On Saturday 13th August 2022, there will be FOUR CLASS 33 ‘CROMPTONS’ at work on the WSR. Click here to go to the DIESELGEN posting for more information. NOTE: A special Blue timetable applies.
West Coast Railways Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ 33025 and 33029 will be hauling the WEST SOMERSET STEAM EXPRESS from Paddington to Minehead and return on Saturday 13th August 2022.
Photo taken at Bristol Temple Meads on 28th July 2019 by Geoff Sheppard © CC BY-SA 4.0
NOTE : Apologies for the lateness of the roundup posting this week.
The WSR’s ex-BR 1960 Swindon-built Class 03 shunter D2133 was in action offering brake van rides at Norton Fitzwarren over the weekend of 6/7 August 2022. The loco is running on the truncated remains of the Taunton to Barnstaple line, so the headboard of the famous Paddington to Penzance express seems to have inadvertently become placed on the wrong loco. Photo by CRE driver Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0
The major event of last weekend was the WSRA’s STEAM AND VINTAGE RALLY that occupied a massive area at Norton Fitwarren and turned out to be a wonderful occasion that was very well supported by the public with in excess of 8,000 people attending over the two days. The weather was perfect (on the hot side of perfect for me) and the events and exhibits were plentiful. All of this was supported by some excellent refreshment vendors and a very large dose of happy atmosphere and friendliness all around. WELL DONE TEAM WSRA ! OUTSTANDING !!
Rare Italian McLaren traction engine 1148 ‘HERCULES’ was in operation at the STEAM AND VINTAGE RALLY on 6/7 August 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
1900-built Aveling & Porter steam roller number 4604 ‘MONA’ was in fine form at the STEAM AND VINTAGE RALLY on 6/7 August 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was pictured while resting between trips on the free shuttle service that ran between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren throughout the STEAM AND VINTAGE RALLY on Sat/Sun 06/07 August 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Back to DEPG activities and our ‘celebrity’ Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ had to take a break last weekend due to needing a new set of brake blocks. However, she was snapped while out and about on the Wednesday by our area correspondent Martin Fisher, who provided us with more great views of the loco and the NYMR, one of which appears below. Many thanks to Martin for sharing his work with us.
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ was pictured at Darnholm, just north of Goathland on the NYMR on 3rd August 2022 by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0
Also making the news last week was Class 14 D9526 because of a steam ban in the dry and parched area of the Kent & East Sussex Railway which meant that the ‘Teddy Bear’ and their resident DMU were the only forms of usable motive power on the railway. So, after having fractured her exhaust bellows the week before and returning to operation after that repair, D9526 was undergoing a scheduled inspection when what looked like a loose spring support bracket was discovered and the loco was stopped again! When things go wrong, they tend to go wrong on multiple locos at the same time, so I’ll say no more about this until the next roundup. Watch this space !
D9526 was pictured while working hard on the short sharp 1:70 climb out of Wittersham Road station on 2nd August 2022. Note the low height signals on this ‘Colonel Stephens’ light railway. Photo by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0
And now for a light-hearted take on the various steam bans that are in force across much of the UK … a very imaginative piece of artwork, courtesy of the KESR !
The modified YELLOW timetable went into force on the WSR last Tuesday 2nd August and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) worked the 11:00 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 15:25 return service on the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday as planned. The weekend was all steam except for the DMU running to Norton Fitzwarren on the Rally shuttle, but the continuing dry spell had left the embankments tinder dry and two significant fires broke out, one near Williton on Saturday 6th and another near Blue Anchor on Sunday 7th, so the WSR decided to impose a steam ban and revert to the BLUE timetable with the two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ providing the haulage as from Monday 8th.
As mentioned before, things tend to happen in clusters and we again ran into trouble with Class 33 D6566 (33 048) on the Monday and the DMU had to be pressed into service to save the day. More about this in the next roundup, but suffice to say that all locos have returned to serviceable status now.
We kept our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page updated throughout the affected days and we have a DIESELGEN bulletin lined up for later today to spread the news about the planned running this coming weekend (FOUR ‘Cromptons’ on the WSR). MANY THANKS for supporting this year’s DIESEL RUNNING program on the WSR.
The usual caveats of loco availability apply, but we will be aiming to deliver the above program of running with the locos indicated and we will provide as much advance notice of any change as possible, using our DIESELGEN and Twitter feeds, so please sign up to keep up to date.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we will need to keep it brief this week but there was plenty of progress on this loco, as can be seen from the photos below. Please consider SPONSORING A PATCH because there is plenty of fresh metal that needs engraving ! Thank you in advance for your support !
The ‘CAMPAIGNER’ team continue their work on restoring this massive and complex locomotive. Although bodywork repairs have progressed well, we still have a lot of rubbing down and painting to do, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !
D1010 – the corroded upper buffer beam valance strip at ‘A’ end was removed to assess the underlying structure and this is what we found ! Evidence of previous collision damage, probably dating back to 1972 which was when the loco was last repaired at Swindon Works. Don’t worry, it will all be sorted out by the next roundup. Pictured at Williton on 2nd August 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – Step 1 is to put shape and strength back into the structure that sits behind the valance strip, as this photo of the left side of ‘A’ end shows. Step 2 will be presented in the next roundup. Pictured at Williton on 2nd August 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – one of the headcode frames has been fitted with new rubber seals around the glass – a task that was every bit as difficult as it looks. Well done Gordon for persevering ! Pictured at Williton on 6th August 2022 by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the re-sealed headcode frame was trial fitted to the aperture at ‘A’ end to ensure that everything was properly aligned. Pictured at Williton on 6th August 2022 by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0
To support the work that is progressing in multiple areas on D1010, we launched our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER by offering ‘SPONSOR A PATCH’ where you can donate in support of the bodywork repairs that are taking place on D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED ON THE SPONSORED PATCH or PART.
For the sum of £25, this scheme offers you a chance to sponsor the restoration of this much-loved locomotive, with your personal contribution being recorded and documented on a set of drawings that will be made available at our Williton depot on running days and open days. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, a unique reference number or code word will be allocated and engraved instead.
