Weekly Roundup

  • Weekly Roundup – 06-Feb-22

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) stands outside Westridge Shed at Bishops Lydeard on Saturday 5th February 2022 as a WSR volunteer carries out steam cleaning of the ex-GWR Toad brake van in the background. D6575 is currently the ‘duty loco’ and is therefore fully operational and available for use at any time. Photo by Mark Ireland © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    With all of the news that is being made by our two major restoration projects at Williton, it is easy to lose sight of the two locos that do most of the work on the WSR, our rugged and reliable BRCW Class 33 ‘Cromptons’, D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057). One of these locos is kept available at all times as the designated ‘duty loco’ so that it can be pressed into use on any kind of activity, from engineering trains to crew training turns.

     

    The Class 33s were designed and built by the now-defunct Birmingham Railway Carriage and Wagon Company (BRCW) of Smethwick, Birmingham, with the delivery of the first loco D6500 taking place on the 30th January 1960, and the last of the series of 98 being put to work in May of 1962. The class was built to meet the specific requirements of the Southern Region (SR) of British Railways, and featured dual braking (vacuum and air) and Electric Train Heating (ETH) from new, which was a first for the Modernisation Plan locomotives.

    Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company (BRCW) 1,550 hp Type 3 (later Class 33) serial number DEL170, ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) of August 1961 carries shed plate 73C (Hither Green, Lewisham, Kent) at Williton on 24th December 2020. Photo by Ian Robins © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Although the ETH capability is not used on the WSR at present, the dual braking is very useful and it allows the loco to haul modern vehicles that are not fitted with vacuum brakes. The Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) at Bishops Lydeard is also an ex-SR machine and is also dual-braked. The WSR maintains and operates a rake of dual-braked Mark 1 coaches that are used to keep staff familiar with the differences between the two braking systems.

     

    While on the subject of brakes, Class 33 D6566 (33 048) is currently at Williton undergoing a brake block change as part of her scheduled maintenance plan. The brake blocks are made of cast iron and they gradually wear down, the difference in diameter being taken up by an automatic device called a ‘slack adjuster’. While undergoing inspection at Williton, it was determined that one of the ‘slack adjusters’ on the loco was not performing as well as it should, so it was replaced with a spare while the braking assembly was being worked on.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) is pictured undergoing brake block and slack adjuster replacement at Williton on a cold and windy Saturday 5th February 2022. DEPG volunteer loco manager Ian R was assisted by Tom in the effort to change all 16 brake blocks without the use of a pit. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) ‘A’ end bogie is pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th February 2022, before the brake blocks were changed. The slack adjuster (the part with the bellows) can be seen in the extended position, compensating for the wear in the brake blocks. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) – one of the eight ‘slack adjusters’ was removed from the loco at Williton on Saturday 5th February 2022. It will be refurbished and then kept as a spare. Compared to the previous picture, the fully compressed bellows shows the extent of the movement of the part. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) ‘B’ end bogie is pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th February 2022, after one of the brake blocks had been changed but before the replacement slack adjuster had been fitted. The increased thickness of the new brake block is apparent. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Upon completion of the work, the braking system will be inspected and tested in accordance with the formal ‘Vehicle Inspection & Brake Test’ (VIBT) procedure before the loco is released to traffic. This will then allow both Class 33s to be made available for use, if the need arises.

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 DIESEL GALA will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – work progresses on the cab at ‘B’ end, the restoration now reaching window height and resulting in the need to remove the drivers side aluminium frames and sliding glass windows so that welding could take place to repair corrosion damage around the door pillar. The following pictures tell the story:

    D1010 – the sliding windows and their aluminium frames were removed from the loco at Williton on Saturday 5th February 2022 so that bodywork repairs could take place on the door pillar on the driving side. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the sliding windows and their aluminium frames have been removed from the loco and their place taken by plywood sheeting to protect the driver’s desk from dirt and damage while Colin F cuts out corroded metal and prepares to weld in new metal. Meanwhile, bodywork repairs have started at the ‘A’ end in the distance. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th February 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the handrail attachment point has been cut open for debris removal and subsequent repair. The simplicity of fitting a cork to prevent the debris from going down inside the tubular handrail will help avoid corrosion taking place at the bottom attachment point. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th February 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – with plywood windows and with corroded metal removed to leave a series of wounds in her skin, there is no doubt that the loco is going to look worse before she looks better, but progress is swift and the window frames will be cleaned up and reinstalled within a couple of weeks. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 5th February 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – Neil progressed his work on the fitting of additional fuse protection into the electrical feed for the compressor and exhausters, which is a modification that has already been applied to sister loco D7018. This loco is waiting for its turn over the pit in the Swindon Shed so that her bogie suspension springs can be replaced.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – more progress as the team continue their program of refurbishment of the individual parts before they get fitted back onto the loco frames. The focus of attention at Williton this week was the buffers, which had to be opened up very carefully because each one contains a giant spring. Another activity that took place off site was the refurbishment of the headcode boxes with their roller-blind indicators. These devices have not been used since the loco left BR service in 1969 and were ignored by the NCB, so 53 years of neglect have been overcome by some very careful restoration on the part of Colin G. The results are visible in the photos below and speak for themselves.

    D9518’s sister locomotives D9516 and D9537 are pictured climbing past Halfpenny Lane crossing at Featherstone, West Yorkshire, with the morning 8H13 Healey Mills to Hull freight service on Thursday 29th June 1967. The headcode boxes show some uncertainty on the third digit, but this was fairly typical of the times. Photo by Alan Walker © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 at work as No.7 at NCB Ashington Colliery, Northumberland, on 25th May 1981 showing the headcode boxes were left in place but ignored by the NCB. The rightmost blind appears to be showing a number 3 or 5 through the grime, but the blind to the left of that is missing altogether. Photo by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – one of the original 1964-vintage headcode box assemblies has been painstakingly restored by Colin G and is now ready to have new roller blinds fitted. The quality of the restoration work is apparent. Photo dated 5th February 2022 by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the set of four lamp boxes with integral lamp brackets have also been subjected to Colin’s attention and have been repaired and painted in primer, ready to be reinstalled on the loco frames. Photo dated 5th February 2022 by Colin Girle © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the buffers of this loco would have had a very hard life when working at the NCB’s Ashington Colliery, so they have to be opened up and inspected before re-installng them on the locomotive. The work proceeds slowly using two long threaded studs to keep the assembly from flying apart under the pressure of the enormous coil spring that is hidden inside the buffer stock. Pictured at Williton on 5th February 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the view inside the buffer stock with the end plate and spring removed. The rusty surfaces will be cleaned up and painted and the buffer will be reassembled after the spring has been inspected. Pictured at Williton on 5th February 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – one pair of buffers have been disassembled and are now awaiting clean-up and inspection. The size of the springs are apparent from this view ! Pictured at Williton on 5th February 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The constant progress on this loco project has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022. This loco was in action on Saturday 5th February 2022 when she hauled an Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) movement on the K&ESR.

    Class 14 D9526 was in use on the K&ESR on Saturday 5th February 2022, hauling a set of Empty Coaching Stock (ECS), including this 1931 Maunsell corridor coach, on a repositioning move. Photo by Mike Grimwood © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is currently in the Swindon Shed at Williton receiving attention from the WSR Restorations team who are performing a partial repaint that will then allow the loco to be stabled in the yard for the rest of the winter. The loco is currently wearing undercoat and will receive a coat of gloss when weather conditions allow.

     

    If you can help by donating your time, 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. Here’s some photos of the work that has taken place during the last week:

     

    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 !

     

     

    BOOK REVIEW – this week, we introduce a book that has yet to be published but holds out significant promise and will be of great interest to all of our Class 14 followers. The book is another by Anthony P Sayer and we will be providing a detailed review from long-term DEPG member and regular contributor, Neale Long, as soon as he can get his hands on a copy. The publisher is Pen & Sword and their website states that the publication date for the first volume, covering the life of the Class in BR hands, will be 31st March 2022. The second volume will cover the life of the class in Industry, and will be published on 30th June 2022.

     

    Also of interest this week is ‘MODERN LOCOMOTIVES ILLUSTRATED PLUS‘ bi-monthly publication number 253 (Feb-Mar 2022) in which Neale tells us the following:

    “There are several articles of particular interest to Group members, namely ‘Hymeks on Freight’ where D7017 is illustrated on a demonstration freight train on the WSR, freshly painted in 2013, and ‘Westerns on Tour’ in which there are several shots of D1010 on the ‘Western Requiem’ tour of 13th February 1977. D1010 even appears in the article on ‘Motorail -Taking Your Car on Holiday’ where she can be seen at St Austell in 1972 at the Motorail Terminal, with Class 47 number 1590 in the main platform on a Penzance to Bristol service. Well worth a look.”

     

    Next week, we will be featuring a review of a new publication by Book Law entitled ‘BR Early Diesels in Colour Part 1 TOPS Classes 01-35’ so tune in again next week to read Neale’s opinion on this book.

     Many thanks to Neale for keeping us up to date with these highly relevant publications !

     

    ON SHED – several readers have commented and expressed their appreciation for the series of photos by Barry Gay covering the loco depot at Newton Abbot. Today, we can share another gem from his vast collection, from the days when the ‘Warships’ were still plentiful at Newton Abbot (as per correspondent Frank Northcott, there were 68 ‘Warships’ allocated to Newton Abbot when at its peak in the latter part of the 1960s). Here’s a view of the East Yard with the coal-fired power station in the background (closed and demolished in 1974):

    Four ‘Warships’ in the East Yard at Newton Abbot on Friday 27th March 1970, all fuelled up and ready for action, including one that was still in maroon livery. From left to right, we see 829 ‘MAGPIE’ then D838 ‘RAPID’ (in maroon) then 832 ‘ONSLAUGHT’ with 835 ‘PEGASUS’ furthest away. The two North British Class 43 locos (835 and D838) were withdrawn by the middle of the following year and the two Swindon-built Class 42s (829 and 832) by the end of 1972, but thankfully 832 lives on with the Bury Hydraulic Group at the East Lancs Railway. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the January Board Meeting will be emailed later this week to all DEPG members for whom we hold email addresses. We continue our efforts to build our membership, so if you like what we do, please JOIN US and help us do more of it !

