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Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was pictured at the tail end of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ service on 27th December 2022 as the train was being prepared for the 17:00 departure from Bishops Lydeard station. The lights will be turned on approximately 10 minutes before departure time. Photo by Mike Collins © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of our members and supporters ! Let’s hope that 2023 is going to be a good year for everyone, wherever they are in the world !

 

Here’s a quick roundup of the last 12 months to remind us of what has been achieved and prepare us for the challenges that lie ahead:

 

JANUARY 2022 – Our ‘celebrity’ 47 077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ finally left Bishops Lydeard by road and travelled 300 miles to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR).

The DEPG’s BR-corporate-blue Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was loaded onto an Allelys Heavy Haulage trailer at Bishops Lydeard on a very cold Thursday morning 13th January 2022, in preparation for a 300-mile trip to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where the loco will operate for the next two or more years. The loco wears a perfect halo that was created by the early morning sunrise. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

FEBRUARY 2022 – former ROF Puriton 0-4-0 Diesel-Hydraulic shunter Barclay 578 (ROF 1) moved to the WSR RESTORATIONS paint shop for a contract repaint following attention to bodywork.

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 DH number 578 (ROF 1) is seen in the WSR Restorations paint shop at Williton receiving attention from Harry in his own time on Saturday 19th February 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

MARCH 2022 – Beyer Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7017 was lifted so that her bogie springs could be changed. This was her first lift since BR days and it was fitting that she was lifted using the jacks that were acquired from her first home depot, Bristol Bath Road.

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was lifted at the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ on Tuesday 29th March 2022 so that her bogies could be rolled out for spring replacement work. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

APRIL 2022 – we celebrated the RETURN TO MINEHEAD after two years of isolation due to the combined effects of Covid and the upgrading of the Seaward Way Level Crossing.

DEPG Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was outstationed at Minehead as ‘Thunderbird’ loco and was placed on display on the same road as the restored Southern Region ‘PMV’ Parcels and Miscellaneous Van that it would have worked with during its earlier career as a mainline locomotive when based in the South East. Pictured on Saturday 2nd April 2022 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

MAY 2022 – now sporting new bogie springs that were paid for by donations from members, ‘Hymek’ D7017 was readied for service and given a fresh coat of varnish to freshen up her appearance.

Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 were readied for service at Williton. D7017 has just received a fresh coat of varnish and this has made a tremendous difference to her appearance – thank you Graham ! Pictured on Sunday 22nd May 2022 by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

JUNE 2022 – we welcomed the return of the WSR’s annual DIESEL GALA which took place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June and featured two guest locomotives, Class 25 D7612 (25 262, 25 901) from South Devon Diesel Traction and the unique Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568 from the Diesel Traction Group.

DEPG Beyer Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 arriving at Minehead, viewed from the cab of visiting Class 25 D7612 (25 262, 25 901) on the first day of the gala, Thursday 9th June 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The DTG’s unique Class 17 ‘Clayton’ D8568 was pictured with five Mark 1 coaches, working hard on the 3-mile climb from Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard. This was the view from Longlands Bridge on Friday 10th June 2022. Photo by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

JULY 2022 – our ‘celebrity’ Class 47 started work on the NYMR during a period of very hot weather and became an instant hit with passengers and crew. The loco worked alongside three other BR-blue diesels and allowed the railway to continue to operate their timetabled services during a period when steam locos were banned due to the very high lineside fire risk.

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

 

 

AUGUST 2022 – the heatwave continued and resulted in a steam ban on the WSR and also at the Kent & East Sussex Railway (KESR) where our Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was working service trains on a daily basis. An incoming mainline charter saw a pair of West Coast Railways Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ visit Minehead, providing the rare spectacle of four ‘Cromptons’ and a ‘Hymek’ at work on the WSR – and no steam!

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was at the tail end of the 16:30 departure from Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 13th August 2022, seen here at Crowcombe Heathfield where the service crossed with the return leg of the WEST SOMERSET STEAM EXPRESS railtour from Minehead to London Paddington, which was being hauled by West Coast Railways ‘Crompton’ pair 33029 (D6547) leading 33025 (D6543, formerly ‘SULTAN’). Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9526 was pictured while crossing Hexden Channel on 2nd August 2022 with a service train on the Kent and East Sussex Railway. Photo by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

SEPTEMBER 2022 – the annual ‘work week’ occupied the last week of the month, with volunteers on site throughout the week, and Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ going maroon in the process!

D1010 – Paul T stands aside before resuming his work on the ‘A’ side of the ‘B’ end of the loco at Williton on Wednesday 28th September 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

OCTOBER 2022 – our former chairman JOHN CRONIN passed away at the age of 80. John joined our group following retirement from BR and held officer roles from 2000 onwards, becoming chairman in 2009 until his ‘second retirement’ at the age of 75 in 2017. One of his ‘pet projects’ was supporting the restoration of Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 (NCB Ashington No. 7) and it was fitting that major progress could be demonstrated on that loco throughout the year, including a major step in October.