See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was stabled at Williton throughout the weekend and moved to Minehead on Monday morning to take up her unexpected additional duties. The rest, as they say, is history!
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use as per our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change last week due to non-availaibilty of the people with the appropriate knowledge and the continuing need to perform some maintenance tasks on sister loco D7018. Progress is expected to resume THIS Saturday with a view to getting the loco out on test later this month.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – some light maintenance tasks were performed on this loco last weekend.
The next scheduled dates for ‘Hymek’ running are the 10:00 and 14:30 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard return services on Sat/Sun 3rd/4th September. Between now and then, our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ will be in regular use, so keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for updates or join the DIESELGEN email bulletin group (which also includes information about non-public services, where the information is available to us sufficiently in advance).
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – efforts are currently focussed on the restoration of the braking mechanism, with the various components such as bushes and pins needing replacing to return the system to the working tolerances that are needed for safe and reliable operation. The photo below shows the trial fitment of one of the brake blocks. In parallel, John Cooke continued his work on the restoration of the electrical control cubicle, having removed all of the control parts from the hinged front panel so that it can be repainted.
D9518 – the braking mechanism is currently undergoing refurbishment at Williton. This view shows the trial fitment of one of the new cast iron brake blocks mounted on the brake hanger. Pictured on 6th August 2022 by Terry Deacon© 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 full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as already covered, this loco is in regular use on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. The week before last, a fractured exhaust bellows caused a bit of an uproar (literally) but the local team saved the day and installed a new spare part from their stock. Here’s a picture of the fractured part that was returned to Williton by Colin G, who went to the KESR last week for driver refresher training.
D9526’s fractured exhaust bellows showing the point at which this item failed after a long period of service on the loco. Pictured at Williton on 6th August 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – covered previously – now in regular service on the NYMR.
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is fully operational and is stabled in the yard at Williton. She is hiding under a tarpaulin to prevent the fresh paintwork from being damaged by seagull droppings. We need help to complete the livery details on this locomotive. Please let us know if you could help with this work. Click here for the CONTACT form. Thanks !
If you can help by donating your time, 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 – here’s a reminder that we have added a new book to our online store from Amberley Publishing and featuring GREEN DIESELS from the late 1950s through to the 1970s. This softcover book is an interesting read and is well worth the price of £14.99 so please support our online store and click here to buy your copy. Thanks !
PLEASE NOTE that we can supply any book from PLATFORM 5 or PEN & SWORD or AMBERLEY via our online store. If the title that you want is not listed on our webstore, just email us or use our CONTACT FORM to tell us what you want and we will arrange it, the profit margin on the sale going to the LOCO FUND OF YOUR CHOICE.
Don’t miss these two excellent new titles, the profits from which will go to the D9518 Restoration fund:
ON SHED – apologies, but we will have to skip this feature this week.
DEPG NEWS – the August Newsletter has been printed and will be mailed out to DEPG members on Friday 12th August 2022, along with the AGM calling notice and the synopses of the last three Board Meetings. For those members with the ‘FULLY PAPERLESS’ option selected via Membermojo, the Newsletter and other documents will be delivered to you by email, either on Friday or Saturday 12/13 August.
Please let us know (click here for the CONTACT form) if you have not received your copy by Monday or Tuesday next week, so that we can check and resend the package.
Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive. Membership is INCREASING STEADILY ! If you haven’t done so already, please take a look at your membership record and make sure that it is correct. You will also be able to select ‘paper’, ‘paperless’ or ‘paperless except newsletter’ communication, according to your preference. In the event of any discrepancies, please email Membership Secretary Chris Shields using email address: members@depg.org
WSR NEWS: the next event on the WSR will be the ‘FORTIES WEEKEND‘ that takes place from Saturday 10th through Sunday 11th September when the DEPG facility at Williton will again be open to the public, complete with ROD SAUNDERS and his model railway sales stand. Please make a plan to come along to this event in support of both the WSR and the DEPG. Timetables for planned diesel running are now being published via our new DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and any updates will be shared via our DIESELGEN email bulletin service.
The timetables and the dates for the 2022 special events are as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was pictured on 8th August 2022 while preparing to shunt delinquent sister loco D6566 (33 048) to the DEPG yard at Williton for attention to an oil leak that she had developed in her Serck system (radiator fan drive). Photo by Geoff Miles © CC BY-NC 3.0
Following the temporary suspension of steam haulage from 08th August due to the prolonged dry weather, the WSR turned to our two ‘Cromptons’ to handle the running under the BLUE timetable, only for D6566 to fail on the first morning of the new arrangement with an oil leak from the Serck tank (the hydraulic system that powers the radiator fan). The DMU stepped in valiantly to keep services running on the Monday afternoon through to Wednesday, and D6566 returned to service on the morning of Thursday 11th August and is now fully operational. Apologies to all for the inconvenience caused to those affected by this technical issue.
All public services on Saturday through Monday 13-15 August will be hauled by the two ‘Cromptons’ although a steam special will run with the Quantock Belle Dining Train on Sunday 14th.
IMPORTANT NOTE FOR SATURDAY 13th AUGUST 2022: (TIMINGS UPDATED 12AUG22 at 11:40)
The WEST SOMERSET STEAM EXPRESS railtour from Paddington being operated by the Railway Touring Company is due to arrive on the WSR on Saturday. This special was to be steam hauled but is now going to be hauled by WEST COAST RAILWAYS Class 33s 33025 and 33029 throughout from Paddington to Minehead and back.
The planned arrival times are as follows (approx):
1Z50 : Depart BL 11:05 arrive MD 12:15 (these are updated timings)
1Z51 : Depart MD 15:45 arrive BL 17:00
West Coast Railways 33025 was pictured at Bristol Temple Meads on 28th July 2019 by Geoff Sheppard © CC BY-SA 4.0
A decision regarding a possible resumption of steam services from Tuesday 16th August onwards will be taken after a review of the situation nearer the date. The WSR timetable page and WSR news pages are being updated accordingly.
Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page carries the latest information on diesel-hauled public services:
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, 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.
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.
