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Visiting Class 52 ‘Western’ D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ was pictured arriving at Bishops Lydeard after hauling her train from Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 7th June 2025, the third day of the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL. Photo by Glyn Warren © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Saturday 7th June 2025 delivered another entertaining day at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL even though the weather did it’s best to intervene and spoil the proceedings. The spell of heavy rain in the early afternoon sent a lot of visitors and spectators running for shelter, but people returned after an hour or two, and by the late afternoon, we were bathed in sunshine again.

Unfortunately, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 disgraced herself at Minehead when her reverser failed to respond while running around her train to form the 18:27 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service, and she was only able to move in the Taunton direction. The loco was despatched to Dunster Yard where she will remain until she can be returned to Williton for attention. The issue could be caused by an electrical, a mechanical or a hydraulic issue, and we will soon find out which, and get it corrected. Apologies to all affected by the non-availability of this locomotive.

The WSR responded immediately with a replan for Saturday evening, with the minimal loss of rostered mileage and the introduction of Class 33 D6566 (33048) as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco.

 

Looking ahead, the weather forecast for the MIXED TRACTION DAY on Sunday is good, and there will be four diesels (D1015, 50015, D9526 and D6575 (33057)) and one steam loco in use, so this again promises to be an interesting day and well worth a visit. The DEPG yard and depot at Williton will be OPEN from 10:00 through to 16:00 with the Rail Adventure HST Power Cars 43465 and 43484 in the yard (with cab visits available) plus D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 (NCB No. 7) and Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) available for inspection. The DEPG sales stand and ROD’S MODEL RAILWAY sales stand will also be available in the loco shed at Williton.

 

Here are some photos of today’s proceedings, just some of the many photos that have been submitted by DEPG members and supporters, all of which are very much appreciated. Thank you very much !

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 looked the part at the head of the 4L07 local goods working on Saturday 7th June 2025. Pictured at Woolston by Glyn Warren © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Visiting Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) was pictured bringing her train into the platform at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 7th June 2025 with Class 25 25185 (D7535) alongside. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) was pictured at Blue Anchor on a goods working on Saturday 7th June 2025. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

 

Working the 0945 departure from Minehead, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured on the approach to Crowcombe Heathfield station with the Class 115 DMU in tow on Friday 6th June 2025. Photo by Bernard Mills © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Visiting Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’ poured on the power to entertain as she departed Crowcombe Heathfield in the Minehead direction on Saturday 7th June 2025. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

We look forward to seeing you at Williton tomorrow !

Click here for Sunday’s timetable.

 

If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

 

Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

Social media channels:

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Go to the previous Gala Roundup post

Go to Join Us page

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Visiting Class 52 ‘Western’ D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ was waiting at the platform while Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was being detached from Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 after piloting the ’14’ on a Goods working from Norton Fitzwarren. The ‘Hymek’ then attached as Pilot Loco ahead of the ‘Western’ for the trip to  Minehead. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard on Friday 6th June 2025, the second day of the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Another excellent day was had by all at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL on Friday 6th June 2025 with all of the rostered locomotives putting in some fine performances that were high in entertainment value and brought back many memories. There were several interesting diesel-hydraulic combinations with different classes of loco operating in tandem. The two Class 33s working IN MULTIPLE showcased the versatility of these very useful machines, with simultaneous application of power delivering a haulage capability that reminded us of their use in multiple on the cement trains, the heavy stone trains and block oil trains of the past.

WELL DONE to the GALA PLANNING TEAM for putting this show together and to the volunteers, staff  and visiting crews for delivering on it ! There is MORE TO COME with an even bigger day of running tomorrow, followed by a mixed traction day featuring three hydraulics and the Class 50 on Sunday.

The weather was much better today with a good mix of blue sky and white cloud, which was a big help to the photographers. The forecast for tomorrow might present more of a challenge, but let’s wait and see what actually happens. It will still be a great show, regardless of the weather !

 

Here are some photos to give a quick flavour of today’s proceedings, with some photos taken at the DEPG Viewing Area in Williton by Natalie and others taken at different locations by Josh, with thanks to both contributors.

Viewed from the cab of Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1), visiting Class 25 25185 (D7535) was arriving at Williton with a Class 2 train for Minehead. Pictured with Rail Adventure Class 43 power car 43484 alongside (and 43465 out of sight behind) on Friday 6th June 2025 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Looking from the cab of Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) in the opposite direction, visiting Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’ approached the platform at Williton with a train for Bishops Lydeard. Pictured on Friday 6th June 2025 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

This time from the cab of Rail Adventure Class 43 HST Power Car 43484, the two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6575 (33057) and D6566 (33048) came into view while working in multiple on a train from Bishops Lydeard. Pictured on Friday 6th June 2025 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

After arriving at Williton from Bishops Lydeard on Friday 6th June 2025, Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) awaits the incoming service that will release the token for the next stage of the journey. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

An interesting power combination with 1740 hp Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 and 2700 hp Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ having arrived at Williton from Bishops Lydeard on Friday 6th June 2025 while Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) approaches the ‘up’ platform with a service from Minehead. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Mainline performer D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ was pictured at the platform at Bishops Lydeard on Friday 6th June 2025 while awaiting her pilot loco (‘Hymek’ D7018) for the journey to Minehead. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Visiting Class 25 25185 (D7535) was working the ‘DMU Drag‘ when pictured at the Watchet Station stop on Friday 6th June 2025. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

We look forward to seeing you at Williton tomorrow !

