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  • DIESELGEN – D6575 covering for D7018 today 03-Oct-21

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 at Blue Anchor at the tail end of an ‘up’ service from Dunster to Norton Fitzwarren on Friday 1st October 2021 while BR(W) 4-6-0 7822 ‘FOXCOTE MANOR’  waits with a ‘down’ service to Dunster (for Minehead). Note the tail lamp hanging from the drawbar hook of the diesel. Photo by Steve Edge © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Apologies to ‘Hymek’ followers, but after two succesful days of supporting the home steam fleet at the AUTUMN STEAM GALA, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 has to give up her turn today due to an operational issue. Her place will be taken by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) on the top-and-tail steam-diesel working covering the full length of the line between Norton Fitzwarren and Dunster, as per the timetable below.

    The working timetable for SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2021 is:

    Note: B/F and T/F refer to ‘Bunker First’ and ‘Tender First’ in the case of the steam locos.

    The next (and last planned for this season) running opportunity for D7018 will be the ‘excursion’ special on Saturday 16th October 2021 where she will haul a service from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster, returning with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren. Both pre-booked and walk-up tickets are available for this event.

    We apologise for the disappointment today, but the good news is that the loco is OK and will run again on the 16th.

     

    If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Here are the links:

    BL: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-bl2.htm

    CH: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-ch1.htm

    WN: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-wn2.htm

    BA: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-ba1.htm

     

    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.

     

     

  • DIESELGEN – Autumn Steam Gala 01-03 Oct

    Class 33 ‘Crompton D6575 (33 057) arrives at Crowcombe Heathfield with a service to Dunster (for Minehead) on 18th September 2021 as GWR 2-6-2T ‘Large Prairie’ 5199 waits with the ‘up local’ from Williton to Norton Fitzwarren. Photo by Malcolm Anderson © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    To allow you to plan your visits and pick your photopgraphic locations, we can now release the detailed timetables covering the AUTUMN STEAM GALA of Friday 1st through Sunday 3rd October during which the home-based steam loco fleet will be supported by the DEPG’s Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018. Both locos will share a top-and-tail steam-diesel working covering the full length of the line between Norton Fitzwarren and Dunster (for Minehead), with the ‘Crompton’ covering the morning turns and the ‘Hymek’ covering the afternoon turns.

    The working timetable for FRIDAY 1st OCTOBER 2021 is:

    The working timetable for SATURDAY 2nd OCTOBER 2021 is:

    The working timetable for SUNDAY 3rd OCTOBER 2021 is:

    Note: B/F and T/F refer to ‘Bunker First’ and ‘Tender First’ in the case of the steam locos.

     

    Both D6575 (33 057) and D7018 will be hauling trains up the 3-mile incline from Norton Fitzwarren on several occasions throughout the event, and additional photo opportunities are provided by running the last train of the day (steam-hauled both ways) after sunset on the Saturday adding to what already promises to be a very interesting event.

     

    Please do your best to attend to support both the DEPG and the WSR at this event. We look forward to seeing you. Thanks in advance!

     

    Both pre-booked and walk-up tickets are available for this event.  

     

    If you are unable to attend, the webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Here are the links:

    BL: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-bl2.htm

    CH: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-ch1.htm

    WN: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-wn2.htm

    BA: http://www.wsr.org.uk/r-cam-ba1.htm

     

    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.

     

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 26-Sep-21

    This coming weekend is the AUTUMN STEAM GALA and we are delighted to be able to support this event by providing our Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7018 on all three days, Friday 1st, Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd October. The ‘Hymek’ will be working in ‘top-and-tail’ mode with WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 and the ‘Hymek’ will be hauling the train from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster (with bus connection to Minehead) with the ‘Mogul’ attached at the rear for hauling the train back to Bishops Lydeard. The ‘top-and-tailed’ service will extend to Norton Fitzwarren once on Friday afternoon and twice per day on Saturday and Sunday.

    Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7018 stands at Bishops Lydeard station with a service for Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 18th September 2021. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The unique WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 undergoes planned boiler maintenance at Minehead on 17th September 2021. This loco will be running ‘top-and-tail’ with ‘Hymek’ D7018 on all three days of the AUTUMN STEAM GALA. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    WSR timetable links for the three days are as below:

    Friday 1st October 2021 : https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/timetables/view/167

    Saturday 2nd October 2021 : https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/timetables/view/170

    Sunday 3rd October 2021 : https://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk/timetables/view/171

    Please try to attend and/or support this event if you can. Hopefully, the weather will also be supportive because the intensive timetabling will allow some great photo opportunities.

     

     

    The RAILCAM UK team have been busy posting videos on their YouTube channel using material that they gathered during the recent Mixed Traction Weekend. Their camera was mounted on the lamp bracket of the leading locomotive, so the journey from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster was filmed from the bufferbeam of BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’. The return journey and the extension to Norton Fitzwarren was filmed from Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and some very rare footage was filmed from sister loco D6566 (33 048) during her trip around the East Chord while she ran around her train at Norton Fitzwarren.

    Their videos have been separated into bite-sized chunks and are being released on a progressive basis between now and Friday 1st October. Visit their YouTube video page and choose the section of the line that interests you the most, then take a virtual ride by clicking on the relevant video.

    Some of their videos have already received more than 10,000 views and this is providing excellent exposure for the WSR and the supporting groups. DID YOU KNOW that the RAILCAM UK operation is entirely funded by subscribers, with no corporate sponsorship at all ? These webcams have to be bought, installed, maintained, managed and in many cases, the internet data service has to be provided as well, so hats off to these guys and their colleagues for making it all happen. JOIN THEM and subscribe to help them expand their activities for our further enjoyment.

     

     

    Last week, we covered the sad news about the engine mishap that prevented the Diesel Traction Group’s Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ from starring on a PATHFINDER RAILTOURS special from Eastleigh via Gloucester to Kingswear and return.  One man’s loss is another man’s gain, as the saying goes, and in this case it was the two GBRf-liveried Class 50s from the ‘Fifty Fund‘ that hauled the tour, which comprised a rake of 12 Mark 1 coaches. The 5,400 hp consist was captured at the start of the sea wall at Dawlish Warren, running exactly to time:

    English Electric Class 50 50007 ‘Hercules’ leads sister 50049 ‘Defiance’ at the head of the CHAMPION TORBAY EXPRESS on a dull Saturday 25th September 2021 as they roar past the camping coaches at Dawlish Warren. Photo by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – work continues on stripping the loose ‘Prestolith’ filler from the bodyside of the loco so that corrosion repairs can be made and the loco repainted. This is easier said than done on a locomotive of such dimensions and scraping can only be done for a while before fatigue sets in, so this task is going to take a while!

    D1010 bodyside showing multiple layers of paint on top of the ‘Prestolith’ filler (the grey layer) that dates back to 1962, when it was applied at Swindon Works to smooth the bodyside during loco construction. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 cab at ‘A’ end, devoid of route indicator boxes and marker lights to allow easy access to the inside of the cab structure. The peak above the cab window also needs attention but there is enough to do at the lower level to keep us busy for a while. Photo by Gordon Crook © 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 ‘Westerns’ 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 D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) – after doing some fine work during the Mixed Traction Weekend, this loco received some newly refurbished brake system components on Saturday and passed the subsequent brake test with flying colours. The loco remains ready for service if called upon. Here are some pictures:

    D6566 (33 048) driver’s brake valve was replaced with a refurbished part at Williton on 25th September 2021. The ‘reset’ button for the Automatic Warning System (AWS) can be seen in the foreground. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D6566 (33 048) automatic brake valve (sometimes referred to as the ‘triple valve’) replaced with a refurbished part at Williton on 25th September 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D6566 (33 048) brake valve timing blocks were replaced with refurbished parts at Williton on 25th September 2021. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) – this loco also performed really well during the Mixed Traction Weekend and remains at Bishops Lydeard as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco, on standby in case of any difficulties with the rostered locos.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco is waiting patiently for her turn in the ‘Swindon Shed’ where she needs to go over the pit for the bogies to be disconencted before the body gets lifted. This work is pencilled-in for the ‘work week’ that will take place in the first week of November, subject to space being available in the ‘Swindon Shed’.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco has been racking up the miles and bringing visitors from far and wide as she has performed on the ‘excursion’ specials and during the Mixed Traction Weekend already this year. Her next appearance is at the Autumn Steam Gala and she is also booked for the last ‘excursion’ special of the season that will run on Saturday 16th October. Please do try to come along for that event if you can. Tickets are available via this link or by clicking on the relevant ticket graphic below (these links are to the WSR website):

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continues apace on the restoration of this loco, with volunteers working on the frames and the cab structure in parallel. The repairs to the battery box have moved along to the stage where the extensively repaired box has now been bead blasted and painted in primer, allowing the team to move on to the second box and the various other parts.