Social media channels:
AN IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT affecting services on the WSR for Monday 8th through Thursday 11th August 2022:
Due to the increased risk of lineside fires arising from the prolonged dry weather, the planned steam-hauled services running under the blue and yellow timetables will be will be replaced with diesel-hauled services running under the BLUE timetable for the dates defined above.
A decision regarding services from Saturday 13th August onwards will be taken after a review of the situation nearer the date. The WSR timetable page has been updated accordingly.
Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page carries the latest information on diesel-hauled public services:
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, 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.
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.
Social media channels:
BR 1965 Crewe-built Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ continues as our headliner this week after putting in regular appearances on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and earning the admiration of crews, depot staff and passengers. Our ‘celebrity‘ loco was pictured on the approach to Goathland Station on Monday 1st August 2022 by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0
Continuing to hold the spotlight is our Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ who has been busy working public services between Grosmont and Pickering on the NYMR on a daily basis since 19th July and building on her reputation as a fine performer and a pleasure to drive. Again we have the benefit of photographs from our local correspondent Martin Fisher and we send him our thanks for keeping us up to date with the North Yorkshire news.
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ is pictured just after crossing Lyke Wake Walk, close to the summit of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway which rises to 532 feet above mean sea level (162m). Photo by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0
Thanks again go to Martin Fisher for hiking across the moors and sharing his photographs with us all !
Returning to the forthcoming event on our home line, the WSRA’s STEAM AND VINTAGE RALLY takes place this coming weekend and arrangements are being made by the WSR to support this event by providing shuttle services between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren and diesel shunting locomotives to power the brake van rides that will run along the stub of the former Barnstaple branch line. Click here or on the below image for more details:
The weather forecast is excellent and the exhibitors sections are all fully booked up, so there will be plenty to see and plenty to buy, including items from our DEPG Sales Stand that will be manned by Chris and Mark, and plenty of refreshment choices. Due to the very poor mobile network coverage in this rural location, card readers may not work well, so please bring cash, just in case. We wish the WSRA the very best of luck with this event which has been sorely missed during the last two years. Let’s hope for a bumper attendance this year !
The WSR’s Class 03 shunter D2133 has repositioned from Minehead (MD) to Bishops Lydeard (BL) in advance of heading to Norton Fitzwarren to work the Brake Van rides that will run along the remains of the former Barnstaple branch line during the STEAM AND VINTAGE RALLY. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) is also visible and is the booked loco for the 11:00 BL-MD-BL services under the YELLOW timetable. Photo by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0
The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was pictured arriving at Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 31st July 2022 and is booked to work the free shuttle service that will run between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren throughout the STEAM AND VINTAGE RALLY that takes place on Sat/Sun 06/07 August 2022. It is great to see the DMU back in service ! Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0
Starting THIS WEEK, the modified YELLOW timetable applies and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) is working the 11:00 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and the 15:25 return service on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. The ‘Crompton’ will also cover the same service on Saturdays 13th, 20th and 27th August. Details can be found our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page. Any additional or updated information will be announced via DIESELGEN as soon as possible. MANY THANKS for supporting this year’s DIESEL RUNNING program on the WSR.
The usual caveats of loco availability apply, but we will be aiming to deliver the above program of running with the locos indicated and we will provide as much advance notice of any change as possible, using our DIESELGEN and Twitter feeds, so please sign up to keep up to date.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER continues to gather pace to keep up with the excellent progress on the restoration of the locomotive itself. The last week alone has seen some major donations being received from members and volunteers, in additional to those from the much larger band of Class 52 supporters. We will be updating the fund contributions totals and adding the Gift Aid during the coming days. WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP, so click on the images to make a donation. We know that times are hard, but please do what you can to help.
The ‘CAMPAIGNER’ team continue their work on restoring this massive and complex locomotive. Although bodywork repairs have progressed well, we still have a lot of rubbing down and painting to do, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !
D1010 – one of the headcode frames gets a first coat of maroon paint from long-time DEPG member and volunteer Roy at Williton on Saturday 30th July 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – a view along the ‘A’ side at Williton on Saturday 30th July 2022 shows that repair work has been completed on this side (apart from one small area in the battery box frame) and only the cosmetic work remains – but that is a lot of work to do on a loco that is over 20m in length (68 feet) so please come along and help. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the buffer beam valance at the secondman’s corner of ‘A’ end was cut open and repair work commenced at Williton on Tuesday 26th July 2022. The repair will involve welding-in new metal to replace what has been dissolved by water ingress over the years. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – this view of the diametrically opposite corner at ‘B’ end shows the quality of the finished result, delivered by Colin F and the bodywork team. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 30th July 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the upper part of ‘A’ end has been completely rubbed down to bare metal and is ready to receive a primer coat. The lower part that still carries yellow paint and green primer is unsupported due to corrosion of the underlying structure, so it has to be removed so that the structure can be repaired. That’s a task for the coming weeks. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 30th July 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
To support the work that is progressing in multiple areas on D1010, we launched our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER by offering ‘SPONSOR A PATCH’ where you can donate in support of the bodywork repairs that are taking place on D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED ON THE SPONSORED PATCH or PART.
For the sum of £25, this scheme offers you a chance to sponsor the restoration of this much-loved locomotive, with your personal contribution being recorded and documented on a set of drawings that will be made available at our Williton depot on running days and open days. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, a unique reference number or code word will be allocated and engraved instead.
See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is at Williton and has been returned to service subject to close monitoring of the engine oil condition. We expect to swap her with sister D6575 (33 057) when that loco’s next ‘A’ exam becomes due, probably towards the end of August.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently at Bishops Lydeard and is rostered for regular use during August as per our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – an unavoidable interruption in the rate of progress this week due to non-availaibilty of the people with the appropriate knowledge and the need to perform some maintenance tasks on sister loco D7018. Progress is expected to resume this coming Saturday with a view to getting the loco out on test later this month.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the 87-litre V-16 Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD870 engine is being re-assembled at Williton and was pictured on 24th July 2022 awaiting the re-installation of two of the fuel injectors so that the cam box can be aligned properly before tightening the bolts. Then, the cam box covers can be replaced and the air intake ducting re-assembled. Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco moved from Minehead to Williton ‘light engine’ on Saturday 30th July and has taken up position outside the Old Goods Shed on Number 1 road. Some maintenance tasks needed to be done, including replacing a failed windscreen wiper control, so these tasks were given priority to keep the loco available for service if called upon.
