depgstaff

  • DIESELGEN – change to D7018 run date

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 digs in to the 1 in 75 gradient as she approaches Longlands Bridge on the climb from Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard on 7th August 2021. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The Diesel Traction Group’s (DTG’s) Class 52 D1015 ‘WESTERN CHAMPION’ will return to the mainline on the 25th September hauling ‘THE CHAMPION TORBAY EXPRESS’ from Gloucester to Kingswear and return, and this special event has naturally drawn the attention of many of our members and supporters, with the result that bookings on our Hymek-hauled ‘excursion’ that was scheduled for that same day are too low to make the run viable.

     

    The WSR has offered an alternative day, so we are now planning to run ‘Hymek’ D7018 on the same itinerary but on Saturday 16th October 2021 instead.

     

    If you have already made a booking for the 25th September run, we apologise for the inconvenience and we ask for your understanding. The WSR will be in touch with you soon to change your booking, so we hope to see you on 16th October instead.

     

    This news is ‘hot off the press’ so the WSR website has not yet been updated, but it will be updated ASAP. We look forward to seeing you at this rescheduled event. Thanks in advance!

     

    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 – 04-Sep-21

    Apologies for the roundup being late this week. This is because the Annual General Meeting of the DEPG took place last Saturday 4th September and a summary of that event was reported as a priority.

    For the roundup, let’s start with a reminder that this coming weekend will see the return of the very popular ‘1940s weekend‘ events on the WSR and as in previous years, the DEPG are delighted to be able to play a supporting role. This year, we will be providing our two Class 33 ‘Crompton’ diesel-electrics, D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) so please do try and get along to this event if you can. Click here for timetable details.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) is being “guarded” by Guard Steve Bailey at Crowcombe Heathfield station during the ‘1940s weekend’ event on 16th September 2018. Photo by John Blackmore © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We are also looking forward to our main event of this year, the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND that will take place on 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 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 arrives at Stogumber station during the ‘1940s weekend’ event on 14th September 2019. Photo by Sylvia Way © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 – this loco has been fitted with a set of calibrated fuel pumps and injectors and has undergone a 50-hour inspection, so she is now ready for action again at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY. The loco was given a short test run and the previous issue of temperature imbalance between the two banks of the Paxman ‘V6’ engine has been resolved. The swift corrective action protected the engine from possible damage and will allow volunteer Class 14 loco manager Simon and his team the chance to relax a little and put their focus back on D9518.

    Class 14 D9526 undergoing test running at Tenterden on the K&ESR on 4th September 2021 with the diminutive Class A1X ‘Terrier’ 2678 (aka ‘Knowle’, a former Minehead resident, but not on the WSR ….) alongside on a service train. Photo by Simon Purvis © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 D9526 (on the right) undergoes a 50-hour check at Tenterden on the K&ESR while sister loco D9504 (on the left) undergoes heavy maintenance 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. The latest indications are that the NYMR still want the loco and will most likely decide to move her by rail, but we do not have the date or route information yet. As soon as we do, 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 total contributions to this fund (as at the end of August) are approaching £6,000 comprising almost £3,000 from donations and £3,000 from specific D1010-related purchases from our online store. We are also holding several pledges of financial support that are contingent on progress being made with investigations, and the value of these pledges is more than £15,000 taking our fund-raising efforts towards £21,000 so we are making respectable progress.

    The work on the bodyside is moving along and we have not encountered any unexpected issues so far. The cab ends remain the areas where most of the welding work is required, but we are moving carefully to ensure that we do not create additional work for ourselves when cutting out the corroded metal. We are in the process of formulating a plan for the repair work. Meanwhile, as a guide to the internal structure below the outer skin, the ‘B’ end cab now carries a photo that was taken during the construction of the class at Crewe Works (the first 30 locomotives were built at Swindon, the remainder at Crewe):

    The ‘B’ end cab of D1010 now carries a photo showing the internal support structure of the locomotive, to provide guidance to our volunteers. Photo taken at Williton on 4th September 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    A photo showing the internal support structure of the D1000 series locomotives provides guidance to our volunteers. The photo was taken at Crewe Works in 1963 and was provided by member Phil Gray © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco has now moved from Williton to Bishops Lydeard to be ready for use during the forthcoming ‘1940s weekend’.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Bishops Lydeard, ready for use during the forthcoming ‘1940s weekend’.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting to replace the weak leaf spring. We are hoping to make a start on this work in late October/early November, depending on availability of space in the Swindon Shed.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – we are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund continue to build and are now approaching the £4,000 mark. This allows us to proceed with some of the subcontract specialist processes that are required for re-wheeling the frames and getting the loco mobile again.