    The rebuilt battery box for D9518 receives a coat of primer at Williton on 14th September 2021. Photo 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 – this loco is based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway for the rest of this year, where she is covering for sister loco D9504 who is undergoing heavy overhaul.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Unfortunately this running season has passed us by and the loco hasn’t been able to work (or earn). We really hope that this issue is resolved soon and the loco can move to the NYMR as planned.

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ remains at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard pending her move to the NYMR. Pictured on 17th September 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – last but not least, this little diesel-hydraulic loco developed an air leak that needed to be repaired before the loco could be used again, so this was dealt with on Saturday. Attention then moved to the engine governor override lever that is used when starting the engine. This lever is used to command the governor to admit more fuel, so it is basically a hand throttle that is used when getting the engine started from cold. At the far end of the lever, there is a pin that has sheared off, preventing the lever from functioning, so Neil and John C set about repairing it. This will take some time because it is quite inaccessible! 

    Andrew Barclay 578 engine governor override lever can be seen inside the yellow oval. The green START button is above and these two controls are used when starting the engine from cold. Photo taken at Williton on 25th September 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    BOOK REVIEW – this week, we have a book review report that has been provided by longtime member and regular contributor Neale Long, covering a new book entitled Liveries of The WR Diesel Hydraulics by Russell Saxton, published by Key Publishing (Britain’s Railways Series Volume 21).

    Here is Neale’s report:

    “In the latest of Key Publishings’ Britain’s Railways Series, Russell Saxton explores in detail all the liveries carried by British Rail’s Diesel Hydraulic fleet from 1958 to 1977. Illustrating all major and most minor variations in this 96 page A5 format book. 

    Russell has brought together an eclectic mix of mainly unpublished photographs to tell the story of the many livery variations found on all the Diesel Hydraulic locomotives. A short introduction sets the scene for six chapters:

    • D600 ‘Warships’
    • D800 ‘Warships’
    • The ‘Westerns’
    • Class 22
    • The ‘Hymeks’
    • Class 14

    Essentially the author succeeds in providing a detailed and accurate study of the many liveries carried by these much admired and missed locomotives. This being achieved through the use of 150 images and informative captioning, all of which make for a most useful reference for railway modeller and historian alike. Inevitably the classes which had greater livery variations i.e. classes 42/43 and 52 receive more detailed attention than those that didn’t, i.e. class 14, but that is a reflection of which classes lasted longer than others. The photographs pleasingly, for this reviewer, are wide ranging in location, so it’s good to see some images of D800’s in South Wales, an area not normally associated with the class, and on the Southern Region. The author’s efforts in searching out many previously unpublished photographs is to be commended and will surely be appreciated by the many diesel hydraulic enthusiasts. Just to whet the appetite, a  couple of gems I’ve picked out are the photograph of a maroon half yellow D1042 Western Princess backing on to 1V95 1725 Manchester Piccadilly – Cardiff, a service viewed at Gloucester by the reviewer on many occasions, and a Derek Jones photograph of four class 22’s lined up on Gloucester Horton Road Depot, again something this reviewer well recalls.

    It would of course be remiss of me not to mention a couple of illustrations of the Group’s locomotives, there are cabside close up photographs of both D7017 and D7018, the former illustrating the removed alloy numbers and their replacement by vinyl numbers and the latter illustrating the chalked ‘NB’ indicating an inactive train heating boiler. Additionally, D9518 is illustrated behind fellow class member D9514 on Gloucester Horton Road Depot .

    Overall, I can recommend this publication to all modern traction enthusiasts whether diesel hydraulic enthusiasts or not. Noticeable too is the general improvement in photographic reproduction from earlier volumes. Retailing at £15.99, this represents good value and a worthy addition to any modern traction enthusiasts library.”