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have some stock remaining of our seasonably warm wearables, so click the the links below to find out more !

    We can also provide these garments to order in different colours, so if you want a hat or a fleece but don’t want it in black, please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. Thanks !

     

    WSR NEWS: Work continues on the relaying of the line between Dunster and Minehead, and on Friday 4th February 2022, our Chairman Martin Howard was in charge of the WSR’s Class 03 shunter D2133 to perform a shunt of the Permanent Way Depot and to position the hopper wagons so that they could be loaded with fresh ballast. Here’s some photos that Martin captured when it was safe to do so:

    The WSR’s Class 03 D2133 is pictured early in the shunting exercise at Dunster on Friday 4th February 2022, with the loco sandwiched between a ‘Turbot’ wagon and the ‘Elk’ flat wagons and a ‘Warflat’ wagon. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The WSR’s Class 03 D2133 was then used to collect the ‘Dogfish’ hopper wagons from the back road at Dunster Yard so that they could be repositioned and loaded with fresh ballast. Photo taken on Friday 4th February 2022 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The WSR’s fleet of five ‘Turbot’ wagons were all shunted back into one set at Dunster, probably for the first time in many years. Photo taken on Friday 4th February 2022 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    The WSR’s Class 03 D2133 is at the head of this short rake of ‘Dogfish’ hopper wagons which are now being loaded with fresh ballast that will soon be delivered to the length of the line that has just been relaid at Alcombe, between Dunster and Minehead. Photo taken on Friday 4th February 2022 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    This investment in the upgrading of WSR infrastructure is most welcome and will be completed in time to celebrate the re-opening to MINEHEAD that we have all been looking forward to.

     

    The WSR have published the timetables and the dates for the 2022 special events, as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 30-Jan-22

    The torque converter rail from the transmission of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ was shipped to a specialist engineering firm for disassembly on Tuesday 25th January 2022. The transportation cost was very kindly sponsored by West Country firm WRINGS TRANSPORT and we are very grateful for their help. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Headlining this week is the long-awaited move of the torque converter rail from the transmission of Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ which has now been delivered to a specialist engineering firm for disassembly. This is a major step forward in the resolution of an issue that occurred during the first day of the 2018 Diesel Gala when the ‘B’ end transmission seized and the loco had to be withdrawn from service.

     

    The transfer of power from the diesel engine to the wheels of a diesel-hydraulic locomotive is handled by the transmission, which in the case of the Class 52 ‘Westerns’, comprises three torque converters (a specialised form of a turbine), each intended for use during a different speed range. The three converters are attached to a hollow shaft that revolves around the central shaft, the whole assembly involving eight bearings and their associated fluid seals, each of which has to be removed, inspected and replaced if necessary.

    D1010 – cross-sectional drawing of the Voith L630rV three-stage hydraulic transmission, as used in the Class 52 ‘Westerns’. This is a photograph of a Voith drawing dating back to 1962.

     

    Although the use of hydraulic transmissions on mainline locos was discontinued by British Railways in the 1970s, this form of transmission has lived on in all of the second generation diesel-multiple-units (DMUs) such as Sprinters, Super Sprinters and Turbostars, where the original claims of low weight and high reliability have been fully proven, with many thousands of such transmissions in daily service around the world.

    Following disassembly, the parts from D1010’s transmission will be returned to Williton for each of the separate parts to be cleaned, inspected and measured. Then, the spare parts will be ordered and upon receipt of the parts, the whole kit will go back to the subcontractor for assembly. This process is likely to take 6 to 9 months, during which time we will continue to progress with other aspects of the loco restoration project.

    We are very grateful to all who donated and continue to donate towards the D1010 RESTORATION APPEAL and we would particularly like to thank WRINGS TRANSPORT for sponsoring this move. Thank you very much indeed !

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 DIESEL GALA will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we continue the steady drumbeat of progress on the bodywork of the locomotive, helped along by the flow of donations and the growing attendances at the depot, now open from Saturday through to Tuesday (most weeks). The old saying ‘many hands make light work’ is absolutely right. The following photographs tell the story:

    D1010 – Bob prepares the cab side for painting while Colin F works on installing the replacement door frame on the driver’s side of ‘B’ end cab at Williton on Saturday 29th January 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the door frame had to be curved to match the profile of the side of the locomotive, so Colin F applied gentle force to create just the right amount of curve to ensure a good fit. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the replacement door frame has now been fitted neatly into place and is ready for welding. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the tedious process of removing the many layers of paint and filler continues along the side of the locomotive that carries the scars of a previous repair to damage that was incurred some time in 1972. Chris is pictured working on the loco at Williton on Saturday 29th January 2022 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the needle-gunned surface is too rough to be painted, so it first has to be sanded down. The handrails prevent the use of power tools, so Ian F uses sandpaper to make sure that the area behind the handrail does not get missed. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – after several hours of hard work with the power sander on the ‘face’ of the locomotive, Gordon gathers the evidence and tidies up at the end of the day. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – to prevent a layer of rust forming on the newly-repaired bodywork, Roy applies a thin layer of primer as a temporary measure, in advance of the sanding, filling and priming that will need to be done as part of the locomotive repaint. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 29th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is at Williton undergoing some minor repairs and maintenance, while remaining fully serviceable.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) gets some attention to a leaking windscreen seal from Class 33 loco manager Ian R at Williton on 22nd January 2022 while Tom stays warm and dry in the cab ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – currently the duty loco, stationed at Bishops Lydeard (under cover, in Westridge Shed).

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – Neil continued his work on the fitting of additional fuse protection into the electrical feed for the compressor and exhausters, which is a modification that has already been applied to sister loco D7018. This loco is waiting for its turn over the pit in the Swindon Shed so that her bogie suspension springs can be replaced.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – work resumed on the preparation for the removal of the transmission control block, which is a necessary step in the search for the issue that is preventing the automatic gear change from functioning properly. In the worst case, this loco will be ready for the DIESEL GALA from 9th to 11th JUNE and will operate while locked in second gear, as she did in 2021, but we hope that we will resolve the issue in time to allow normal operation.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – another successful week with many more parts refitted to the loco frames, including some large pieces that have been taking up a lot of space in the loco shed while waiting their turn for re-attachment. This last weekend saw the re-fitting of the two sets of sandboxes and steps at the leading (longest) end of the locomotive, and the buffer beam received two coats of paint, first the primer and then the undercoat, which will be lightly sanded before applying further coats next week. Also, quietly and out of sight, John continued his work on the rebuilding of the electrical cubicle. Great progress indeed !

    D9518’s bufferbeam at the leading end of the loco received a coat of green primer early in the morning of Saturday 29th January 2022, courtesy of Colin G. Pictured at Williton by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the sandboxes at the leading end were re-installed (one on each side of the loco) at Williton on 29th January 2022. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the shunter’s steps at the leading end were prepared for re-installation (one on each side of the loco) at Williton on 29th January 2022. Note the hinged door that is attached to the left side of the steps – this will cover the emergency manual fuel pump that can be seen in the previous photograph. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the shunter’s steps at the leading end were re-installed (one on each side of the loco) by Colin G (left) and Simon with the aid of a pallet truck at Williton on 29th January 2022. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the shunter’s steps, sandbox (behind the steps) and fuel pump door after re-installation at Williton on 29th January 2022. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s bufferbeam at the leading end of the loco after receiving a coat of grey undercoat, pictured late in the day at Williton on Saturday 29th January 2022, with the steps, sandbox and door re-installed and also with one of the white handrails fitted. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The constant progress on this loco project has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is currently in the Swindon Shed at Williton receiving attention from the WSR Restorations team who are performing a partial repaint that will then allow the loco to be stabled in the yard for the rest of the winter.

     

    If you can help by donating your time, 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 !

     

    BOOK REVIEW – we will skip this feature this week, but we will be back soon with another book review by long-term DEPG member and regular contributor, Neale Long.

     

    ON SHED – we feature another photo from the extensive collection of Devon-based photographer Barry Gay, this time with our very own D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ making a full power restart from Newton Abbot station with the 1B91 0730 Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth on Sunday 26th May 1974. The station looks sad, just a shadow of its former self, after being stripped of platform furniture some years previously. The clouds of black sooty ‘clag’ emanating from the loco are caused by ‘turbo lag’ which in turn is caused by the rapid increase in engine speed before the turbochargers have had a chance to catch up, thereby making the fuel-air mixture too rich, with dirty exhausts as a result. The exhaust will soon clean up as the engines stabilise. The German designers of the engines and transmissions were horrified by the harsh driving style demonstrated by some of the BR crews. Today’s engines are electronically controlled so that fuel flow is increased in unison with the increasing flow of air, regardless of the style of the driver.

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER powers out of Newton Abbot station with the 1B91 0730 Bristol Temple Meads to Plymouth service on Sunday 26th May 1974. The loco returned later in the day on the 1A49 1205 Penzance to Paddington service, which it worked from Plymouth to Paddington.  Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – some essential infrastructure improvements have been in progress at Williton, including the upgrading of the handwashing facilities in the loco shed, thanks to Graham and Jon, and the installation of a safety tag system, thanks to Martin and Paul T. Some pictures of their efforts are included below:

    The upgraded handwashing facilities at Williton were put to the test by Colin G on Saturday 29th January 2022, and he appears to be happy with the results ! Many thanks to Graham and Jon for their hard work over several weekends to implement this enhanced facility. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The implementation of a safety tag system to complement the ‘NOT TO BE MOVED’ boards was progressed by Paul and Martin at Williton over the weekend of 29th January 2022 with the creation and installation of a control board for the individual tags that will be assigned to each volunteer. This safety system will warn others when work is taking place on or inside a locomotive. Photo by Graham Perry © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have some stock remaining of our seasonably warm wearables, so click the the links below to find out more !

    We can also provide these garments to order in different colours, so if you want a hat or a fleece but don’t want it in black, please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. Thanks !

     

    WSR NEWS: The timetable for 2022 has now been released and we are very pleased to see that diesel haulage is a regular feature. The detail of which services will be worked by which locomotives is still being worked out, and depends largely on the availability of qualified crew members, but we will provide details as soon as we can.