The next scheduled dates for ‘Hymek’ running are the 10:00 and 14:30 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard return services on Sat/Sun 3rd/4th September. Between now and then, our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ will be in regular use, so keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for updates or join the DIESELGEN email bulletin group (which also includes information about non-public services, where the information is available to us sufficiently in advance).
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 and her crew comprising (L-R) secondman Cameron, driver and DEPG chairman Martin Howard and secondman under training James were pictured taking a well-earned break between turns at Minehead on Saturday 23rd July 2022. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – progress continues on preparing and restoring small components, all of which are necessary for the re-assembly of the braking system, so there was little outwardly visible progress to photograph this week. An important step forward was the ordering of two replacement ‘Layrub’ couplings for the generator drive shaft. These couplings are similar to those shown in the adverts pictured below that date from 1947 and 1952, so it could be said that Swindon’s 1964 design of the Class 14s was based on mature technology !
The two replacement couplings have been ordered from Twiflex and will be genuine Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) parts for this critical application. Any failure in service could cause serious internal damage to the transmission and the generator, so we need to mitigate this risk by being very careful. Being now classed as ‘heritage components’, these are of course EXPENSIVE and we searched long and hard before biting the bullet and paying the money. We did receive a discount for being a charity, for which we are appreciative. MANY THANKS to the D9518 fund contributors for making this purchase possible.
D9518 – the generator drive shaft of the Class 14 uses ‘Layrub’ couplings like this. This promotional image is dated 1952 and has been provided courtesy of Graces’s Guide – a very interesting source of information on British industry and manufacturing. © CC BY-SA 4.0
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 full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is still in regular use and performing well on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Last week, a fractured exhaust bellows caused some consternation because the loco was booked to work, but a spare part was arranged from local stock held for sister loco D9504 and the local Class 14 team performed the repair and put the loco back in service, so many thanks to Mike Grimwood and team for saving the day!
D9526 was pictured at Tenterden Town Station while waiting time at the head of a service to Bodiam on Saturday 30th July 2022. Completing the 1960s scene is the iris blue MGA dating from 1958 that is owned by photographer Robin Moira White © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – covered previously – now in regular service on the NYMR.
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is fully operational and is stabled in the yard at Williton. She is hiding under a tarpaulin to prevent the fresh paintwork from being damaged by seagull droppings.
If you can help by donating your time, 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 – being short of time this week, we will just include this reminder that we have added a new book to our online store from Amberley Publishing and featuring GREEN DIESELS from the late 1950s through to the 1970s. This softcover book is an interesting read and is well worth the price of £14.99 so please support our online store and click here to buy your copy. Thanks !
PLEASE NOTE that we can supply any book from PLATFORM 5 or PEN & SWORD or AMBERLEY via our online store. If the title that you want is not listed on our webstore, just email us or use our CONTACT FORM to tell us what you want and we will arrange it, the profit margin on the sale going to the LOCO FUND OF YOUR CHOICE.
Don’t miss these two excellent new titles, the profits from which will go to the D9518 Restoration fund:
ON SHED – not exactly ‘on shed’ but there was a shed nearby …. just not in this picture ! The two Ruston & Hornsby industrial diesel locos are pictured with ex-BR Class 03 03079 (D2179) at the Derwent Valley Light Railway at Murton Park in York, during an enthusiasts evening event that took place on Friday 29th July 2022 and was evidently very well patronised. The ’03’ was built at Doncaster in 1960, the same year as Ruston 0-4-0DM ‘ROWNTREE & CO Ltd No. 3’ in the foreground. The loco visible behind No. 3 is another Ruston 0-4-0DM number 327964, this time dating back to 1953 and formerly in use with British Sugar. It was reported that everyone was having a good time ! Many thanks to regular correspondent Neale Long for sharing his photo with us all.
Three of the many preserved shunting locomotives of the Derwent Valley Light Railway collection were pictured during an enthusiasts evening event at Murton Park, York on Friday 29th July 2022. Photo by Neale Long © CC BY-NC 3.0
DEPG NEWS – the DEPG is delighted to confirm the appointment of TOM COURTNEY to the Board of Directors with effect from 24th July 2022 in a new role that will allow existing Board members to transfer some of their tasks to Tom, particularly those tasks that relate to operations, such as monthly billing and recording of loco movements. This is an important task that is becoming more complex as we now have locos running on three railways, all of which insist on being billed in a timely manner.
Local resident Tom has been volunteering at Williton for many years and is a fully qualified secondman. He is also a member of the Class 33 maintenance team and has developed a familiarity with this very important class of locomotive. We can now start to load him up with additional responsibilities, all of which will help him further develop his knowledge and skills. WELL DONE TOM for stepping up to the plate and taking on more work for the benefit of the DEPG !
Tom will be standing for formal election at the forthcoming AGM which takes place at Williton on Saturday 3rd September 2022.
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was supporting the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services and qualified DEPG secondman – and now DEPG Director and Trustee – Tom Courtney was also on duty on the cold and wintry evening of Friday 26th November 2021, pictured while the loco waited between turns at Bishops Lydeard by DEPG Chairman and loco driver Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
A synopsis of the last Board Meeting will be sent out later this week to all members for whom we hold a valid email address. A hard copy of the last three synopses will be sent out with the next edition of the quarterly DEPG NEWSLETTER, which is scheduled for mailing in mid August.
Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive. Membership is INCREASING STEADILY ! If you haven’t done so already, please take a look at your membership record and make sure that it is correct. You will also be able to select ‘paper’, ‘paperless’ or ‘paperless except newsletter’ communication, according to your preference. In the event of any discrepancies that you can’t resolve directly via Membermojo, please email Membership Secretary Chris Shields using members@depg.org so that he can make the correction for you. Thanks for helping us reduce the administrative effort required for managing memberships (for the benefit of our loco fleet).
