DIESELGEN

  • DIESELGEN – Thursday 04-Sep-25

    On Sunday 20th July 2025, D9526 worked the 10:15 Bishops Lydeard to Minehead service and the associated 80-mile diagram. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Steven Beale © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The substitution of steam traction with diesel during the first week of the September has resulted in the need to roster several DEPG locomotives to share duties under the BLUE TIMETABLE.

    On Thursday 4th September, the following traction will be employed:

    • Class 14 D9526 on the 10:15 Bishops Lydeard (BL) service and the 12:20 return from Minehead (MD).
    • Class 33 D6575 (33057) on the 10:00 MD service and subsequent 80-mile diagram.
    • Class 33 D6566 (33048) on the 14:25 BL service and 16:35 return from MD.

     

    For positioning purposes, D9526 will run ‘Light Engine’ (LE) from Williton (WN) to take up her duties at BL, departing WN at 09:20 and will return LE to WN, departing from BL at 13:50

    Please come along and enjoy a diesel day out on the West Somerset Railway !

     

     

     

    Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

    Go to the Diesel Running Dates page

    Go to the About us page

    Go to the Home page

     

  • DIESELGEN – HYMEK 50 WEEKEND 30/31 AUG

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was leading D7018 through Stogumber en route to Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 28th August 2025 to take up position for the HYMEK 50 WEEKEND event that takes place on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August. Photo by Steve Lewis © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    LATEST UPDATE: The HYMEK 50 WEEKEND is now an all-diesel event with TWO Class 35 ‘HYMEKS’ D7017 and D7018 plus the substitution of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) for the steam loco that was rostered for the 10:15 departure from Bishops Lydeard and the subsequent 80-mile diagram. Here’s a summary of workings (applies to both days):

    • D7017 departs Bishops Lydeard (BL) at 0825 for Minehead (MD)
    • D7017 departs MD for BL at 1000
    • D6566 departs BL for MD at 1015
    • D6566 departs MD for BL at 1220
    • D7017 and D7018 depart BL for MD at 1225
    • D7018 and D7017 depart MD for BL at 1420
    • D6566 departs BL for MD at 1425
    • D6566 departs MD for BL at 1635
    • D7018 departs BL for MD at 1640
    • D7018 departs MD for BL at 1830

     

     

    Timetables are available by clicking this link and tickets for this event are available from the WSR by clicking this link. Standard ticketing applies.

    We look forward to seeing you on board our 50th anniversary diesel-hauled services on Saturday 30th and/or Sunday 31st August !

     

    We will have plenty of our new D7017 booklets available for sale, these are also available from our online store by clicking this link or by clicking on the image below:

     

    Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

    Go to the Diesel Running Dates page

    Go to the About us page

    Go to the Home page

     

  • DIESELGEN – Wed/Thu 27/28-Aug-25

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was attached to the head of the 10:00 Minehead to Bishops Lydeard service that was being worked by D6575 (33057) at Williton on Sunday 24th August 2025. The pair worked in multiple (with a single crew) to Bishops Lydeard where D6566 (33048) was required to stand in for a steam loco on the ‘Quantock Belle‘ dining service. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The continued spell of warm and dry weather has resulted in a decision to substitute diesel for steam traction for the last two days of the peak summer YELLOW TIMETABLE.

    On Wednesday 27th and Thursday 28th August, the following traction will be employed:

    • Class 33 D6575 (33057) on the 10:00 Minehead service and subsequent 80-mile diagram
    • Class 33 D6566 (33048) on the 10:15 Bishops Lydeard service and subsequent 80-mile diagram
    • Class 115 DMU on the 10:55 Bishops Lydeard service and subsequent 40-mile diagram

     

    Please do try to come along and enjoy a diesel day out on the West Somerset Railway !

     

    And a reminder for this coming weekend:

    After undergoing an extensive bodywork overhaul at the WSR’s Minehead engineering workshop, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 has now been ‘outshopped’ and will join her sister D7018 for her RETURN TO SERVICE on SATURDAY 30th AUGUST.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 returned to Williton on Thursday 15th August 2025 after a 10-month spell at Minehead undergoing a thorough bodywork overhaul and a repaint into the early BR-blue livery that was carried by some ‘Hymeks’ before the rules of standardisation were enforced. Photo by Linda Trott © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    MANY THANKS to all who have donated to and carried out the work on D7017 to restore her to the standard that we see today.

     

    To celebrate the 50th anniversary of D7017 and D7018 entering preservation, both locos will be in use on SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 30/31 AUGUST working separately and together on an enhanced timetable that includes early and late services originating at Bishops Lydeard, with 120 miles of ‘Hymek’ haulage available each day, 40 miles of which will be DOUBLE HEADED.

    Timetables and tickets for this event are available from the WSR by clicking this link.

     

    We look forward to seeing you on board our 50th anniversary train on Saturday 30th and/or Sunday 31st August !

     

    We will have plenty of our new D7017 booklets available for sale on the trains, these are also available from our online store by clicking this link or by clicking on the image below:

     

    Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

    Go to the Diesel Running Dates page

    Go to the About us page

    Go to the Home page

     

  • DIESELGEN – HYMEK weekend 30/31 Aug

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 was ‘outshopped’ from Minehead Works on Thursday 14th August 2025 upon completion of her bodywork overhaul, wearing the early BR-blue livery with small yellow warning panels and carrying the D+EG logo as she did when she entered preservation in 1975. Photo by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    After undergoing an extensive bodywork overhaul at the WSR’s Minehead engineering workshop, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 has now been ‘outshopped’ and has returned to Williton where she will undergo preparation and join her sister D7018 for her RETURN TO SERVICE on SATURDAY 30th AUGUST.

     

    MANY THANKS to all who have donated to and carried out the work on D7017 to restore her to the standard that we see today.

     

    To celebrate the 50th anniversary of D7017 and D7018 entering preservation, both locos will be in use on SATURDAY AND SUNDAY 30/31 AUGUST working separately and together on an enhanced timetable that includes early and late services originating at Bishops Lydeard, with 120 miles of ‘Hymek’ haulage availble each day, 40 miles of which will be DOUBLE HEADED.

    Here are the detailed timetables (click on the images to download them):

     

     

    Tickets for this event are available from the WSR by clicking this link.

     

    We look forward to seeing you on board our 50th anniversary train on Saturday 30th and/or Sunday 31st August !

     

    We will have plenty of our new D7017 booklets available for sale on the trains, these are also available from our online store by clicking this link or by clicking on the image below:

     

    Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

    Go to the Diesel Running Dates page

    Go to the About us page

    Go to the Home page

     

  • DIESELGEN – 09-Aug-25

    D6566 (33048) was in use on the diagram that started at Bishops Lydeard on the weekend of 5th/6th of July 2025, and was pictured on the Saturday during the Williton Station stop. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The motive power allocation for SATURDAY 9th AUGUST has now been firmed up and will include Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) working alone on the diagram that starts at Minehead at 10:00 and Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 working in support of a steam locomotive on the diagram that starts from Bishops Lydeard at 10:15 under the BLUE timetable.

    Although Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 is in full working order and is ready for use, we do not have a driver available, so apologies for not being able to offer any ‘Maybach Music’ this weekend.

    During the coming week, diesel power will be in use supporting steam (subject to driver availability) under the YELLOW timetable, which also sees the WSR’s Class 115 DMU in action on a 40-mile diagram starting from Bishops Lydeard at 10:55

     

    Just a reminder, Saturday 16th August is all-steam although diesels may be assisting, depending on the weather conditions. Class 33 D6566 (33048) will work the Minehead diagram on Sunday 17th.

     

    The next scheduled running days for Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 will be Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August to acknowledge 50 YEARS of ‘HYMEK’ PRESERVATION. Details of this event will be announced next week.

     

    The timetable is under constant review due to the ongoing dry weather and will be adjusted as circumstances require. We will try to keep up and issue DIESELGEN bulletins as soon as we can following receipt of the information.

     

    Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

     

  • DIESELGEN – 24-Jul-25

    An unusual shot of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 passing over Leighwood Crossing (between Crowcombe Heathfield and Stogumber) en route to Minehead on Saturday 17th May 2025. Photo by Kiru Cross © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The motive power allocations for Thursday 24th July have had to be revised following the temporary withdrawal of Class 14 D9526 for an investigation into an engine issue and the substitution of Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 in the role of assisting the steam loco. The ‘Hymek’ will assist steam loco 9351 on the afternoon workings that depart from Bishops Lydeard at 1425 and return from Minehead at 1635.

    As a positioning move, the Hymek’ will run ‘Light Engine’ (LE) from Williton to Bishops Lydeard, departing Williton at 1340. After completion of the booked duties, the loco will return LE to Williton, arriving at 1835.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) will be working the diagram that starts from Minehead at 10:00 and will be assisting steam loco 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ on the afternoon workings that depart from Minehead at 1420 and return from Bishops Lydeard at 1640.

     

    The timetable is under constant review and will be adjusted as circumstances require. We will try to keep up and issue DIESELGEN bulletins as soon as we can following receipt of the information.

     

    Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

     

  • Dieselgen – 22/23/24-Jul-25

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was pictured leading visiting 4-6-0 ‘Saint’ 2999 ‘Lady of Legend’ and the Class 115 DMU out of Minehead during the Mixed Traction Day, Sunday 8th June 2025. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The motive power allocations for the BLUE TIMETABLE services that are planned for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week have now been defined, the objective of the change being to mitigate the risk of lineside fires by using diesel assistance. This reduces the chances of hot cinders being emitted from the chimney of the steam loco by reducing the need for it to work so hard.

    As the steam locomotives are the prime attractions for the majority of visitors to the line, the WSR has scaled back the level of service for 22-24 July from the Yellow to the Blue Timetable, but keeping one steam locomotive in service with a diesel loco assisting.

    The steam and diesel combination will work the diagram that starts at Bishops Lydeard at 10:15 with WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 in charge of the train and with Class 14 D9526 coupled at the rear to assist. The ’14’ will remain at the Taunton end, so the return leg will have steam leading and diesel coupled behind.

    The 10:00 departure from Minehead and the subsequent diagram will be worked by the DMU on Tuesday and Thursday and by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) on Thursday.

    The timetable is under constant review and will be adjusted as circumstances require, but as at the time of writing (Monday 21st July at 1700), the plan is as follows:

    Day and Date Timetable Locomotives allocated
    Tuesday 22nd July Yellow BLUE timetable

    Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the BL diagram, DMU on the MD diagram.

    Wednesday 23rd July

     

    		 Yellow BLUE timetable Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the BL diagram, Class 33 D6566 (33048) on the MD diagram

    Thursday 24th July

     

    		 Yellow BLUE timetable Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the BL diagram, DMU on the MD diagram.
    Friday 25th July No public services  

    Where BL = Bishops Lydeard   MD = Minehead   DMU = Diesel Multiple Unit

     

    This pattern may be continued through the following week if the hot weather persists. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

     

  • DIESELGEN – 19-24th July 2025

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on Tuesday 15th July 2025 while supporting WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 on the midweek BLUE timetable services. Photo by Jo Ward © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The motive power allocations for the BLUE TIMETABLE services that are planned for Saturday through Thursday of the coming week have now been defined. Diesels will be predominant this weekend, but given that the steam locomotives are the prime attractions for the majority of visitors to the line, the WSR plans to operate an all-steam service midweek, based on the forecast wet weather reducing the fire risk.

    Steam loco 9351 and Class 14 D9526 will both work the diagram that starts at Bishops Lydeard at 10:15 on Saturday 19th July and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) will be working the diagram that starts from Minehead at 10:00.

    On Sunday 20th July, the service is entirely diesel-hauled. Class 14 D9526 will work the Bishops Lydeard diagram and Class 33 D6566 (33048) will work the Minehead diagram.

    The timetable is under constant review and will be adjusted as circumstances require, but as at the time of writing (Friday 18th July at 1600, updated at 1730), the plan is as follows:

    Day and Date Timetable Locomotives allocated
    Saturday 19th July BLUE timetable

    Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the BL diagram.

    Class 33 D6566 (33048) on the MD diagram.

    Incoming main line charter with ‘Black Five’ 45212 leading and Class 47 47812 (D1916, 47239, 47657) at the rear (due to arrive MD at 1245, departing at 1525).
    Sunday 20th July BLUE timetable

    Class 14 D9526 on the BL diagram.

    Class 33 D6566 (33048) on the MD diagram.
    Monday 21st July No public services  
    Tuesday 15th July Yellow BLUE timetable

    All steam

    Wednesday 16th July

    		 Yellow BLUE timetable All steam

    Thursday 17th July

    		 Yellow BLUE timetable All steam
    Friday 18th July No public services  

    Where BL = Bishops Lydeard   MD = Minehead   DMU = Diesel Multiple Unit

     

    Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

     

  • DIESELGEN – 15/16/17-Jul-25

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was pictured leading WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 and the Class 115 DMU at Woolston Moor on Sunday 8th June 2025. Photo by Glyn Warren © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The motive power allocations for the BLUE TIMETABLE services that are planned for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week have now been defined, the objective of the change being to mitigate the risk of lineside fires by using diesel assistance. This reduces the chances of hot cinders being emitted from the chimney of the steam loco by reducing the need for it to work so hard.

    As the steam locomotives are the prime attractions for the majority of visitors to the line, the WSR has scaled back the level of service for 15-17 July from the Yellow to the Blue Timetable, but keeping one steam locomotive in service with a diesel loco assisting (coupled between the steam loco and the coaches).

    The steam and diesel combination will work the diagram that starts at Bishops Lydeard at 10:15 except on Tuesday 15th ONLY when Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) will be hauling, with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 on the rear (for positioning), as far as Minehead where WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 will take charge of the train for the remainder of the diagram, with Class 14 D9526 coupled behind and assisting.

    The 10:00 departure from Minehead and the subsequent diagram will be worked by the DMU on Tuesday and Wednesday and by the Class 33 on Thursday.

    The timetable is under constant review and will be adjusted as circumstances require, but as at the time of writing (Monday 14th July at 1900), the plan is as follows:

    Day and Date Timetable Locomotives allocated
    Tuesday 15th July Yellow BLUE timetable

    Class 33 D6566 (33048) on the 1015 BL-MD with Class 14 D9526 on the rear.

    Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the remainder of the BL diagram.

    DMU on the 10:00 MD departure and subsequent diagram.

    Wednesday 16th July

     

    		 Yellow BLUE timetable Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the BL diagram, DMU on the MD diagram

    Thursday 17th July

     

    		 Yellow BLUE timetable Steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the BL diagram, Class 33 D6566 (33048) on the MD diagram
    Friday 18th July No public services  

    Where BL = Bishops Lydeard   MD = Minehead   DMU = Diesel Multiple Unit

     

    This pattern may be continued through the following week if the hot weather persists. Keep and eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page which is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

     

  • DIESELGEN – 12 to 18-Jul-25

    The direction of the exhaust shows that Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was pushing from the rear to mitigate the fire risk for this steam-hauled service on Tuesday 8th July 2025. Pictured at Watersmeet by Malcolm Anderson © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The hot weather has raised the risk of lineside fires to the point where the WSR has had to curtail the use of steam locomotives and introduce diesel assistance to reduce the risk of hot cinders being emitted from the chimneys when the steam locos are working hard. As the steam locomotives are still the prime attractions for the majority of visitors to the line, the WSR has scaled back the level of service for MID NEXT WEEK (15-17 July) from Yellow to Blue Timetable, and limited the number of steam locomotives in service to one with a diesel loco assisting (coupled between the steam loco and the coaches).

    The timetable is under constant review and will be adjusted as circumstances require, but as at the time of writing (Thursday 10th July at 1700), the plan for the next week is as follows:

     

    Day and Date Timetable Locomotives allocated
    Saturday 12th July Flying Scotsman services (sold out) Return leg services handled by a Class 33
    Sunday 13th July BLUE timetable Steam plus Class 33 on the BL diagram, Class 33 on the MD diagram
    Monday 14th July No public services Flying Scotsman static at BL (sold out)
    Tuesday 15th July Yellow BLUE timetable Steam plus Class 33 on the BL diagram, DMU on the MD diagram
    Wednesday 16th July Yellow BLUE timetable Steam plus Class 33 on the BL diagram, DMU on the MD diagram
    Thursday 17th July Yellow BLUE timetable Steam plus Class 33 on the BL diagram, Class 33 on the MD diagram
    Friday 18th July No public services  

    Where BL = Bishops Lydeard   MD = Minehead   DMU = Diesel Multiple Unit

     

    In the event of non-availability of both Class 33s, assistance may be provided by Class 14 D9526 or the DMU may be substituted.

    This pattern may be continued through the following week if the hot weather persists.

     

    A quick word about HYMEK operations in 2025:

    Dates that are planned for Class 35 ‘Hymek’ haulage (D7017 or D7018) are

    Date Timetable Notes
    Saturday 9th August

    Blue timetable

    		 This running day has been changed to Class 33 haulage due to non-availability of Class 35 drivers. The following weekend 16th/17th August will also remain as Class 33 haulage for the same reason. We apologise for the loss of this ‘Hymek’ running day and the inability to switch to the following weekend.
    Saturday 30th August

    Enhanced Blue timetable

    		 50 YEARS of HYMEK PRESERVATION celebration with both D7017 and D7018 in use
    Sunday 31st August

    Enhanced Blue timetable

    		 50 YEARS of HYMEK PRESERVATION celebration with both D7017 and D7018 in use
    Saturday 27th September

    Blue timetable

    		 D7017 allocated
    Sunday 28th September

    Blue timetable

    		 D7017 allocated

     

     

    Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2025. This page is used in conjunction with DIESELGEN to provide a complete picture of diesel locomotive activities on the WSR:

     

    The webcams provide a very good way of watching the action from afar. Click this link: http://www.wsr.org.uk/cams.htm or click on the image below to go to the webcams via wsr.org.uk:

    Webcams are available at Bishops Lydeard, Williton (there are now TWO cameras at Williton), Watchet (x2), Blue Anchor, Minehead Seaward Way and Minehead Station. Select the appropriate webcam by clicking on the blue button on the webcam page. Many thanks to Railcam UK and the WSR for providing these webcam services.

     

    Have you considered joining the WEEKLY ROUNDUP e-newsletter list? Click here for details.

    VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES: We are looking for additional engineering help to maintain our fleet of elderly locomotives, so if you have such skills and would like to join the DEPG and come along to Williton for a ‘taster day’, then please use our CONTACT FORM so that we can get in touch with you.

    Social media channels:

     

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