Former DEPG Chairman the late John Cronin was presented with a special birthday cake on the occasion of his 75th Birthday in August 2017, after dining aboard the ‘Quantock Belle‘. Photo from the DEPG archives © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the short nose end (‘B’ end) of the loco takes shape following the re-fitting of the side and end frames at Williton on Saturday 8th October 2022. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

NOVEMBER 2022 – a major step forward was the commencement of the re-assembly process for the Voith L630rV hydraulic transmission from the ‘B’ end of Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, after a period of development of the special tools and special processes that are required to handle this very complex piece of precision engineering.

D1010 – a milestone moment as new bearings are fitted around the input shaft by Tim (L) and Colin F (R) at Williton on Tuesday 15th November 2022 after ensuring that the oilway drillings were clear of debris and fully functional. The next step will be to fit this shaft assembly into the housing and then build the first stage torque converter around it. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DECEMBER 2022 – our fleet strength was boosted by the successful test running of three locomotives, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) and ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 from Williton to Bishops Lydeard and back.

Three DEPG locomotives were out on test on Saturday 17th December 2022. From left to right, Class 33 D6566 (33 048), Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 and sister D7017 take a break at Stogumber while on the return journey from Bishops Lydeard to Williton. Photo by Phil Hall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Our test run was well timed, because only two days later, heavy rain caused excessive run-off from an adjacent landowner’s field and led to a landslip near Tribble Bridge, two miles north of Bishops Lydeard, closing the route to normal services. The remedial work will be expensive and complex and no doubt involve a significant effort from staff and volunteers, to ensure that the line re-opens in springtime.

The contaminated trackbed is unfit for use and the embankment now needs to be surveyed by experts to determine the best way forward. Pictured at Coombe Florey on 20th December 2022 by Jon Jones-Pratt © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

As so often happens, achievements are followed by new challenges, and those challenges will be met by new achievements, with the support of volunteers from the wider railway ‘family’ and the continued patronage and financial help from all who support the railway and the locomotives that run upon it.

 

Many more items of news from 2022 can be found by browsing our website. Sign up for ROUNDUP to have the news delivered to your emailbox on a weekly basis.

 

VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2023 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023, and the 50th anniversary celebrations of the DEPG will take place on Friday/Saturday 22/23 September, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2023.

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

 

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 leads sister D7018 and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) on the return leg of a test run between Williton and Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 17th December 2022. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

On Saturday 17th December, we operated a SUCCESSFUL TEST RUN of all three locos that had undergone significant work since the summer. All three locos performed well on the out-and-back 20-mile run between Williton and Bishops Lydeard, with D7017 showing no issues at all while the other two locos will need some small tasks attended to before they are also pronounced ready to re-enter service. Overall, this was an EXCELLENT RESULT and we congratulate our volunteers who have worked so hard on these three locomotives to get them ready to re-enter service. WELL DONE TEAM DEPG !

The event was captured by several photographers who submitted their work to wsr.org.uk and these have been compiled along with some video clips to form a 4-minute video that has been uploaded to the DEPG YouTube channel. Click on this link or click on the image below to watch the video on YouTube:

Here’s the feedback from our Chairman Martin Howard, who participated in the test run and was in charge of ‘Hymek’ D7018:

   ” D7017 – clean bill of health 👍

     D6566 – successful but some minor snagging was highlighted. An oil leak from a pressure switch to attend to.

     D7018 was very interesting. I only just got the engine to start after a very long preheating period. This was down to weak batteries, even after charging. We started with a known reverser fault in that she won’t change direction from the cab. The direction has to be set manually. This done, we set off.

     On leaving Williton (WN) there was a terrible racket from the engine room. I thought at first that an auxiliary cardan shaft had failed but they were both OK. What was actually happening was excessive ratchetting from the gearbox. The directional solenoid hadn’t fully engaged and the red control link was oscillating back and forth. I pulled it into the correct position and the racket stopped but there was a new loud buzzing from the control block. I decided this was the directional solenoid not fully setting in place. Surprising how noisy that was!

     Due to the nature of the trial, I couldn’t do much more on the outward journey, but it did change gear.

     On the return journey, Tom joined me at Crowcombe Heathfield (CH) and we arranged to try the loco under power. First check: would she go from 3rd gear she was in on arrival at CH down to 1st when Notch 1 was selected? YES! ✅

     Would she change up as speed increased under power? YES! ✅

     Would she change to direction B on arrival at WN? NO!