WSR NEWS: the next event on the WSR will be the ‘FORTIES WEEKEND‘ that takes place from Saturday 10th through Sunday 11th September when the DEPG facility at Williton will again be open to the public, complete with ROD SAUNDERS and his model railway sales stand. Please make a plan to come along to this event in support of both the WSR and the DEPG. Timetables for planned diesel running are now being published via our new DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and any updates will be shared via our DIESELGEN email bulletin service.
Don’t forget that the WSRA will be hosting the long-awaited return of the STEAM & VINTAGE RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren this coming weekend, so please try to attend what promises to be a very enjoyable event !
The timetables and the dates for the 2022 special events are as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:
BR 1965 Crewe-built Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ is now in regular service on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and doing a great job, including working ‘THE MOORLANDER’ Pullman service, pictured at Pickering on Wednesday 21st July 2022. Photo by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0
Continuing to make the news is our Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ who has been out and about, running between Grosmont and Pickering on the NYMR on a daily basis, due to the very high fire risk in that area and the need to support steam loco operations. The very rugged nature of the NYMR route can be seen from the below picture of the loco and train near Moorgates, and the picture further below shows Newtondale Halt, which is a very remote place that cannot be reached by car. This halt was built by the NYMR for the benefit of walkers. The point from which the photo was taken is over a mile away from the nearest road, so it is rarely photographed !
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ is standing-in for the customary steam loco on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s ‘THE MOORLANDER’ Pullman service, pictured at Moorgates while heading for Pickering on Wednesday 21st July 2022. Photo by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ is pictured while passing the Newtondale Halt request stop while hauling the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s ‘THE MOORLANDER’ Pullman service on Wednesday 21st July 2022. The remoteness and natural beauty of this location is apparent. Photo by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0
Many thanks to Martin Fisher for hiking across the moors to get these photographs !
Returning to events on our home line, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 worked the 10:00 Minehead diagram (80 miles) on Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th July, the Sunday service being especially busy as a result of the WSR’s VOLUNTEER RECRUITMENT drive that resulted in more than 70 people engaging with presenters from each of the main volunteering areas of the WSR (DEPG included), first receiving a presentation as a group and then splitting up into individual discussions with representatives from the volunteering areas.
The objective was to attract potential volunteers and showcase the very wide range of opportunities that exist on a railway that is the size of the WSR, and the objective was well and truly achieved. We hope to see several new faces joining the teams during the coming weeks !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 waits at the head of the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service on Sunday 24th July 2022, the first coach being reserved for the prospective volunteers who had expressed their interest in joining one or more of the volunteer groups on the WSR. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 hauled the scheduled ‘BLUE TIMETABLE‘ turns last weekend, and was pictured approaching Doniford Halt on Sunday 24th July 2022 with the 14:30 service from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0
Starting NEXT WEEK, the YELLOW timetable applies and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) will be working the 11:00 Bishops Lydeard to Minhead and the 15:25 return on most weekdays. Details can be found our new DIESEL RUNNING DATES page. Any additional or updated information will be announced via DIESELGEN as soon as possible. MANY THANKS for supporting this year’s DIESEL RUNNING program on the WSR.
The usual caveats of loco availability apply, but we will be aiming to deliver the above program of running with the locos indicated and we will provide as much advance notice of any change as possible, using our DIESELGEN and Twitter feeds, so please sign up to keep up to date.
Another nice surprise this last weekend was the test run of the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) between Minehead and Williton on Sunday afternoon, 24th July 2022. The 1960-vintage machine was pictured at Williton where it reversed direction and returned to Minehead with a fairly short task list of issues to be resolved before it can resume regular duties on the WSR. The DMU is booked as haulage on the Norton Fitzwarren shuttle services in connection with the WSRA’s STEAM & VINTAGE RALLY that takes place on 6th and 7th August 2022. WELL DONE TO ALL WHO HAVE BEEN WORKING ON THE DMU !
The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was out on a test run on Sunday afternoon, 24th July 2022 and according to driver Paul Fleet, she performed well, considering the length of time that she has been out of service. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER has reached its FIRST ANNIVERSARY and continues to progress well, with both the funds and the progress on restoration moving along at a decent pace. We are in the process of updating the fund contributions and adding the Gift Aid so that we can announce the total for the first year, and we will then refresh the campaign page on JustGiving and open up a few new fundraising sources as well.
WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP, so click on the images to make a donation. We know that times are hard, but please do what you can to help.
The ‘CAMPAIGNER’ team continue their work on restoring this massive and complex locomotive. Although bodywork repairs have progressed well, we still have a lot of rubbing down and painting to do, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !
D1010 – the ‘B’ (secondman’s) side of ‘A’ end gets attention from Geoff at Williton on Monday 18th July 2022, this time cleaning out the dirt and debris that has accumulated on the deck plate over the years. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the ‘B’ (secondman’s) side of ‘A’ end has been re-skinned after re-construction of the underlying framework. The plug welding technique has to be used to form a sufficiently deep and solid connection between the skin and the framework. Pictured at Williton on 19th July 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the newly installed skin patches have been marked up and allocated to 33 sponsors (a mixture of £25 patches and £50 patches), thereby raising another £1,000 towards the cost of restoring this locomotive. More sponsor names will be added this coming Saturday. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 24th July 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the cab floor structure at the secondman’s side of ‘A’ end has undergone extensive repair and now has sufficient strength and stiffness restored. Pictured at Williton on 19th July 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
To support the work that is progressing in multiple areas on D1010, we launched our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER by offering ‘SPONSOR A PATCH’ where you can donate in support of the bodywork repairs that are taking place on D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED ON THE SPONSORED PATCH or PART.
For the sum of £25, this scheme offers you a chance to sponsor the restoration of this much-loved locomotive, with your personal contribution being recorded and documented on a set of drawings that will be made available at our Williton depot on running days and open days. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, a unique reference number will be allocated and engraved instead.