    The WSR have published the dates for the 2022 special events, as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

     

    Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

    Go to Depot news

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

  • Weekly Roundup – 23-Jan-22

    The DEPG’s BR-corporate-blue Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was unloaded from the Allelys Heavy Haulage trailer at New Bridge on the NYMR on a freezing cold Tuesday morning 18th January 2022, after a 300-mile trip from Bishops Lydeard. The loco was the subject of an official photo shoot as part of the publicity surrounding the arrival of the loco. Photo by the NYMR © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Continuing to make the news this week, our ‘celebrity’ Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ arrived at New Bridge on the NYMR at 8pm on the evening of Monday 17th January after a 300-mile journey from Bishops Lydeard that had commenced on the morning of Thursday 13th January 2022. The tortuous route involved running through Bristol during the evening rush hour, due to weight restrictions on the Avonmouth Bridge, and another diversion from the M5 through the small streets of Tewkesbury because of a weight restriction on the M5 in that area. The Allelys Heavy Haulage rig spent Thursday night parked up at Strensham Services then made the short journey to the Allelys yard near Redditch on the Friday. The rig was back on the road on Monday and the loco was unloaded on Tuesday morning, by which time the temperature was a very chilly -3C !

    Several videos featuring the loco and her journey have appeared on YouTube, including the two below:

     

    The DEPG’s YouTube video covering the loading procedure at Bishops Lydeard has now been posted on the WSRTV channel so please watch that video as well, to give support to WSRTV. Click here to view the video on WSRTV.

    47077 will remain at Pickering until the line to Grosmont is re-opened after completion of the bridge renewal work that is currently taking place. The loco will then undergo completion of the overhaul that was started at Williton and will then be used between Pickering and Grosmont while crew training takes place. At some point in the future, if all goes well, the NYMR may consider updating the loco’s Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) so that the loco will be able to work on Network Rail metals to Whitby. One step at a time; we first look forward to the loco being used on scheduled NYMR services in the summer of this year.

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – work is proceeding on several fronts, and this has only become possible because our volunteer team has expanded. We are now consistently achieving 4 days of work per week and this is making a big difference to the rate of progress, but the pace will soon become limited by lack of funds to cover materials and consumables – so please keep on donating to allow us to keep the work progressing.

    In the last week, we have made more progress on the bodywork repairs, more progress on stripping the paint and filler from the bodyside, more progress on the pipework and we have re-started the work on the transmission. To keep all of this moving, we need more volunteers and we need more funds, so we are going to be gearing up our efforts to get more of both and get D1010 back up to scratch. We have plenty to do, but we are gaining momentum !

    If you can help by donating your time, 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. Here’s some photos of the work that has taken place during the last week:

    D1010 – the rebuild of the front corner on the secondman’s side of ‘B’ end cab has been completed by Colin and is now ready for rubbing down and painting. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 23rd January 2022 by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – Colin’s attention then shifted to inside the cab and the repair of the second row of structural columns that each contribute to supporting the weight of the cab. While working in very cramped and crowded conditions that are not apparent from this view, the columns have now been repaired (the load is transferred to the girder that is beneath the rusty deck plate) and this will allow the wiring conduits and cab floor to be reinstated. Photo taken at Williton on Sunday 23rd January 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – meanwhile, Gordon continued the progress with the needle-gunning of the entire loco, seen here working on the driver’s side of ‘A’ end at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the pipes that carry the cooling water for the engine and transmission are coloured blue by convention, for easy identification. One of the larger pipes has been cleaned, inspected, repaired and repainted and has been hung up to dry before reinstalling it on the loco. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 23rd January 2022 by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – each transmission unit is mounted on four giant rubber-to-metal bushes, and each of these has to be cleaned and inspected. This one is not fit for further service and has to be replaced or reconditioned. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – this is one of the steel pins that goes through the transmission mounting. The size of the nut gives the scale of the part. The pin passes through a steel sleeve that is supposed to be bonded to the rubber and remain within the mounting. Not so in this case ! Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    We are making good progress but there is plenty more to do, including the repair of the many small parts such as hinges and stays, conduits and pipework, all of which has suffered from the effects of the weather over the last 50 years since D1010 last underwent a major works overhaul at Swindon (in 1972) – see our D1010 timeline page for details.

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is at Williton undergoing some minor repairs and maintenance, while remaining fully serviceable.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) pictured defore dawn on the clear and frosty morning of Monday 17th January 2022 with the ‘wolf moon’ descending over the DEPG’s 1954-vintage brake van number B952527. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – currently the duty loco, stationed at Bishops Lydeard (under cover, in Westridge Shed).

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – the work on fitting additional fuse protection into the electrical feed for the compressor is awaiting parts delivery, so no work was performed on this loco during the last week. We expect to receive the parts in time for the coming weekend.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – other priorities prevented our Chairman Martin Howard from resuming his work on disassembling the transmission control block, so this loco will also be waiting until the coming weekend before she gets his attention. Both of our ‘Hymeks’ are currently stabled outdoors on number 1 road, and this exposes them to the vagaries of the weather. The ever-changing weather results in significant amounts of condensation forming within the locos and this combines with lack of use to cause maintenance difficulties. In the longer-term, this issue has to be solved by investing in covered accomodation for all of our locos, so that the restoration work is not wasted. This applies equally to heritage coaches and wagons, many of which do not get a chance of use from one year to another.

    The transmission housing of ‘Hymek’ D7018 was pictured while soaked with condensation at Williton on Sunday 16th January 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  more progress is being made on this loco as the team spreads out to work on different parts of the frame. The photos below show pipework and valves being fitted to the frames while preparations are being made for repainting the bufferbeams. A multitude of other tasks are taking place out of sight, including the reuild of the electrical cubicle.

    D9518’s bufferbeam at the radiator end of the loco is a steel plate that is 5 inches (127mm) thick ! This massive piece of steel is undergoing needle-gunning in the hands of Colin G to remove the loose paint and rust so that the surface can be sanded and painted. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s compressed air system pipework is being reinstated along with the valves and other devices that keep the system in good working order. One such device is this BR-pattern filter and dirt trap that has been added to the system to capture any dirt particles that may be present. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 – the newly-installed filter has a vent pipe that passes down through the deck plate and can be seen in this view looking upwards, with the new copper pipe visible and the brass tap in the closed position. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s pipework is being reinstated piece-by-piece and this ‘information station’ provides our volunteers with guidance in the form of drawings and photographs to assist with identifying the right kind of pipework to use and where to connect it. Such information is essential for such a complex task. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The constant progress on this loco project has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 was at work on the K&ESR on Tuesday 18th January 2022 and is pictured while returning to the carriage shed at Rolvenden in the misty darkness. Photo by Chris McNaughton © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is currently in the Swindon Shed at Williton receiving attention from the WSR Restorations team who are performing a partial repaint that will then allow the loco to be stabled in the yard for the rest of the winter. The paint job will be completed at a later date, when the weather permits, but this approach will ensure that the bodywork is protected in the meantime.

     

    Other vehicles at Williton – the DEPG owns several other items of rolling stock including this 1954-vintage 20-ton brake van number B952527. This vehicle is used for the Diesel Driver Experience Courses that are operated by the WSR so we need to get it into decent condition so that it can go back into service later in the year. Step 1 is to clean up the vehicle and remove the detritus that has gathered after more than two years without use and Step 2 is to assess the extent of repairs required, then Step 3 is to arrange for the repairs to be carried out. We have made a start on Step 1 !

    BR-1954 (Faverdale) 20-ton brake van (aka guard’s van) number B952527 gets some TLC from Carol at Williton on Sunday 16th January 2022. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Another important aspect of volunteering is the learning of new skills, so Colin F gave some of his time to help fellow volunteers Paul C and Mike E expand their metalworking skills to include the techniques for cutting and welding. It is never too late to learn a new skill, so hats off to all of our volunteers for their willingness and flexibility. We all learn from one-another !

    Three volunteers gathered at Williton on 22nd January 2022 to develop their skills in cutting and welding. This particular group of three have each learned additional skills and practice them at Williton as often as they can, for the benefit of our loco fleet. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 !

     

    BOOK REVIEW – this week, we have another book review from our regular correspondent Neale Long, this time covering the new work by Andrew Fowler entitled ‘THE DELTICS & BABY DELTICS – A TALE OF SUCCESS AND FAILURE‘ and published by Pen & Sword Books in May of 2021.

    Here below is Neale’s report:

    “As part of the Pen and Sword Locomotive Profile Series, author Andrew Fowler spotlights two English Electric locomotive classes with contrasting fortunes, namely the world-beating Class 55 ‘Deltics’ and their much less success brethren, the Class 23 ‘Baby Deltics’. He does this through this 197 page tome which is set out in a number of chapters, namely:                                

    •                    Prelude to the ‘Deltics’
    •                    The Prototype ‘Deltic’
    •                    The ‘Baby Deltics’
    •                    The Production Series ‘Deltics’ – an introduction
    •                    Chapters on each production series ‘Deltic’ from D9000 to D9021 (55001 – 55022)

     

    Well written and produced in the usual Pen and Sword style, the book starts with a brief introduction of the commencement of modern traction on the newly nationalised British Railways covering the pioneering LMS locomotives, Bulleid’s 10201-3 and the modernisation plan of 1955, this introduction being suitably illustrated with some historical images.

    The book then tells the story of the prototype ‘Deltic’, before then focusing on the ‘Baby Deltics’ and their particular difficulties. It then proceeds to tell the story of the 22 production-series locomotives which achieved great success on the Eastern Region of BR, replacing over 60 steam locomotives and which revolutionised the schedules on the East Coast route. The last part of the book then devotes a section to each individual production series locomotive commencing with D9000 and ending with D9021, each section containing a brief outline of the individual locomotives’ history.

    The chapters set out the story of both classes adequately and the introduction sets out the classes in context of a railway system that was modernising in the face of a deepening financial crisis. It is a generalised account of these locomotive classes which had contrasting fortunes, rather than a detailed account. Nicely illustrated in both colour and monochrome, many of the photographs feature Class 55s in blue livery rather than the earlier two-tone green, which may disappoint some Class 55 enthusiasts.