     Would she take power in direction B? NO! 🤬

     So partial success only. More work needed 🙄 “

 

Many thanks to Martin for providing this additional information.

 

It is just as well that we did our test run last Saturday, because overnight on Monday 19th, the WSR sustained significant damage due to a landslip near Tribble Bridge (Coombe Florey) that has resulted from excessive and uncontrolled run-off from fields above the railway. This run-off is the same issue that has caused the A358 Taunton to Minehead road to be closed to traffic several times recently, due to mud – and potatoes – all over the road. This time, the railway was also a casualty, as the photos below show:

During the night of Monday 19th December 2022, the retaining wall of the Coombe Florey embankment was undermined by the flow of slurry from the field above the railway, leading to a major landslip. Pictured on 20th December 2022 by Jon Jones-Pratt © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

The contaminated trackbed is unfit for use and the embankment now needs to be surveyed by experts to determine the best way forward. Pictured at Coombe Florey on 20th December 2022 by Jon Jones-Pratt © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Click on this link or on the image below to watch the video that has been posted by WSR Chairman Jon Jones-Pratt where he explains the situation and outlines the immediate response:

 

Meanwhile, the railway family has responded in the usual way by rallying round to keep the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ and ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services running by using the section of the line between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren, which sounds like a quick and easy solution, but involved a lot of work by an army of staff and volunteers, re-locating the illuminated lineside displays and setting up the equipment so that only the one night of entertainment (and income) was lost. Services resumed on Wednesday with the revised format, so again we say VERY WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED !

 

BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ was pictured at Orchard Junction alongside the Bristol to Exeter main line as a Cross-Country HST headed westward. The ‘Manor’ is working the revised ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ service with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) at the other end of the train. Photo by Malcolm Anderson © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the last working weekend of the year saw further progress on several fronts, with Ian Fn working on the cab doors while Gordon prepared to install another refurbished headcode indicator, this time at the ‘B’ end of the locomotive. Further progress also took place on the transmission with bearings being removed from the auxilliary shaft that drives the dynastarter:

D1010 – the auxilliary shaft of ‘B’ transmission was disassembled at Williton on Tuesday 13th December 2022 using the recently-acquired oil injection equipment. The shaft was mounted vertically and wrapped to prevent any parts from being launched by the very high pressures involved. Tuesday volunteer Tim was taking the necessary precautions to ensure safe working. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – further proof that preparation is everything. Once properly set up and protected, the release of the pinion from the very slight taper of the shaft was achieved without drama or fuss. The bearing within the housing (uppermost) was then inspected and found to be in very good condition. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the gear-type oil pump that provides the transmission control oil pressure was disassembled for inspection and will need to be reconditioned before further use. Pictured at Williton on Monday 12th December 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the ‘B’ end cab door was the target for Ian Fn at Williton on Saturday 17th December 2022. The four holes visible in the cab side sheet are tell-tale signs of the cast aluminium BR emblem that the loco once carried in preservation, when demonstrating the original livery of class doyen D1000 ‘WESTERN ENTERPRISE’. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the ‘B’ end of the locomotive is looking good (thank you Ian !) and is ready to receive the refurbished headcode indicator boxes. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 3rd December 2022 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, but please bear with us because our admin resources are in short supply, but we will get it done soon. Click the image further below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

 

D1010 – the spaces bounded by the yellow marks are patches that are waiting for their sponsors. The patches are marked using a vibratory engraver so the markings are in the metal, not just in the paint, and will still be visible after sanding the paint away in years to come. To SPONSOR A PATCH, see below ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco performed well during her test run and will soon be ready to re-enter service, after attention to some minor issues.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ and now also on the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Tribble Bridge and Orchard Junction (Norton Fitzwarren).

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco performed very well during the test run and is awaiting a formal declaration of readiness to resume duties.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco demonstrated that her transmission control block is now working properly (big sigh of relief) but there are some issues related to the reverser which we suspect are just a matter of adjustment. No doubt this will be sorted out early in the New Year.

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the progress continues on multiple fronts with work also taking place on the Paxman engine and various other componet parts. Here are some photos of some of the work taking place: 

D9518 – new side sheets are now being fitted to the other side of the loco by Andy P who was pictured at Williton on a very cold 17th December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the reason why new side sheets were necessary – metal worm ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the repaint of the electrical control cubicle is a painstaking task that is in the very careful hands of Colin G. Pictured at Wiliton on 17th December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and enjoying the last month of its Kentish holiday before heading home some time in mid-January 2023. The loco is likely to remain at Westridge shed, Bishops Lydeard until she is able to make her way to Williton. 

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco was fitted with the reconditioned engine speed governor by the team led by Bob Fussey at the NYMR and was due to undertake some test running this week. We look forward to receiving more news soon.