See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is at Williton and has undergone the planned 50-hour ‘A’ exam and has been subjected to an evaluation of her engine oil heat exchanger. Recent oil sample tests have reported the presence of water and traces of copper in the oil, which points at the heat exchanger because this is basically a set of copper tubes with hot engine oil flowing through the tubes and cool water flowing around the tubes. Although a leak is suspected, the amount of leakage is minor and the loco has been cleared for a return to service, subject to regular monitoring. A replacement heat exchanger is being sourced and will be fitted as soon as it is available.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently at Bishops Lydeard and is available for service.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – Major progress was made with the help of Maybach specialist Bob Clegg, supported by Leroy and Simon B, resulting in the errant cylinder head being removed and replaced along with a new sealing ring, and the engine is now being reassembled again. Inspection of the piston and bore revealed no other causes for concern, so the issue has been confined to the cylinder head and sealing ring. Both were replaced as a precautionary measure, using spares from our stock. Leroy and Simon B then continued with the re-assembly stages, with the cam box lowered into position and ready for alignment and bolting down this coming Saturday. The photos below show the progress, so VERY WELL DONE GUYS !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 number 1 cylinder head was removed from her Bristol Siddeley Maybach MD870 V16 engine at Williton on Saturday 23rd July 2022. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 number 1 cylinder head was removed and inspected at Williton on Saturday 23rd July 2022. The six valves (three inlet, three exhaust) can be seen, equally spaced around the central combustion chamber. Apart from the areas marked as ‘leaks’, the cylinder head is in very good condition after approximately ten years of running since the last overhaul. Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the single-piece cam box was prepared for re-installation by Simon B (left) and Leroy at Williton on Saturday 23rd July 2022. By the end of the day, it was back in place on the engine. Well done guys ! Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is currently stabled at Minehead and is due to return to Williton as a ‘light engine’ move on Saturday 30th July, scheduled to depart from Minehead at 11:35 and planned to arrive at Williton at 12:20 so our yard will be starting to fill up again !
The next scheduled dates for ‘Hymek’ running are the 10:00 and 14:30 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard return services on Sat/Sun 3rd/4th September. Between now and then, our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ will be in regular use, so keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for updates or join the DIESELGEN email bulletin group (which also includes information about non-public services, where the information is available to us sufficiently in advance).
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – progress continues with work being done on key components before they can be refitted to the frames. Last week saw further progress on braking system components such as the slack adjusters pictured below, and also on various other small parts that all need to be cleaned, inspected and restored before the next major stage of reassembly can take place.
D9518 – after a thorough overhaul, the pair of brake slack adjusters were given a coat of primer by Colin G at Williton on Saturday 23rd July 2022. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9518 – the loco shed at Williton, pictured when quiet at the end of the day on Sunday 24th July 2022, shows three major projects in progress, with the Class 14 in the foreground, ‘Hymek’ D7017 right behind and D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ on the right, the view partly blocked by the Paxman V6 engine for D9518, wrapped up until space becomes available for the engine overhaul to begin. 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 full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is still in regular use and performing well on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Here’s a photo showing our loco at the head of a 4-coach train from Bodiam, this time comprising BR Mark 1 coaching stock rather than the much older wooden-bodied coaches visible on the other side of the water tower:
D9526 was pictured shortly after arrival at Tenterden Town station on Wednesday 13th July 2022 with a 4-coach train from Bodiam. Photo by Jon Grimwood © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – covered previously – now in regular service on the NYMR.
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is fully operational and is stabled in the yard at Williton. She is hiding under a tarpaulin to prevent the fresh paintwork from being damaged by seagull droppings.
If you can help by donating your time, 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 – this week, we have added a new book to our online store, this time from Amberley Publishing and featuring GREEN DIESELS from the late 1950s through to the 1970s. This softcover book is an interesting read and is well worth the price of £14.99 so please support our online store and click here to buy your copy. Thanks !
PLEASE NOTE that we can supply any book from PLATFORM 5 or PEN & SWORD or AMBERLEY via our online store. If the title that you want is not listed on our webstore, just email us or use our CONTACT FORM to tell us what you want and we will arrange it, the profit margin on the sale going to the LOCO FUND OF YOUR CHOICE.
Don’t miss these two excellent new titles, the profits from which will go to the D9518 Restoration fund:
ON SHED – this week, we feature a photograph that was taken at Old Oak Common diesel depot (3 miles from Paddington) by long-time DEPG member Neville Sloper some time in 1975, showing our very own D7017 along with sister loco D7029, also preserved and undergoing restoration in the hands of the Diesel Traction Group (DTG) on the Severn Valley Railway. A Class 50 and a Class 47 also get a look in, but their numbers were not recorded at the time. The date can only have been between 13th March 1975 which was when the last four ‘Hymeks’ were withdrawn from service, and July 1975 because that is when D7017 was towed to Taunton in the ownership of the D+EG (forerunner of the DEPG). Looking at the work that was being undertaken on the loco, it was probably in June or July (we will try to find out). Many thanks to Neville for sharing his photo with us.
Two of the four Class 35 ‘Hymek’ survivors D7017 and D7029 were pictured together at Old Oak Common depot, some time after their withdrawal from service in 1975. Photo by Neville Sloper © CC BY-NC 3.0
DEPG NEWS – a Board Meeting was held at Williton and via Zoom last Friday evening and a wide range of issues were discussed and decisions taken. A synopsis will be produced ASAP and will be sent to all members for whom we hold a valid email address. A hard copy of the last three synopses will be sent out with the next edition of the quarterly DEPG NEWSLETTER, which is scheduled for mailing in early August.
Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive. If you haven’t done so already, please take a look at your membership record and make sure that it is correct. You will also be able to select ‘paper’, ‘paperless’ or ‘paperless except newsletter’ communication, according to your preference. In the event of any discrepancies, please email Chris Shields using members@depg.org
The DEPG is well known as a major supporter of the West Somerset Railway, and what better way to show our support than to have our Chairman (and duty ‘Hymek’ driver), Martin Howard and our Maybach engine specialist Bob Clegg ‘do their bit’ to keep the trains running on time – as you will see from the photo below:
Sheep on the line at Williton Station on Saturday 23rd July 2022, shepherded expertly by the DEPG’s Bob Clegg (hi-vis) and Chairman and duty loco driver Martin Howard, with the permission of the signalman and in full view of the signalbox. Photo by Steve Bailey © CC BY-NC 3.0
WSR NEWS: the next event on the WSR will be the ‘FORTIES WEEKEND‘ that takes place from Saturday 10th through Sunday 11th September when the DEPG facility at Williton will again be open to the public, complete with ROD SAUNDERS and his model railway sales stand. Please make a plan to come along to this event in support of both the WSR and the DEPG. Timetables for planned diesel running are now being published via our new DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and any updates will be shared via our DIESELGEN email bulletin service.
