DIESELGEN

  • 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:

     

  • DIESELGEN – D7017 update

    D7017 – the loco is nearing the end of a bodywork overhaul and is currently being repainted. Pictured at Minehead on Saturday 17th May 2025 by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Although a combined team of DEPG volunteers and WSR staff have been working hard with the objective of getting D7017 back in service in time for the WSR’s Summer Diesel Festival (5-7th June), it has not been possible to get the work completed in the time remaining, so this loco will not be available for service at the gala. Although the welding work has now been completed, we still need to repaint the loco and then she needs to undergo various inspections and have a test run, so we now expect the loco to be completed and passed as fit to run in July.

    Although disappointing in respect of the missed gala attendance, the loco will be all the better because of the work that has been done, and will be resplendent for the 50th Anniversary Event that will be taking place on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August this year.

     

    SISTER LOCO D7018 will be stepping in to take up D7017’s gala duties with the following amendments:

    • On Friday 6th June: services previously rostered for D7017 will be covered by D7018
    • On Saturday 7th June: the 0945 Bishops Lydeard service will be hauled by 50015 ‘Valiant’, otherwise all services previously rostered for D7017 will be covered by D7018
    • On Sunday 8th June: services previously rostered for D7017 will be covered by D7018

     

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

    Date Timetable Notes
    Saturday 9th August

    Blue timetable

    		 D7017 allocated NOTE – this running day may be changed for a full weekend of running on 16th/17th August. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page when making travel plans.
    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

    Note that Sunday 10th August has changed to Class 33 haulage for operational reasons.

     

    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, Crowcombe Heathfield, 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 – Hymek running dates



    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured at Norton Fitzwarren while preparing to haul the ‘JOHN & MARGARET CRANE ANNIVERSARY SPECIAL’ to Minehead on Saturday 17th May 2025. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On Saturday 31st May and Sunday 1st June, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 will be working the ‘MD1’ diagram that originates in Minehead and makes two round trips totalling 80 miles per day under the BLUE timetable  EXCEPT THAT on SATURDAY 31st, the ‘Hymek’ will be starting at Bishops Lydeard and taking over from a steam loco that will have worked in from Minehead on the first leg of the diagram. The timings for D7018 are:

         1225 depart Bishops Lydeard (BL) arriving Minehead (MD) at 1350
         1420 depart MD arriving BL at 1537
         1630 depart BL arriving MD at 1817 (retimed due to Main Line charter)

     

    On Sunday 1st June, D7018 will work all four legs of the MD1 diagram.The booked timings for these workings under the BLUE timetable are:

         1000 depart MD arriving BL at 1125
         1225 depart BL arriving MD at 1350
         1420 depart MD arriving BL at 1537
         1640 depart BL arriving MD at 1805

     

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

    Date Timetable Notes
    Friday 6th June

    Special timetable

    		 Summer Diesel Festival – Day 2
    Saturday 7th June

    Special timetable

    		 Summer Diesel Festival – Day 3
    Sunday 8th June

    Special timetable

    		 Mixed Traction Day
    Saturday 9th August

    Blue timetable

    		  
    Saturday 30th August

    Enhanced Blue timetable

    		 50 YEARS of HYMEK PRESERVATION celebration
    Sunday 31st August

    Enhanced Blue timetable

    		 50 YEARS of HYMEK PRESERVATION celebration
    Saturday 27th September

    Blue timetable

    		  
    Sunday 28th September

    Blue timetable

    		  

    Note that Sunday 10th August has changed to Class 33 haulage for operational reasons.

     

    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, Crowcombe Heathfield, 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 – 17 and 18-May-25

    D7018 puts on the power for the 1 in 75 gradient as she approaches Longlands Bridge on the three-mile climb from Norton Fitzwarren to Bishops Lydeard. Pictured on 7th August 2021 by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On Saturday 17th May 2025, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 will be hauling the QUANTOCK BELLE dining set on a PRIVATE CHARTER from Bishops Lydeard to Norton Fitzwarren, then to Minehead and back, with a total booked route length of 66 miles. For the benefit of photographers and lineside spectators, the booked timings are:

         1000 depart Williton (WN) light engine arriving Bishops Lydeard (BL) at 1045

         1215 depart BL arriving Norton Fitzwarren (NF) at 1225
         1245 depart NF arriving Minehead (MD) at 1455

         1515 depart MD arriving WN at 1600
         1625 depart WN arriving MD at 1710
         1730 depart MD arriving BL at 1844

         1910 depart BL light engine arriving WN at 1940

     

     

    ALSO IN USE THIS COMING WEEKEND 17/18 May is Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) on the 10:00 PUBLIC SERVICE departure from Minehead and the associated 80-mile diagram both days.

    The booked timings for these workings under the BLUE timetable are:

         1000 depart Minehead (MD) arriving Bishops Lydeard (BL) at 1125
         1225 depart BL arriving MD at 1350
         1420 depart MD arriving BL at 1537
         1640 depart BL arriving MD at 1805

     

    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, Crowcombe Heathfield, 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 – 21/22-Sep-24

    With D9526 as the motive power for a positioning move from Williton to Minehead in preparation for the gala, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) and Class 46 ‘Peak’ D182 (46045) were whisked away from a standing start in an impressive demonstration of diesel-hydraulic tractive effort! Pictured at Williton on Wednesday 5th June 2024 by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    On Saturday 21st September 2024, Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 will run from Williton to Minehead in readiness for her booked duties on the 10:00 diesel diagram (80 miles per day, Saturday and Sunday under the BLUE timetable).

    Hitching a ride behind will be Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 and Class 33 D6566 (33048), each on the move for different reasons:

    • D9526 will undergo an underframe exam over the pit at Minehead, returning to Williton later in the day.
    • D6566 (33048) is fresh from an ‘A’ exam at Williton and will take over the role of Duty Loco at Minehead from D6575 (33057) who will then be returned to Williton behind D9526.

     

    The booked timings for these moves are as follows:

         0900 depart Williton (WN) to Minehead (MD) arrive 0935 (D7017 leading D9526 and D6566)
         1525 depart MD for WN arrive 1610 (D9526 leading D6575)

    NOTE: Timings may change and the working may be altered or cancelled. The return to WN may take place earlier if the work is completed and a path is available.

     

     

    ALSO IN USE THIS COMING WEEKEND 21/22-Sep is Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 on the 10:00 departure from Minehead and the associated 80-mile diagram both days.

    The booked timings for these workings under the BLUE timetable are:

         1000 depart Minehead (MD) arriving Bishops Lydeard (BL) at 1125
         1230 depart BL arriving MD at 1350
         1430 depart MD arriving BL at 1550
         1635 depart BL arriving MD at 1800

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33048) is booked to haul the last of this season’s BLUE timetable diesel services on 28th and 29th September (timings as above).

     

    Our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page is regularly updated and carries the list of diesel-hauled public services for 2024. 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, Crowcombe Heathfield, 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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