47077 – the governor is the mid-grey rectangular item, the engine is light grey and the dark grey circular item houses the vane motor and displacement sensor that provides information to the electronic load regulator that was fitted to this loco during her conversion to Electric Train Heating (ETH) in 1984. Pictured at Grosmont on 19th December 2022 by Josh Smith © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the fuel system overhaul is making good progress and the reconditioned fuel injection pump has been returned from overhaul and will be re-installed in the New Year. One big step was the discovery of the original worksplates that were thought to have been lost, and they were temporarily mounted on the loco so that a photo could be taken to show evidence of their existence:

Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 ‘ROF 1’ – the original worksplates were temporarily mounted on the loco on Saturday 17th December 2022. Refurbishment of the plates had been undertaken previously by Roy but the plates had then become mislaid. Luckily, they have now resurfaced! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – many thanks to all who have supported our sales of books both new and old during 2022. We will be back with more titles in the New Year.

 

ON SHED – continuing with a series of photographs that have been provided by Kelvin Lumb, we have another photo that was taken at Cardiff Canton Depot in April 1976, this time featuring Class 52 D1023 ‘WESTERN FUSILIER’ threading her way through the by-now predominant class 45, 46 and 47 Sulzer-engined diesel-electrics. Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing another item from his vast collection with us all.

Class 52 D1023 ‘WESTERN FUSILIER’ departed the yard at CARDIFF CANTON depot to make her way to the carriage siding to collect the stock for the 15:30 Cardiff to Paddington via Gloucester return service. Photo taken around April 1976 by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

DEPG NEWS – the November Newsletter #62 has been mailed (or emailed) along with the synopses of recent Board Meetings to all registered DEPG members. Please let us know if you have not yet received your copy. Thanks !

 

A board meeting was held at Williton during the afternoon of Saturday 17th December. A synopsis will be prepared ASAP and shared with all members for whom we hold valid email addresses.

One important decision that goes against the current tide, THE DEPG HAS DEFERRED THE MEMBERSHIP COST INCREASE that was under consideration. This is because we would rather keep the members that we have, rather than risk losing some because we have raised the cost of membership. The rates will need to be reviewed at some time, but now is not that time.

Our membership renewal rate is holding up quite well, considering the economic climate, so we very much appreciate the ongoing support that we are seeing from our members.

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in using your email address (no need to remember yet another password) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

In addition to our online membership system, WE ALSO OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just let us know or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

 

VERY IMPORTANT DATES for 2023:

WSR DIESEL GALA : Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

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

 

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is operating the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains on a modified diagram as a result of the closure of the line north of Tribble Bridge. The modified service are steam hauled on the journey from Bishops Lydeard to Tribble Bridge where they reverse and are led to Norton Fitzwarren by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057). Upon leaving Norton Fitzwarren, the train is hauled by steam on the continuous climb to Bishops Lydeard, with assistance from the ‘Crompton’ at the rear.

The ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services have been modified similarly and now include a top-and-tailed daylight trip to (and a pause at) Orchard Junction alongside the Bristol to Exeter main line, but these services are now FULLY BOOKED.

If you and/or your family or friends want to experience the modified ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ specials, then now is the time to book. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the image below.

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

Apologies for the late posting of this edition of roundup.

There was no need for ‘pretend’ snow at Crowcombe Heathfield on Sunday 11th December 2022, nature having made a wonderful vista for the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services that ran later that day. Photo by Malcolm Anderson© CC BY-NC 3.0

 

As we reach the penultimate roundup for 2022, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) continues to be a regular performer on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services that will increase their frequency to almost daily from Friday this week, right through to the last day of this year. Several great photos have appeared on the wsr.org.uk website and deserve to be shared here also:

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was pictured while preparing for the first of the two ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services at Bishops Lydeard on Friday 9th December 2022. Photo by Liam Hebditch © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) leads the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ service on the return journey to Bishops Lydeard on Friday 9th December 2022. Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Both the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ and the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ trains are booking up very quickly, with most services already sold out, so act now and click here if you want to ride on one of the available services.

 

Once again we say WELL DONE to all volunteers and staff who are braving the cold conditions and working late to support these seasonal services.