Between now and then, the WSRA will be hosting the long-awaited return of the STEAM & VINTAGE RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend what promises to be a very enjoyable event !
The timetables and the dates for the 2022 special events are as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:
Go to previous Weekly Roundup post
BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was pictured during the Williton station stop while tagging along at the rear of a steam-hauled service to Dunster during the Mixed Traffic weekend on 18th September 2021 while Beyer Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 waited alongside with a service to Norton Fitzwarren. Photo by Brenden Hill © CC BY-NC 3.0
The 10:00 MD diagram (two MD-BL-MD trips totalling 80 miles) will be hauled by Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 on Sat/Sun 23rd/24th July.
The Sunday morning services (10:00 MD and 12:30 BL) offer a volunteering presentation where prospective volunteers can meet and talk with representatives of the DEPG alongside the WSR, WSRA and WSRHT. There is no need to purchase a ticket on these services. Return travel is free of charge in return for providing your contact details and engaging in discussion about how you could help and what is involved in joining up. Click here for more information.
If you are interested in offering your time, regardless of background or skillset, we will have tasks to suit everyone, so COME ALONG AND JOIN THIS ‘HYMEK’ HAULED SERVICE on Sunday !
AN IMPORTANT ANNOUCEMENT FOR THE YELLOW TIMETABLE that starts next week, the 11:00 BL-MD and the 15:25 MD-BL will now be hauled by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) on all YELLOW TIMETABLE days throughout July and August.
The basics of the timetabled workings are as follows:
Depart BL 1100 arrive MD 1215
Depart MD 1525 arrive BL 1705 (total 40 miles)
Other public services are also scheduled – see the WSR timetable page for details.
See our new DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for the latest information on public services:
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, 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.
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.
Social media channels:
BR 1965 Crewe-built Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ hauled her first revenue-earning turn on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway on Monday 18th July 2022, pictured at Goathland by Martin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0
Although not strictly within the period of review of this roundup, the ‘hot news‘ on this hottest day of the year (so far) was made by our Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR‘ who found herself pressed into service on the NYMR due to the very high fire risk and the need to support steam loco operations.
The loco looked and sounded superb as she went ‘out and about’ on the NYMR, and DEPG member and our local correspondent MARTIN FISHER braved the high temperatures to take some excellent shots, one of which is featured above.
The NYMR plan to use the ’47’ on a regular basis from now onwards, with crew training turns mixed in with scheduled haulage operations, so ‘NORTH STAR’ is going to be busy (at last !). MANY THANKS to all involved in making this loco serviceable again.
For the rest of this roundup, we will keep it quick and straightforward, because time is short and temperatures are too high to allow hours of work on the keyboard. Hopefully you will find enough of interest in this abridged edition. Thank you for supporting the DEPG !
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) took over the scheduled ‘BLUE TIMETABLE‘ turns last weekend, and was pictured at Minehead on the evening of Saturday 16th July 2022 at the head of her train, in preparation for the 10:00 service from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard the following morning. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0
For our next two running dates, Sat/Sun 23/24 July, ‘Hymek’ D7018 will again be hauling the two return services that originate at Minehead, so make the most of this opportunity to enjoy the ‘Maybach Music’ and come along to the WSR and take a ride.
The BLUE timetable applies and can be found by clicking this link or by visiting our new DIESEL RUNNING DATES page. Any additional or updated information will be announced via DIESELGEN as soon as possible. MANY THANKS for supporting this year’s DIESEL RUNNING program on the WSR.
DIESEL RUNNING DATES – we now have a dedicated page on our website and we update it on a regular basis to provide a quick and easy reference to PUBLIC SERVICE diesel running for the whole of the 2022 season. We will be adding the link to all of our most-visited pages soon, but meanwhile the link can be found on our home page or by looking under the DIESELGEN menu header.
The usual caveats of loco availability apply, but we will be aiming to deliver the above program of running with the locos indicated and we will provide as much advance notice of any change as possible, using our DIESELGEN and Twitter feeds, so please sign up to keep up to date.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER has reached its FIRST ANNIVERSARY and continues to progress well, with both the funds and the progress on restoration moving along at a decent pace. We are in the process of updating the fund contributions and adding the Gift Aid so that we can announce the total for the first year, and we will then refresh the campaign page on JustGiving and open up a few new fundraising sources as well.
WE STILL NEED YOUR HELP, so click on the images to make a donation. We know that times are hard, but please do what you can to help.
The ‘CAMPAIGNER’ team continue their work on restoring this massive and complex locomotive. Although bodywork repairs have progressed well, we still have a lot of rubbing down and painting to do, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !
D1010 – the ‘B’ (secondman’s) side of ‘A” end is the worst location on the whole loco in terms of corrosion. The photo show the level of damage to the underfloor structure in this corner of the locomotive. Work proceeds on repairing and restoring strength and stiffness, one piece at a time. Photo taken at Williton on Monday 11th July 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the solid and robust repair to the cab floor support at the front of the loco shows how the repair work is being progressed. Photo taken at Williton on Tuesday 12th July 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – Volunteer Simon B gets involved with bodywork repairs on D1010 to consume the last few hours of his afternoon at Williton on Saturday 16th July 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – Gordon was busy preparing the four nose-end light fittings for re-installation at Williton on Saturday 16th July 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
To support the work that is progressing in multiple areas on D1010, we launched our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER by offering ‘SPONSOR A PATCH’ where you can donate in support of the bodywork repairs that are taking place on D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and HAVE YOUR NAME ENGRAVED ON THE SPONSORED PATCH or PART.
