Weekly Roundup – 31-Aug-25 – coming soon
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Weekly Roundup – 29-Aug-25
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018, with her paintwork refreshed by a coat of polyurethane varnish (thank you Graham), was looking very good while being prepared to run ‘Light Engine’ to Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 28th August 2025. Pictured at Williton by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0
Both ‘Hymeks’ are now in position at Bishops Lydeard and are ready to take up their duties for the HYMEK 50 WEEKEND that takes place on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st August 2025, when both D7017 and D7018 will be hard at work on an 8-coach train and an enhanced 120-mile daily diagram that includes 40 miles of DOUBLE HEADING in the middle of each day !
The weekend has become an ALL-DIESEL EVENT by the substitution of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) for the rostered steam locomotive on the 10:15 departure from Bishops Lydeard and subsequent diagram, so PLEASE DO TRY AND COME ALONG to enjoy this VERY SPECIAL WEEKEND of Type 3 diesel running.
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.
The WSR have advised the following catering arrangements:
- Bishops Lydeard station café opening hours: 0800 to 1700 both days
- Minehead station café opening hours: 0930 to 1750 both days
- On-train buffet opening hours – Saturday: 0825 to 1800
- On-train buffet opening hours – Sunday: 1000 to 1800
As a late addition to the event, we will now be hosting ROD’S MODEL RAILWAY SALES stand in our meeting room, just inside the gates of the DEPG yard at Williton, from 0930 to 1630 each day. With only a limited number of volunteers being available on site at Williton, we will be able to provide shed visits, but on a small groups basis. Apart from our two ‘Hymek’s, the location of the other members of the DEPG/WSR diesel fleet will be as follows:
Owner
Class
Location
DEPG
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’
Undergoing a bogie overhaul at Williton.
WSR
Class 03 D2133
Station pilot at Minehead
DEPG
Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019)
Station pilot at Bishops Lydeard
Private owner
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048)
Working the 10:15 Bishops Lydeard 80-mile diagram
Private owner
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057)
‘Thunderbird’ loco, stabled at Minehead.
DEPG
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518
Undergoing a complete rebuild at Williton
DEPG
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526
Fully operational, stabled at Williton
WSR
Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1)
Yard pilot at Williton
WSR
Barclay 0-4-0DH 579 (ROF 2)
Yard pilot at Minehead
DEPG
In use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
WSR
Fully operational, stabled at Minehead.
Several questions have been asked about the absence of the BR double-arrow symbol from the now blue-painted D7017 and the presence of the D+EG logo instead. The reason for this is that BR had a stong view of the use of their logo back in the 1970s and the D+EG were not allowed to use it under the ‘passing off’ rules. So, the double arrow logo was removed and the D+EG logo that had been made at home by John and Margaret Crane was applied. The logo was hand-cut from ‘Fablon’ (sticky-backed plastic), a material that was quite popular at the time. It is a lot easier to get the logos made these days, so it is not as much of a challenge !
D7017 in the early days of the WSR, running with the D+EG logo in place of the BR double-arrow logo. Pictured at Mineral Line Bridge near Watchet on 7th May 1978 by Steve Edge © CC BY-NC 3.0
We have already received compliments about the high standard of finish on D7017 and asked questions as to how it was painted. Well, it was entirely hand painted by HARRY SPENCER, mostly in his own time, building on quality preparation work that was carried out by the Minehead engineering team and by DEPG volunteers. The repairs to the bodywork were paid for by donations raised during the last 10 months totalling approximately £20,000 for which we are very grateful. MANY THANKS to all who have donated to and carried out the work on D7017 to bring her up to the condition that we see today.
Glistening after a downpour at Williton on Thursday 28th August 2025, D7017 departed with D7018 in tow, destination Bishops Lydeard, to position for their weekend event. Photo by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s events page for the ‘Hymek’ weekend.
The coming week sees the return of the standard BLUE timetable (four trains each way per day) with steam working from Bishops Lydeard and Class 33 D6575 (33057) working from Minehead. Keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
Sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team continued their work on both bogies last weekend, with the ‘B’ bogie already looking much better as a result of the application of some primer in the areas where the dye penetrant inspection is not going to be required. The removal of the equalising beams and pedestals from the ‘A’ bogie was attempted, but is going to have to wait until more volunteers are available, which will be next weekend.
The following photos are those that we were unable to include last week. Apologies for the delay in sharing them.
D1010 – bogie overhauls in progress – the ‘B’ bogie is nearest the camera and is the most advanced in terms of the disassembly work, with all brake rigging and almost all of the suspension components removed. Pictured at Williton with (L-R) Barry and Ian F at work on Saturday 16th August 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – side view of the ‘B’ bogie with the secondary suspension coil springs and the huge leaf spring conspicuous by their absence, Pictured at Williton on Saturday 16th August 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – by comparison, the ‘A’ bogie is only having the primary suspension components removed for the time being, so that remedial work on the equalising beams can take place on all four sets simultaneously (to save setup costs). Pictured at Williton with (L-R) Glenn and Gordon on Saturday 16th August 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco returned to Williton on Saturday 23rd, swapping places with sister loco D6575 (33057) as planned. Work started straight away with an underframe and bogie wash, following by an inspection and a re-greasing of the various linkages and bushings. However, on Sunday 24th, the loco was unexpectedly called back into service to stand-in for a steam loco that had developed a steam leak. Now back in the clutches of the Operating Department, this loco is unlikely to return to Williton for continuance of her planned maintenance until the middle of next week.
D6566 (33048) – back at Williton – but for only 22 hours, the team had just started to carry out planned maintenance tasks when the loco was called back into action. Pictured at Williton with Ashley at work on Saturday 23rd August 2025 by Ben Elvey © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco was returned to traffic on Saturday 23rd August and has been in regular use ever since, supporting the WSR and covering for steam locomotives. This loco is booked to work the BLUE timetable services originating at Minehead next week and as far ahead as the FORTIES WEEKEND (20/21 September).
D6575 (33057) – back in service on Saturday 23rd August 2025, and pictured at Minehead while running around her train. Photo by Ben Elvey © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – already covered, this loco has been the centre of attention with multiple volunteers attending to details both inside and externally, to get the loco ready for her big event.
We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to or worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts are a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !
D7017 gets attention from Roy as he prepares to freshen up the paintwork on the axlebox covers. He has already given the bogies a fresh coat of black paint. Pictured on 23rd August 2025 by Ben Elvey © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7017 gets attention from (L-R) Ethan T and Ethan W as they deal with the many details around the underframe that need painting in specific colours to identify their functions. Pictured on 24th August 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – already covered – this loco was moved into the loco shed on Saturday 16th August and received a thorough external clean-up and a coat of varnish (courtesy of Graham) on Saturday 23rd to ready her for the HYMEK 50 WEEKEND (30/31st August) and for her subsequent appearance at the GREAT CENTRAL RAILWAY’S AUTUMN DIESEL GALA that runs from the 4th to the 6th of September. We want her to look her best ! This loco is booked to be collected by Allelys from Bishops Lydeard on Monday 1st September.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to support the WSR through the peak summer season, but the team will get back onto this project in the coming weeks.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco has now been serviced and moved onto No. 4 road at Williton, where she stands at the ready, in case she is called upon to assist a steam loco at short notice.
D9526 was in use to shunt the yard on Saturday 16th August 2025, to put D7018 inside the loco shed and shunt D6575 onto No. 1 road ready for fuelling and a return to service the following week. D7017 is also in view at the far end of No 1 road, having arrived from Minehead on the previous Thursday. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and has been kept busy by the steam ban that had been re-introduced following some significant fires on the moors. If you have been enjoying riding behind our ‘celebrity‘ loco, please send us some photos to share with our readers ! This week, we feature some photos that have been submitted by DEPG member Matthew Fenwick, for which we are very grateful.
47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was pictured running around her train at the Pickering terminus on the NYMR on Friday 22nd August 2025, having arrived from Grosmont with the 13:30 service. Photo by Matthew Fenwick © CC BY-NC 3.0
47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ departed from Pickering with the 15:10 service to Grosmont on the NYMR on Friday 22nd August 2025. Photo by Matthew Fenwick © CC BY-NC 3.0
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for use as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
Shipments are now flowing out again as our supplier gets to grips with their order backlog. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you haven’t yet ordered and are missing out on this new clothing. PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in September. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
With all of the preparations for the HYMEK 50 WEEKEND event, we won’t have time for a ‘On Shed’ feature this week, but this will return next week with more photos that have been submitted by readers and supporters.
Please send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
NEW BOOK ON SALE
The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as successful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !
And competing for your hard-earned cash, we now have PART 3 of the excellent ‘The Railways of SOUTH WALES 1975-1995‘ trilogy in stock, which is quite a surprise, given that Parts 1 and 2 were only released in February and July of this year. Author MICHAEL RHODES has been very busy !
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy) Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £21.95 per copy) There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) is set for Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton at 1400 as usual. The AGM information package has been sent out to all members who were on the fully-paid-up register on 21st August. We used the ‘paper’ or ‘paperless’ setting in your ‘Membermojo’ account to determine if you wanted a mailed or emailed version of the AGM calling notice. PLEASE LET US KNOW by using our CONTACT FORM if you are a member and have yet to receive your AGM package.
The recently-acquired Linde fork lift truck has now been inspected, certificated and insured, which in turn allowed training to commence. The first day covered basic training for Linda and Tony while Gwyn undertook a refresher to renew his FLT ticket. Well done all !
The DEPG’s restoration talents have been put to good use on this 2006 Linde 1600kg electric Fork Lift Truck, now in use for training with Gwyn at the controls, being assessed by Aaron from Safety Training South West. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 26th August 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
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Weekly Roundup – 10-Aug-25
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
The big news this week is the RETURN OF ‘Hymek’ D7017 after a 10-month stay at Minehead where this loco has undergone a thorough bodywork overhaul and a complete re-paint into the early BR-blue with the small yellow warning panels. The loco carries the ‘D+EG‘ logo as it did in the early days of the WSR when BR would not allow their double-arrow symbol to be displayed on non-BR locos.
MANY THANKS to all who have donated to and carried out the work on D7017 to bring her up to the standard that we see today.
The loco was started up at Minehead on Tuesday 13th after being prepared thoroughly by Neil, Colin F and Tim, the engine starting straight away and sounding fine. The loco was returned to Williton on Thursday 15th on the back of a service train because the Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) procedure needs to be completed and signed off before the loco can work alone. We expect to be able to complete this inspection work during the coming week, which will then allow the loco to go out on test.
This all bodes well for our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together. We will be sending out a DIESELGEN bulletin and updating our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page with the timetable details as soon as they are released.
D7017 – another excellent repaint carried out by Harry at the Minehead facillity, with much of the work being carried out in his own time as a way of conserving DEPG funds. We are very grateful to Harry and all of the team at Minehead for the high quality work done on this loco. Pictured at Minehead on Thursday 15th August 2025 by Harry Spencer © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s events page for the ‘Hymek’ weekend.
The coming week offers another interesting mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction on the WSR, so please keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
Sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team continued working on the bogies at Williton on Saturday 9th August, with Leroy being tasked with preparing for the removal of the equalising beams from the ‘A’ bogie. This is not an easy task, so we were not expecting to finish it in one session, and we did not disappoint ourselves ! The team will progress the work during this coming weekend.