    To those expecting a book on the lines of Anthony Sayer’s excellent locomotive portfolios on classes 21/29, 28, 15/16 & 17, this volume differs as is not in that series, being a locomotive ‘profile’ series book rather than the more detailed locomotive ‘portfolio’ series, this book providing a more generalised account of ‘Deltics’ and ‘Baby Deltics’. Within that context, this book provides a reasonable account and the author has compiled a volume that will surely appeal to the many ‘Deltic’ enthusiasts and can be recommended particularly to those seeking an introduction to the story of these locomotives.”

    Many thanks to Neale for providing us with this review.

     

    ON SHED – we feature another photo from the extensive collection of Devon-based photographer Barry Gay, capturing the scene at Newton Abbot during the twilight years of the depot. This week, we feature a Class that has always been closely associated with Newton Abbot, ever since the first examples were put to work on the South Devon banks in January of 1959. Sadly, none of this Class or their diesel-electric cousins (Classes 21 and 29) have survived in preservation, but there is an effort being made by the PROJECT 22 SOCIETY to create a new-build locomotive, and we hope that this project may one day deliver a representative example of a mainline North British diesel locomotive. We wish them every success with their enormous task.

    North British Locomotive Company Type 2 diesel-hydraulic Class 22 number D6337 stands at Newton Abbot loco shed after being refuelled on the evening of 5th July 1971. This loco entered service at Newton Abbot on 13th March 1962 and was withdrawn on 21st October 1971 after a short operational life of less than 10 years. The loco was broken up at Swindon Works in May of 1972.  Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – we will be contacting our membership this week to remind members to renew their subscriptions so that we can keep our membership base growing. This is essential so that we can provide long-term security for the DEPG locomotive fleet. Please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us have your opinion of how we are doing. Thanks !

    A DEPG Board Meeting took place at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022 and a synopsis will be produced ASAP and circulated to members for whom we hold an active email address. Copies of the synopsis will be included with the next DEPG Newsletter for the benefit of those who prefer written communications. Let us know your preference – we are in the process of developing our systems to allow a more selective distribution, to reduce costs and to eliminate waste.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have some stock remaining of our seasonably warm wearables, so click the the links below to find out more !

    We can also provide these garments to order in different colours, so if you want a hat or a fleece but don’t want it in black, please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. Thanks !

     

    WSR NEWS: The success of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services has been well covered in previous roundups, but last Monday, 17th January 2022, a special working took place where the Winterlights contractor’s team joined a team comprising WSR and DEPG volunteers to travel between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield to recover the displays and artefacts that had been positioned along the line as part of the show. The special working was propelled by Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) under the control of DEPG Chairman Martin Howard, and the working was captured by dashcam by one of our volunteers while on his way to Williton, just as the consist passed over Coombe Florey bridge !

    Dashcam capture of Class 09 D4107 (09 019) propelling the ex-GWR ‘Toad’ brake van over Coombe Florey bridge on Monday 17th January 2022 in the direction of Crowcombe Heathfield. Video capture by Geoff Miles © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The beauty of the early morning at Nornvis on a cold and frosty Monday 17th January 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09 019) stands at Nornvis while the staff from the Winterlights contractor disassemble the lineside displays and stow them in the ex-GWR ‘Toad’ brake van for safe return to Bishops Lydeard. Photo taken on Monday 17th January 2022 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 09 D4107 (09 019) stands at Nornvis with the ex-GWR ‘Toad’ brake van on a cold but clear Monday 17th January 2022. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Elsewhere on the line, the track renewal project at Alcombe (between Dunster and Minehead) is proceeding well, with the trackbed prepared and the brand-new sleepers and rail in the process of being laid. The use of steel sleepers is preferred in this area because the line is built across a salt marsh, the steel sleepers being more suited to the ground conditions. For more photos of this work taking place, click this link to visit wsr.org.uk. It is great to see investment on this scale and we look forward to running over the new formation in the spring.

    Track renewal work at Marsh Common, Alcombe, with members of the WSR Infrastructure Permanent Way gang aligning the new steel sleepers before installing the new rails. Pictured on Thursday 20th January 2022 by the WSR Infrastructure team © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The WSR have published the dates for the 2022 special events, as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

     

    Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

    Go to Depot news

    Go to Join Us page

    Go to Welcome page

    Go to Home page

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 16-Jan-22

    The DEPG’s BR-corporate-blue Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ was loaded onto an Allelys Heavy Haulage trailer at Bishops Lydeard on a very cold Thursday morning 13th January 2022, in preparation for a 300-mile trip to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, where the loco will operate for the next two years. The loco wears a perfect halo that was created by the early morning sunrise. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The hot news this week is the departure of our BR-Crewe-built Brush Type-4 Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ from Bishops Lydeard on the morning of Thursday 13th January 2022 via road transportation that was provided by Allelys Heavy Haulage.

     

    The team from Allelys arrived on the Wednesday afternoon to set up their loading ramp so that the loading could commence at first light on the Thursday. The WSR team of Merv Hebditch and Paul Fleet had already started up Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019) and were ready to propel the 118-tonne Class 47 to the first stage of the loading ramp. Once there the Allelys winch took the strain and pulled the loco up the ramp and onto the trailer, which had also been set to incline at a similar angle. This made the winching task much harder, but was done to make the ramp angle continuous. Locomotive suspension systems are not designed to cope with multiple changes in angle, so damage could easily result from such changes.

    Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ shown making the final transition from ramp to trailer at Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 13th January 2022. The last of the six axles, each carrying almost 20 tonnes of load, will soon be aboard the purpose-built vehicle. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ shown in position on the 88-wheel trailer at Bishops Lydeard on Thursday 13th January 2022. The inclined angle of the trailer deck can be seen by the yellow lines that have been added to this photo. The incline was pre-set using hydraulic actuators that are built-in to the trailer. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The complicated and careful process of loading the loco can be viewed on a special page that is available on our website (click here) and in a video that has been posted to the DEPG YouTube channel and will also soon be posted on WSRTV channel, and is available by clicking on the image below:

    The loco has now been safely delivered to the NYMR, as you can see from their news page. She will undergo a preliminary inspection at Pickering to confirm that no damage has occurred in transit and will then be stabled securely in the new carriage shed until the bridge replacement works at Goathland are completed. While in the carriage shed the air system will be recertified for use by a contractor and once accepted as fit to run, she will be moved by rail to Grosmont loco works for completion of outstanding restoration tasks to prepare her for NYMR service. This may eventually include additional work to return her to main line standards to enable her to work to Whitby. The loco is already fitted with an early version of the mandatory Train Protection & Warning System (TPWS) for mainline use, but since this has not been used since the loco left mainline network in 2007 some updating work may be needed. We look forward to the loco being used on scheduled NYMR services in the near future!

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – we have plenty more progress to report on this loco, with both new (Chris) and returning (Geoff) volunteers bringing their efforts and expertise to bear in addition to our regular team of Gordon, Leroy, Ian F and Colin F. The more the merrier, because this is a big project on a very big loco and there is plenty to do, both on and off the loco. If you want to help, JOIN US and come along to the depot on a Saturday for an introduction to what we do and how we do it. Here’s some photos of the work that has taken place during the last few days:

    D1010 – the rebuild of the front corner on the driver’s side of ‘B’ end cab has been completed by Colin and is now ready for rubbing down and painting. Pictured at Williton on Monday 11th January 2022 by Colin Foxhall © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – Colin’s attention then shifted to the opposite side of the cab. In this picture, taken at Williton on Saturday 15th January 2022, the corroded skin has been cut away, exposing the corroded supports that have to be replaced before the new skin can be attached. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – after repairing the underlying structure, Colin then prepared the new steel for the replacement skin and tack-welded it into place as a temporary measure. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 16th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The highly visible and excellent progress on the bodywork is the most newsworthy aspect, but there is plenty of effort being expended on the unglamorous task of needle-gunning the entire loco, including the roof, and repairing the many other small items such as hinges and stays, conduits and pipework, all of which has suffered from the effects of the weather over the last 50 years (D1010 last underwent a major works overhaul at Swindon in 1972 – see our D1010 timeline page for details).

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco is now back at Williton undergoing some minor repairs, which on Sunday 16th January involved the re-sealing some of the cab windows following reports of rainwater ingress. No doubt we won’t have to wait too long before we find out if the repair has been succesful !

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – the duty loco, stationed at Bishops Lydeard (under cover, in Westridge Shed).

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) is pictured at rest at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard on the morning of Thursday 13th January 2022. Photo by Paul Fleet © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – work proceeds on fitting additional fuse protection into the electrical feed for the compressor to ensure that, if a fault was to occur with the compressor, any damage would be minimised and localised. The same modification was performed on sister loco D7018 when that loco was rebuilt. The level of protection that was included when the loco was new was minimal. The suspension repair work that is keeping her out of service has had to be deferred until we are able to get the 60-year-old loco over the pit in the Swindon Shed (hopefully in March or April).

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – as stated last week, this loco will celebrate her 60th birthday on 18th January 2022, the loco having entered service at Bristol Bath Road depot on that day in 1962. To make sure that she is available to work later in the year, our Chairman Martin Howard has resumed his work on disassembling the transmission control block to identify the issue that is preventing the automatic gear change from functioning. The current plan is to removed the control block for detailed attention and meanwhile install the ‘known good’ control block from D7018’s ‘old’ transmission. However, that transmission was last used in 1995, so we will have to wait and see how this pans out. One way or another, the loco will be ready for the WSR Diesel Gala (from 9th to 11th June). Read about the history of this loco in our 64-page A4 booklet ‘HYMEK D7018‘.

    DEPG Chairman Martin Howard reaches into the Stone-Maybach Mekydro hydraulic transmission housing to disconnect the pressure lines that are attached to the control block of ‘Hymek’ D7018. Pictured at Williton on Sunday 16th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  work continues on the identification and refurbishment of the many pipes and conduits that need to be refitted to the frames before the major subassemblies can be re-installled. The progress over the next few weeks is going to be that of detail, with effort going into so many small tasks in preparation for the next ‘big one’.

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ on number 2 road inside the DEPG loco shed with various pieces of pipework and electrical conduit placed in the approximate location for re-installation. Each piece has to be cleaned, inspected and refurbished where necessary before being fitting back on the loco frames. Painstaking work indeed. Photo taken at Williton on Saturday 8th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The constant progress on this loco project has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and celebrated her 57th birthday on the 6th January 2022. We have received confirmation that the loco will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – last week, we featured a photo that showed this loco (or her sister loco 579) working a short train of vans, probably carrying explosives, crossing the bridge over the M5 motorway just a short distance from the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) at Puriton, near Bridgwater. The point of the photo was to highlight the apparent efforts that are being made to clear the route and assess the feasibility for laying new track to the former ROF site, which is earmarked for a new factory development for the production of electric vehicles. Regular correspondent Neale Long discovered that the branch is being considered for re-opening in connection with the Rivian Electric Truck Vehicle plant that may be built on the old ROF site. The ground frame / rail connection that was controlled by Bristol Power Box was removed over 20 years ago. Thanks, Neale – let’s hope that this project gets the go-ahead and brings more work and more trains to the area. Maybe we can hire number 578 out to them and see her cross the M5 once again!

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 or 579 pictured on the bridge over the M5, just north of Bridgwater with a short train of explosives from the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) at Puriton (which closed in 2008). Photo by Paul Stanford courtesy of the Cornwall Railway Society © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 !

     

    BOOK REVIEW – we have a book review from Neale Long covering another of Anthony Sayer’s reference works, this time in relation to the little-known Type 1 diesel-electric locomotives built by the British Thomson-Houston company and the North British Locomotive Company, later allocated Class numbers 15 and 16. This book is available from the publisher direct by clicking on the image below:

    Neale writes:

    “In the latest in the series of locomotive profiles, Anthony Sayer turns his attention to two more ill-fated BR Modernisation Plan locomotive classes, namely the British Thomson-Houston Class 15 and the mechanically and structurally similar North British Class 16.  Using his tried and trusted formula and primary research sources, the author examines with thoroughness the work of these two classes that were used initially on East London, Great Eastern and London Tilbury and Southend lines. As in his previous tomes, the author follows a similar methodical structure, commencing with Class introduction, technical description, performance, locomotive histories, run-down, withdrawal, disposal, and conclusion. The chapters are :

      • Class introduction
      • Some Technical Aspects
      • Locomotive Design
      • Acceptance Testing
      • Deliveries, Allocation and Withdrawal
      • Overhaul and Maintenance
      • Locomotive Histories
      • Performance
      • Accidents and Fire Damage
      • Operations – A High Level Summary
      • Details and Differences
      • Liveries
      • Storage and Withdrawal
      • Storage Locations
      • Scrapping – Private yards
      • Scrapping – BREL Workshops
      • Post withdrawal – Carriage Pre-Heat units
      • Preservation
      • Concluding remarks

    The author tells of yet another sorry episode in the BR Modernisation Plan which turned from an initial carefully thought-out strategy to blind panic and a rush towards replacement of steam, with the railways losing money and traffic at an alarming rate in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s. Plans to thoroughly test and scrutinise prototypes with a view to perpetuating the successful ones – and not perpetuating the less successful ones – were swept away and several unsatisfactory designs were perpetuated with entirely predictable results. These two classes were clearly in the latter category. Starting with the LMS prototype 10800 from which these two classes were based, the author with great accuracy and clarity tells the whole sorry tale. Somehow these classes were built; the work for which they were designed was in decline and the BR Traction plan of 1967 sealed their fate. The author has done a fine job of telling the story of these classes which until now have not been covered in detail. A good selection of rare images illustrate the book, very much in the same style of previous books which examined the history of classes 17, 21/29, 28 & 17 and this particular edition is a fine accompaniment to those volumes.

    The book tells that, even back in the days of LMS 10800, concerns were being raised about the suitability of the application of un-modified Paxman diesel engines to rail. Equally fascinating was the fact that there were doubts about the requirement for Type 1 diesels under 1957 Modernisation Plan, but the ER made a case for type 1’s in that the use of Type 2 diesels on diagrams for Type 1’s was not suitable from a financial stand point. All this is admirably told in this fine book.

    Pleasingly though, this particularly sorry tale does have a happy ending as one British Thomson-Houston Class 15, number D8233, survives and is one of the more challenging restorations currently progressing at Bury, so there will be the opportunity to see and hear and ride behind this dinosaur from an age long past. Brief mention of this is made in the book, but I think in view of the magnitude of its restoration, time, money and effort made, this merited rather more than just a few lines and a picture of D8233.

    Overall, this is yet another superb locomotive study from Anthony P Sayer who is to be commended for tackling two more unheralded locomotive classes and can be unreservedly recommended.”

    Many thanks to Neale for providing us with this detailed book review !

     

    ON SHED – we have received more photos from the extensive collection of Devon-based photographer Barry Gay, capturing the scene at Newton Abbot. Here’s another of Barry’s photos, this time from 1978, along with a caption that is based on his own text:

    Newton Abbot, 5th March 1978 and a Class 55 ‘Deltic’, number 55003 ‘MELD’ is on shed for refuelling while a Class 31 rests on the traverser. The ‘Deltic’ had worked the 0815 1Z15 Paddington to Par, the ‘DELTIC RANGER re-run’ railtour, with the ‘Deltic’ coming off at Newton Abbot after a visit to Paignton and back. The railtour was taken into Cornwall by ‘Peak’ 46003. This is the only time that a ‘Deltic’ visited Newton Abbot, I believe. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – we will be contacting our membership later this month to remind members to renew their subscriptions so that we can keep our membership base growing. This is essential so that we can provide long-term security for the DEPG locomotive fleet. Please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us have your opinion of how we are doing. Thanks !

    A DEPG Board Meeting will take place at Williton on Saturday 22nd January 2022, so please let me know if you have any points that you would like me to raise on your behalf.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have some stock remaining of our seasonal wearables, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    DEPG fleece jacket with collar, unlined, zip pockets, black with silver DEPG logo, £25 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

     

    WSR NEWS: The minutes of the Partnership Development Group meeting from December 2021 have now been published and are available from the excellent and informative wsr.org.uk site by clicking this link. Work continues on the track relaying project at Alcombe, near Minehead, while infrastructure maintenance is taking place at multiple sites across the railway. All of this is made possible due to the exellent patronage of the Christmas Specials and the fundraising work carried out by the WSRA and the WSRHT, so thanks to all those who are donating to all of these ‘WSR family’ causes. It is much appreciated and is for the benefit of all !

     

    The WSR have published the dates for the 2022 special events, as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

  • Weekly Roundup – 09-Jan-22

    1962-vintage Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 stand together at Williton during a rare break in the rain on Saturday 8th January 2022 while DEPG Chairman Martin Howard (left) and Publicity Officer Mark Bladwell prepare to cut the birthday cake. Photo by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Our two Beyer-Peacock ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 celebrate their 60th anniversaries this month, with D7017 turning 60 on January 8th and D7018 turning 60 on January 18th. Both locos entered service at Bristol Bath Road depot in January 1962, at a time when the depot was still being built around them. D7017 remained a Bristol loco until 1971 when she was reallocated to Old Oak Common (in West London) and D7018 remained at Bristol until 1966 when she moved to Cardiff Canton depot for a short while then back to Bristol until 1972, after which the dwindling fleet was concentrated at Old Oak.

     

    Both locos were part of a small group of four of the originally 101-strong Class that survived in service until March 1975 when they were withdrawn and were sold for scrap. Luckily, four of these fine locos survive today, two with us at Williton plus D7029 with the Diesel Traction Group at the Severn Valley Railway and D7076 with the Bury Hydraulic Group based on the East Lancashire Railway.

    The 60th birthday cake pictured in the rain at Williton on Saturday 8th January 2022, in celebration of Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018, both of which turn 60 this month. Photo (and cake) by Mark Bladwell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The worksplates on D7017 and D7018 both show their build date as 1961, but it is customary to determine the age of the loco based on it’s first day in revenue-earning service, therefore January 8th, 1962 for D7017 and January 18th, 1962 for D7018.

    Read more about D7018 and her history in our 64-page A4 booklet ‘HYMEK D7018’ available from our online store.

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to the WSR website to view the dates for other WSR events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – This loco has benefitted from 12 man-days of work since the 1st of January, with significant progress being made with the bodyside repairs. Gordon and Ian F have been busy with the needle gunning, and Leroy and Geoff have been removing pipework and inspecting it to determine if repairs are necessary. Meanwhile, Colin F has been replacing corroded sections with new metal as can be seen from these views below:

    D1010 being carefully opened up at ‘B’ end by Colin F at Williton on Monday 3rd January 2022, to allow access to the sub-structure. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 showing very good progress with the restoration of ‘B’ end cab side by Colin F at Williton on Tuesday 4th January 2022. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the skin below the handrails at ‘B’ end had blistered out due to corrosion taking place behind the skin. The blistered sections were cut out and replaced with new steel by Colin F at Williton on Tuesday 4th January 2022. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the corner skin was removed from ‘B’ end by Colin F at Williton on Sunday 9th January 2022 to allow replacement of the corroded sections. The repairs are being tackled in small sections to ensure that the authentic shape is retained. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 D6566 (33 048) – this loco worked the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services from their start on 19th November right through to the very last day, Friday 31st December, when sister D6575 (33 057) took over to steal the limelight by bringing the last two services of the year into Bishops Lydeard. Here’s a link to a short video clip of the last day of ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ workings, with D6575 (33 057) at the tail end, but in fairness, we need to be grateful to D6566 (33 048) for doing the bulk of the work from November all the way through December !

     

    Class 33 D6575 (33 057) – with 360 litres (80 gallons) of fresh oil running through her engine after maintenance at Williton, this loco worked the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services on the very last day, Friday 31st December, allowing sister D6566 (33 048) to head for Williton and a well-earned rest ! D6575 (33 057) is now at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard, in the company of 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ and Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019).