For the sum of £25, this scheme offers you a chance to sponsor the restoration of this much-loved locomotive, with your personal contribution being recorded and documented on a set of drawings that will be made available at our Williton depot on running days and open days. For those who prefer to remain anonymous, a unique reference number will be allocated and engraved instead.
See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now at Williton to undergo an ‘A’ exam and to also undergo an investigation into reports of coolant leaking into her lubricating oil. This issue was flagged up by regular analysis of the engine oil, and work progresses to find the root cause.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently at Minehead and is available for service.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – Leroy and Simon B tackled the disassembly of the air intake system and the fuel systems, paving the way for the removal of the cam box during this coming week. The photos below show the considerable progress, so WELL DONE GUYS !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – air intake components were removed from the loco and stored alongside at Williton on Saturday 16th July 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – air intake duct close-up view at Williton on Saturday 16th July 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – three of the 16 high pressure fuel injection pumps can be seen lined up for cleaning and inspection at Williton on Saturday 16th July 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is stabled at Minehead and is next due to perform on the 10:00 and 14:30 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard return services on Sat/Sun 23rd/24th July. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for updates or join the DIESELGEN email bulletin group (which also includes information about non-public services, where the information is available to us sufficiently in advance).
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – progress continues with work being done on key components before they can be refitted to the frames. Last week saw further progress on braking system components and also on the starter motor, which has been sent to ICS Online in Preston for complete refurbishment. The folks at ICS are AMAZING and they are doing a great job for us.
D9518 – the corrosion that resulted from the removed components getting wet while in storage has made this repair task a lot more difficult. Undeterred, ICS Online intend to return the refurbished unit to us next week ! What an excellent service. Photo by Iain Parker © 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 full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is still in regular use and performing well on the Kent & East Sussex Railway. Here’s a photo from Wednesday last week:
D9526 – the flowers are in bloom in the Garden of England as D9526 waits with her train at Tenterden Town station on Wednesday 13th July 2022. Photo by Mike Grimwood © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – covered previously – now in regular service on the NYMR.
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco benefitted from another wash and brush-up on Saturday 16th July 2022, and was then covered over with a tarpaulin to prevent the fresh paintwork from being damaged by seagull droppings.
If you can help by donating your time, 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 – sorry, but again we don’t have time for a new book review this week, but we do still have stock of these three books by Anthony P. Sayer – each one is well worth acquiring. The recent visit of Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568 to the WSR has prompted us to obtain stock of the excellent book that was featured in a book review by Neale Long back in August last year. The book review has been posted on our website so please click here to read it and then buy the book from our online store. We are offering this £40 epic for a discounted price of £36 which is the same price as being offered by the publisher. THANK YOU VERY MUCH to Neale Long for providing us with a detailed review of this book.
PLEASE NOTE that we can supply any book from PLATFORM 5 or PEN & SWORD or AMBERLEY via our online store. If the title that you want is not listed on our webstore, just email us or use our CONTACT FORM to tell us what you want and we will arrange it, the profit margin on the sale going to the LOCO FUND OF YOUR CHOICE.
Don’t miss these two excellent new titles, the profits from which will go to the D9518 Restoration fund:
ON SHED – apologies but we will need to skip this feature this week.
DEPG NEWS – our Portacabins and storage containers were treated to a fresh coat of ‘chocolate and cream’ paint over the weekend of 16/17 July, courtesy of Graham and his spray gun. What a massive effort in all that heat, well done to Graham, many thanks for brightening up our depot !
The DEPG Portacabins were treated to a fresh coat of ‘chocolate and cream’ paint at Williton on Sunday 17th July 2022. Photo by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0
The DEPG storage containers were also treated to a fresh coat of ‘chocolate’ paint at Williton on Sunday 17th July 2022. What a difference ! Photo by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0
Our new online membership system is settling down and we are resolving the anomalies that crept in during the transition from old to new system. If you haven’t done so already, please take a look at your membership record and make sure that it is correct. You will also be able to select ‘paper’, ‘paperless’ or ‘paperless except newsletter’ communication, according to your preference. In the event of any discrepancies, please email Chris Shields using members@depg.org
The synopsis of the last DEPG Board Meeting was emailed to all those members for whom we held a valid email address. The next meeting will take place on Friday 22nd July via Zoom because of ‘Hymek’ driving committments that will affect several of our Board members on the Saturday.
WSR NEWS: the next event on the WSR will be the ‘FORTIES WEEKEND‘ that takes place from Saturday 10th through Sunday 11th September when the DEPG facility at Williton will again be open to the public, complete with ROD SAUNDERS and his model railway sales stand. Please make a plan to come along to this event in support of both the WSR and the DEPG. Timetables for planned diesel running are now being published via our new DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and any updates will be shared via our DIESELGEN email bulletin service.
Between now and then, the WSRA will be hosting the long-awaited return of the STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend what promises to be a very enjoyable event !
The timetables and the dates for the 2022 special events are as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:
BRCW Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was pictured during the Williton station stop while working the afternoon leg of the 80-mile Minehead diagram on Sunday 10th July 2022. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) will be handing over to sister D6575 (33 057) upon arrival at Bishops Lydeard (BL) from Minehead (MD) on Saturday 16th July 2022. The loco will remain attached to the Taunton end of the train upon arrival at BL and will ‘hitch a ride’ back to Williton on the back of the 1230 BL-MD service and will be uncoupled at Williton.
This will allow D6566 (33 048) to enter the South Yard at Williton so that an ‘A’ exam can be performed (required after every 50 hours of operation).
The basics of the timetabled workings are as follows:
Depart MD 1000 arrive BL 1130
Depart BL 1230 arrive MD 1350
Depart MD 1430 arrive BL 1555
Depart BL 1635 arrive MD 1800
Other public services are also scheduled – see the WSR timetable page for details.
ADVANCE INFORMATION – the 1000 MD diagram (two MD-BL-MD trips totalling 80 miles) will be hauled by Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 on Sat/Sun 23rd/24th July. See our new DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for the latest information on public services.
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, 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.
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.
Social media channels:
A new page has been set up on our website to provide information on planned diesel running days. This new page is under the DIESELGEN menu heading and shortcuts will be placed on the most popular pages ASAP. Click on the icon for details: