept until the loco is ready for the re-installation.

D1010 – the loco was prepared for the cooler groups and transmission to be lifted out, and then covered up to prevent rainwater ingress. Gordon is pictured securing the tarpaulins at the end of the day on Saturday 15th July 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Meanwhile, the transmission team turned their attention to the leaking Serck pumps that drive the roof fans, one of which been leaking for some time. Both pumps will be overhauled and fitted with new seals and gaskets and the associated oil tanks will be pressure tested when the cooler groups are out of the way.

D1010 – the ‘A’ end Serck pump was stripped down at Williton on 10th July to replace the oil seals and gaskets. The pump comprises seven close-fitting plungers that are driven at an angle, resulting in linear movement of the plungers, pressurising the hydraulic fluid that in turn drives the roof fans. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Click here or on the image below for a short video clip that shows the rotation action.

   

 

Having the loco outdoors has generated an increased interest in our SPONSOR A PATCH scheme, with several more patches being engraved with their sponsor’s names or messages. This initiative remains the single most successful fund-raising activity and has allowed us to make significant progress with the restoration work. PLEASE CONTINUE TO HELP US FUND THIS PROJECT.

Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored the restoration work, and we are applying more resources to catch up with this obligation and deliver the documents. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support and your patience!

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details. We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the WSR Standby Loco and is stabled at Minehead, ready for her next duties under the BLUE timetable. See our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details. She gave us an anxious moment when a driver reported a fault with the Driver’s Safety Device (DSD) not re-setting properly, so volunteer driver Robin and volunteer fitter Tom attended at Minehead to investigate. The problem was quickly traced to a sticking plunger on the secondman’s side, which was cleaned up and tested to confirm that the issue was resolved. This allowed the loco to take up her next duty without affecting her 100% despatch reliability since returning to service earlier this year. Thanks guys !

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) received some attention to the Driver’s Safety Device (DSD, aka ‘deadman’s pedal’) while stabled at Minehead on Thursday 13th July 2023. DEPG and WSR volunteer driver Robin was on hand to perform the tests and assist with the maintenance task. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Williton and is also fully operational and available for use at short notice. The loco is expected to move to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday or Sunday 29/30th July to be ready for her YELLOW timetable duties.

The spare Sulzer LDA28 cylinder heads (allocated to our Class 33s) were removed from store for periodic cleaning and lubricating at Williton on Saturday 15th July 2023. The massive dimensions of these engine parts are apparent from these two photographs. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

The Sulzer LDA28 cylinder heads are relatively simple by comparison to their lightweight Maybach equivalents, and have two pushrod-operated valves per cylinder. The Class 33s use eight of these cylinder heads per engine. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 15th July 2023 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – Good news – after some searching, the insulation fault that has been causing trouble on this loco was traced to a junction box that was found to be full of water ! The water was drained, the contacts cleaned, and the insulation rose to an acceptable level. Some more work will be carried out to check other junction boxes and ensure that they are watertight, and then the various cables that were removed for circuit testing will need to be reconnected and checked before the loco can be test run to re-establish her reliability. Several other tasks will also be dealt with, including the broken droplight window on the driver’s side at ‘A’ end. Progress indeed, and many thanks to Neil and John for their diligent investigative work on this loco.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – after receiving attention that involved some small mechanical adjustments to the linkages and actuator arms, the transmission covers have now been re-fitted and the loco is ready for an engine run, which will allow the reverser functionality to be tested. If all goes well, the loco will be exercised in the yard before deciding the next step. If the test does not go well, there is a backup plan that will require the loco to stay inside the loco shed for a few more weeks, after which the loco should be able to take up duties again.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continued in several areas and the high quality standards of this rebuild are evidently being maintained, as can be seen from the photographs below. Away from the loco shed, work is taking place on the various door panels and covers that will be needed for the restoration of the driver’s desk. The brake rigging is also progressing, with several parts currently out at subcontractors for straightening and re-bushing.

D9518 – the main electrical conduit was painted in the customary orange by Andy P at Williton on Saturday 15th July 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the ‘B’ end of the loco received a coat of yellow paint, carefully applied by Colin G at Williton on Saturday 15th July 2023. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to fully operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is fully serviceable and ready for use in place of the DMU on some of the YELLOW timetable services during the peak summer period that starts on Tuesday 25th July. Take a look at our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details of the running dates and loco allocations.

 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is undergoing a cylinder head overhaul (same massive type as the Class 33s, but 12 of them!) at Grosmont Works on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Good progress is being made, and current expectations are that the loco will be returned to service towards the end of this month.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is in full working order and is stabled in the South Yard. The cab is undergoing a repaint, but the loco remains serviceable and ready for action.

 

 

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 !

 

 

ON SHED – here’s another of Mark Bladwell’s collection from his ‘spotting’ days, this time a view of the Maintenance Shop at Laira depot in July 1974 showing no less than EIGHT of the Class 52 ‘Westerns’ undergoing various levels of maintenance. Fourteen of the class of 74 had already been withdrawn from service by this time, so these eight represented 13% of the remaining fleet, all of which were concentrated at Laira depot. The staff clearly had their hands full as they had to keep these locos running by robbing serviceable (but part-worn) parts from those locos that had already been withdrawn, a futile and thankless waste of effort in many cases. Many thanks to Mark for sharing his photo with us all.

From left to right, D1014 ‘WESTERN LEVIATHAN’ then D1008 ‘WESTERN HARRIER’ then D1023 ‘WESTERN FUSILIER’ then D1067 ‘WESTERN DRUID’ then (at the far end on the right side) D1054 ‘WESTERN GOVERNOR’ then D1049 ‘WESTERN MONARCH’ then D1031 ‘WESTERN RIFLEMAN’ then D1069 ‘WESTERN VANGUARD’ take up the space in Laira’s Maintenance Hall. Picture dated 29th July 1974 by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – a synopsis of the Board Meeting that was held at Williton on Saturday 24th June has been prepared and will be shared with all DEPG members for whom we hold a valid email address via a separate email broadcast.

The next Board Meeting will take place this coming Saturday 22nd July at 1030, so please let us know by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to have placed before the Board.

 

The DEPG depends on the support of all of our members, so please make sure that your membership is up to date. If you are not sure about your membership status, please click here or on the image below to access your membership record via MEMBERMOJO. Thank you very much !

 

 

KEY DATES for your diary:

WSRA STEAM RALLY: Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th August at Norton Fitzwarren

WSR FORTIES WEEKEND: Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

DEPG 50th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS : Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd September 2023.

     

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post