    Meanwhile, progress continues on the reconstruction of the cab and the puzzle of the curved parts that we featured last week can now be explained by the following shot of the cab, showing the curved step that allows the cab door to open inwards.

    D9518’s cab entrance floor is formed by a temporary piece of plywood as the curved step gets welded into place at Williton on 4th September 2021. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s cab was moved out of the main shed at Williton on 4th September 2021 to allow the AGM to take place. This photo shows volunteer Colin F hard at work on the cab floor repairs. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s wheel sets were on the move at Williton on 4th September 2021 with the motive power provided by Martin Howard and John Leach. The quality of the NCB blue gloss paint finish is a testament to the meticulous work performed by Colin C. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s wheel sets are now fully restored in NCB blue and are ready for installation into the loco’s frames. Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 also enjoys the sunshine at Williton on 4th September 2021. Photo by Andy Royal © 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 undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.

    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 – we will skip this feature due to lack of time this week, but we can tell you that we have received further contributions to our stock of PRE-OWNED BOOKS and we now have  a temporary backlog of work to inspect them, photograph them and put them on our online store. All such books have been 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: this week, we have a change of theme as we feature a photo from regular contributor Alan Walker, showing North British Loco Co. Class 22 D6353 and Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymek’ D7074 stabled on the turntable roads at Old Oak Common depot near Paddington. Neither of these locos lasted very long in service, with the ’22’ being cut up when only 7 years old. The ‘Hymek’ almost made it to 10 years in service and then remained extant for another three years after withdrawal, lanquishing in the scrap line at Swindon.

    Class 22 D6353 and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7074 stabled on the turntable roads at Old Oak Common depot in the evening of Saturday 13th May 1967. Photo by Alan Walker © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Alan for sharing his photos with us.

     

    DEPG NEWS: Following the AGM that was held on the 4th September and has been reported separately, we can now focus on the remainder of our running season, the highlight of which is the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on 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: Our next new product will be the 2022 calendar, for which we have now received many high quality photos, so thank you very much if you have contributed. The calendar is at the printers and we hope to have it ready for sale at the Mixed Traction Weekend event. More news on this in the next roundup.

     

    WSR NEWS: The WSR are operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!

    Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !

    All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that all of the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.

     

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  • AGM report – 04-Sep-21

    DEPG members gather for the AGM at Williton on 4th September 2021 in the presence of WSR Assistant General Manager Kerry Noble while restoration work is paused on our flagship Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the DEPG took place as planned on 4th September 2021 at Williton Diesel Depot, where members gathered for the formal presentation by Chairman Martin Howard, Treasurer Julien Weston and Company Secretary Ian Robins. WSR Assistant General Manager Kerry Noble also attended to provide a very useful update of WSR news and progress, further cementing the close relationship between the railway and the DEPG.

    Martin delivered his Chairman’s report which started by telling members about the almost total collapse in mileage income in the year 2020, caused by the lack of running during that year and the subsequent impact on DEPG activities. He explained that the group had continued to make progress on several projects in between lockdowns and as a result, two locomotives have been hired out to other heritage railways for the 2021 season, with Class 14 D9526 on hire to the Kent & East Sussex Railway and Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ due to go out on hire to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (but temporarily stranded at Bishops Lydeard waiting for permission for onward transportation).

    DEPG Chairman Martin Howard addresses the AGM at Williton Diesel Depot on 4th September 2021. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    This left the DEPG with three operational locomotives, namely the two Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 and three locomotives undergoing overhaul, namely Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 and Class 14 D9518.

     

    The DEPG had also reached agreement with the WSR for a 10-year custodianship of their Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF Puriton No. 1) which was operational but undergoing bodywork repairs and a repaint into the deep bronze green livery that she carried when she entered service with the Royal Ordnance Factory at Puriton, Bridgwater in 1972. This loco will be used as the ‘yard pilot’ at Williton.

     

    Martin also explained about our current shortage of drivers and secondmen and gave news of a training course that had just started with 6 more volunteers to continue the flow of trainees to support diesel workings in future years.

    In his summary, Martin gave thanks to all of our volunteers, including those who work in the background providing all kinds of support to ensure that our primary activities can move forward. 

     

    Next to speak was Treasurer Julien, and he walked through the numbers and explained that although income from loco running fell to just over £1,000 in 2020, the group had raised £11,567 in donations and memberships, plus £20,000 from Grants, the total being sufficient to support overheads and allow selective spending on projects such as new springs for D7017. The Group had also been awarded a £15,000 bounce-back loan that was not being used but was being kept in reserve.

    Julien made the point that the DEPG has to cover all of its own costs by itself, unlike many other similar organisations on other railways, where the diesel facility running costs are covered by the railway. This means that if the WSR does not use the DEPG, then the DEPG has no cost impact on the WSR. This is good for the WSR at a time when they are seeking economies, but the DEPG still has to keep going somehow.

    The appeals that are running for D1010 and D9518 are essential to allow continued progress on these projects, and the hire income from D9526 and soon also 47077 will allow the DEPG to reduce its dependency on the WSR by diversification of income. The online store is another example of progress in this direction.

    The gathered members responded with a vote of thanks to Julien and the Board for keeping the Group on an even keel throughout the most difficult circumstances.

     

    It was then Ian’s turn to guide the formal processes of nominations for Board members, which resulted in the current Board members retaining their positions, leaving the Board unchanged as follows:

    Position Appointed Tenure
    Chairman Martin Howard Appointed for 1 year tenure
    Vice-Chairman Neil McCannon Appointed for 1 year tenure
    Treasurer Julien Weston Appointed for 1 year tenure
    Company Secretary Ian Robins Appointed for 1 year tenure
    Staff Representative Andy Royal Appointed for 3 year tenure
    Without Portfolio Paul Tucker Appointed last year for 3 years

     

    With the formal business concluded, it was time for the WSR‘s Kerry Noble to give a talk on the issues that have been faced by the WSR over the past year and the positive results being achieved from this summer’s running, where revenue has exceeded targets and, on some days, has exceeded loadings achieved in 2019 (when a lot more services were being provided).

    The forthcoming events being organised by the WSR will include DEPG diesels, starting with the 1940’s event next weekend, followed by the Mixed Traction event and the Steam Gala in October. The diesel-hauled excursion specials were also seen as a success, which bodes well for the future.

    Kerry ended by thanking the DEPG for their support and looked forward to working on the 2022 timetabling with the help and involvement of the DEPG. The gathered members responded with a round of applause and appreciation.


    The final act of the day was the auctioning of a painting that was donated by Wendy Howard and from which the DEPG is now offering a greeting card on its online store. The painting in acrylic was based on a photograph taken by Josh Brinsford and shows Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) approaching Williton Bridge with a crew refresher training special, on 1st May 2021.


    ‘D6575 down train approaching Williton in May 2021‘ painted by Wendy Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0 from a photograph by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DEPG Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell took the role of auctioneer and after some entertaining bidding, the painting was handed over to a member in return for a £50 donation to DEPG funds. Well done to Wendy and Josh for their roles in generating this useful contribution, both as a one-off and as an ongoing sales item.

     

    The usual weekly roundup will be a little late this week due to the need to cover the AGM, but please remember that this coming weekend will see the return of the the very popular ‘1940s weekend‘ events on the WSR and as in previous years, the DEPG are delighted to be able to play a small part, even though our locos were just a glint in their respective designer’s eyes during WW2. This year, the event will be supported by our two Class 33 ‘Crompton’ diesel-electrics, D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) so please do try and get along to this event if you can. Click here for timetable details.

     

    Also don’t forget to book in advance for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND that will take place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of September. This will be the WSR’s first true ‘hop-on-hop-off’ event since 2019 and will feature our two ‘Cromptons’ plus ‘Hymek’ D7018 and will include running to Norton Fitwarren in the afternoons. 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.

     

    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. Thanks ! Please help us and help the WSR make these diesel-hauled services a success by buying a ticket to ride !

    That’s all for this special report from the DEPG AGM, but keep a lookout for this week’s roundup!

     

     

  • DIESELGEN – MT weekend 17/18 Sept

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 arrives at Crowcombe Heathfield on 22nd June 2019 during the ‘Diesels to the Seaside 2019’ event on the West Somerset Railway. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The Gala Planning Team have now released the detailed timetables covering the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND of Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September and we can now share these details with our members and supporters.

    The working timetable for FRIDAY 17th SEPTEMBER 2021 is:

    The working timetable for SATURDAY 18th SEPTEMBER 2021 is:

    Note: L/E refers to Light Engine – these are not public services.

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

     

    The DEPG locos rostered for the event are Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 and Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057).

    The ‘Cromptons’ work to Norton Fitzwarren on the Friday afternoon and all three locos get their chance to work in that interesting section on the Saturday, all subject to their being no High Output Ballast Cleaner (HOBC) operations from Network Rail at that time (none are planned at the current time). 

    Additional photo opportunities are provided by running the last train of the day after sunset on the Saturday.

     

    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 – 29-Aug-21

    The weekend after next will see the return of the the very popular ‘1940s weekend‘ events on the WSR and as in previous years, the DEPG are delighted to be able to play a small part, even though our locos were just a glint in their respective designer’s eyes during WW2. This year, the event will be supported by our two Class 33 ‘Crompton’ diesel-electrics, D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) so please do try and get along to this event if you can. Click here for the 1940s WEEKEND timetable details.

    S&DJR Class 7F 2-8-0 53808 stands at Williton station on 13st September 2019 with a ‘wartime freight train’ as Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 stands in the South Yard. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) can just be seen in the distance in front of the Goods Shed and the boiler of GWR 4-6-0 7027 ‘THORNBURY CASTLE’ also gets into the picture, on the far right. Photo by Gordon Crook © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our projects continue to progress, as below, but the key news this week is the release of the timetables for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND that will take place on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th of September. This will be the WSR’s first true ‘hop-on-hop-off’ event since 2019 and will feature our two ‘Cromptons’ plus ‘Hymek’ D7018 and will include running to Norton Fitwarren in the afternoons. Here’s the outbound part of the timetables to whet your appetite (click the images to go to the WSR website timetable pages to keep up with any updates):

    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.

    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. Thanks ! Please help us and help the WSR make these diesel-hauled services a success by buying a ticket to ride !

     

     

    OTHER LOCO NEWS:

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco remains out of action at the KENT & EAST SUSSEX RAILWAY because of an issue with the fuel injection system. The spare fuel pumps and injectors have been sent from Williton to a specialist company for calibration and balancing, and will then be sent to the K&ESR for installation into the loco. Hopefully, this will resolve the issue and allow the loco to return to service.

     

    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. The latest indications are that the loco will now be moved by rail, but we do not have the date or route information yet. As soon as we do, it will be shared via a DIESELGEN bulletin.

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ remains in the bay platform, next to the signal box at Bishops Lydeard on 24th August 2021. Photo by Charlie Cox © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 already contributed to the fund to support the £100,000 restoration of D1010.

    Yesterday, the engine at ‘A’ end was started up as part of the investigation into an electrical sub-system issue that had prevented the engine from running during the ‘yard shunt’ in June. Although a temporary repair has been made to allow the engine to run, a permanent repair will be needed before the loco returns to service. Here’s a short video covering the engine run, thanks to Martin and Leroy for providing the video clips:

     

    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 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is stabled at Williton, ready for use during the forthcoming ‘1940s weekend’.

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is stabled at Bishops Lydeard, ready for use during the forthcoming ‘1940s weekend’.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week – this loco is waiting for its turn to go into the Swindon Shed for bogie disconnection and lifting to replace the weak leaf spring. We are hoping to make a start on this work in late October/early November, depending on availability of space in the Swindon Shed.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – after standing-in for a steam locomotive last weekend, this loco is at Williton and is being made ready for her next turn of duty which is planned for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND of Friday 17th and Saturday 18th September.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – we are very happy to report that donations to our D9518 restoration fund continue to build and as a result, the Board has approved the re-installation of the springs, hornguides and wheels. This specialised riveting and alignment work will be performed by WSR Restorations at the Swindon Shed, Williton.

    This week, attention has turned to the many parts required for the restoration of the cab assembly. Several edges of the sheet steel components have completely corroded away, making identification difficult. The parts being repaired in the below photos are from the cab door wells, where the cab doors open inward to reveal a step up to the cab floor above. The photos of the excellent work being done by Colin F will hopefully make more sense when we can show the repaired parts being re-fitted to the cab structure. 

    D9518’s heavily corroded cab door wells in obvious need of repair at Williton on 28th August 2021. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s cab door well metalwork replacement in progress at Williton on 28th August 2021. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s cab door wells repaired at Williton on 28th August 2021. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    In preparation for the rebuilding of the Paxman 6YJXL diesel engine, the ‘turnover’ stand has been cleaned up and painted in readiness for the V6 engine to be installed. This stand allows the three-tonne engine to be positioned securely and safely as it undergoes disassembly, inspection, repair and re-assembly. 

    D9518’s Paxman 6YJXL engine turnover stand cleaned and painted and ready for use at Williton on 10th August 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 undergoing bodywork repairs prior to priming and painting. The livery chosen for this loco will be the Government-standard (in 1972) deep bronze green that the loco carried during her days in service at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, Somerset.

     

    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 – long-term member and regular contributor Neale Long has brought our attention to a number of new books that should be of great interest to our readers. The titles are as follows, and we need readers to provide us with book reviews ASAP so that we can share opinions about these new publications. Here goes:

    Many thanks to Neale for bringing these books to our attention.

     

    Check out growing number of PRE-OWNED BOOKS that are available from our online store. All such books have been 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: last week, we asked readers to try and spot D9526 among a group of 10 Class 14’s on shed at Bury Bolton Street shed on the East Lancs Railway for the 50th anniversary of the introduction of the Class. Our own loco was fairly easy to spot because she was the only one wearing the logo of her previous owner, Blue Circle Industries, as in this photo below:

    Our D9526 carries the Blue Circle logo at Rawtenstall on the East Lancashire Railway on 24th July 2014. Photo by Simon Purvis © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Of the 56 locomotives produced by Swindon Works, all but 8 went on to work in industry after their short career on BR and many including our own D9518 and D9526 worked into the 1980’s doing hard labour in less than ideal settings.

    Many thanks to Simon for sharing his photos. If you were at the 50th anniversary bash and if you have a story to tell, then we would love to hear from you.

     

    DEPG NEWS: Following the success of the ‘excursion’ season so far, we can now focus on selling tickets for the fifth and final run, which takes place on Saturday 25th September with haulage from our Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 with an extension to Norton Fitzwarren on the return leg. The ticketing links for this service is below (this is a link to the WSR website):


    IN ADDITION TO THE ABOVE, our diesels will be in use for the ‘1940s WEEKEND‘ on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th of September and again for the MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND on 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. We will also be operating a diesel during the AUTUMN STEAM GALA (believe it or not!) on Friday 1st October and Saturday 2nd October (probably D7018). Mark the dates in you diary !

    Below are links to the WSR website:

           

     

    OTHER DEPG NEWS: Our Williton Diesel Depot will be the venue for the forthcoming Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the DEPG, taking place at 1430 this coming Saturday 4th September. Only fully paid-up members can vote at the AGM so please renew your membership online by clicking this link.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE: Our ONLINE SHOP IS NOW LIVE so go ahead and visit our store! Our next new product will be the 2022 calendar, for which we have now received many high quality photos, so thank you very much if you have contributed. We have made the selection and the calendar will be at the printers during the coming week.

     

    WSR NEWS: The WSR are now operating public services to Minehead via a connecting bus service between Dunster and Minehead, so please support these services by buying tickets to ride!

    Don’t forget to read about the WSR appeal by clicking this link – this appeal also needs our support because we need a thriving railway to run on !

    The WSR’s Class 03 shunter D2133 awaits its next shunting duty at Dunster West Sidings in the afternoon of Friday 27th August 2021. Photo by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 3.0

    All members of the WSR family have to do what we can to help and one easy way is to make a donation via the WSR website. Another way is to ensure that all of the timetabled services are a commercial success, so please buy a ticket if you can.

     

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