Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 hauled the ‘JOHN & MARGARET CRANE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL’ on Saturday 17th May 2025 to celebrate the 50th wedding anniversary of the couple who organised the fund-raising to save our two ‘Hymeks’, also 50 years ago. Pictured on the approach to Stogumber by Steve Lewis © CC BY-NC 3.0
An unusual shot of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 passing over Leighwood Crossing (between Crowcombe Heathfield and Stogumber) en route to Minehead on Saturday 17th May 2025. Photo by Kiru Cross © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7018 was out and about on Saturday 17th May 2025, hauling the QUANTOCK BELLE dining train on a private charter with a 66-mile diagram, starting at Bishops Lydeard then running to Norton Fitzwarren, then to Minehead, then to Williton, back to Minehead and back to Bishops Lydeard !
The special train was chartered by John and Margaret Crane to commemorate their 50th wedding anniversary, and also to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the succesful bid to acquire D7017 from British Rail, the funding for which had been raised through a campaign organised and managed by John and Margaret on behalf of the Diesel and Electric Group (the forerunner of the DEPG).
Although D7017 was still undergoing her bodywork overhaul in Minehead and not ready for duty, we were very fortunate in having D7018 available, fresh from her succesful test run the previous week, and specially cleaned up for the event by Paul and Julie Tucker, with help from Martin and Wendy Howard.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured at Norton Fitzwarren while preparing to haul the ‘JOHN & MARGARET CRANE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL’ to Minehead on Saturday 17th May 2025. Although D7018‘s paintwork has become dulled by exposure to the weather, she cleaned up nicely and certainly looked the part. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0
The loco performed faultlessly throughout, the services all ran to time – even the weather was perfect, so it is no surprise that John and Margaret and their guests had a memorable day out, for all the right reasons. The special train called at Williton to allow the guests to alight and take a quick look around the depot, and we were all very pleased to be included in this wonderful event.
DEPG member (since 1980) and regular contributor Neale Long commented:
“Having had the considerable pleasure of monitoring D7018‘s magnificent performance via the webcams from 1000-1930 today (Saturday 17th May 2025), I am compelled to express my gratitude to everyone concerned with her return to traffic. Her performance was a real tribute to all the working members involved. Today was another great day in the Group’s long and proud history, made even more memorable by the charter train being a celebration of a personal milestone of two people inextricably linked to the Group, namely John and Margaret Crane. What a day they must have had ! It was wonderful to see people viewing the depot and also seeing Class 33 D6575 working the normal diagram. Both locomotives looked and sounded wonderful, a real credit to all concerned. All of the above represented very much a day of the past, present and future of the Group. Make no mistake, today was a great day for the Group.”
Here is a link to a YouTube video that has been uploaded by another former DEPG Chairman and guest on the special train, Rob Tiller, with the intro featuring the Class 69 locomotive that carries his name. Well worth watching, and many thanks to Rob for providing this shortened version for the roundup:
YouTube video covering D7018’s special working – by Robert Tiller © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7018 is next in action over the weekend of Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June, working the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard and associated 80-mile diagram under the BLUE timetable.
DIESEL RUNNING ON THE WSR
Our Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) will be working the Minehead diagram of the BLUE timetable on Saturday 24th and again on Sunday 25th May, offering 80 miles of diesel loco haulage per day.
From now until the end of September, the DEPG’s Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ are booked to cover 34 of the 80-mile diagrams that originate from Minehead under the BLUE timetable so we are going to be kept busy ! The YELLOW timetable in the peak of the season will also see appearances by Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, fresh from the repaint that is taking place at Williton at the moment. The recent announcement of the visit by the ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ has had some impact because several diesel-loco-hauled services have switched to steam to allow the famous loco to maximise her earning potential, but this is in the interest of the railway and we need to flex to accommodate this. Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page provides the information about upcoming diesel-hauled services on the WSR. Click here or on the image below for details:
Just a reminder – our two ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 are celebrating their 50th year in preservation, with both locos being among the last four of the Class to be withdrawn from service by BR in March 1975. The WSR have kindly agreed to allocate the weekend of August 30th and 31st to showcase the ‘Hymeks’ and we hope to have both locos available for service for that mixed traction event. Please keep the date free and make plans to come along. We will announce the timetable as soon as possible, but it will be based on the BLUE timetable (not yellow as previously advised) that can be reached by clicking on the appropriate days in the WSR timetable (click here or on the graphic below):
Read more about the history of the DEPG and the long association with the ‘Hymeks’ on our ABOUT US pages.
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 been announced 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 images below to learn more. 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
Saturday 7th June
Sunday 8th June
Click here or on the image below to find out about BRAKE VAN RIDES in the Heritage Freight Train
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:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES as well. 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, most 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 !
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the interior of the loco body has become a much cleaner place, thanks to the work of our team of volunteers, who have braved the heat to work within the loco body while it is partly covered by tarpaulins. It is a lot of effort to remove the tarpaulins every time that a work party enters the loco and replace them later in the day, in fact it would use up half of the available time, so the tarpaulins will stay in place until we have a ‘work week’ where we can work on the loco intensively (weather permitting). The photos show the results of the work that has been done:
D1010 – continuing the progress made by Ethan and Jason the week before, volunteer Glenn was at work in the transmission bay at the ‘A’ end, in the heat and in the eerie blue light created by the tarpaulins. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th May 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – meanwhile, Gordon was also at work at the ‘A’ end, making the gangways ready for the painters to carry out a refresh of the interior paintwork of the loco. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th May 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – looking towards the ‘B’ end from the central space that was once occupied by the train heating boiler, the engine bay and the transmission bay beyond it are clean and ready for a re-paint. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th May 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
This loco will be open to visitors on all four days of the forthcoming SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL event and will be a popular attraction, being mounted on stands at the north end of our yard. This provides a unique viewing opportunity, and we will have volunteers on hand to explain the design of the underframe and the stressed skin construction, features that would not normally be apparent during a ‘conventional’ viewing. D1010‘s two Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD655 engines will also be on display, along with a transmission and a cooler group and one of her bogies. NOT TO BE MISSED !
Our appeals for MORE VOLUNTEERS are working but WE STILL NEED MORE HELP to get this huge loco back on the rails, so please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM if you are able to join the team.
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. With a major gala event coming up, we will be engraving the patches during the open days and will soon catch up – and hopefully attract some additional sponsorship !
Rest assured that every sponsor will receive their certificate and the details of where to find their sponsored patch. We will be making a further push for funds soon, because we have some big ticket items for refurbishment, including the remaining cardan shafts and 32 springs from the suspension system.
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was in use on a ‘Tidy Train’ on Friday 16th May, working along the line with a gang of volunteers in attendance to gather up redundant or life-expired track materials, along with old fence posts and whatever else that can be removed to create a tidy and well-kept railway – just like the old days. The loco underwent some routine maintenance while stabled at Bishops Lydeard over the weekend.
THIS LOCO WILL BE HEADING FOR THE SPA VALLEY RAILWAY for the weekend of 13th to the 15th June 2025 to participate in their ‘Cuckoo Line Gala’ event !
D6566 – the ‘Tidy Train’ was framed by the verandah of the brake van when standing across Roebuck Level Crossing on Friday 16th May 2025. Photo by Malcolm Anderson © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now outstationed at Minehead as the ‘duty loco’, ready and waiting to be called upon at short notice. This loco will be back in action on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th May – see our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for details.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we have turned the corner because the number of body panels being re-fitted to the loco per week is now in excess of the number being removed ! Although some tricky welding repairs still need to be made, the bulk of the loco is in good shape and is ready for the first of many coats of paint. The cabs are looking really good and we are now planning the steps that lead to the return to service of this loco – in her 50th of preservation !
The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has NOW TOPPED £20,000 so MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.
D7017 – the loco has been moved to the adjacent road which now allows the prepared side of the loco to be viewed in a single frame. Pictured at Minehead on Saturday 17th May 2025 by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7017 – work proceeds apace at Minehead, as evidenced by these photos, all taken on Tuesday 13th May 2025 by Neil McCannon © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – already covered – this loco will be in use on Saturday 31st May and on Sunday 1st June on the 10:00 departure from Minehead and associated 80-mile diagram under the BLUE timetable.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the need to prepare sister D9526 for her period of occupation of the loco shed has drawn resources away from D9518 temporarily, but work continues on the electrical rewiring and on the restoration of the many component parts.
Quality work needs to be funded, so we will continue to appeal for funds to support the work, right up to the point where the loco is completed. Any surplus will then be used to ensure her proper care and upkeep. If you like what we are doing, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – the pressure is on to get this loco ready for her planned appearances at the WSR’s SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL 2025. The engine work has been completed, allowing attention to move to the re-assembly of the ancillary equipment in the engine bay. The bodywork repairs continue apace, while the preparation of the removable panels has been completed and these are gradually receiving their various coats of paint. It is a lot of work for a small team, but the pace of progress is VERY GOOD INDEED !
D9526 – the removable cab roof section has been completed, including a top coat of grey gloss. The long bonnet that covers the engine bay can be seen behind, in green undercoat. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 17th May 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is based at Grosmont on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) and has been in almost daily use during the last six weeks because the NYMR has had to switch to a diesel-hauled service in the face of an elevated lineside fire risk. With three or four diesels in use every day, the NYMR is a fantastic place for diesel fans to visit at the moment.
47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was pictured at Moorgates, close to the summit of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on Tuesday 13th May. The ground is tinder dry and steam locos are banned from running due to the high fire risk and the inaccessibility of the area for fire fighting. Photo by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
BOOK REVIEW: 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 at the printers and is expected to be available in time for the Summer Diesel Festival that is now less than two weeks away.
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’.
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
ON SHED: last week, we featured a photo by Andy Galpin of NBL Class 43 ‘Warship’ D834 ‘PATHFINDER’ which was pictured at Reading General when working the 1A19 service towards London Paddington. We asked some questions about the origin of the service and also about the vintage Southern Region Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) that was also in the picture. Here are the responses we received:
From regular contributor Neale Long:
“1A19 was the 0805 Hereford-Paddington service worked by D834. Info courtesy of Steve Marshall’s wonderful website http://www.diademfiles.co.uk which I can wholeheartedly recommend as a truly wonderful resource.”
DEPG member (since 1973) Tim Fowler wrote:
“I am pretty certain that the electric unit pictured at Reading is a 2-HAL. I travelled on them (and the more comfortable 2-BIL units) to Reading in the late sixties/early seventies. The head code was usually 36.
4-SUB units did work the line. At that time I only ever saw the 1946 all-steel units with the round shape flat front / domed roof. Spotting electric units was also enjoyable as there were many different unit types and variations. The 4-CORs (ex Pompey) then took over until 4-CIG units arrived.
I was lucky enough to see all the class 43s and most of the 42s ( some were withdrawn) as per my 1969 Ian Allen Combined Volume.”
This week, we have another photo from that same visit to Reading General, this time with Class 52 D1037 ‘WESTERN EMPRESS’ working the 1A35 service to Paddington. This loco was still wearing the early implementation of the BR-blue livery that had been applied in January 1967, with the small yellow warning panel and with the ‘D’ prefix still showing on her numberplate. This loco managed to continue with this non-standard livery until her visit to Swindon Works for dual-braking (air and vacuum) conversion in June of 1971.
Many thanks to Andy for sharing his photos with us all, and thanks to Neale and Tim for the information that they have provided.
If you have photos that you would like to share, please let us know via contact@depg.org and we will happily include them in future editions.
Crewe-built Class 52 ‘Western’ D1037 ‘WESTERN EMPRESS’ was pictured at Reading General on 14th August 1970 while working the 1A35 service to Paddington. The loco is wearing an early version of the BR-blue livery with a small yellow warning panel. This non-standard scheme was applied in January 1967 and was frowned upon officially, but the loco somehow managed to evade the painters until June 1971. Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0
DEPG NEWS – evidently a glutton for punishment, DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL has also been busy producing another edition of the quarterly DEPG Newsletter, with Edition #69 being distributed on time during the last few days and hopefully, by now, received by all DEPG members. Please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know if you are a member but have not received your copy, either by post or by email.
Edition #69 of the DEPG quarterly Newsletter has now been distributed to all members, either by post or email, according to their stated preference. Sign up as a member to receive your copy !
After the success of the WSR’s Spring Steam Spectacular where we opened our yard and shed to welcome the gala visitors on each of the four days of the event, we are now preparing for our next major event which will be the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL where we will again be open to the public for the three gala days and also for the mixed traction Sunday.
The very popular model railway trader ROD SAUNDERS will have his sales stand in our shed at Williton and we will also have our own sales stand in operation with new merchandise and many other attractions and facilities such as tea, coffee and hot food, but all of this takes organising and we will be short of ‘boots on the ground’ because so many of our volunteers will be crewing locos. We need help to prepare our locos including such basic but essential activities as WASHING AND POLISHING !
CAN YOU HELP ? If you can help, please use our CONTACT FORM and let us know. Thanks in advance !
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 !
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