Click here for Saturday’s timetable

Click here for Sunday’s timetable.

 

If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

 

Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

Social media channels:

---

Go to the previous Gala Roundup post

Go to Join Us page

Go to Welcome page

Go to Home page

---

 

Visiting English Electric Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’ was a popular choice for haulage on Thursday 5th June 2025, the first day of the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL, and was pictured arriving at Williton Station while resident Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) waited with a goods train for Minehead (with passengers in the brake van). Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

An excellent start was made for the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL on Thursday 5th June 2025 with all of the rostered locomotives performing well and all services running on time. Everything went well except the weather, which delivered the occasional but brief shower and kept the skies dark. The outlook is better for tomorrow, so we look forward to some blue sky to brighten up the photos !

Tomorrow also sees the addition of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 on a 92-mile roster starting from Minehead at 0945 and the addition of Class 33 ‘Crompton D6566 (33048) working IN MULTIPLE (with a single crew) with sister loco D6575 (33057) on the 1045 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and 1325 return service.

 

Here are some photos and videos to give a quick flavour of today’s proceedings, mostly taken from the DEPG Viewing Area at Williton:

 

With her fresh coat of paint gleaming, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 put in some spirited performances on both goods and passenger services on Thursday 5th June 2025, including this ‘DMU Drag’, pictured departing Williton for Minehead with the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) in tow. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Another very popular choice for traction was the Diesel Traction Group’s magnificent mainline-registered Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ also pictured departing Williton for Minehead on Thursday 5th June 2025. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

After arriving at Bishops Lydeard from Minehead on Thursday 5th June 2025, South Devon Diesel Traction’s Class 25 ‘Derby Sulzer’ 25185 (D7535) will hand over to a larger ‘Derby Sulzer’ in the form of Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) for the return journey to Minehead. Photo by Lee Robbins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The following short video clips were all taken from the viewing area at Williton on Thursday 5th June 2025 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

Link to video clip: Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108
Link to video clip: Class 50 50015 ‘Valiant’
Link to video clip: Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’
Link to video clip: Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526

 

We look forward to seeing you at Williton tomorrow !

 

If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Crowcombe Heathfield, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

 

Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

Social media channels:

---

Go to the previous Weekly Roundup post

Go to Join Us page

Go to Welcome page

Go to Home page

---

 

 

 

 

An unusual view at Bishops Lydeard : on Saturday 31st May 2025, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was running around her service train while Transrail-liveried 37240 (D6940) was taking a break after banking the ‘WHISTLING GHOST‘ mainline charter from Birmingham. Note: the roof of Westridge shelter is undergoing replacement. Photo by Ashley Harris © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Another unusual view at Bishops Lydeard : on Tuesday 3rd June 2025, Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108, Class 50 50015 ‘Valiant’ and D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ have been coupled up to Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) and are about to be towed into the loco stabling area to be readied for their WSR SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL appearances. Photo by Lee Robbins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

As the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL approaches, the Weekly Roundup has been pulled forward to allow for daily updates that will include photos shared by DEPG members and supporters. As we are all involved in preparations and setting-up, this Roundup will be brief and will focus on gala matters.

 

DEPG LOCO STATUS

Loco	Status	Running days	Notes
Class 09 D4107 (09019)	In service	Supporting role only	At Bishops Lydeard
Class 14 D9518	Undergoing restoration	Static exhibit	At Williton
Class 14 D9526	Expected to be in service	All four days
Class 33 D6566 (33048)	In service	Fri/Sat
Class 33 D6575 (33057)	In service	Thu/Fri/Sat
Class 35 D7017	Undergoing restoration	Inside the loco shed	At Minehead
Class 35 D7018	In service	Fri/Sat/Sun
Class 52 D1010	Undergoing restoration	Static exhibit	At Williton
Barclay 578 (ROF 1)	Available for use	Static exhibit	At Williton

 

Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE. Scroll down to find the link to a downloadable version.

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 has not yet emerged from the loco shed at Williton, but her engine work has been completed and the repaint is progressing well. Some paintwork details will not be finished in time, but the loco will be sufficiently presentable and is expected to be running on all four days of the event, and will be in charge of some positioning moves on the Wednesday 4th.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 has completed another weekend of trouble-free running and will take over the rostered working of sister D7017 as well as covering her own booked workings, due to the ongoing bodywork overhaul that is preventing D7017 from running. As a result, D7018 will be running on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Our DIESELGEN bulletin gives more details.

Our two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33048) and D6575 (33057) are in good working order and are ready to perform alongside the visiting locos, Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’, Class 50 50015 (D415) ‘Valiant’, Class 45 ‘Peak’ 45108 (D120) and Class 25 25185 (D7535) plus there are opportunities for haulage by Class 03 D2133. We have an excellent event coming up !

 

TAKE TIME TO VISIT WILLITON DEPOT:

The DEPG depot at Williton will be open to the public on each of the four days (Thursday through Sunday) and we will have volunteers at the ready to talk about what we do and how we do it. Some loco cabs will be open for accompanied visits, subject to availability of course, and several large pieces of 1960s engineering will be available for viewing.

WILLITON DEPOT OPENING HOURS:

Thurs/Fri/Sat	0930 to 1730
Sunday	1000 to 1600

 

Here are just some of the attractions in the Depot and yard at Williton:

• D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ up on stands – the first time a ‘Western’ has been supported in this way since the days of Swindon Works, in fact the stands actually came from that workshop.
• D1010‘s bogies, engines and transmissions will be on display and the loco will be open for accompanied visits (small groups only).
• Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518, NCB Ashington No. 7 undergoing restoration in the loco shed.
• Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – Royal Ordnance Factory (Puriton) No. 1 on display in the yard, accompanied cab visits available on request.
• Rail Adventure HST Power Cars 43465 and 43484
• ‘Hymek’ MD870 cutaway display engine – please let our volunteers know if you want to view this massive engine (small groups only).
• Rod’s Model Railway Sales Stand – a very popular place to stop and browse the wide range of models and associated items on offer.
• DEPG Sales Stand with a NEW RANGE of CLOTHING and NEW BOOKS on offer.
• Irie 7 Mobile Coffee Shop – a welcoming team with hot snacks and drinks served in the yard with a direct view of the line.
• Viewing Area – a long and unbroken viewing area allowing photos at lineside level and at interesting angles.
• Help and Information – provided by our friendly and knowledgeable DEPG volunteers !

The two RailAdventure HST power cars (43465 and 43484) that were used to bring the visiting loco convoy to the WSR are spending their leisure time in the DEPG yard at Williton. Pictured on Tuesday 3rd June 2025 by Darren Hill © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

JUST A REMINDER …

Advance ticket sales for each day of the Summer Diesel Festival will cut off at 10AM the previous day, so e-tickets for Thursday must be pre-booked before 10AM on Wednesday and so on. After that time, tickets will need to be obtained from the ticket offices on the platforms.

Click here for advance ticketing

 

The WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL will take place from Thursday 5th through Saturday 7th June with a Mixed Traction Day on Sunday 8th. The four visiting locos have arrived and they are D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’, Class 45/1 ‘Peak’ 45108, Class 50 50015 ‘Valiant’ and Class 25 D7535 (25185) so MAKE YOUR PLANS TO ATTEND and click on the links below for timetable information. It is going to be a GREAT event !

 

TIMETABLE LINKS – click on the below links to open a timetable pdf (check the WSR’s website for the latest information):

Thursday 5th June

Friday 6th June v2

Saturday 7th June v2

Sunday 8th June v2

 

 

 

 

NEW CLOTHING RANGE:

In readiness for the forthcoming SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL, we have been busy preparing a very nice new range of DEPG-branded clothing, including a 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range ! Also in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in July. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:

Polo shirt in Black with 50 YEARS of HYMEKS logo	Polo shirt in Royal Blue with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP
Polo shirt in Burgundy with 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ logo	Polo shirt in Seal Grey with D7017 in green SYP and D1010 in maroon SYP
T-shirt with D7018 and D1010 design (this type of printing is only available on a T-shirt)	Sweatshirt with D7018 in blue FYE and D1010 in maroon SYP (please order using our CONTACT FORM)

 

The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.

The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:

Garment type	Price
T shirt	£22
Polo shirt	£25
Sweatshirt	£35
Hoodie	£37
Fleece	£40
Other ? Tell us what you want !	Use our CONTACT FORM

Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.

We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !

 

Click here to join the DEPG

Click here to go to our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page

Click here to go to our ONLINE SHOP

Thank you very much for your support !

 

 

 

NEW BOOKS ON SALE

Although we have only just started to promote the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, we need to ask Roger to share the limelight with our Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL because he has just completed the production of a new booklet covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017 and his work is currently IN STOCK and available for sale at the Summer Diesel Festival and via our online store.

This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW. If you intend to collect your copy from our depot at Williton, use the coupon wn_collect to cancel the postage charge when checking out, or simply buy your copy during your visit.

Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……

Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !

There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.

 

 

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 !

 

Go to the previous Weekly Roundup post