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – progress tends to slow at this time of year as our volunteers attend to their other duties, but we still fielded a good size team on this loco last weekend and cleared up some tasks as shown in the photos that follow:

D1010 – the input shaft of ‘B’ transmission was examined at Williton on Monday 5th December 2022 and revealed severely corroded bearings, all of which will soon be replaced when the shaft is separated into its component parts. This shaft is driven by the engine so it revolves at speeds up to 1500 rpm. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the helical gear on the dynastarter shaft engages with the smaller of the two helical gears in the previous photo and is next in line to be separated into its component parts for a bearing inspection. Pictured at Williton on Monday 5th December 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – component parts from the ‘B’ transmission are lined up awaiting cleaning and inspection. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 10th December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the battery compartment doors were in need of some cosmetic treatment after their corrosion repairs, so this is being dealt with by Ian Fn in his usual diligent way. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 10th December 2022 by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the repaired compressor access grille on ‘A’ side of the locomotive was re-fitted by Mike and Leroy at Williton on Saturday 10th December 2022. Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the spaces bounded by the yellow marks are patches that are waiting for their sponsors. The patches are marked using a vibratory engraver so the markings are in the metal, not just in the paint, and will still be visible after sanding the paint away in years to come. To SPONSOR A PATCH, see below ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was subjected to an ‘A’ exam on Saturday 10th and was passed as ready to partake in a test run that will probably take place on Saturday 17th December. The engine was started and checked to ensure that everything was in order and confirmed that she is ready to run, so WELL DONE Team CROMPTON for resolving the issues and allowing this 61-year-old to run again in 2022.

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently based at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco has also been prepared for a test run, and if conditions allow, may be able to join stablemate D6566 on a test run this coming Saturday 17th December.

D7017 – pictured in the yard at Williton in the early morning of Saturday 10th December 2022, covered in ice and looking forward to warmer running days in 2023. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco also enjoyed an engine run on Saturday 10th, with some checks and adjustments being made by Neil just in case we can fit in a test run before the end of this year.

D7018 – pictured from the GWR-pattern ‘TOAD’ brake van W114751 in the yard at Williton on a very cold and dark Saturday morning, 10th December 2022. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the progress continues on multiple fronts with additional activities going on at subcontractors and at other sites, to keep the fitters supplied with refurbished parts. Here’s some recent photos of work in progress: 

D9518 – a view from the mezzanine of the Paxman 6YJXL 650 hp V6 diesel engine that last ran in D9526 and is mounted on the turnover frame so that it can be completely dismantled for a thorough overhaul and rebuild under the watchful eyes of Terry before being installed into D9518. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – a view through one of the crankcase covers of the Paxman 6YJXL reveals the fork-and-blade big-end arrangement and one of the fork-type connecting rods. Pictured at Williton on 26th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the wiring for the heavy duty (and 1965 vintage) Battery Isolator Switch (BIS) was installed by John C at Williton on 26th November 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and enjoying the last month of its Kentish holiday before heading home to Williton some time in mid-January 2023.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is being fitted with the reconditioned engine speed governor by the team led by Bob Fussey at the NYMR which should allow her to return to duty on a standby basis in case any work opportunity comes along.

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the fuel system overhaul on this locomotive continues and is likely to be an ongoing task for several months, because they system has to be cleaned out then flushed then rebuilt and the overhauled fuel injection pump installed, along with the new fuel filters. The opportunity will be taken to perform some other tasks while the loco is inside the shed and easy to work on.

 

 

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 – apologies for the blatant sales push, but our locos need their funding and selling books is one of the many ways in which we raise money for the cause. Below is a selection of new books – and don’t forget to browse our PRE-OWNED BOOKS selection as well.

Our LATEST addition is from well-known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS, which is the fifth volume in his very popular ‘BACKTRACKING AROUND’ series of ‘THEN & NOW’ studies, this time covering the lines around Plymouth, Looe, Liskeard and Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

 

Backtracking Vol 5 by Bernard Mills £18.95	The Beaten Track Vol 1 by Andy Chard £29.95	The Beaten Track Vol 2 by Andy Chard £34.95
The Clayton Type 1 by Anthony P Sayer £36.00	BR Swindon Type1 Vol 1 by Anthony Sayer £27.00	BR Swindon Type1 Vol 2 by Anthony Sayer £27.00
Western Venture by Roger Geach and Michael Mercer £15.00	Class 37s in the Far West by Stephen C Marshall and Roger Geach £22.00	A manual for diesel locomotive and DMU drivers by John Leach £34.95

 

DEPG 2023 CALENDARS – LAST FEW AVAILABLE:

The long-awaited DEPG 2023 CALENDAR is flying off the shelves so PLACE YOUR ORDER NOW to avoid disappointment. Strangely for these times, the price is the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image above to place your order. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important fund-raising purpose.

Click this link for the animated version (displays via our website).

 

WILLITON STATION FUNDRAISING – this week is also the last opportunity to order the Christmas items that have been made by our friends at our local WSR station. A selection of the many items have been placed on our online store in the ‘Christmas Items‘ category. All monies raised from the sale of these items goes to Williton Station funds. Thank you for your support !