In parallel, work proceeds on the cleaning and painting of the brake components from the ‘B’ bogie, with help from the ‘Tuesday Team’ being very much appreciated. We want to get this loco back on its bogies before the winter. If this sounds like a tall order, it is, so COME ALONG AND HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN !
Get in touch using our CONTACT FORM and we will send you the volunteering application form and take it from there.
D1010 – Leroy was pictured while attempting to release one of the two equalising beams from the ‘A’ bogie at Williton on Saturday 9th August 2025. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the ‘Tuesday Team’ were lending a hand or six with the cleaning up of the many brake rigging assemblies and components from the ‘B’ bogie when pictured at Williton on Tuesday 5th August 2025. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – on Tuesday 5th August, this loco was lifted and her bogies run out so that an underframe inspection could take place.
D6575 (33057) – the body of the loco was lifted from the bogies using four synchonised electric jacks at Williton on Tuesday 5th August 2025. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
D6575 (33057) – the bogies were then rolled out from under the loco so that the loco underframe could be inspected. This also allowed the bogies to be examined from the top down. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 5th August 2025 by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 3.0
No issues were found, so the bogies were rolled back in position and the loco body lowered back onto the bogies. On Saturday 9th, the Class 33 team comprising Ashley, Ben, Charlie, Ian and Tom then set to work reconnecting the traction motor cables, re-fitting the blower bellows, brake hoses, handbrake linkage and AWS receiver, all of which was achieved by crawling under the loco in very hot and dirty conditions to get the job done. WELL DONE TEAM ‘CROMPTON’!
The ‘Tuesday Team’ also lent a hand by re-fitting two of the four bogie retention brackets and re-attaching the vacuum exhauster silencers and ensuring their security. The remaining inspections tasks are due to be completed this coming weekend and we hope to see the loco go out on test after being re-fuelled (fuel has been arranged for Tuesday 19th August).
D6575 (33057) – pictured on the concrete lifting pad on the south side of the ‘Swindon Shed’ at Williton on Saturday 9th August 2025. The team consisting of (L-R) Charlie, Tom, Ashley, Ben and Ian R had spent the entire day underneath the loco, re-connecting the various cables and linkages ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – as covered previously, this loco is now back at Williton for completion of her Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test (VIBT) and will soon be ready to go out on a test run to prove her reliability and provide driver refresher training. No issues arose during the engine start and run to Williton, so everything is looking good for our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.
We are very grateful to everyone who has donated to or worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts are a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is at Williton and is fully serviceable and available to the WSR for use as a ‘Thunderbird’ loco if required. The focus of attention has been on sister loco D7017 but D7018 remains ready to go and may be used in support of her sister when test running.
D7018 is stabled on the Goods Shed road at Williton while her big sister D7017 gets the attention. D7018 is fully serviceable and is ready to go. Pictured on Saturday 9th August 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to support the WSR through the peak summer season, but progress continues to be made on the electrical wiring and on the cab superstructure, as per the photo below:
D9518 (NCB No. 7) is stabled inside the loco shed on No. 3 road at Williton while undergoing a full re-build. The cab-to-engine bulkhead was treated to a coat of glass by DEPG volunteer Andy P on Saturday 9th August 2025. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco did not operate as planned last week because of a loose fuel injection pump drive coupling that was causing concern by refusing to stay bolted up tightly. The loco returned to Williton on the back of a Class 33-hauled passenger service and then moved into the loco shed. The issue has now been sorted out and the loco given an ‘A’ exam, and is expected to be made available for service next week.
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is being kept busy by the steam ban that has been re-introduced following some significant fires on the moors. Our volunteer loco manager Ian R went up to the NYMR to ride behind our ’47’, but the loco was in the shed undergoing routine maintenance, so he had to ride behind a ’37’ instead !
47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was pictured inside the shed at Grosmont on the NYMR while undergoing routine maintenance on Monday 4th August 2025. The loco was out and about on the NYMR later in the week. Photo by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for use as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL continues to be a big success, even though it has created a bit of a logjam for orders. Our supplier is getting back to shipping mode and our back orders are now on the move. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in September. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
A short while ago, we featured the photo below and we asked for opinions about what might have been going on. We received two responses from regular contributors NEALE LONG and BRIAN RINGER, as follows:
From Neale: “The image depicted of 1634 at Bletchley shed with roof panels open, leads me to think that the coolant header tank needed replenishing. Class 47s were notorious for all sorts of leaks and this may have been what was being investigated. The headcode displayed, if correct, would be some form of empty coaching stock run out-of-course as a special, Bletchley being close to Wolverton Works, leads one to think that it brought over a unit/stock for overhaul and then retired to Bletchley where all was not found to be well. That’s the best I can come up with. The locomotive at the time was allocated to the D16 division of the LMR, which was Nottingham, meaning in effect it was a Toton based locomotive. The LMR at the time allocated their rolling stock resources on a Divisional basis for some arcane reason.”
From Brian: “You asked for info regarding this rather unusual maintenance setting for 1634 at Bletchley. 1E Bletchley was my local shed, but I can only guess at what was going on because the depot was intended for maintaining the LMR AM10 (Class 310) outer suburban fleet. As a result all roads inside the maintenance shed were 25kV wired. I can only imagine that 1634 has been put on the outside fuelling road, which is unwired, and with no “working at height” regulations in 1970 the local fitters have used the ladder to sort out the problem on the Brush Type 4. On risk assessment, either falling off a ladder or touching the 25kV overheads, it seemed like a “no brainer” to the fitters!!
Many thanks to our correspondents for providing this insight and thanks to Andy Galpin for providing the photo.
Bletchley Depot on the 15th August 1970, and six-year-old Class 47 1634 (47052) was undergoing some kind of ‘al fresco’ maintenance involving an open roof and a ladder. This loco entered service on 10th November 1964 and worked for more than 38 years before being withdrawn and sent for scrap in April of 2003. Not a bad innings. Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0
Another of Andy Galipn’s photos from a week or so later depicts two fairly new machines ‘on shed’ at Crewe Diesel Depot, namely two-year-old Class 50 number 416 (50016 later ‘Barham) and six-year-old Class 47 1728 (47136, 47621, 47839 ‘Pride of Saltley’). Both were allocated to the LMR’s D05 Stoke Division at the time. Andy provides the following notes:
“416 & 1728 found at the back of Crewe Diesel depot during an ‘unofficial’ visit on Wednesday 26th August 1970. I am rather intrigued by the small white disc on the Class 50’s windscreen that seems to be plugged in further down via a coiled air line – any ideas? I also love the two ancient wheelbarrows and the red flag in the foreground! 1728 was later to become Virgin’s 47839 ‘Pride of Saltley’.”
MANY THANKS to Andy for sharing his photo with us all.
Please send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
Crewe Diesel Depot on Wednesday 26th August 1970 and 416 (50016 later ‘Barham’) was on shed alongside 1728 (47136, 47621, 47839). The equipment in the foreground belongs to an earlier era ! Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOK ON SALE
The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as successful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out to all members who are on the fully-paid-up register on 21st August. We will use the ‘paper’ or ‘paperless’ setting in your ‘Membermojo’ account to determine if you want a mailed or emailed version of the AGM calling notice, so check your setting by using the link or simply scan the QR code further below. Thank you !
More progress has been made on our recently-acquired Fork Lift Truck (FLT) and ‘Cherry Picker’, with both machines receiving the attention of our volunteers last week. The FLT was repainted (where necessary) by the ‘Tuesday Team’ and the ‘NiftyLift’ aerial platform had the basket safety rails painted yellow by Reece on Saturday. Well done all !
The next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter has been produced by Mark Bladwell and has been sent out by mail or email to all members who were on the register of members on 28th July. Please get in touch using our CONTACT FORM if you have not received your copy. Many thanks to Mark for keeping the Newsletter production running on time.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
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Weekly Roundup – 03-Aug-25
Brake van rides behind Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 are always very popular at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY that takes place at Norton Fitzwarren on the first weekend in August. Pictured approaching ‘Holmes Halt’ on the former Barnstaple branch on Sunday 3rd August 2025 by Jacquie Green © CC BY-NC 3.0
A free shuttle service operated between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren, with the Class 115 DMU making 8 round trips on Saturday and 9 on Sunday. Pictured approaching Norton Fitzwarren platform on Saturday 2nd August 2025 by Steve Lewis © CC BY-NC 3.0
The WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY was the Somerset crowd-puller last weekend, taking place as it does every year in the 33-acre site that is owned by the WSRA at Norton Fitzwarren, just 3 miles west of Taunton. This massive event has something for everyone, with craft and model displays alongside vintage machinery, classic cars, trucks and buses, in fact all sorts, supported by plenty of choices for refreshments and sustenance. WELL DONE TO THE WSRA and all of the volunteers for organising and delivering such a great event !
Burrell TT5615 ‘PRIDE OF DEVON’ took part in the parade of traction engines at the STEAM RALLY on Saturday 2nd August 2025. Photo by Steve Lewis © CC BY-NC 3.0
Two fine examples of an even earlier form of motive power, these fine Shire Horses were being displayed at the STEAM RALLY on Saturday 2nd August 2025. Photo by Steve Lewis © CC BY-NC 3.0
Colin Foxhall’s ‘celebrity’ Karrier Bantam 3t dropside truck was also on display alongside his lovingly restored vintage Commer camper van. Pictured at the STEAM RALLY on Saturday 2nd August 2025 by Robin Fisher © CC BY-NC 3.0
Perhaps better known as the leader of the DEPG’s ‘Transmission Team’, Colin Foxhall was also at the Rally, exhibiting his Kommer Bantam 3t dropside truck VFJ 833K. The truck pictured above is the actual vehicle featured in Series 1, 2 and 3 of the Netflix series ‘The Crown’, as the airport baggage truck, with Colin at the wheel as the baggage truck driver. This explains the ‘MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT AND CIVIL AVIATION’ graphics on the cab doors. When new, the truck was in fact used by Exeter City Council on somewhat less glamorous duties!
Elsewhere on the railway, the risk of lineside fire continued to cause difficulties, and the need to run steam engines to maintain economically-viable levels of visitor patronage was made possible by using DEPG diesels to provide the majority of tractive effort, thereby reducing the risk of fire damage to habitat and crops along the line.
An unexpected difficulty has arisen from the intensive use of diesels, in terms of crew availability. Although there is quite a large pool of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ drivers, it has still been difficult to get sufficient drivers to cover the required diagrams during the peak holiday weeks. The situation for the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ are more difficult because the WSR only has six and three passed drivers respectively. Training new drivers takes a lot of time, and in some cases the trainers are fully occupied working services themselves. As safety is of paramount importance, there is no ‘quick fix’ soultion, but plans are being drawn up to correct this for next year.
The coming week offers another interesting mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction, so please keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
Sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team applied their full attention to the springs last Saturday, in an effort to get four pallet loads ready for collection. The six primary leaf springs, two secondary leaf springs and eight secondary coil springs had already been removed from the ‘B’ bogie some time back and were in store, but were found to still need cleaning before they could be put on pallets.