     

    Many thanks to Neale for providing us with this review.

     

    While on the subject of publications, the DEPG 2022 CALENDAR is now available in our trademark glossy A3 landscape format. Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year:

    There is an animated video on our website that steps through the calendar month-by-month so CLICK HERE to view the animation.

    We have been able to keep the price the same as last year, so the calendar will again cost the princely sum of £1 per month, so we think that is a bargain that is not to be missed. Click here to order your copy while stocks last.

     

     

    DEPG NEWS – we are very pleased to announce that a new secondman course has started under the expert guidance of John Leach, and we currently have all six available places filled and training is in progress. We have been short of train crew all year so it is very encouraging to see new faces learning the route and studying the rule book with a view to becoming passed secondmen then training for driving positions. Many thanks also to John for his willingness to share his vast knowledge for the benefit of others.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE: We have to report that online sales in the month of September have been DISMAL, maybe because of the number of galas at which the various preservation groups were busy selling their wares for their own fundraising purposes, all of which is commendable. However, it leaves us with little income from our store this month, so please TAKE A LOOK and BUY SOMETHING so that we can have some income as well. Apologies for being blunt, but we now have our new 2022 CALENDAR and the newly-added PRE-OWNED BOOKS (there are plenty more yet to be added so keep an eye on this product category) and much more. Thanks in advance !

     

    WSR NEWS: The latest edition of the WSR’s ‘THE PLATFORM’ newsletter has been released and includes plenty of news from all around the railway, including information about the Seaward Way Level Crossing project. It was also great to read that Ryan Pope and Rich Hiscox have both been promoted in recognition of their knowledge, skills and hard work on all kinds of projects over the years, so well done guys !

    Here’s a link to ‘THE PLATFORM’ on the WSR website (click on the image below):

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 19-Sep-21

    Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September saw the return of gala-style running on the West Somerset Railway during the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND that involved our ‘Hymek’ D7018 plus our two Class 33 ‘Cromptons D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) along with steam in the form of BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ and GWR 2-6-2T 5199 operating an intense timetable that kept the line busy and brought back the feel of previous galas.

    Each day included trips along the full length of the line, from Norton Fitzwarren (the junction with the Bristol to Exeter main line) to Minehead, some 23 miles distant, but with the last mile and a half being operated by a fleet of heritage buses (some open top, some accessible). The last section of the line is currently closed due to upgrading of the Seaward Way level crossing, so to keep the schedule brisk during these two days, each train serving Dunster was ‘top-and-tailed’ to allow a quick turnaround.

    BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ at the head of the 1230 departure from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster which will then connect with a heritage bus service to Minehead. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) at the tail of the 1230 departure from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster to allow a quick turnaround at Dunster. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The ‘Top-and-Tailed’ services provided plenty of photo opportunities for locos to be side by side at the platforms – here are some of those unusual views:

    A ‘Type 3’ gathering with Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) on the left (the ‘up’ direction towards Bishops Lydeard) and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 on the right (the ‘down’ direction towards Minehead) at Blue Anchor on 17th September 2021. Photo by Barrie Childs © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) is at the tail end of the 1230 service to Dunster on Saturday 18th September 2021 as sister loco D6566 (33 048) prepares to depart with the 1225 service to Norton Fitzwarren. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The services that were not ‘top and tailed’ did not go beyond Blue Anchor, thereby allowing the train loco to run around to haul the train back toward Bishops Lydeard, and in most cases continued to Norton Fitzwarren where the loco again detached to run around using the East Chord (marked as ‘East’ in the diagram below):

    Map 10, Dene Bridge to Norton Fitzwarren, an extract from the WSR Rule Book Maps as displayed on the wsr.org.uk website © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 leaves the platform at Norton Fitzwarren to run around her train via Barnstaple Junction then the East Chord to Allerford Junction then back on to her train at the platform on 18th September 2021. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    For more pictures from this event, follow this link to the wsr.org.uk website picture page: http://cgibin.wsr.org.uk/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?h=The+Mixed+Traction+Weekend+2021&t=mtw2021pix

     

    The webcams were very heavily patronised during the two day and we were very pleased to have the guys from RAILCAM UK along with us for both days, providing live streaming video (where 4G signal strength allowed it) and capturing video for the whole length of the line (from Norton Fitzwarren to Dunster) using their lamp-bracket-mounted camera, visible in the photograph below:

    The RAILCAM UK team Jamie, Andrew and Mike (clockwise from the left) alongside their remote-controlled camera that was mounted on the lamp bracket of BR(W) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ for the journey from Bishops Lydeard to Dunster on 18th September 2021. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The RAILCAM UK team travelled the length of the line on Friday and Saturday and also visited the engineering facilities at Minehead and Williton. Their work was live streamed to thousands of people, many of whom were not able to visit the event in person but were able to participate via the Railcam YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/RailcamUKLive

    Go to their channel and scroll down to see the multitude of videos of the event that have been posted, some with more than 10,000 views already ! This is excellent exposure for the WSR and has ensured that tens of thousands of people will be aware of the work that has been and is being done to bring the WSR back to the forefront of the heritage railway sector. Many thanks to all who helped to make their visit a success !

    DID YOU KNOW that the RAILCAM UK operation is entirely funded by subscribers, with no corporate sponsorship at all ? These webcams have to be bought, installed, maintained, managed and in many cases, the internet data service has to be provided as well, so hats off to these guys and their colleagues for making it all happen. JOIN THEM and subscribe to help them expand their activities for our further enjoyment.

     

    WELL DONE to all who planned, prepared and delivered this excellent and enjoyable event, which ran ON TIME and without any technical hitches. Thanks also to those who bought a ticket or merchandise and in doing so contributed to the success of the event !

     

    Now for the sad news – last week, we announced that we changed the date of the next ‘Hymek’-hauled service from Saturday 25th September to Saturday 16th October to prevent a clash with the return to mainline running of the Diesel Traction Group’s Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ on a PATHFINDER RAILTOURS special from Eastleigh via Gloucester to Kingswear and return.

    Sadly, this magnificent machine developed engine trouble that resulted in an engine seizure after successfully hauling a cement train on a test run on the mainline between Avonmouth and Gloucester, the sight of which was an absolute treat in itself.

    Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ leading a GBRf Class 66 (66719) on the climb at Brentry Bank, Bristol when working the 6M42 0920 Avonmouth to Penyffordd cement working on 16th September 2021 as part of a mainline test run which sadly resulted in damage to one of her Bristol-Siddeley Maybach MD655 engines. The Class 52 worked the freight as far as Gloucester. Photo by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The DEPG joins with ‘Western’ and ‘hydraulic’ fans all over the country in expressing our support for all of our friends at the DTG who must be going through agony after suffering this setback. We feel their pain – but we all need to look beyond this, to look forward to the day when we see D1015 in her rightful place, back out on the mainline once again.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Given the efforts of the last few days, we won’t have time for a detailed roundup of loco news this week, but we will be back to normal format in time for next weekend. Rest assured that progress is still being made in the background.

     

    BOOK REVIEW – As announced last week, the DEPG 2022 CALENDAR is now available and the first copies will be mailed out during this coming week. Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year:

    There is an animated video on our website that steps through the calendar month-by-month so CLICK HERE to view the animation.

    We have been able to keep the price the same as last year, so the calendar will again cost the princely sum of £1 per month, so we think that is a bargain that is not to be missed. Click here to order your copy while stocks last.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE: Now updated with the new 2022 CALENDAR and the newly-added PRE-OWNED BOOKS (there are plenty more yet to be added so keep an eye on this product category).

     

    WSR NEWS: The next event that is coming up in two weeks time is the AUTUMN STEAM GALA during which we will be providing our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 in support of the four steam locos that will be operating a 3-day gala schedule. This will be another opportunity to enjoy haulage behind D7018 before her final scheduled run of 2021 that will take place on Saturday 16th October (re-scheduled from the 25th September).

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 12-Sep-21

    The major event this week has been the ‘1940s weekend‘ during which we provided our Class 33 ‘Cromptons D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) operating in Top-and-Tail mode for the ‘Watchet Shuttle’ services that have operated four times each day between Bishops Lydeard, Watchet and return. When combined with the steam-hauled trains that worked through Watchet to Dunster (with heritage bus connections to Minehead), it gave visitors seven opportunities per day to get to Watchet to enjoy the 1940s-themed displays and stalls.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) leads the shuttle service towards Watchet on 11th September 2021 as sister loco D6566 (33 048) goes along for the ride. The ‘tail-end charlie’ will haul the working back to Bishops Lydeard. ‘Hymek’ sisters D7017 and D7018 hide behind the decorated fence. Image capture by Railcam UK and the WSR ©

    Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services !

    The webcams showed that the event was well patronised without being over crowded and the weather also co-operated, which made for a very pleasant day out by the seaside:

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) rounds the corner at Splash Point with the shuttle service to Watchet on 11th September 2021 with sister loco D6566 (33 048) at the rear to provide the motive power for the journey back to Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Keith Fender © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    WELL DONE to all who planned, prepared and operated the various attractions that were spaced out along the line and stayed late to tidy up afterwards. Thanks also to those who bought a ticket or merchandise and contributed to the success of the event !

     

    We are now looking forward to our main event of this year, the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND that will take place on this coming Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of September. This will feature our two ‘Cromptons’ plus ‘Hymek’ D7018 and will include running to Norton Fitwarren in the afternoons. Here’s a link to the detailed timetables, as posted in a recent DIESELGEN bulletin. The timetabling is quite intense and has plenty of interest for fans of both types of traction, so please do try and come along to support the event if you can.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) leads sister loco D6566 (33 048) on the climb out of Williton towards Crowcombe Heathfield on an empty stock positioning move on 2nd November 2020. The Mixed Traction Weekend also features double-headed ‘Cromptons’ on the 1545 from Norton Fitzwarren to Dunster and return on Friday afternoon 17th September. Photo by Peter Nicholson © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    An important point regarding our fifth and final diesel-hauled ‘excursion‘ that was planned for 25th September this year; we have had to change the date of this ‘Hymek’-hauled service to Saturday 16th October because the return to mainline running of the Diesel Traction Group’s Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ has been scheduled for the 25th September, with a PATHFINDER RAILTOURS special from Eastleigh via Gloucester to Kingswear and return.

    We know that many of our members and regular supporters will be either riding behind or watching this magnificent loco as she returns to the mainline after a long absence, so we cannot operate a viable service on the same day.

    If you have already booked tickets for the ‘Hymek’-hauled ‘excursion’ on the 25th, the WSR ticket office will be in touch with you soon. We thank you for your support and offer our apologies for the change of date and ask for your understanding. We hope that you will be able to join us on the 16th October instead.

     

    A very big THANK YOU to all who have bought and are buying tickets in support of our 2021 diesel-hauled services, and an equally big thank you to all of the volunteers who have been and are involved in putting on the shows !

     

    If you have a question, please reply to this email or fill in the contact form on our website. Please help us and help the WSR make these diesel-hauled services a success by buying a ticket to ride !

     

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as a correction to the information that was included in the previous roundup; the pair of calibrated fuel pumps have not yet been fitted to the loco because they were not available in time, but a complete set of overhauled injectors were fitted to the loco at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY last weekend. The fuel pumps will be fitted at the next opportunity.

    Class 14 D9526 is safe and sound inside the carriage shed at Tenterden on the K&ESR on 2nd September 2021 while resident D9504 undergoes preparation for a heavy overhaul alongside. Photo by Simon Purvis © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – our ‘celebrity’ remains marooned at Bishops Lydeard because of delays in obtaining permission for her oversize road haulage move from Bishops Lydeard to Pickering on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. We are still waiting for the date and route information. As soon as we know, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.

     

     

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we continue to receive donations towards the restoration of this much-loved loco and we would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the fund to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010.

    Our attention remains fixed to making progress with the bodywork repairs so the various grilles and vents were inspected over the weekend and a list of required repairs was drawn up. Work continues on the removal of loose filler on the side that was not restored during the loco’s time at Didcot. We intend to restore the bodywork in sections and paint the loco in undercoat, pending an overall gloss coat upon completion of all other work.

    Meanwhile, arrangements are being made for the ‘B’ end Voith L630rV transmission converter rail to be sent to a specialist firm for separation and internal inspection. More on this exciting news at a later date when the arrangements have been firmed up.

    We intend to raise £100,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

    After selecting a donation link, you will then be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you want to donate. Please remember to select the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D1010 Restoration Appeal !

     

    In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ 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 D1010 to full operational condition.

     

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change expected until our Autumn Work Week (30-Oct through 07-Nov) which is when we hope to start on the bogie spring change project.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is ready for the Mixed Traction weekend 17-18 September.

     

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – we are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund continue to build and we would like to say a big THANK YOU to all who have contributed to the fund to support the £10,000 restoration of D9518.

    Our Class 14 team are making significant progress on several fronts as can be seen from the photos below:

    D9518’s restored battery box is now ready for primer and undercoat at Williton on 11th September 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s corroded cab door frame was repaired by Colin F on 11th Setember 2021 and is now ready for priming and undercoat. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s electrical cubicle is undergoing careful and thorough restoration at Williton in the hands of John C. Photo taken on 11th September 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s frames are in the Swindon Shed at Williton and are seen undergoing preparation for a repaint with work being progressed by long-time member and volunteer Andy P on 11th September 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We intend to raise £10,000 for the whole restoration project so please help us by using one of the below links to make a donation:

    After selecting a donation link, you will then be able to use the quantity buttons to select the precise value that you want to donate. Please remember to select the GiftAid option if you are eligible because this will give us a 20% boost via a contribution from HM Government. Thank you very much for supporting the D9518 Restoration Appeal !

    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 operational condition – and see her haul passenger coaches for the first time in her life!

     

    Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) – this loco is receiving attention for an air circuit fault that is preventing the main reservoir from charging. More news will be provided on this issue when fault-finding progresses.

     

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are hard at work cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

    BOOK REVIEW – it may not be a book but it is printed, so we will cover it under this heading! We are pleased to announce that the DEPG 2022 CALENDAR is at the printers and we hope to receive quantities this week, in time for the Mixed Traction Weekend event. Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year:

    Here is an animated video that steps through the calendar month-by-month:

     

    We have been able to keep the price the same as last year, so the calendar will again cost the princely sum of £1 per month, so we think that is a bargain that is not to be missed. Click here to order your copy while stocks last.

     

    We have now added some of the donated PRE-OWNED BOOKS to our online store, so take a look at these newly-added titles in case they are missing from your collection:

    Title Author Price Notes
    The Power of THE 50s John Vaughan £10 Some marks on jacket
    I tried to run a railway Gerard Fiennes £10 Second edition 2016, as new
    British Railways Stinks Dave Smith and colleagues £10 2019, as new
    BREL Locomotive Works John Vaughan £10 Faded spine, otherwise fine
    Diesels on the Regions – LMR Gavin Morrison £10 Faded spine, otherwise fine
    The Western Class 52s Norman Preedy £12.50 2015, as-new
    The Class 47 Years Bernard Mills £12.50 2017, as new
    British Rail Main Line Locomotives Pip Dunn £20 2013, as new
    Class 50 Life and Times Colin J Marsden £20 1991, but in brand new condition

    All of these books have been kindly donated by members and supporters and ALL PROCEEDS from the sale of pre-owned books goes directly to the D1010 restoration fund. Please reply to this email or use our contact form if you have books that you would like to donate. We welcome your donations!

     

    ON SHED: we will need to skip this feature this week, but we hope to include it again next week.

     

    DEPG NEWS: We can now focus on the remainder of our running season, the highlight of which is the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND this Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September. This running opportunity will feature an extension to Norton Fitzwarren to provide both additional mileage and additional interest from this little-used section of the line and also includes an evening journey to Blue Anchor and back behind D7018. This is our big event of this year and we will have a sales stand at Bishops Lydeard and at Williton, so PLEASE COME ALONG AND SUPPORT US AND THE WSR !

     

    DEPG WEBSITE: Now updated with the new 2022 CALENDAR and the newly-added PRE-OWNED BOOKS (there are plenty more yet to be added, so keep an eye on this product category).

     

    WSR NEWS: The Chairman of the WSR, Jonathan Jones-Pratt, has written to all staff and volunteers thanking them for their massive contribution in delivering a successful summer season so far, with the main events of the season still to come, namely the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND and the AUTUMN STEAM GALA.

    This is great news and provides encouragement and further motivation to all those across the whole WSR family of organisations who have been working so hard to overcome the constant challenges of the last year or two. Well done to all !

     

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