 

ON SHED – last week, we featured a photograph of D1009 ‘WESTERN INVADER’ on shed at Cardiff Canton depot in the summer of 1976 and we asked if anyone knew the reason why this splendid-looking loco did not make it into 1977. Almost immediate responses were received from Nev Sloper and Neale Long, referencing the book ‘CAST of THOUSANDS’ by the late Adrian Curtis, where it was recorded that a failed bogie coil spring was the reason why the loco was withdrawn, her fully serviceable engines and cooler groups being resold to a Dutch businessman. Guys, many thanks for this information.

Continuing with a series of photographs that have been provided by Kelvin Lumb, we have a photo of our very own D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ in the company of an unidentified Class 46 ‘Peak’, again at Cardiff Canton Depot in the summer of 1976, and looking a little shabby, especially compared to the photo that we shared last week. Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing another item from his vast collection with us all.

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ was stabled at CARDIFF CANTON in the summer of 1976 alongside an unidentified Class 46 ‘Peak’ in an unusually quiet yard. The ‘Western’ has her cab doors and one of the engine room windows open to provide some through ventilation. The large glass area resulted in the cabs getting very hot on a sunny day. Photo by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

DEPG NEWS – the November Newsletter #62 has been mailed (or emailed) along with the synopses of recent Board Meetings to all registered DEPG members. Please let us know if you have not yet received your copy. Thanks !

 

The first stages of constructing our new OIL STORAGE AREA took place on Saturday 10th December during extremely cold weather but our contractor and DEPG supporter COLIN GILBERT and his colleague were undeterred and worked well into the hours of darkness to complete their part of the job.

The covered oil storage area was under construction at Williton on the very cold morning of Saturday 10th December 2022 with the steel uprights in place and the timber frame being installed. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

By early evening, the roof was on and the framework now awaits the mesh doors and sides that will allow us to keep new and used oil secure and properly segregated. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 10th December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

A very useful item that won’t break the bank is our new DEPG keyring LED torch, now in stock and selling for £2.50 with the option of five different colours. The aluminium body, simple on/off switch, swivel keyring, great brightness and replaceable batteries make this a decent purchase. Available from our online store.

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES for 2023:

WSR DIESEL GALA : Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

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

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just let us know or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in using your email address (no need to remember yet another password) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is operating the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which are steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using (mostly) one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Also running are the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. 

Demand is strong with only a few seats left on some services, so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family or friends want to experience one or both of these events, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the images below.

 

 

 

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

 

Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) was pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on Saturday 3rd December 2022 while performing the generator start-up and check duty that preceedes and follows the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

It may seem a bit strange to feature a Class 09 as our lead story, but strange things do happens now and then. Such was the case last Friday 2nd December when Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was ‘borrowed’ to attach the rear of the 1630 ‘DUNSTER BY CANDELIGHT’ service which was being hauled from Bishops Lydeard to Minehead and back by BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’, the addition of the ’33’ being to ensure that the train ran to time in the event of slippery rails on the steeper gradients, given the foggy conditions.

The ‘Manor’ didn’t slip, not even when hauling the ’33’ in addition to its 6-coach load, so the ’33’ was not attached the following day and the went back to its normal duties on ‘WINTERLIGHTS’.

What about ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ on the Friday, I hear you ask ? Well, with no ’33’ available, the Class 09 was used instead and provided a very rare opportunity to photograph this humble workhorse in charge of a passenger service. So rare – but so unusual and unexpected that we have yet to see a single photograph of the occurrence !

 

DUNSTER BY CANDLELIGHT is a Christmas market event that takes place in early December each year. The WSR offers two special services for visitors to enjoy the dual treat of heritage travel and delightful Dunster. You’ll have to wait until next year for the next opportunity !

 

Saturday 3rd December was particularly busy because it marked the start of the very popular ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services that run between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. It was great to see the station come alive again!

The ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ approaches Platform 2 at Williton Station behind WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 on Saturday 3rd December 2022. Photo taken from the footbridge by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

These ‘SANTA‘ trains are booking up very quickly, with most services already sold out, so act now and click here if you want to ride on one of the available services.

WELL DONE to all volunteers and staff who are braving the cold conditions and working late to support these seasonal services.

 

LOCO NEWS:

Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – more progress on the transmission rebuild this week resulted in the assembly of the first stage torque converter housing which is now ready for the turbine runner to be re-installed into the bulbous housing that includes the hydraulic fluid passageways. Attention then shifted from the turbine rail to the main transmission casing to assess the remaining parts and arrange the special tools and fixtures that will be needed to perform the bearing replacement on the other shafts.

Further progress was made on the electrical work in ‘B’ cab with most of the corroded steel conduit now removed and the redundant Automatic Warning System (AWS) wiring being removed with it. This coming weekend should see the completion of this task.

D1010 – the fixed guide vane assembly of the first stage torque converter was re-assembled at Williton on Monday 28th November 2022. All of the parts that form this assembly have been cleaned, inspected and re-built by Colin, Geoff and Tim. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the casing of the first stage torque converter was re-attached at Williton on Monday 28th November 2022. This casing includes the channels for filling and emptying the hydraulic fluid. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the main transmission casing includes other shafts such as the engine-driven input shaft shown on the right. This shaft needs to be separated to allow the bearings to be replaced. Pictured at Williton on Monday 28th November 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D1010 – the spaces bounded by the yellow marks are patches that are waiting for their sponsors. The patches are marked using a vibratory engraver so the markings are in the metal, not just in the paint, and are still visible after sanding the paint away. To SPONSOR A PATCH, see below ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 19th November 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

To continue our rate of progress requires FUNDING which is becoming harder to get as belts are being tightened everywhere. If you are able to do so, please consider SPONSORING A PATCH because there is plenty of recently-added metal that still needs engraving. Photographs and certificates of sponsorship will be sent out to all who have sponsored this phase of the restoration work, but please bear with us because our admin resources are severely stretched at the moment. Click the image below to sponsor a patch. Thank you in advance for your support !

We still have a lot of work to do on this massive locomotive, so PLEASE DO COME ALONG AND HELP IF YOU CAN !

See our CAMPAIGN for CAMPAIGNER web page for more details !

 

 

Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being prepared for a test run that will probably take place on Saturday 17th December, subject to a suitable path being available. The engine was started on Saturday 3rd after filling the cooling system with a mixture of water and anti-freeze that will protect the loco down to -30C and no leaks were detected, so we are very close to a return to service.

D6566 (33 048) – this loco is getting closer to her return to service and is now ready for an inspection and a test run before going back on duty. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 3rd December 2022 by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is currently stabled at Bishops Lydeard and is in regular use on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services.

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is waiting for completion of her Vehicle Inspection and Brake Test (VIBT) and a test run before she can be declared fit for traffic.

D7017 – this loco is also ready for an inspection and a test run before going back on the operational list. Pictured at Williton on Friday 2nd December 2022 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week, but hopefully we can do the engine run and adjustments this coming weekend. 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – the team were busy on multiple fronts as usual, but one notable event was that the brake frame assembly was provided with compressed air from the depot system and this allowed the many pipes, valves and joints to be leak tested. The pressure was then increased to 110 psi (7.58 bar) to ensure that the safety device came into effect – which it did. Well done Team D9518 !

D9518 – the electrical cubicle was moved so that it could be cleaned and painted. Team members (L-R) Mike and Terry kindly provided the blue background which helped make the photo slightly less confusing. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – the electrical cubicle surfaces were prepared for painting by Colin G at Williton on 3rd December 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – one of the new side sheets was fitted by Andy P at Williton on 3rd December 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

D9518 – meanwhile, Simon P uncovered the reverser mechanism on the Hunslet final drive so that it could be cleaned and inspected before rigging up the pneumatic control. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

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

 

 

Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based on the Kent & East Sussex Railway and continues to see a decent amount of use, clocking up 47.5 hours in November. We expect that our ‘Teddy Bear’ will be back home at Williton by mid-January 2023.

 

Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco is receiving attention at the NYMR after it was discovered that her engine governor was reaching the point of failure. Luckily, we have a reconditioned spare part in stock, so it was made ready for despatch to get the loco back into service. This un-used spare was acquired along with the loco back in 2007, and carries warranty plates that show that the warranty expired in 2005 !

47077 – The governor controls the power output from the engine by matching the fuel supply to the load and regulating the engine speed to that required by the driver. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

47077 – they are hard to read but the plates on our un-used spare governor show that it was last overhauled in April 2004 and the warranty expired in April 2005. Pictured at Williton on 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – the torque converter on this little diesel-hydraulic locomotive uses diesel fuel as its hydraulic fluid, so it has a dedicated filter to ensure that that dirt and debris from the fuel tank does not find its way into the hydraulic circuit. However, this filter is of the cloth type and has certainly seen better days. The replacement that has been supplied by the same firm is of the more conventional cartridge type and will be much more effective as well as being easier to maintain.

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the torque converter fluid filter was found to be of the cloth type and was definitely in need of attention. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – the replacement that was supplied by the original equipment manufacturer is shown on the right and is of the cartridge element type. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 3rd December 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.

Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

 

 

BOOK REVIEW – we continue to have a very good uptake on this brand new book from well-known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS, which is the fifth volume in his very popular ‘BACKTRACKING AROUND’ series of ‘THEN & NOW’ studies, this time covering the lines around Plymouth, Looe, Liskeard and Bodmin, Wadebridge and Padstow.

This new book is offered for sale at £18.95 with all profits going to the D1010 Restoration Fund. We look forward to receiving and sharing a book review from a purchaser in the very near future.

 

We have also been busy preparing more of our pre-owned book stock for online sales in time for Christmas, so keep an eye on our pre-owned book page because we are updating it regularly (or trying to!).

 

The long-awaited DEPG 2023 CALENDAR is now in stock and we will start distributing it on Monday next week, so NOW IS THE TIME TO PLACE YOUR ORDER because we are only ordering the minimum number that will guarantee that all copies are sold. This allows us to keep the price the same as last year, which is £12 including VAT excluding postage. Click here or on the image above to place your order. Thank you to all of our contributors for allowing us to use their work for this important purpose.

Click this link for the animated version (displays via our website).

 

 

WILLITON STATION FUNDRAISING – our friends at our local WSR station have been busy making a range of embroidered Christmas cards, gift tags and decorations that will be of interest to many, as well as being a departure from what one would normally expect to find on the DEPG website !

Several of the items have been placed on our online store in the ‘Christmas Items‘ category. All monies raised from the sale of these items goes to Williton Station funds. Thank you for your support !

A selection of Christmas items that have been made by volunteers at Williton Station. Each item is for sale for £1.50 each at the Station or via the DEPG online store. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

ON SHED – continuing with a series of photographs that have been provided by Kelvin Lumb, we have a photo of D1009 ‘WESTERN INVADER’ at Cardiff Canton Depot in the summer of 1976, the last full year of Class 52 operations. Considering that the loco only had a handful of months left to run before being withdrawn from service on 10th November 1976, she is looking in remarkably good external condition. Can anyone tell us the reason why she didn’t make it into 1977 ?

Many thanks to Kelvin for sharing another item from his collection with us all.

Class 52 D1009 ‘WESTERN INVADER’ was stabled with engines running at CARDIFF CANTON in the summer of 1976 alongside an unidentified Class 37. The ‘Western was introduced to service on 24th September of 1962, just a few weeks before our own D1010, and worked for 14 years before being reduced to scrap at Swindon in 1978. Photo by Kelvin Lumb © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

 

DEPG NEWS – the November Newsletter #62 has been mailed (or emailed) along with the synopses of recent Board Meetings to all registered DEPG members. Please let us know if you have not yet received your copy. Thanks !

The roof of the OLD GOODS SHED at Williton has been fitted with fine mesh netting to protect against any loose slates from sliding off and falling to the ground. This temporary measure has allowed the scaffolding to be taken down while the project for the renovation and re-purposing of the 160-year-old Grade II listed building is going through the preliminary planning phase. The scaffolding will need to go back up at some point in the future, after the funding has been put in place, so that the repairs to the roof and the underlying timber structure can take place.

The ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ comes to a halt opposite the Old Goods Shed at Williton Station behind WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 on Saturday 3rd December 2022 as Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) bursts into life for an engine test run, the puff of blue smoke indicating a cold start. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

 

A very useful item that won’t break the bank is our new DEPG keyring LED torch, now in stock and selling for £2.50 with the option of five different colours. The aluminium body, simple on/off switch, swivel keyring, great brightness and replaceable batteries make this a decent purchase. Available from our online store.

 

 

IMPORTANT DATES for 2023:

WSR DIESEL GALA : Thursday 8th through Saturday 10th June 2023

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

 

 

Our new online membership system is working well and feedback has been very positive, but please be aware that WE STILL OFFER THE TRADITIONAL PAPER-BASED MEMBERSHIP via cheques and mail, available via this link. If you want a form mailed to you, just let me know or email our Membership Secretary CHRIS SHIELDS via members@depg.org

Of particular importance is the GIFT AID option. If you are a taxpayer, please consider setting your GIFT AID status to YES so that the DEPG can claim the tax that you paid on your subscription and/or donation. This increases the value of your payment by 25% and that makes a significant amount of difference to our fundraising. Thanks !

For our new online membership system, click here or on the image below and log in using your email address (no need to remember yet another password) to create a new membership or to check the details of your current membership. THANK YOU FOR SUPPORTING THE DEPG !

 

WSR NEWS: 

The WSR is operating the 2022 ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ trains which are steam hauled on the journey to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel hauled on the return leg, using (mostly) one of our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’. Also running are the ‘SANTA EXPRESS‘ services between Bishops Lydeard and Williton. 

Demand is strong so don’t leave it until later to make a booking. If you and/or your family or friends want to experience one or both of these events, then now is the time to make a booking. Click here for the events page on the WSR website or click on the images below.

 

   

Go to previous Weekly Roundup post