The six primary suspension leaf springs had been removed from the ‘A’ bogie during the previous weekend and together with the complete set of springs from the ‘B’ bogie, will be going out to a specialist spring manufacturer for testing and evaluation. Hopefully, they will all be OK for further use, which will be the best outcome and will minimise the demands on the D1010 Restricted Fund that holds all of the donations that have been made to the D1010 restoration appeal over the last few years.
In parallel, work proceeds on the replacement pins, bushings and bearings that will be needed when re-assembling the suspension system. We want to get this loco back on its bogies before the winter. If this sounds like a tall order, it is, so COME ALONG AND HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN !
Get in touch using our CONTACT FORM and we will send you the volunteering application form and take it from there.
D1010 – the two giant leaf springs that provide the secondary suspension (supporting the loco body) were being cleaned up by Ian F at Williton on Saturday 2nd August 2025 in preparation for being sent out for specialist testing. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – undeterred by the dirtiest of jobs, Viv tackled the cleanup of one of the dampers and thrust brackets from the ‘A’ bogie at Williton on Saturday 2nd August 2025. The damper, one of four in total, will be sent out for specialist overhaul. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – by the end of the day on Saturday 2nd August 2025, there were four pallets of springs alongside No. 2 road, ready to be sent out for specialist testing. Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was present on number 1 road at Williton. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – on Saturday 2nd August, this loco was in position on the concrete lifting pad that is on the south side of the ‘Swindon Shed’ at Williton and was being prepared to have her body lifted from her bogies so that the top of the bogies and the underside of the loco could be inspected. The loco was lifted on Tuesday 5th August and photos will be included in the next edition of Roundup. There were no major issues and we expect this loco to be back in service by Sunday 17th August, provided that everything goes to plan (doesn’t it always ?).
D6575 (33057) – pictured on the concrete lifting pad on the south side of the ‘Swindon Shed’ at Williton on Saturday 2nd August 2025. The loco has been prepared for lifting, which took place on Tuesday 5th. The lifting was a precautionary measure, and no major issues were found. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we are planning to do the pre-start preparation on this loco on Tuesday 12th August at Minehead, and we are going to be having specialist help from BOB CLEGG to make sure that we follow the procedure that ensures proper lubrication of the critical bearings prior to start-up. The Maybach engines require this special attention when they haven’t been run for some time, and it is 10 months in the case of this loco, so we definitely need to be careful.
Once the engine is running, the brake test and air test can be carried out and the loco will then be fit to move back to Williton, where final preparations will be made for test running that will confirm her reliability in time for our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.
We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon and will be a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is at Williton and is fully serviceable and available to the WSR for use as a ‘Thunderbird’ loco if required. The focus of attention has been on sister loco D7017 but D7018 remains ready to go and may be used in support of her sister when test running.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as previously reported, this loco spent the whole of last weekend shuttling up and down the remains of the former Barnstaple branch while working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren. This loco is rostered to assist steam locos on the diagrams that start from Bishops Lydeard this weekend and midweek (subject to driver availability), and it had to be said that she looks the part, blending in nicely with her Swindon-built steam-powered cousins.
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. This week, we include some photos taken on the day that she arrived on the WSR, provided to us by former DEPG Chairman BOB TILLER. Here are the accompanying notes that Bob provided:
“After purchase on 1st May 2007 with thanks to Porterbrook Leasing, I arranged work to be carried out at Brush in Loughborough. The vacuum brakes were reinstated, cabs repaired, other repairs carried out, headcode boxes refitted, and a full repaint. Many thanks to those involved at Brush.
We then “delivered” D1661 (47077 47613 47840) to the WSR on 28th May 2007 courtesy of assistance from Cotswold Rail (now gone) on a staff and enthusiasts charter from Derby.
It was a good day out, bringing 47840 to her new home.”
Many thanks to Bob for providing us with his photos and sharing this memory.
D1661 (47077, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was leading 47828 (D1966, 47266, 47629) on the departure from Bristol Temple Meads station on 28th May 2007, and was just about to pass under Bath Road bridge with 1Z47, the ‘NORTH STAR SPECIAL’ from Derby to Minehead. Class 45 45112 (D61) ‘ROYAL ARMY ORDNANCE CORPS’ was at the rear to haul the return leg of the journey, 1Z48. Photo by Bob Tiller © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1661 (47077, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was pictured on display at Minehead on 28th May 2007 after arriving with the ‘NORTH STAR SPECIAL’ railtour from Derby. This marked the start of a new chapter in the life of this ‘celebrity’ Class 47, in the hands of the DEPG. Photo by Bob Tiller © CC BY-NC 3.0
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for use as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL continues to be a big success, even though it has created a bit of a logjam for orders. The uptick in demand from so many railway groups in connection with ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events have over-stretched the supply chain, but this is just temporary and should sort itself out in a few weeks from now. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in September. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
Remaining ‘under the wires’ on the West Coast Main Line, this week we head north from Crewe to Preston where the hard-working camera of ROGER GEACH found English Electric Type 4 Class 40 40024 (D224) on a ‘light engine’ move, but to where ? Perhaps back to her home depot of Longsight, near Manchester?
The Class 40 was a heavy and under-powered design that could not even match the performance of the top link steam locomotives that they were intended to replace, but they soon carved a niche on secondary passenger duties and on heavy freights in all regions except the Western and Southern.
Many were fitted with dual drakes (air and vacuum) and these locos soldiered on into the mid-1980s, but the vacuum-only examples were the first to go when higher performance locos such as Class 47s were made available following the introduction of HSTs from 1976 onwards.
MANY THANKS to Roger for sharing his photo with us all.
Please send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
English Electric Type 4 Class 40 40024 (D224) was ‘under the wires’ at Preston on a ‘Light Engine’ move when pictured on Saturday 20th September 1980. The loco, from the first production batch of the Type, was 21 years old at the time and had a further three years to work before being withdrawn and sent to Crewe Works for disposal. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOK ON SALE
The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as successful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out to all members who are on the fully-paid-up register on 21st August. We will use the ‘paper’ or ‘paperless’ setting in your ‘Membermojo’ account to determine if you want a mailed or emailed version of the AGM calling notice, so check your setting by using the link or scan the QR code further below. Thank you !
The next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter has been produced by Mark Bladwell and is ready for distribution. Mailed copies should be on your doormat by this weekend and emailed versions will be sent out this coming Sunday. Many thanks to Mark for keeping the Newsletter production running on time.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
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Weekly Roundup – 27-Jul-25
Diesel and steam, working together on the WSR. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was pictured arriving at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 with a train for Bishops Lydeard while WSR 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 waited at the platform with a train for Minehead. New volunteer Ethan W was in a position of safety while observing the proceedings. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
The risk of lineside fire continues to cause difficulties for the WSR, as for many other heritage railways, where the need to run steam engines to maintain economically-viable levels of visitor patronage has to be tempered by the need to minimise the risk of fire damage to habitat and crops along the line.
The solution that has shown the best results is to use a diesel loco coupled between the steam loco and the coaching stock, with the diesel applying just enough power to keep the steam engine working, but keeping the steam power just below the level where cinders could be ejected from the chimney. This, combined with ashpan emptying and washing out at each end of the line, has shown to be a reasonable balance of entertainment and fire risk, so WELL DONE to all of the crews who have perfected this balancing act !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 has been supporting the services that originate at Bishops Lydeard (and blending in very nicely with her Swindon-built counterparts) while Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) has being doing the same from the Minehead end of the line. The WSR steps up to the peak summer YELLOW timetable (5 trains each way per day) from Tuesday 5th August, with the Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) covering the additional out-and-back service that departs from Bishops Lydeard at 10:55 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout August and into early September.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 will be working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY at Norton Field. This very popular event takes place on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August and has plenty to offer to people of all ages, with a huge range of fascinating exhibits plus refreshments of all kinds. The DEPG will be represented by Linda and Tony who will be manning a sales stand near to the Brake Van Ride area, so please do make a point of going along to see them.The WSRA will be providing a FREE DMU SHUTTLE SERVICE between Bishops Lydeard and Norton Fitzwarren platform on both days of the event. Click on this link for the DMU SHUTTLE TIMETABLE.
FREE BUSES will be operating from several pick-up points nearby and are another efficient way of getting into and out of the exhibition grounds. Click on this link for a BUS TIMETABLE.
The WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was looking very smart when pictured at Blue Anchor on Thursday 31st July 2025, running empty to Bishops Lydeard to be in position for the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY SHUTTLE SERVICE. Photo by Robin Wichard © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 14 D9526 being tied up on Rally work means that Saturday, Sunday and Tuesday timetabled services from Bishops Lydeard will need to be operated by a steam loco alone, because Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) is out of action awaiting bogie repairs and Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 is available but cannot be crewed on those days. In the worst case, Class 09 D4107 (09019) might have to be drafted in for support !
Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was in use on Thursday 31st July 2025 shunting the heritage goods train into position for public viewing at the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY at Norton Field. Photo provided by the WSRA © CC BY-NC 3.0
The coming week offers an interesting mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction, so please keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in use on Thursday 24th July 2025 in support of steam and was pictured at Minehead when attached to the rear of a train bound for Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
OTHER BIG NEWS THIS WEEK:
The D+EG’s first acquisition: ex-BR Class 35 ‘Hymek D7017 waiting at Taunton in 1975 for onward transfer to the West Somerset Railway. Photographed by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0 Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 celebrated FIFTY YEARS IN PRESERVATION on Wednesday 30th July, being the Golden Anniversary of her departure from BR’s Old Oak Common depot (near Paddington) and her arrival at Taunton to await onward transfer to the fledgling West Somerset Railway. The weather that day was extremely hot and the two D+EG (the forerunner of the DEPG) representatives on board, namely John Crane and Clive Burrows, have plenty of stories to tell about that amazing and most interesting journey.
Read more about this loco in our booklet D7017 – Fifty Years of ‘Hymek’ Preservation – available from our online store or from our sales stand at the Steam Rally.
HST NEWS:
Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set comprising power car 43155 leading, then four Mark 3 carriages then power car 43154 trailing, was pictured passing Class 14 D9526 en route for Norton Fitzwarren and Network Rail metals on Thursday 31st July 2025. Pictured at Bishops Lydeard by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 3.0
The ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set that had been stored on the WSR for some time has now left the railway, at least for the time being, to start a new chapter of life based at Carnforth in the care of the West Coast Railway Company (WCRC). The set moved from Minehead to Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 30th July and left for Carnforth on Thursday 31st, but only got as far as Taunton before being failed due to a non-functional GSM-R radio, an item of equipment that was not in use when the set was based on the WSR. No doubt this will be repaired quickly and the set will get to Carnforth without further delay.
Having the HST on the WSR has generated fierce debate, ranging from those who wanted it to stay and become a regular feature, to those who saw it as an infiltrator that needed to be banished immediately. Suffice it to say that the majority – and most visitors (those who pay to ride the railway) – were less polarised and many appreciated the quiet and comfortable way in which the HST blended-in alongside steam and diesel locomotives of a slightly earlier era – remember that the HSTs are almost 50 years old !
Who can predict the future ? We may get to see this HST or a different HST on the WSR again some time. Meanwhile, HSTs are working daily on the main line between Exeter and Penzance, so make sure that you get down to Devon and Cornwall and ride behind them while they are still in service.
Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST set with power car 43155 leading and 43154 trailing, was pictured at Splash Point while climbing out from Watchet toward Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 30th July 2025. Photo by Alan Turner © CC BY-NC 3.0
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team are concentrating their efforts on the two bogies to get them ready for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) using the Dye Penetrant Process, after which we can then start the process of re-fitting parts, rather than removing them !
The primary suspension springs were removed from the ‘A’ bogie last weekend and will be going out to a specialist spring manufacturer together with the complete set of springs from the ‘B’ bogie for testing and evaluation. Hopefully, they will all be OK for further use, which will be the best outcome and will minimise the demands on the D1010 Restricted Fund that holds all of the donations that have been made to the D1010 restoration appeal over the last few years.
In parallel, arrangements are being made for the replacement pins, bushings and bearings that will be needed when re-assembling the suspension system, with a view to getting the loco back on its bogies before the winter. If this sounds like a tall order, it is, so COME ALONG AND HELP US MAKE IT HAPPEN !
Get in touch using our CONTACT FORM and we will send you the volunteering application form and take it from there.
D1010 – the ‘B’ bogie in the foreground is being worked on by Ian F while Jeffery (on the left) cleans up the six primary suspension leaf springs that have just been removed from the ‘A’ bogie. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – also in the queue for cleaning up are the thrust brackets and dampers from the ‘A’ bogie, visible on the pallet in front of Jeffrey. The springs (16 per bogie) and the dampers (2 per bogie) will be sent out for specialist overhaul. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now at Williton having been towed there by Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) on Monday 28th July. The various cables, hoses and bellows were disconnected from the bogies while the loco was over the pit at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 26th July, resulting in a team of very dirty Class 33 volunteers showing up at Williton later that day. Having the brake hoses disconnected resulted in the loco being unbraked and needing to have a brake van attached at the rear when being towed – which explains the rather unusual consist that was photographed at Bishops Lydeard on the Sunday evening, all prepared and ready to go early the following morning.
D6575 (33057) – pictured at Bishops Lydeard on the evening of Sunday 27th July 2025, Class 09 shunter D4107 (09019) was in position ready to head to Williton the following morning, with a brake van attached to the rear, as required when towing an unbraked vehicle. Photo by Dave Fowler © CC BY-NC 3.0
The loco is expected to be lifted on Monday 4th August for further inspection and to allow bogie repairs to take place. Returning D6575 to service will become the priority of all DEPG volunteers as this loco is needed to support the WSR through the peak summer timetable. However, the work is likely to take a few weeks as several specialised subcontract operations need to be undertaken.
Moving the loco to Williton on Monday 28th July resulted in a very unusual sight – that of SEVEN DEPG LOCOMOTIVES at Williton at the same moment – almost unheard of at the height of summer !
From Left to Right: Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048), Barclay 578 (ROF 1), Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526, Class 33 D6575 (33057) and just visible behind the 33, Class 09 D4107 (09019). Image taken from the Williton railcam on Monday 28th July 2025, courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we are VERY close to getting this loco back to our Williton depot so that we can prepare her for some test running, with only the formal inspection and engine pre-start work to be done, along with some painting. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon and will be a fitting tribute to this loco, in HER FIFTIETH YEAR IN PRESERVATION !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – it has not been possible to move this loco to Norton Fitzwarren for display during the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY event, so we apologise for the disappointment. The loco is at Williton and is fully serviceable and available to the WSR for use as a ‘Thunderbird’ loco if required.
We are getting close to being able to announce the timetabling for our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as previously reported, this loco will be working the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!
The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who ordered stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are taking place in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in August. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
Another ‘on shed’ photo this week from the collection of DEPG member ANDY GALPIN, this time ‘under the wires’ at Crewe, with Class 47 1996 (47294) towing Class 76 ‘EM1’ 1500V DC electric locomotives away from the works where they all appear to have received attention. Number 26049 was at the rear, but the number of the centre loco has been mislaid. Perhaps you saw this consist on the move that day and can provide the missing number ? If yes, please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM.
MANY THANKS to Andy for sharing his photo with us all.
Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
Crewe Works on the 26th August 1970, and four-year-old Class 47 1996 (47294) was pictured towing two 1952-vintage Class 76 ‘EM1’ 1500V DC electric locos back to their home on the Manchester-Sheffield route. The rearmost loco was 26049 but the number of the centre loco has been mislaid. Can you help identify it ? Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOK ON SALE
The FIFTH volume of ‘THE BEATEN TRACK’ has now been released and is available to order via the DEPG’s online store. This series of books by ANDY CHARD has been an amazing success, and we expect this fifth volume to be equally impressive and as succesful as the earlier releases. Well done Andy !
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £35.95 per copy)
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out during August.
Continued progress has been made of the restoration of our ‘NiftyLift’ cherry picker, with Tony and JT working on the electrics last week and sorting out the mess of wiring that will no doubt have caused the machine to become unreliable in the past. No doubt it will work nicely in the future !
DEPG volunteer Tony was working with ‘JT’ to sort out the wiring issues on the pre-owned ‘Niftylift’ cherry picker that has recently been acquired by the DEPG. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
The overhaul of the pre-owned ‘Niftylift’ cherry picker is progressing rapidly, as this photo of the reworked wiring shows. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 26th July 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
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Weekly Roundup – 20-Jul-25
A floral tribute was carried on each service that ran on the WSR last weekend, 19/20th July, in memory of the young life that was sadly lost in the A396 road incident on Exmoor just a few days previously. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was so adorned when arriving at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 20th. Class 09 D4107 (09019) is visible on the left. Photo by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0
The ‘West Somerset Steam Express‘ from London Paddington to Minehead and return also carried a wreath while on WSR metals. The Stanier ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 45212 worked through to Minehead where she was turned for her journey back to Paddington. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was at the platform waiting for her booked departure time. Photo by Mike Pinn © CC BY-NC 3.0
And later in the day at Minehead, the ‘West Somerset Steam Express‘ was at the platform with Class 47 47812 (D1916, 47239, 47657) in the supporting role. Also visible (L-R) are the ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST (43154 and 43155), then Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) then the WSR’s Class 115 DMU. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0
The ongoing period of dry weather may have been punctuated by occasional and sometimes heavy rainfall, but the lineside vegetation dries out again in a matter of hours and remains a significant fire risk. The addition of some diesel power reduces the need for the steam locos to exert so much effort, in turn reducing the risk of hot cinders being ejected from their chimneys, but still gives visitors the sight and sound of steam. This approach is favoured for the longer and heavier trains that originate from Bishops Lydeard.
Last week saw Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 at work supporting steam successfully on Saturday, Sunday and most of Tuesday, but the loco started to run roughly toward the end of the day and had to be left at Williton for attention. Luckily, the issue was quickly traced to a loose coupling on a fuel injector pump and the loco was made ready for service again.
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
This temporary loss of D9526 meant that some services had to be operated by a steam loco alone and some by the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU), with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 also having to take some of the load, the ‘Hymek’ supporting the steam loco on two services in the afternoon of Thursday 24th.
The coming week offers a similar mixture of pure steam, pure diesel and mixed traction, so please keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change (we will TRY and keep this page aligned with the latest changes).
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in use on Thursday 24th July 2025 in support of steam. The ‘Hymek’ will also be in use supporting a steam service on Thursday 31st July. Pictured at Williton ready for her ‘Light Engine’ (LE) move to Bishops Lydeard by Bill Johnson © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
COMING UP SOON:
LOCO NEWS: – apologies for the very ‘light report’ this week, due to time constraints.
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team continued their work on the bogies and brake parts, and also held a team meeting to review the outstanding tasks and adjust the priorities. More on this next week.
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is being kept very busy and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco underwent a bogie and underframe inspection at Bishops Lydeard last Sunday 20th, the outcome being that the loco has to be lifted from her bogies to confirm that the bogie pivot castings have not suffered any damage. The loco is being prepared for movement to Williton, where she will be lifted using the four 25-tonne electrically-operated jacks that were originally used at BR’s Bristol Bath Road depot. The move to Williton will involve Class 09 D4107 (09019) and a brake van, and will take place early on Monday morning, 28th July.
Returning D6575 to service will become the priority of all DEPG volunteers as this loco is needed to support the WSR through the peak summer timetable.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – we are VERY close to getting the loco back to our Williton depot so that we can prepare her for some test running in early August, perhaps with D7018 for company. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco was in use on Thursday 24th July and is booked to be in use on Saturday 26th (in the evening) and again on Thursday 31st July. This loco will then move to Norton Fitzwarren to be on display during the WSRA’s STEAM RALLY event.
We are close to being able to announce the timetabling for our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – as previously reported, this loco developed a rough-running engine issue while in use on Tuesday 22nd July, but the problem was quickly solved and the loco will be released back to traffic on Saturday 25th. This loco is next booked to work the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews, and was a magnet for our volunteer loco manager Ian Robins when he was holidaying ‘Up North’ recently. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!
The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who are ordering stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are coming up in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in August. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
Another definitely ‘on shed’ photo this week comes from the collection of DEPG member ANDY GALPIN, who shared a series of his shots from Didcot and Reading with us recently. Here’s the information that Andy has provided with his photograph:
“1634 at the back of Bletchley depot 15th August 1970, with an AM10 unit (later Class 310) in the background. The ladder and the open roof hatch still make me smile. Afraid I was there ‘unofficially’ but, nearly 55 years later, I reckon I’m quite safe!”
Does anyone have any idea as to what might have been taking place here ? If yes, please get in touch by using our CONTACT FORM.
MANY THANKS to Andy for sharing his photo with us all.
Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
Bletchley Depot on the 15th August 1970, and six-year-old Class 47 1634 (47052) was undergoing some kind of ‘al fresco’ maintenance involving an open roof and a ladder. This loco entered service on 10th November 1964 and worked for more than 38 years before being withdrawn and sent for scrap in April of 2003. Not a bad innings. Photo by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
We continue to receive orders for the two NEW BOOKS that we added to stock recently. The second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes is now available and we also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author. Both books are of high quality and are available via our online store.
We also have stock of the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, and we have the NEW BOOKLET that has recently been released by DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017. This booklet is currently IN STOCK and available for sale via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out in early August, along with the next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
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Weekly Roundup – 13-Jul-25
The floral tributes lined up outside Minehead Middle School on Friday 18th July 2025 as a mark of respect for the life lost and the injuries sustained in the A396 road incident on Exmoor the previous day. Photo by Getty Images via the BBC © CC BY-NC 3.0
This edition of Roundup starts on a sombre note as we reflect on the sadness affecting West Somerset at this time. The DEPG are deeply saddened by the incident on the A396 on Exmoor on Thursday 17th July. Our thoughts go out to all those in our local community who have been affected by this tragedy.
Even the weather has become dark and heavy, replacing the blue sky and intense heat of one week prior and allowing the WSR to plan for a return to steam haulage for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday next week, on account of the rain that is forecast between now and then.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was in use on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 15-17th July 2025 in support of the WSR’s unique 4-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351. Pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield on Tuesday by Jo Ward © CC BY-NC 3.0
The sun has also set on the very successful visit of the ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ with the last of the special services completing their runs with the support of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) on Sunday 13th July. The mixed traction workings were made necessary by the intense heat and dryness that had turned the lineside vegetation into tinder, making it a significant fire risk. The addition of some diesel power reduced the need for the steam locos to exert so much effort, in turn reducing the risk of hot cinders being ejected from their chimneys. It was a strategy that worked well and allowed visitors to continue enjoying the sight and sound of steam. Although the ‘Scotsman‘ has spark arrestors fitted for mainline use, these devices reduce the risk of fires but do not eliminate the risk, so some diesel power was added to counter the extreme weather conditions.
D6566 (33048) was supporting 4-6-2 ‘Pacific’ 60103 ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ on Sunday 13th July 2025, pictured at Williton as the pair hauled a late evening dining special back to Bishops Lydeard on the last run of this famous steam loco on the WSR for 2025. Photo by Kiru Cross © CC BY-NC 3.0
The ongoing concern about the weather has again resulted in the planned YELLOW timetable being scaled back to a BLUE timetable for Tues/Weds/Thurs 22/23/24th July, but the rainfall that is forecast on Sunday and Monday should allow a return to steam operation on those days.
For Saturday 19th, Class 14 D9526 will again operate with 2-6-0 ‘Mogul’ 9351 on the diagram that starts at Bishops Lydeard (10:15 departure onwards) and Class 33 D6566 (33048) will operate on the diagram that starts at Minehead (10:00 departure onwards).
An additional service that results in some re-timing of the standard timetable on Saturday is the ‘WEST SOMERSET STEAM EXPRESS‘ railtour, originating at Paddington and due to be hauled by Stanier ‘Black Five’ 4-6-0 45212 with Class 47 47812 (D1916, 47239, 47657) supporting. This train runs right through to Minehead, bringing another famous loco to the WSR (45212 was one of the very last steam locos to operate in BR service back in 1968).
On Sunday 20th, diesels will rule the roost, with Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 working the Bishops Lydeard diagram and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) working the diagram that starts from Minehead (keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change).
A weather-related issue has resulted in the temporary loss of Class 33 D6575 (33057) from the active loco fleet, so the ‘Thunderbird’ loco last weekend was Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was on ‘warm standby’ in the yard at Williton on Saturday 12th July 2025 for possible use as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco, starting the day with an engine run to confirm that all systems were ‘go’. Click here or on the image above to play the video. Apologies for the camera shake towards the end – it was VERY hot in the intense sunshine! Video clip by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team took advantage of the relative coolness of the loco shed to continue work on cleaning up the many bogie parts and progress them towards readiness for re-fitting. The visit by professional loco examiner MATT HIGHAM resulted in some very welcome good news when he determined that the brake rigging of both the ‘A’ and the ‘B’ bogies was well within wear limits and could be re-fitted to the bogie after cleaning, painting and re-greasing. This means a saving of the replacement cost of the many pins and bushings that are involved in the brake rigging, and allows us to focus on the suspension components, most of which are quite heavily worn and will need to undergo refurbishment and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT).
On his next visit, Matt will attend to the air system on the loco and replace some lengths of corroded pipework, a task that is made a lot easier by having the engines and transmissions out of the loco. However, in the blazing sunshine of last week, the temperature inside the loco body was far too high to allow anything more than a cursory examination, so this work has had to be deferred to his next visit.
D1010 – the bogie damper was the subject of Andy P’s attention at Williton on Saturday 12th July 2025, when temperatures outdoors were far too hot for comfortable working. The damper has to go out for specialist testing, but at least it will look respectable ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We have re-started engraving the patches but there is quite a backlog, so please bear with us while we catch up.
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now the Duty Loco and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is at Bishops Lydeard and is awaiting an underframe and bogie inspection after being involved in a low-speed derailment of one bogie while shunting outside Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 10th July 2025. This derailment is still the subject of a formal enquiry, so we won’t be giving any details at this time, but we hope to get permission to move the loco to Williton soon, and then we can make a start on the work needed to return her to service.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the re-painting of this loco has progressed rapidly and we are close to getting the loco back to our Williton depot so that we can paint the underframe and bogies and attend to the various maintenance tasks (electrical machine checks and engine checks). We hope to get the loco back in the next week or two and prepare her for some test running in early August, perhaps with D7018 for company.
MANY THANKS to Harry Spencer for working as a volunteer to help the DEPG conserve funds following the unexpectedly high amount of work that had to be carried out on bodywork corrosion repairs. The roof panels were lifted back into place on Tuesday 15th using the WSR’s ‘Atlas’ rail-mounted crane, with WSR volunteer Andrew Forster in charge, again helping the DEPG to minimise the overall expense. We are very grateful to everyone who has worked on D7017 during her bodywork overhaul. Your efforts will be unveiled soon.
The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has TOPPED £20,000 but we will need to keep it open a while longer to cover the cost over-run. MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.
The fund is still open, so please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco was made available to cover the ‘Thunderbird’ duties over the weekend of 12/13th July, but before we could make that commitment, we had to deal with a simple but critical issue that had cropped up during the last day of the Summer Diesel Festival – the horns had stopped working !
The horns on a ‘Hymek’ are quite exposed on the roof of the cab and do not have any grille or mesh to protect them from debris entering and building up internally. The risks of working at height make it difficult to remove and clean the horns as often as we would like, so the job tends to wait until more than one horn starts to become intermittent. Add to that a failure of one of the horn valves on the driver’s desk and the result is a ‘stopped’ loco.
Luckily, the ‘Transmission Team’ came to the rescue by erecting a safety tower around the cab of the loco so that they could work safely and remove each horn in turn for cleaning and re-tuning. The valve was treated to a new set of rubber seals, and all four horns now work properly again. Thank you guys !
D7018 – the horns on the cab roof at ‘A’ end have now been returned to their normal operation after intervention by the ‘Transmission Team at Williton on Tuesday 15th July 2025. The cable tie is temporary. Photo by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D7018 – the rubber seal in the horn valve on the driver’s desk at ‘B’ end had disintegrated, rendering the horns out of order at that end of the loco. All four horns are now working properly again. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 15th July 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
We hope to use D7018 in support of the test running of sister D7017 during early August, as we build up to our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work on the engine rebuild has slowed down due to resources being applied to D9526 to get her ready to support the WSR through the peak summer season. Work continues on the electrical wiring and on the preparation of the many components parts that are needed to complete this locomotive.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco was worked from Williton to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 12th July 2025 so that she could position over the pit for an underframe lubrication and examination. The intention was for the loco to return to Williton afterwards so that the paintwork could be finished, but the Operating Department had other plans and the loco was ‘grabbed’ and kept at Bishops Lydeard to be in position for service on Tuesday 15th July in support of a steam loco, as covered previously.
We will need to take whatever opportunity we can to get the loco under cover so that the paintwork can be finished off. This loco is booked to work the BRAKE VAN RIDES at the WSRA’s annual STEAM RALLY at Norton Fitzwarren on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd August 2025.
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews, and was a magnet for our volunteer loco manager Ian Robins when he was holidaying ‘Up North’ recently. As the official representative of the DEPG, he was provided with a cab pass and was able to assess the loco as it worked between Pickering and Grosmont. His verdict – EXCELLENT INDEED!
Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !
47077 – the view from the cab at Grosmont, with resident Class 31 31128 (D5546) ‘Charybdis’ ahead. Pictured on 11th July 2025 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0
47077 – the man himself, volunteer DEPG loco manager Ian R alongside our ‘celebrity loco’ at Levisham, en route to Pickering. Pictured on 11th July 2025 by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL is a massive success and has resulted in a logjam or orders at our supplier, who appear to be a victim of their own success!
The short-term supply crunch is being caused by the many railway groups who are ordering stock in advance of the ‘Rail 200’ and ‘Greatest Gathering’ events that are coming up in August and September. Once these stock orders have been fulfilled, we expect to see a return to the two-week turnaround for new orders. APOLOGIES if your order has been delayed, but don’t delay if you want some of this new clothing, PLACE YOUR ORDER via our ONLINE STORE, just click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in August. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
We are most definitely ‘on shed’ this week with a great image of the ‘new’ gathering to displace the ‘old’ at Plymouth Laira depot on the very hot and bright Friday, 11th July 2025. The occasion was a visit by the Plymouth Railway Circle, including well known author and DEPG member BERNARD MILLS.
The ‘new’ takes the form of Class 175 ‘Coradia’ diesel-hydraulic multiple units, built in 1999 by Alstom at Washwood Heath, Birmingham. These units have been cascaded from their previous operator, Transport for Wales (TfW) and are now being taken on by GWR for use in Devon and Cornwall. The ‘old’ takes the form of the Class 43 diesel-electric power cars and Mark 3 coaches that comprise the ‘Castle Class’ HSTs or ‘High Speed Trains’, dating back to 1976 – so definitely ‘older’, but still highly competent and a much loved form of transport, sadly now in their twilight months. RIDE ON THEM WHILE YOU STILL CAN !
MANY THANKS to Bernard for sharing his photo with us all.
Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
A hot and bright summer’s day at Plymouth Laira depot with the ‘new’ (1999!) Class 175 units amassing and preparing to take over from the ‘old’ Class 43 ‘Castle’ sets. From Left to Right, 175007, 175009, 175002, 43198 and 43093. Pictured on Friday 11th July 2025 by Bernard Mills © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
We continue to receive orders for the two NEW BOOKS that we added to stock recently. The second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes is now available and we also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author. Both books are of high quality and are available via our online store.
We also have stock of the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, and we have the NEW BOOKLET that has recently been released by DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017. This booklet is currently IN STOCK and available for sale via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out in early August, along with the next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
-
Weekly Roundup – 06-Jul-25
The ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST (power car 43155 leading, 43154 trailing) was out and about on Saturday 5th July 2025, and was preparing to depart for Bishops Lydeard while Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) waited at the opposite platform with a service for Minehead. Pictured at Crowcombe Heathfield by Jason Prole © CC BY-NC 3.0
This edition of Roundup has been modified to include some news that applies to the coming week, rather than the customary focus on the events of the previous week. This is because the extremely hot weather conditions are causing operational issues that have already led to the cancellation of all services on Friday 11th July and will impact services in the week to come.
The ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ services that had to be cancelled on Friday 11th have been re-scheduled for SUNDAY 13th July and will REPLACE the Blue Timetable services on that day. This means that there will be no public services on Sunday 13th.
To reduce the risk of lineside fires, the published YELLOW timetable has been scaled back to a BLUE timetable for Tues/Weds/Thurs 15/16/17th July with one loco in steam on the diagram that starts at Bishops Lydeard and either D6566 (33048) or the DMU on the diagram that starts from Minehead (keep an eye on our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page in case the motive power allocations change).
The weekend of 19/20th July is currently expected to operate as planned with the continuance of the BLUE timetable. The plan for the following week will be reviewed when the weather conditions for that week can be more precisely determined.
The weather-related issue has resulted in the temporary loss of Class 33 D6575 (33057) from the active loco fleet, so the ‘Thunderbird’ loco this coming weekend will be Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018. We will also have Class 14 D9526 available soon, as she is due to run to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 12th to undergo an underframe examination, after which we hope to release her to traffic, even though her re-paint is not quite finished.
Last week, we included an article about manning the ‘Thunderbird’ rescue loco D6566 (33048) on a hot and sunny day, but we need DEPG Secondman and Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL back this weekend to honour Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 with his former Class 57 nameplate on what will be an even hotter and sunnier couple of days !
And yes, the photo below is made up from two separate photos, just in case you think your eyes are playing tricks on you !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured in the yard at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 by Jon Tooke. The image of Mark Bladwell and his SCOTT TRACY of ‘THUNDERBIRDS‘ nameplate (from 57301) is an extract from a photo dated 2nd July 2025 by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0
Here’s an UPDATED table of JULY dates to show what is running and when (AS PER CURRENT INFORMATION):
Day Date Type of Service Notes Saturday 12th Flying Scotsman services Six services, ALL SOLD OUT Sunday 13th Flying Scotsman services Four services, click here to check availability Monday 14th Flying Scotsman static – No other services At Bishops Lydeard, SOLD OUT Tuesday 15th BLUE TT Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations Wednesday 16th BLUE TT Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations Thursday 17th BLUE TT Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations Friday 18th No services Saturday 19th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations Sunday 20th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, check our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page for motive power allocations Monday 21st No services Tuesday 22nd Yellow TT 2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Wednesday 23rd Yellow TT 2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Thursday 24th Yellow TT 2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Friday 25th No services Saturday 26th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Sunday 27th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Monday 28th No services Tuesday 29th Yellow TT 2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Wednesday 30th Yellow TT 2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Thursday 31st Yellow TT 2 x steam plus Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Key to abbreviations: BL = Bishops Lydeard MD = Minehead TT= Timetable
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the team launched an attack on a stillage full of brake rigging parts from D1010‘s ‘B’ bogie to get them cleaned up and ready for inspection by professional loco examiner MATT HIGHAM. Some of the parts were very large and heavy, but our intrepid volunteers worked their way through most of the parts, which will need another degreasing after inspection and before re-painting. Well done team !
D1010 – many hands make light work, as the saying goes, and this photo is the proof. One of the many linkages from the brake rigging of ‘B’ bogie was pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 getting attention from (L-R) Jeffrey, Glenn and Thomas. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We have re-started engraving the patches but there is quite a backlog, so please bear with us while we catch up.
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now the Duty Loco and will be outstationed at either Bishops Lydeard or Minehead according to the requirements of the WSR Operations Department.
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
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is at Bishops Lydeard and is not currently available for use. We will provide more details as soon as they become available.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the re-painting of this loco is being carried out by the WSR’s Harry Spencer but working as a volunteer in his own time. This very kind offer from Harry will help the DEPG conserve funds following the unexpectedly high amount of work that had to be carried out on bodywork corrosion repairs. The roof panels need lifting back on, for which the WSR’s ‘Atlas’ rail-mounted crane will need to be used, but another kind offer from well-known railway preservationist Andrew Forster will allow this to be done with an entirely voluntary workforce, at minimal cost. We are planning to do this work on Tuesday 15th July, subject to availability of volunteers.
We are very grateful to both Harry and Andrew for their kind offers of help and support !
We are planning on getting D7017 back to Williton later in July so that she can be worked up to readiness for her return to service during August. This will involve some test running with sister loco D7018.
The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has TOPPED £20,000 but we will need to keep it open a while longer to cover the cost over-run. MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.
The cost of this bodywork overhaul continues to increase, so we have had to keep the fund open to help reduce the impact on other DEPG projects. Please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco is in serviceable condition and will be available to cover the ‘Thunderbird’ duties over the weekend of 12/13th July, for which she will be kept warm and ready for startup at short notice.
We hope to use D7018 in support of the test running of sister D7017 during late July and August, as we build up to our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – work continues on the engine overhaul, with more parts being re-assembled to the engine block. This engine was last used in D9526 and has been completely stripped down, cleaned, inspected and is being rebuilt with new parts where necessary. Most parts are well within wear limits and are able to be re-used, keeping costs down and conserving our stock of genuine Paxman parts.
D9518 – on Tuesday 10th June 2025, the timing gears had been re-installed in the Paxman 6YJXL engine. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9518 – on Tuesday 24th June 2025, the camshaft and water pump drive gears had been re-installed in the Paxman 6YJXL engine. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9518 – another view from Tuesday 24th June 2025 showing the cam followers and the water pump drive had been re-installed in the Paxman 6YJXL engine. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
Quality work needs to be funded, so we will continue to appeal for funds to support the work, right up to the point where the loco is completed. Any surplus will then be used to ensure her proper care and upkeep. If you like what we are doing, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco has been undergoing a re-paint inside the loco shed at Williton and is close to completion. In preparation fo her return to service, this loco will run ‘light engine’ from Williton to Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 12th to position over the pit for an underframe inspection.
Although the planned workings for next week have been cut back due to the hot weather, we still need to get this loco ready in case she is needed in support of the BLUE timetable.
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL was a massive success and we quickly sold all of our gala stock. This is OK because the new clothing is highly configurable so it is made to order anyway. Due to very high demand, delivery times have extended to four weeks, but this is temporary for the peak summer period, after which we expect to be able to deliver within two weeks of an order being placed via our ONLINE STORE, so click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in July or August. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
Not exactly ‘on shed’ but a flashback to the ‘Merry-Go-Round’ (MGR) coal trains of the past, this photo has been provided by well known author and DEPG member ROGER GEACH. This view of 56055 dates back 24 years – but it feels like yesterday. The working is the Immingham Docks to Cottam Power Station MGR, with imported coal being used for power generation in those days. The loco entered service at Toton depot in February of 1979 and moved to Cardiff Canton depot in October of 1987, surviving through to March 2003, a service life of 24 years. Many thanks to Roger for sharing his photo with us all.
Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time, the more varied, the better. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
BREL Doncaster-built (1979) Class 56 56055 was pictured at Clarborough when working the Immingham Docks to Cottam Power Station ‘MGR’ on 4th July 2001. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
We have received a flurry of orders for the two NEW BOOKS that we added to stock last week. The second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes is now available and we also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author. Both books are of high quality and are available via our online store.
We also have stock of the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, and we have the NEW BOOKLET that has recently been released by DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017. This booklet is currently IN STOCK and available for sale via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September and the meeting will be held at Williton as usual. We will be sending the AGM information package out in early August, along with the next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter.
The DEPG have acquired two pieces of pre-owned plant from a local firm, and both are in the process of being overhauled but already promise to be very useful acquisitions.
The first is a Linde electric fork lift truck, small enough to be kept in our shed but large enough for most of the lifting and shifting jobs that need to be done. This machine requires new batteries and a good cleanup, and will then be ready for insurance inspection and use.
The second is a ‘NiftyLift’ aerial platform, often called a ‘cherry picker’, again in need of some work due to a lengthy period of outdoor storage, but already functional and well worth the effort of restoring. This machine was put through its paces by plant technicians Tony and Jon at Williton last Saturday 5th July. Well done guys, we are going to be wanting to use these items of equipment all the time !
Jon Tooke (JT) at work on the wiring repairs needed for the recently-acquired ‘Niftylift’ aerial platform. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
JT connected the hydraulic pump so that Tony could test the controls in the basket of the recently-acquired ‘Niftylift’ aerial platform. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Tony then tested the ground controls and exercised the recently-acquired ‘Niftylift’ aerial platform. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th July 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
-
Weekly Roundup – 29-Jun-25
The scene on the platform at Minehead on Saturday 28th June 2025 as the UK’s most famous locomotive performed the simple task of running around her train, shortly after arriving at the seaside terminus. Gresley’s 1923-built A3 Pacific 60103 ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN’ once again demonstrated her ability to draw the crowds and fill the trains ! Photo by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0
The WSR is having a taste of ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ fever and enjoying the sight and sound of full trains and busy platforms as the public clamour to get a ride behind – or at least a close look at – the most famous locomotive in the UK and the 102-year-old crown jewel of the National Railway Museum‘s collection.
The entire operating timetable of the WSR has been re-drawn to accommodate the huge demand for haulage behind this machine, with special express trains running non-stop for the 20-mile length of the line between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead along with additional evening services that have proved to be very popular. The special services use a rake of seven Mark 1 coaches with a seating capacity of around 400 passengers per trip, so a small number of tickets might still be available. It is worth clicking this link to find out more.
On non-running days, the loco is stabled at Bishops Lydeard in light steam and is available for close-up viewing, subject to special ticketing that can be obtained by clicking on this link to the WSR’s website. The need for tickets to view is dual-purpose, combining the need for crowd control with the need to bring some income to the railway’s coffers, because the cost of hosting this ‘celebrity’ loco at the WSR is significant.
Also required to support the ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ is Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048), currently the duty loco at Bishops Lydeard and on standby with her engine running in case the long-legged ‘Pacific’ needs a push up the hills. As a mainline express locomotive, the ‘SCOTSMAN‘ is not built for low-speed hill climbing and will tend to slip if high power is used during a climb, especially on a wet or slippery rail, and might need to be ‘rescued’. Manning the ‘Thunderbird’ rescue loco on a hot and sunny day is both an uncomfortable and boring duty for the crews, but DEPG Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL lightened the mood by offering up an appropriate nameplate, one that would suit the duty – as you will see below:
Class 33 D6566 (33048) was pictured on standby duty at Bishops Lydeard on Wednesday 2nd July 2025 with the DEPG’s Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell offering up a suitable nameplate from his collection, in this case SCOTT TRACY of the 1960’s TV series ‘THUNDERBIRDS‘. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0
Here’s a table of JULY dates to show what is running and when:
Day Date Type of Service Notes Saturday 5th Special Blue TT Steam, Diesel and HST in use, D6566 starting at BL Sunday 6th Special Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at BL Monday 7th Flying Scotsman static – No other services At Bishops Lydeard Tuesday 8th Flying Scotsman services Six services, some sold out Wednesday 9th Flying Scotsman services Six services, some sold out Thursday 10th Flying Scotsman services Four services, some sold out Friday 11th Flying Scotsman services Six services, some sold out Saturday 12th Flying Scotsman services Six services, ALL SOLD OUT Sunday 13th Standard Blue TT and Flying Scotsman static Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD, FS static at Bishops Lydeard Monday 14th Flying Scotsman static – No other services At Bishops Lydeard Tuesday 15th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Wednesday 16th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Thursday 17th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Friday 18th No services Saturday 19th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Sunday 20th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Monday 21st No services Tuesday 22nd Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Wednesday 23rd Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Thursday 24th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Friday 25th No services Saturday 26th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Sunday 27th Standard Blue TT Steam and Diesel in use, D6566 starting at MD Monday 28th No services Tuesday 29th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Wednesday 30th Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Thursday 31st Yellow TT Class 14 D9526 on the 1055 BL-MD and return Key to abbreviations: BL = Bishops Lydeard MD = Minehead TT= Timetable
THIS WEEKEND:
On the weekend of 5th and 6th July, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) will be working the diesel diagram under the BLUE timetable but starting at Bishops Lydeard, with steam on the Minehead departure on both days.
ALSO IN USE ON 5th July will be the ex-GWR ‘HST’ set that has been stored on the WSR for some time. The HST will carry out two complete out-and-back runs with 80 miles of quiet and comfortable haulage on offer, starting from Minehead at 0920.
Under the present arrangements, it is not clear if this HST will operate again on the WSR after Saturday 5th July, so try and attend this Saturday to take the opportunity while it is available. Click on this link to go to the WSR’s HST RUNNING DAY page.
Sounding fine but in need of a wash, a GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST with 43097 ‘Castle Drogo’ leading and 43186 ‘Taunton Castle’ trailing was pictured departing from Teignmouth on the 15:27 Exeter St Davids to Plymouth service on Sunday 29th June 2025. This is the last season for HSTs on these services. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the intermediate gearbox from the ‘B’ bogie was carefully opened up for inspection purposes by the ‘Transmission Team’ at Williton and the results were very encouraging indeed. No water, no debris, no evidence of corrosion, and an oil pump that was working well in both directions. So far so good,
The oil pump was removed for a more thorough inspection but found to be in very good condition, so the decision was taken to put it all back together and hand it over to the painters for cleaning up and painting, and move on to the next task !
The painters drew our attention to the remains of some overhaul date information that was barely discernible after more than 50 years under the loco. The photos below appear to show the date of last overhaul as 9-75 and another date which appears to be 5-3-74 (the meaning of which is unknown). Regardless of the precise interpretation, this is a long time ago and the gearbox is in excellent internal condition considering the 50+ years of elapsed time.
This coming week, attention will focus on the ‘B’ bogie to prepare the bogie frame for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) using the Dye Penetrant (DP) method, as covered in the roundup last week.
D1010 – the date painted on the upper left side of the intermediate gearbox casing of the ‘B’ bogie is thought to be ‘5-3-74’ although the text painted above the date is illegible after 50+ years under the loco. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 28th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the much larger date painted on the upper right side of the intermediate gearbox casing of the ‘B’ bogie is thought to be ‘9-75’ but again the text painted above the date is illegible after 50+ years under the loco. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 28th June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the oil pump was removed from the bottom of the intermediate gearbox of the ‘B’ bogie and was found to be in excellent condition ! Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 24th June 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the view through one of the inspection ports of the intermediate gearbox of the ‘B’ bogie showed the internals to be clean, smooth and free from corrosion, which is quite remarkable considering the sporadic use over the last 48 years since withdrawal from BR service. Pictured at Williton on Tuesday 24th June 2025 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the intermediate gearbox of the ‘B’ bogie was handed over to the painters on Saturday 28th June 2025 and Roy was straight onto the job, with the cleaning completed on Saturday morning and the green primer coat completed by the end of that same day. Class 14s D9526 (left) and D9518 (left of centre) and the ‘A’ cooler group (centre) form the backdrop. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We have re-started engraving the patches but there is quite a backlog, so please bear with us while we catch up.
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – attention was given to a leaking seal on the fuel pump while the loco was at Williton last weekend and the loco then swapped roles with sister D6575 (33057) to take over the ‘Thunderbird’ duties in support of the ‘FLYING SCOTSMAN‘ services. D6566 will be in charge of the 1015 service from Bishops Lydeard and the associated 80-mile diagram on both Saturday and Sunday of this coming weekend, 5th/6th July 2025.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – this loco is now back at Williton and is available for service if called upon.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the re-painting of this loco is being carried out by the WSR’s Harry Spencer but working as a volunteer in his own time. This very kind offer from Harry will help the DEPG conserve funds following the unexpectedly high amount of work that had to be carried out on bodywork corrosion repairs. The roof panels need lifting back on, for which the WSR’s ‘Atlas’ rail-mounted crane will need to be used, but another kind offer from well-known railway preservationist Andrew Forster will allow this to be done with an entirely voluntary workforce, at minimal cost. We are planning to do this work on Tuesday 15th July, subject to availability of volunteers.
We are very grateful to both Harry and Andrew for their kind offers of help and support !
We are planning on getting D7017 back to Williton during July so that she can be worked up to readiness for her return to service during August. This will involve some test running with sister loco D7018.
The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has TOPPED £20,000 but we will need to keep it open a while longer to cover the cost over-run. MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.
The cost of this bodywork overhaul continues to increase, so we have had to keep the fund open to help reduce the impact on other DEPG projects. Please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco has returned to Williton to undergo some basic maintenance work that will keep her in good running condition. Her next booked date for public service was going to be Saturday 9th August, but crew availability will result in that day being handed over to one of the Class 33s. The need to keep drivers available for test running of sister D7017 is impacting other running opportunities during August, as we build up to our 50 YEARS of HYMEKS weekend, the 30th and 31st August, where we expect to have both of our ‘Hymeks’ in use, both singly and together.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – in addition to the progress on the wiring, work continues on the engine overhaul and we hope to include some photos in the next roundup.
D9526 – on Tuesday 10th June 2025, the Paxman 6YJXL engine was still in the early stages of re-assembly. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9526 – by the following week, Tuesday 17th June 2025, the camshaft had been re-installed along with the timing gears. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9526 – by the following week, Tuesday 24th June 2025, the engine re-build had progressed a lot further. The water pump (grey) and drive shaft have been re-installed in this view from the output end of the engine, with Tuesday Team volunteer Nick just getting into the frame. Pictured at Williton by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0
Quality work needs to be funded, so we will continue to appeal for funds to support the work, right up to the point where the loco is completed. Any surplus will then be used to ensure her proper care and upkeep. If you like what we are doing, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is inside the loco shed at Williton so that her re-paint can be completed. The loco ran in a mixture of undercoat and gloss during the gala, so she now has to stay indoors until the job is completed, which will be in time to allow her to take up her first booked working of the YELLOW timetable on Tuesday 15th July.
D9526 – on Saturday 28th June 2025, only the ‘A’ nose end and bonnet remained in undercoat, the rest of the loco gleaming with a carefully applied gloss coating. Pictured at Williton by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is definitely a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required.
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL was a massive success and we quickly sold all of our gala stock. This is OK because the new clothing is highly configurable so it is made to order anyway. We expect to be able to deliver within two weeks of an order being placed via our ONLINE STORE, so click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available later in July or August. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
Apologies, but we will have to skip this popular feature this week due to a chronic lack of time. Please continue to send in your photos of locos on shed, at the platform or in action, because we appreciate them all, any Class, any place, any time. Use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch. Thanks !
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
A new book has arrived in stock, the second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes, and we have high hopes that it will be as successful as the first in the series. We have added this book to our online store and will start shipping THIS WEEKEND.
We also have stock of the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author and this very interesting book is also available via our online store.
Although we have only just started to promote the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, we need to ask Roger to share the limelight with our Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL because he has just completed the production of a new booklet covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017 and his work is currently IN STOCK and available for sale at the WSR bookshops and via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The DEPG Board of Trustees held a scheduled Board Meeting at Williton on Saturday 28th June 2025 and decided that the date of the ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM) will be Saturday 13th September at Williton. We will be sending the AGM information package out in early August, along with the next edition of the DEPG Quarterly Newsletter.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
-
Weekly Roundup – 22-Jun-25
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) called in at GWR’s Bristol St. Philip’s Marsh depot for tyre turning on her way home from the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY on Tuesday 17th June 2025. Transport by Allelys, photo by Dave Griffiths © CC BY-NC 3.0
After her successful visit to the SPA VALLEY RAILWAY in Kent, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) took a break during her 200-mile road homeward journey by calling at GWR’s Bristol St Philip’s Marsh depot for ‘tyre turning’, which is a process by which the shape of each wheel and flange are kept within specification, which is essential for both efficiency and safety.
It may not be entirely obvious, but railway vehicles have ‘tyres’, albeit hardened steel ones, and these gradually wear and change their profile until the wear limits are reached. When new, the tyres are thick enough to allow several sessions on the wheel lathe, which a massive machine that is designed for the purpose of removing metal as the wheel is being rotated, and specialised cutting tools are used to return the tyre to the correct shape – which is a conical taper, as shown in the diagram below:
Railway wheel and Rail profile drawing – by Scholar44, courtesy of Wikipedia
The drawing shows that the wheels are tapered and the rails are set at a similar angle to ensure that the wheel self-centres and self-steers around curves. There is an entire branch of science behind this and it is essential for smooth running at high speeds, but also for minimising wear and tear. Although our ‘Crompton’ won’t need to go above 25mph in heritage use, keeping her tyres correctly profiled will help get the maximum life out of the wheels and allow her to visit other railways in future.
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was positioned over the Hegenscheidt wheel lathe at GWR’s Bristol St Philip’s Marsh depot on Tuesday 17th June 2025, ready for tyre turning to be carried out on the first axle. Ashley and Tom (L-R) were accompanying the loco and representing the DEPG. Photo by Ashley Harris © CC BY-NC 3.0
The Hegenscheidt wheel lathe at GWR’s Bristol St Philip’s Marsh depot is a highly specialised piece of equipment and is kept busy, especially in the autumn when leaves on the track can result in wheelslides that creates flat spots on wheels. The cure is a visit to the lathe – and more material lost from the diameter of the wheel. Pictured on Tuesday 17th June 2025 by Dave Griffiths © CC BY-NC 3.0
Two video clips have been provided by DEPG members Dave G and Ashley, one showing the electrically-powered ‘mule’ that is used to haul the loco over the wheel lathe and then move it along as each axle gets the tyre-turning treatment. The second video clip shows the wheel being rotated during the turning process. Metal shavings (known as ‘swarf’) can be seen falling from the lower section of the wheel as the cutting tools do their work, re-creating the profile, but with a smaller overall diameter.
Many thanks to all of our contributors for sharing their photos and videos. Click on the images below to watch the video clip.
The NITEQ ‘mule’ at work hauling D6566 (33048) onto the wheel lathe on Tuesday 17th June 2025. Video by Dave Griffiths © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) was filmed while undergoing tyre turning at GWR’s Bristol St. Philip’s Marsh depot on Tuesday 17th June 2025. Video by Ashley Harris © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33048) showed evidence of freshly turned tyres when back on the WSR on Sunday 22nd June 2025. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0
THIS WEEKEND:
There are NO DIESEL-HAULED SERVICES this weekend (28th/29th June) but our Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ may be in use supporting the ‘Flying Scotsman‘ non-stop services that will be running between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead. See the WSR’s TIMETABLE page for details.
On the weekend of 5th and 6th July, Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33057) will be working the diesel diagram under the BLUE timetable but starting at Bishops Lydeard, with steam on the Minehead departure on both days.
ALSO IN USE ON 5th July will be the ex-GWR ‘HST’ set that has been stored on the WSR for some time. The HST will carry out two complete out-and-back runs with 80 miles of quiet and comfortable haulage on offer, starting from Minehead at 0920. Click on this link to go to the WSR’s HST RUNNING DAY page.
Ex-GWR ‘Castle Class’ HST (43155 leading, 34154 trailing) made for a great picture when crossing Lower Ker Moor on 14th August 2024. Photo by Mike Lanning © CC BY-NC 3.0
Click here to go to the WSR’s Timetable page then click on the day of interest then click VIEW TIMETABLE.
For details of planned diesel-hauled services, please click here or on the banner below to visit our DIESEL RUNNING DATES page and sign up to our DIESELGEN bulletin service for advance notification of unplanned services.
LOCO NEWS:
Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – attention remains focused on the ‘B’ bogie to remove more parts and allow the bogie frame to be prepared for Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) using the Dye Penetrant (DP) method. This involves cleaning off all paint, dirt and rust to expose a clean metallic surface, upon which a special type of paint known as the ‘penetrant’ is sprayed in the area of interest. After some time, the coating is cleaned off and another special type of paint known as the ‘developer’ is applied. This reacts with residue of the ‘penetrant’ and provides a clearly visible indication of potential defects that need further investigation. We are not expecting to find any issues, but we need to take this opportunity to inspect for defects while we have the bogie in this stripped-down condition.
Another step forward was the removal of the intermediate gearbox from the ‘B’ bogie and the modification of the ‘Hymek’ transmission stand to accommodate this large and awkwardly-shaped piece of heavy machinery. The next step will be to drain the oil and inspect the internals, especially the oil pump and directional valves. More on this next week.
D1010 – the intermediate gearbox from the ‘B’ bogie was suspended from the crane in the foreground while volunteer Colin F carried out modifications to the ‘Hymek’ transmission stand to allow it to be used to hold the intermediate gearbox. Gordon can be seen at work on the ‘B’ bogie in the background. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st June 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
D1010 – the intermediate gearbox from the ‘B’ bogie was lowered onto the modified ‘Hymek’ transmission stand by Ethan R under the supervision of Colin F. The gearbox will be cleaned and inspected by the Transmission Team to determine if further disassembly is justified. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st June 2025 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
As mentioned before, apologies to those D1010 sponsors who have yet to receive the photos and certificates for the patches that they have sponsored. We have re-started engraving the patches but there is quite a backlog, so please bear with us while we catch up.
MANY THANKS to all who have sponsored and supported the RESTORATION of D1010 !
Class 09 D4107 (09019) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard in support of WSR operations.
Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco was in use on the BLUE timetable service on Sunday 22nd June, starting from Bishops Lydeard. The loco was swapped with sister D6575 (33057) at Minehead and was returned to Williton on Friday 27th June for attention to be given to a leaking fuel pump before the loco can ben made available for service again. Hopefully, this will be sorted out during this coming weekend.
Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – outstationed at Bishops Lydeard as the ‘duty loco’ and designated as the ‘Thunderbird’ loco in support of ‘Flying Scotsman’ services. Booked for use on on the BLUE timetable on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th July STARTING FROM BISHOPS LYDEARD.
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the re-painting of this loco will be carried out by the WSR’s Harry Spencer but working as a volunteer in his own time. This very kind offer from Harry will help the DEPG conserve funds following the unexpectedly high amount of work that had to be carried out on bodywork corrosion repairs. The roof panels need lifting back on, for which the WSR’s ‘Atlas’ rail-mounted crane will need to be used, but another kind offer from well-known railway preservationist Andrew Forster will allow this to be done with an entirely voluntary workforce, at minimal cost.
We are very grateful to both Harry and Andrew for their kind offers of help and support !
This has already been factored into the timetable and we are planning on getting D7017 back to Williton during July so that she can be worked up to readiness for her return to service during August.
The fund for the bodywork overhaul of D7017 has TOPPED £20,000 but we will need to keep it open a while longer to cover the cost over-run. MANY THANKS to all who have contributed to this amazing result and in doing so, have secured the future of this locomotive.
The cost of this bodywork overhaul continues to increase, so we have had to keep the fund open to help reduce the impact on other DEPG projects. Please consider contributing if you can. THANK YOU VERY MUCH !
Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco will return to Williton on Friday 27th so that maintenance work can take place to keep in running condition.
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – in addition to the progress on the wiring, work continues on the engine overhaul and we hope to include some photos in the next roundup.
Quality work needs to be funded, so we will continue to appeal for funds to support the work, right up to the point where the loco is completed. Any surplus will then be used to ensure her proper care and upkeep. If you like what we are doing, please make a donation via our website (click on the icon below) or by bank app or by sending a cheque to the DEPG at Williton. THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR YOUR SUPPORT !
Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is inside the loco shed at Williton so that her re-paint can be completed. The loco ran in a mixture of undercoat and gloss during the gala, so she now has to stay indoors until the job is completed, hopefully in time to allow her to take up her first booked working of the YELLOW timetable on Tuesday 15th July.
While rubbing down the paintwork at the ‘A’ end of the locomotive, some blue paint was found on the lens housing of the red marker light – which didn’t make sense at first because this loco has never carried a blue livery. It was then revealed that this marker light had been replaced by a part obtained from NCB Ashington following the demise of that facility, and the blue was in fact ‘Ashington Blue’, the same colour as sister loco D9518 will be wearing when she returns to service in a few years from now.
D9526 – on Saturday 21st June 2025, the ‘A’ nose end was undergoing rubbing down in preparation for a gloss top coat. Pictured at Williton by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
D9526 – the rubbing down revealed a layer of blue paint underneath the green – but only on the lens housing of the red marker light. This was determined as being ‘Ashington Blue’ (the darker of the blue shades, the lighter being an undercoat), because this part had been recovered from scrapped locomotives from that NCB facility ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 21st June 2025 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0
Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco continues to be in regular use on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway and is turning out to be a firm favourite for passengers and crews alike. Please continue to send in your photographs of our ‘celebrity’ loco while she is at work on the Moors. Thanks !
Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was a very popular loco at the NORTH YORKSHIRE MOORS RAILWAY’s Diesel Gala event, seen here drifting down the bank towards Grosmont station with the 12:11 departure from Pickering. Photo dated 13th June 2025 by Andy Galpin © CC BY-NC 3.0
Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco is available for service as required. She has not seen much use lately because our yard has been devoid of locomotives, but that is returning to a more normal situation so she might get some use soon.
Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) was stabled on No. 3 road in Williton South Yard when pictured on Saturday 21st June 2025, with the DEPG’s brake van B952527 and D1010‘s ‘A’ bogie behind her. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0
If you can help by donating your time to any of these projects, then please JOIN US and come along to the depot for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. We currently have people on site from Saturday through to Tuesday and we can open on other days if we can be sure of getting at least two volunteers on site at all times, so there is plenty of scope. We have tasks of all types to suit most capabilities, both skilled and unskilled.
Many thanks to all of our volunteers who give up so much of their time to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !
NEW CLOTHING RANGE:
The new range of clothing that was launched at the SUMMER DIESEL FESTIVAL was a massive success and we quickly sold all of our gala stock. This is OK because the new clothing is highly configurable so it is made to order anyway. We expect to be able to deliver within two weeks of an order being placed via our ONLINE STORE, so click this link to give it a go !
So far, we have launched the 50 YEARS of HYMEKS range and a configurable HYMEK and WESTERN range, and in the works are similarly configurable ranges covering the Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ and the Class 14 ‘Teddy Bears’ with those garments likely to be available in July. Here’s a taster of what is on offer and available to order NOW via our website:
The range of colours has now been expanded and the range of sizes now includes LADIES SIZES. Please let us know via our CONTACT FORM if the colour and size combination that you want is not showing as an option online.
The new designs are available in the following garment types, some of which have not yet been added to our website, so again please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know what you want. Here are the prices:
Garment type Price T shirt £22 Polo shirt £25 Sweatshirt £35 Hoodie £37 Fleece £40 Other ? Tell us what you want ! Use our CONTACT FORM Although the prices of the new range are higher than before, the prices are competitive and are in line with the quality of the garments. These are really nice pieces of work and the ability to personalise your choice is another definite advantage.
We look forward to receiving your order, the profits from which will directly support the DEPG !
ON SHED
We have been provided with a batch of photos for our ON SHED feature by well-known author, photographer and DEPG member ROGER GEACH and this week we feature a Class 45 ‘Peak’, in fact 45016 which was formerly D16 and dating back to December 1960. The location is the Tilcon stone drop, at Portwood, Stockport, delivering stone from Tunstead in the Peak district, which seems quite appropriate for this Class of loco!
Last week, we featured loco is 25242 (D7592) stabled at Bletchley and asked for information on the likely working that caused it to be there. Regular correspondent Neale Long surmised that it was probably a stone working from the Peak district, which makes the connection to this week’s choice.
Do you have photographs of loco workings of the past that you would like to share ? If yes, please use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch with us.
Many thanks to Roger for sharing his photos with us all.
BR ‘Type 4’ Class 45 ‘Peak 45016 (D16) was pictured at the stone drop near Portwood, Stockport on 29th May 1984 with a stone train from Tunstead in the Peak District. The loco was based at Holbeck (Leeds) depot for almost all of its 24-year working life. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0
NEW BOOKS ON SALE
A new book is coming, the second in the three-part series ‘The Railways of South Wales 1975-1995‘ by Michael Rhodes, and we have high hopes that it will be as successful as the first in the series. We will be adding this book to our online store during the next few days and expect to receive stock in early July.
We will also be stocking the companion series ‘RAILWAYS OF THE NORTH EAST 1975-1995‘ by the same author and hope to add this to our online store next week.
Although we have only just started to promote the NEW BOOK entitled ABSOLUTELY WESTERNS that has been compiled by Roger Geach from photos taken by the late Peter Crawley, we need to ask Roger to share the limelight with our Publicity Officer MARK BLADWELL because he has just completed the production of a new booklet covering DEPG ‘Hymek’ D7017 and his work is currently IN STOCK and available for sale at the WSR bookshops and via our online store.
This new booklet has 64 printed pages of glossy A4 and includes information about the ‘Hymeks’ and about D7017 in particular, covering both phases of her life – the first 13 years in BR service and the last 50 years in the care of the DEPG. Priced at £15 per copy, this book can be ordered from our website NOW.
Don’t forget to consider adding Roger’s new book to your shopping basket as well ……
Click here or on the image above to get your copy (priced at £17.50 per copy) and in doing so, supporting the restoration of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. A BOOK REVIEW on this new publication has been provided by regular correspondent NEALE LONG and will be posted online during the next few days. Please check this link periodically until the review appears. Thank you Neale !
There are many other new and pre-owned book titles on our online store – click here for details.
DEPG NEWS:
The DEPG Board of Trustees will be holding a scheduled Board Meeting at Williton on Saturday 28th June 2025. If you are a DEPG member and have a question that you would like to have put to the Board, please use our CONTACT FORM to get in touch.
The DEPG is a charity and is run entirely by volunteers, many of whom give both their time and their money to the continuance of work on the locos in the DEPG fleet. If you have been enjoying the roundup for free, have you considered joining us for just £1 a month ? You can then add your name to all of those helping out on the above projects and play your part in the future of our locos for a lot less than the price of a cup of coffee!
JOIN US using whichever membership class is appropriate for your situation and means. CLICK HERE or on the image below or use the QR code to get the details.
If you would like to go one step further and come along to help with the work on the locos in our fleet, then please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know that you would like to volunteer and we will respond with more details.
We look forward to hearing from you !