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) is now the duty locomotive and is outstationed at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard in the company of BR-Brush Class 47 47 077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ and at the other end of the lineup, Class 09 shunter D4107 (09 019). Photo taken on 9th January 2022 by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – resting at Williton after celebrating her 60th birthday on 8th January 2022 !

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – resting at Williton as she prepares for her 60th birthday on 18th January 2022 !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  the detailed work of refitting the pipes and conduits to the frames is now in progress and will consume a lot of man-hours before the next ‘high profile’ events which will be the reinstallation of the major subassemblies (transmission, cooler group, brake frame, cab, electrical console and ultimately, the engine). The photos below shows the ‘rolling chassis’ on number 2 road inside the loco shed at Williton:

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ is now positioned on number 2 road inside the DEPG loco shed where Simon and Mike E were pictured working on the re-installation of the many pipes and conduits that are best installed while the major sub-assemblies are out of the way. Photo taken at Williton on Saturday 8th January 2022 by Chris Lawton © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ is gradually re-acquiring various ancillary items including this fuel filter and priming pump. All parts have to be overhauled and tested prior to being re-installed on the loco. Pictured at Williton on 9th January 2022 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ gets attention from Nick and Colin F at Williton on 21st December 2021, as they work out the assembly sequence for the many pipes and conduits that need to be reinstalled. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ has now been cleaned up and is ready for re-assembly. Pictured at Williton on 18th December 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is currently based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and celebrated her 57th birthday on the 6th January 2022. We have received confirmation that the loco will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 stands at Tenterden Station on the KESR at the head of the 1420 service to Bodiam on 3rd August 2021. Photo by Colin Girle© CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard, waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which is now expected to take place by road later this month. To keep the loco in full working order, an engine run was performed by Ian and Tom on Sunday 9th January so that the engine and other systems could be tested and exercised. Everything went well and the loco remains ready for action.

    BR-Brush Class 47 47077 (D1661, 47613, 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ underwent an engine run at Westridge Shed, Bishops Lydeard on Sunday 9th January 2022. The exhaust plume shows that the Sulzer 12-cylinder twin bank engine was cold at the time that the photo was taken, the exhaust becoming clear a short while afterwards. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco is now housed within the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ where it will receive further attention to its bodywork while under cover. When new in 1972, this loco was based at the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) in Puriton, near Bridgwater, where it worked with its sister loco number 579 hauling wagons from the explosives factory to a junction with the main Bristol to Exeter line (formerly Huntspill Sidings) for onward transit by mainline rail. The locos had to cope with the steep gradient of the bridge over the then-new M5 motorway, just north of the A39 Bridgwater junction (J23).

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF No. 1) or 579 (ROF No. 2) pictured on the bridge over the M5, just north of Bridgwater with a short train of explosives from the Royal Ordnance Factory (ROF) at Puriton (which closed in 2008). Photo by Paul Stanford courtesy of the Cornwall Railway Society © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The reason to show this photo now is because the disused and overgrown railway branch line is being cleared and relaid so that it can connect with a new industrial development that is being built on the former ROF site. The work is visible when travelling on the M5. If anyone has any further information about this, please let me know so that we can share it in a future roundup. Thanks to Martin Howard for bringing this to our attention!

     

    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 !

     

    BOOK REVIEW – we had a book review from Neale Long lined up for this week, but time has run out so we will need to include it in the next roundup. We will be creating web pages for book reviews so that they can be found more easily and be of benefit to more visitors. Many thanks to Neale for his efforts and apologies for not being able to include his article this week.

     

    ON SHED – we have received more photos from the extensive collection of Devon-based photographer Barry Gay, capturing the scene at Newton Abbot in the late 1960s as the lightweight diesel-hydraulics were getting close to the end of their short operating lives, and about to be ousted by the diesel-electric heavyweights of classes 45, 46 and 47. Here’s another of Barry’s photos along with a caption that is based on his own text:

    Newton Abbot, 3rd May 1969 – this image shows the store area behind the traverser. Locos were parked here to await works attention, ocassionally to be condemned. From left to right, North-British Class 43 ‘Warships’ 863 ‘WARRIOR’, 857 ‘UNDAUNTED’, 852 ‘TENACIOUS’ and a glimpse of Swindon-built Class 42 D830 ‘MAJESTIC’. All of particular interest. D857 was sent to Swindon for overhaul in the new single emblem livery as was 852 behind it. This loco was still green with a small yellow warning panel and the Ds painted out, the only one like this I seem to remember. D830, the Paxman engined 2400hp experiment, never worked again and was sent for scrap. Now the interesting story of D863 . . . it was due to go to Swindon for overhaul with 857 and 852 but for some reason ended up being scrapped at Cashmore’s in Newport, South Wales. Crossed wires somewhere!! Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – we will be contacting our membership later this month to remind members to renew their subscriptions so that we can keep our membership base growing. This is essential so that we can provide long-term security for the DEPG locomotive fleet. Please reply to this email or use our CONTACT FORM to let us have your opinion of how we are doing. Thanks !

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have some stock remaining of our seasonal wearables, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    DEPG fleece jacket with collar, unlined, zip pockets, black with silver DEPG logo, £25 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

     

    WSR NEWS: With the hard-won successes of the 2021 season behind us, the WSR now returns to the normal winter activities involving permanent way renewals and upgrades. The first site being tackled is between Minehead and Dunster, where life-expired bullhead rail is being replaced by flat-bottomed rail on steel sleepers – this kind of sleeper being better suited to the marshy conditions in this area. This work takes place in all weathers so spare a thought for the PW team next time you see the rain lashing at your window. They may well be out there working !

    BR Swindon-built (1960) Class 03 D2133 is pictured in the sunshine, heading for Dunster on Wednesday 5th January 2022 with a short train of life-expired rail panels for stripping and recycling. Photo by WSR Infrastructure Engineering © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The WSR have published the dates for the 2022 special events, as follows, so please make a note and ADD THESE DATES TO YOUR DEPG CALENDARS:

     

    Go to previous Weekly Roundup post

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  • Rounding up the DEPG year 2021

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) hauled the return leg of the very last ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ service of 2021, pictured after arriving at Bishops Lydeard on 31st December 2021, marking the end of a very succesful festive season for the WSR. Perhaps the diesel loco will also get some festive lights next year. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    HAPPY NEW YEAR to all of our members and supporters ! Let’s hope that it is going to be a good one for all of you and for people all around the world !

    Here’s a quick roundup of the last 12 months to put us in the mood for thinking about the good things that are ahead of us in 2022:

     

    JANUARY 2021 – We vacated the Brunel-era broad gauge Goods Shed at Williton to allow a full structural survey to take place.

    Inside south-facing view of the Old Goods Shed at Williton showing the railway siding on the left and the roadway access on the right of the central platform. The black-coloured column is the cast iron support for the goods crane. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    FEBRUARY 2021 – Our online store went live and our first online sale was recorded !

     

     

    MARCH 2021 – Both Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ were busy working engineering trains in support of track upgrades along the length of the WSR.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was captured at Goviers Lane Crossing at Watchet on 22nd March 2021 while in the process of returning three empty ‘DOGFISH’ ballast wagons to the Permanent Way depot at Dunster after the completion of track relaying work at Doniford. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    APRIL 2021 – We published our booklet in support of fund raising for the restoration of Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’.

     

     

    MAY 2021 – The WSR reopened for public services, the ‘Cromptons’ worked the crew training specials and Class 14 D9526 worked the ‘Watchet Shuttle’.

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 worked the empty stock of the ‘Watchet Shuttle’ public service on 29th May 2021, pictured at Splash Point by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    JUNE 2021 – Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ emerged from bodywork repairs at Williton and ran to Bishops Lydeard.

    Class 47 47077 (D1661 47613 47840) ‘NORTH STAR’ resplendent in the late-1970s livery applied by WSR Restorations was pictured descending Watts Bank on the approach to Bishops Lydeard on 21st June 2021, her first run on the WSR since 2018. Photo by Chris Shields © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    JULY 2021 – Summer entertainment began with Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 in action on the Dunster ‘Excursion Specials’, while Class 14 D9526 moved to Kent on hire to the K&ESR.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 was in action on the first of the ‘Diesel Excursion Specials’ and was pictured at Barnstaple Junction on 17th July 2021 while running around her train at Norton Fitzwarren. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    AUGUST 2021 – Class 33 ‘Cromptons’ D6566 (33 048) and D6575 (33 057) ‘top and tailed’ the ‘Excursion Special’ in celebration of their 60th birthdays !

    Class 33 images by Ian Robins and Peter Nicholson, card design by Natalie Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    SEPTEMBER 2021 – The succesful and highly enjoyable MIXED TRACTION WEEKEND event took place and we hosted the RAILCAM UK team.

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

     

     

    OCTOBER 2021 – The SEAWARD WAY LEVEL CROSSING reopened, heralding the return of through services to Minehead for the 2022 season.

    Seaward Way Level Crossing at Minehead was completely rebuilt and upgraded during 2021. Control of the crossing was handed back to the WSR Operations Department on 26 October 2021 and we are looking forward to running through to Minehead again in 2022. Photo by Richard Neal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    NOVEMBER 2021 – Our annual ‘WORK WEEK’ saw some major steps forward with new and restored valances fitted to D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’, but even this achievement was eclipsed later in the month by the re-wheeling of Class 14 D9518 !

    D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ front end valances were restored or renewed and then refitted to the loco at Williton on 20th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Class 14 D9518 frames in the air and ready to be lowered onto her wheels at Williton on 27th November 2021, a great achievement and an important milestone for the D9518 RESTORATION PROJECT. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    DECEMBER 2021 – We promoted the DEPG at the Newton Abbot show, the two ‘Cromptons’ and their crews worked many late nights on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ trains and OUR ONLINE STORE ENDED THE YEAR WITH MORE THAN £12,000 IN SALES which generated a massive contribution to our restoration projects !

    Thank you to everyone who supported the DEPG and the WSR in 2021 ! Your help was essential and was much appreciated !


    DEPG volunteer Mike Evans pictured while manning the stand at the Newton Abbot Railway Studies and Modellers Show which took place at the Passmore Edwards Library in the town on Saturday 4th December 2021. The show was a great success and helped spread the word about who we are and what we do. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who are putting so much effort into looking after our fleet of heritage diesel locomotives and protecting their future !

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other WSR gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    Many more items of news from 2021 can be found by browsing our website. Sign up for ROUNDUP to have the news delivered to your emailbox on a weekly basis.

    We will be back next weekend with the first roundup of 2022 !

    Meanwhile, be sure to stay safe and stay well.

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 19-Dec-21

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) hauled the WSR’s Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) from Williton to Minehead on 16th December 2021 with Diesel Traction Inspector John Leach and secondman Tom Courtney covering the duty. The loco is pictured having propelled the DMU into the Bay Siding at Minehead and is ready to return to Williton ‘Light Engine’ via the new Seaward Way level crossing. Photo by Tom Courtney © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On Thursday 16th December and fresh from servicing at Williton, 60-year-old ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was put to work to haul the WSR’s 61-year-old BR-Derby Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) from Williton to Minehead. The move was necessary in order to make space at Williton for incoming locomotives that will go into the WSR Restoration facility in the ‘Swindon Shed’ and was the first time that the DMU had travelled over the new Seaward Way Level Crossing. The DMU is not yet ready for service and may need to return to Williton in the Spring, but for the time being she will be reside in the Bay Siding at Minehead. We hope to be able to report in more detail on the status of the DMU in January’s roundup.

    The WSR’s BR-Derby Class 115 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was hauled to Minehead from Williton on 16th December 2021 by Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) and is pictured stabled on the Bay Siding at Minehead. Photo by Paul Weldon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) was used for the preparation run in advance of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ workings on 18th December 2021 and paused near Nornvis Bridge so that crew member Paul Fleet could power-up and adjust one of the lineside displays that form part of the spectacular journey from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield and back during the hours of darkness. Photo by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) continues to support the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ specials which will run on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week and Monday through Friday next week. Some tickets are remaining on services from Tuesday 28th December through to 31st December, so grab your tickets while you can. Many thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who are putting so much work into delivering these highly successful services!

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other WSR gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – Gordon turned his attention to the ‘face’ of the locomotive and needle-gunned the ‘B’ end cab on Saturday 18th December so that Colin F can start the repair work in early January. Later that day, Mike and Andy set to work to disconnect the electrical conduits that have to be removed from beneath the cab floor, to allow Colin to gain access to the cab structure supports that have corroded where they meet the deck plate. These supports have to be repaired before cutting into the panels that form the outer skin, because, being a ‘stressed-skin’ design, the weight of the cab assembly is shared between the structural framework and the skin. 

    D1010 in the early stages of a ‘B’ end facelift at ‘Williton on Saturday 18th December 2021 after being needle-gunned by Gordon. The metalwork is in good condition and does not require any patching above the deckplate level, which is the point at which most of the corrosion has taken place. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010’s deck plate illuminated at ‘B’ end, viewed looking down from the cab, where the secondman’s seat would normally be. Several of the electrical conduits below the cab floor structure need to be removed to allow access for welding repairs that will ensure that the cab structure is properly supported before the external skin is repaired. This approach will ensure that the cab does not end up with a drooped appearance. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – in the space between the deck plate and the cab floor, there are dozens of pipes and conduits, all criss-crossing at various angles and making it difficult to get tools in position without removing other parts that will then lead to other work. The patient use of good tools gets the job done with the minimum of damage to other parts. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – view showing three of the electrical conduit couplings separated after several hours of work in the confined space between the deck plate and the cab floor, under the secondman’s seat. The cables are in very good condition inside the good quality steel conduits. The white material is talcum powder that was used to prevent the wires sticking together when the wires were originally fed into the conduits during the upgade to dual braking that took place at Swindon Works in 1969. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    Our offering of a special LIMITED EDITION of 25 DAPOL OO-gauge models of D1010 in her original livery has been snapped up, generating income after expenses of more than £1000 for the D1010 Restoration Fund. Allocation of the few remaining models will take place tomorrow after giving priority to DEPG members. Many thanks to all who have participated in the purchase of these models for the benefit of D1010, and to all those who have expressed an interest we thank you and ask you to keep in touch with us, because we will have other models to offer in future.

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is returning D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – this loco received a battery charge on Saturday 18th December in advance of an engine run that allowed her auxillary systems to be exercised and tested. The tests showed that they batteries are not in the best of condition, so this may be their last winter before having to be replaced. After charging, the engine started easily and ran well, and the run was captured on a short video clip that provides that special ‘Maybach Music’ that graced the air for an hour or so at Williton. Click on the photo below and enjoy !

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – this loco also received a battery charge on Saturday 18th December followed by an engine run, the first time she has been run since her last outing on the WSR in October. Periodic running keeps the engine, transmission and auxillary systems in good condition and allows us to catch any signs of deterioration before they become issues that may affect reliability. The batteries on this loco are showing signs of low charge capacity and may need to be replaced next year.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  the rolling chassis is now stabled on number 2 road inside our loco shed at Williton, along with all of the major subassemblies. Having everything close together offers easier access to tasks and our volunteers are now challenged with a huge number of parts that have to be identified, restored and then fitted to the frames in the right order !

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ is now positioned on number 2 road in the DEPG loco shed where Colin G can be seen at work in the space between the frames on Saturday 18th December. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ gets the brush-off from Simon at Williton on Saturday 18th December 2021. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s shunters’ steps received another coat of paint from restoration team member Colin G at Williton on Saturday 18th December 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s frames carry identification marks that can be traced to the original manufacturers of the steel, in this case the Lilleshall Company of Oakengates near Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, who have proudly embossed the 1964-vintage rolled angle section as being ‘BRITISH STEEL’. The nationalised company ‘The British Steel Corporation’ was not formed until 1967, so Lilleshall were ahead of the game. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Work proceeds on the many other components and sub-assemblies of D9518 including the large and heavy ‘Holset Coupling’ that fits between the engine and the transmission. This coupling is used to isolate the transmission from the vibrations that are a characteristic of V6 engines and consists of two heavy steel discs with interlocking ‘fingers’ that are separated by close-fitting hard rubber cylinders. The rubber provides flexibility without introducing free play or ‘backlash’. The whole assembly is very tightly fitted together so that it can transmit the torque from the engine without wearing out. Here are some photos of the coupling after it was disassembled by Colin F at Williton last week:

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ now separated into the two main steel parts, exposing the internal structure and whole lot of surface rust. The coupling is actually in very good condition from a mechanical viewpoint and can be cleaned up and reassembled without incurring any significant expenditure. Pictured at Williton on 18th December 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ rubber cylinders are actually built up from four separate rubber parts that are stacked on top of one another to create the ‘cylinders’ that fit between each pair of spokes. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and we have received confirmation that the loco will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which is now expected to take place in Mid January 2022.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco was on the move last Saturday and is now housed within the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ where it will receive further attention to its bodywork while under cover.

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) has now moved to the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ in the North Yard at Williton. Pictured on Saturday 18th December 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 !

     

    BOOK REVIEW – this week we have to share some sad news because of the sudden death of well-known author ADRIAN CURTIS, a former football journalist who had a special interest in the Class 52 D1000 series ‘Westerns’ and went on to become an acknowledged expert in the field. His best known work was ‘CAST OF THOUSANDS‘ which ran to 331 pages and has become a sought-after reference work for the Class. Adrian was working on a series of books with a separate volume covering each locomotive in the 74-strong class and was only part-way through the series when he passed away at the age of 63. Our condolences go out to his family. The image below includes a link to his website where the many titles that he published (and had planned to publish) are listed.

     

     

    Looking to the near future, our DEPG 2022 CALENDAR stock is now down to LOW SINGLE FIGURES, so ACT NOW to get your copy WHILE STOCKS EXIST.

    Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year and are now presented in this 12-page A3-size glossy heavyweight calendar:

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

    We have been able to keep the price the same as last year, so the calendar will again cost the princely sum of £1 per month, so don’t miss out on your chance to buy. Click here to order your copy while stocks last.

     

    ON SHED – our participation in the RAILWAY STUDIES AND MODELLERS SHOW at Newton Abbot library has made us aware of the extensive collection of railway photographs and documents that comprise their Railway Studies Collection and are available online. One of our regular photographic contributors, Barry Gay, has shared a number of his own photographs of Newton Abbot depot that we will be featuring under this heading for the next few weeks, so here’s another one from Barry’s excellent collection: 

    In this view of Newton Abbot loco sheds, taken on 31st March 1972, a battered and beat-up Swindon-built Class 42 ‘Warship’ 825 ‘INTREPID’ stands in the running shed in the foreground, having been reinstated from withdrawn status for the 1972 summer season due to a loco shortage, while sisters 816 ‘ECLIPSE’ and 827 ‘KELLY’ (only just visible) stand condemned outside the old steam shed, along with a single car DMU. All three ‘Warships’ had served for only 11 years and all three had ceased to exist by October of that same year. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the DEPG Board Meeting that was held on Saturday 27th November has been delayed but is now available and will be shared with members (for whom we hold email addresses) in a separate email. The latest edition of the DEPG Newsletter has been mailed, so if you are a member and you have not received your newsletter, please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. The same form can be used to advise us if you want to go fully paperless. Thanks !

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have added three new products to our webstore, all of which have a seasonal bias, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    *** LOW STOCK – LAST CHANCE TO ORDER *** DEPG Christmas Card, A5 size, £1.50 each or get a pack of 5 for the price of 4. All proceeds to the D1010 Restoration Fund.

     

    WSR NEWS: The ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ and ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ services continue to earn valuable winter income for the WSR with almost all seats fully booked this side of Christmas. Tickets are available for WINTERLIGHTS services that run between Christmas and New Year so there’s no need to miss out.

     

    A visit to Williton station last Saturday was rewarded by a warm welcome from the station staff who are on duty whenever a ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ service is at the platform (11:00 and again at 13:30). The location offers a fine view of the steam locomotive running around its train and is well worth a visit if you are in the area from Tuesday to Friday this week.

    The WSR’s BR (WR) 4-6-0 number 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ was in action on a ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ working at Williton on 18th December 2021. Photo by Andy Royal (c) CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Elsewhere on the line, the Permanent Way depot at Dunster was being shunted on the 13th December, offering the rare opportunity to witness the Minehead-based shunting locos in action outside of their normal operating area. There’s always something going on somewhere !

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 579 (ROF 2) was in use on shunting duties at Dunster West on 13th December 2021, as a reminder that the high-profile (and highly visible) Christmas services are not the only things that are happening on the railway. The permanent way team are always busy, particularly so when there are no public services running. Photo by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    That brings us to the end of another edition of roundup, the last for 2021, so have a great Christmas and be sure to stay safe and stay well.

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 12-Dec-21

    The Southern Region pairing of Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) and ‘Parcels and Miscellaneous Van’ PMV number 1464 is caught on camera at Williton while on a test run on 11th November 2021. Autocapture image by Railcam UK and the WSR  © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) and PMV 1464 lead the return ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ special through Crowcombe Heathfield towards Bishops Lydeard on 27th November 2021. Image by Railcam UK and the WSR, captured by Gareth Noble  © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) continues to provide a sterling service on the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ specials which have been running on Fridays and Saturdays since 19th November and will step up to almost daily from this coming Friday 17th December. The ‘Crompton’ has been working at the rear of the steam-hauled outbound service, coupled next to the ex-Southern Region ‘Parcels & Miscellaneous Van’ that houses the generators that power the thousands of lights that are carried by the six illuminated Mark 1 carriages. The Class 33 and the PMV were both previously based on the Southern Region of BR and although the pairing would have been a very familiar sight to travellers in that region in the 1960s, the carriage lighting of those days would have been just a dim orange glow !

    Feedback from ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ travellers has been very positive indeed, so much so that the only seats remaining are on services from 28th December through to 31st December, so grab your tickets while you can. Many thanks to all of the staff and volunteers who are putting so much work into delivering these highly successful services!

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other WSR gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – Leroy and Ian F continued with the needle-gunning and rubbing down of D1010’s bodyside in preparation for corrosion repairs and a primer and undercoat repaint which will take place during the coming months. The large expanses of bodyside are a challenge, but so are the smaller features such as grilles and apertures, where power tools are of little use and progress is not so swift. The new LED lighting units make such a difference when working in the loco shed these days !

    D1010 was showing a lot of bare skin on ‘A’ side at Williton on 11th December 2021 as Ian F tackled the detailed work involved with one of the air intake grilles. There are several of these hinged grilles, all of which need attention to their hinges and security latches, in addition to stripping and painting. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    As announced last week, we are now offering a special LIMITED EDITION of 25 DAPOL OO-gauge models of D1010 in her original livery, with all proceeds from the sale of these models going to the D1010 Restoration Fund. Priority will be given to DEPG members until Friday 17th December, after which any remaining models will be offered to the general public. Expressions of interest can be emailed by using the CONTACT FORM.

     

    Meanwhile, Gordon set to work on preparing the converter rail from the failed ‘B’ transmission for shipment to a professional engineering facility for disassembly. The converter rail comprises a common shaft upon which the three torque converter turbine wheels are mounted, so it is the ‘heart’ of the transmission and requires specialist equipment to disassemble the various stages. All of the other components, such as the turbine impellers, guides, housings, bearings and seals are mounted around the common shaft using press fits and taper fits, so the disassembly cannot be performed using simple tools – hence the need to send the complete assembly to an outside facility for the work to be carried out.

    D1010’s transmission converter rail viewed after removal from the outer casing at Williton on 4th October 2019. The first converter stage (low speed) is within the housing on the left. The second stage (medium speed) is within the bulge on the right, and the third stage (high speed) is in the centre. The double-helical gear and the splines at the far right of the shaft are part of the reversing mechanism. Photo by Gordon Crook © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010’s transmission converter rail has been mounted on a pallet at Williton and secured for transportation. This assembly requires the use of specialist equipment when separating the many components that are mounted coaxially around the centre shaft, so it will be sent out to a suitably-equipped facility for the disassembly work to be done. Pictured on 11th December 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010’s transmission casing will remain at Williton and undergo cleaning and inspection prior to a repaint. The output shaft that couples to the bogie can be seen at the bottom of the casing and the two ‘black holes’ above the shaft are the locations of the reversing gears. Pictured on 11th December 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The converter rail will be sent to a specialist facility in January or February for the disassembly work to take place, after which the collection of parts will be returned to Williton for cleaning and detailed inspection to establish the root cause of the failure and ensure that the repair can be effected safely and reliably. It may take some time to obtain the necessary spare parts, depending on the findings, but we have to take this forward with one step at a time. More photos of the transmission can be found on Page 47 of our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘. 

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the duty loco at Bishops Lydeard and has been operating regularly in support of the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that started on Friday 19th November 2021 in ‘top and tail’ mode, with steam haulage on the outward journey and diesel haulage on the return leg.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) – this loco received attention at Williton during the weekend in the form of an engine oil change involving the removal and replacement of 360 litres of oil (80 gallons) plus the changing of four oil filters, so it is not a quick job and it carries a hefty price tag, both for the new oil and the cost of disposing of the old oil. However, because of the policy of regular oil sampling and condition monitoring, it will be several years before it needs to be changed again.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) had the benefit of an engine oil change at Williton on Saturday 11th December 2021 where ‘Team Crompton’ (L-R: Ian, Tom and Bob) removed and replaced 360 litres (80 gallons) of engine oil and four oil filters. The barrel of new oil in the photo holds 205 litres, so the loco required almost two barrels ! Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  the rolling chassis took to the rails on Saturday 11th December under the control of Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) for the short distance move from the WSR Restorations ‘Swindon Shed’ in the North Yard at Williton to the DEPG loco shed in the South Yard. This move now places our two main restoration projects side by side in our loco shed, where they can be worked on during the coldest winter months.

    D9518’s newly re-created ‘rolling chassis’ was hauled out of the ‘Swindon Shed’ into the North Yard at Williton on 11th December 2021 by Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) for the short distance move to the DEPG loco shed in the South Yard. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ was captured on the Williton Railcam by volunteer Chris Lawton as it entered the South Yard on Saturday 11th December 2021, being propelled by Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1). Image by Railcam UK and the WSR © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ enters the South Yard at Williton on 11th December 2021 wearing NCB colours, propelled by Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) and under the watchful eye of restoration team member Colin G. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘rolling chassis’ now occupies number 2 road inside the DEPG loco shed at Williton, where restoration work will proceed alongside that of another Swindon-built diesel-hydraulic, Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’. Pictured on 11th December 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    In addition to the high-profile completion and relocation of the ‘rolling chassis’, work proceeds on the many other components and sub-assemblies of D9518 including the large and heavy ‘Holset Coupling’ that fits between the engine and the transmission. This coupling is used to isolate the transmission from the vibrations that are a characteristic of V6 engines and consists of two heavy steel discs with interlocking ‘fingers’ that are separated by close-fitting hard rubber cylinders. The rubber provides flexibility without introducing free play or ‘backlash’. The whole assembly is very tightly fitted together so that it can transmit the torque from the engine without wearing out.

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ with the end cover removed, exposing the internal structure and whole lot of rust ! Pictured at Williton on 11th December 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s ‘Holset Coupling’ was separated from the drive end flange by Colin F at Williton on 11th December 2021. The ‘drive’ and ‘driven’ parts now need to be separated so that the surfaces can be cleaned and inspected, and new rubber cylinders obtained if necessary. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway and we have received confirmation that the loco will remain at the K&ESR until May 2022, by which time her older sister D9504 should have completed her heavy overhaul and be returned to traffic. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which is now expected to take place in Mid January 2022.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco was in use again on Saturday 11th December even though she was still in a patchwork of different primer coats and undercoats and not looking her best. Her space in the loco shed has been taken by D9518 so this small but powerful machine is now destined to stand outside throughout the winter. As we do not expect to be doing any more shunting for the next few months, the loco has been covered over with a tarpaulin and work will re-commence on her bodywork in the spring.

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) has been covered over with a tarpaulin and will reside outdoors at Williton for the winter. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) can be seen alongside on number 1 road. Pictured on Saturday 11th December 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 !

     

    BOOK REVIEW – we feature a pre-owned book by well-known author Bernard Mills that has been donated by a member in support of the D1010 RESTORATION FUND and which has an extremely long title : DEVON AND CORNWALL – THE CLASS 47 YEARS – CLASS 47 – A WEST COUNTRY SYMPOSIUM’. This paperback book runs to 144 pages and is absolutely packed with photos of ’47s’ in all kinds of liveries, mostly on passenger duties but with some photos on freight in the far southwest of the UK including the former LSWR line to Salisbury and Waterloo. Also pictured with the ’47s’ are the occasional ‘Western’ and ‘Warship’ and the detailed captions and additional information make it quite an engrossing read. Well worth the £12.50 that we are asking for it, all of which will go toward the D1010 RESTORATION FUND. Click on the image below for a link to our online store.

     

    On the subject of publications, our DEPG 2022 CALENDAR stock level is now down to SINGLE FIGURES, so ACT NOW to get your copy WHILE YOU CAN !

    Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year and are now presented in this 12-page A3-size glossy heavyweight calendar:

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

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

     

    ON SHED – our participation in the RAILWAY STUDIES AND MODELLERS SHOW at Newton Abbot library has made us aware of the extensive collection of railway photographs and documents that comprise their Railway Studies Collection and are available online. One of our regular photographic contributors, Barry Gay, has shared a number of his own photographs of Newton Abbot depot that we will be featuring under this heading for the next few weeks, so here’s another one from Barry’s excellent collection: 

    In this view of Newton Abbot loco sheds, taken on the evening of 5th July 1971, the North-British diesel-hydraulics hold sway, with Class 22 6323 on the left (out of use, having been withdrawn from service on 22nd May) and sister 6337 in the centre, alongside Class 43 ‘Warship’ 861 ‘VIGILANT’, both still in service, having just been fuelled. However, both locomotives were out of sevice just three months later and all three were broken up at Swindon in 1972. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – the synopsis of the DEPG Board Meeting that was held on Saturday 27th November will be shared with members (for whom we hold email addresses) later this week. The latest edition of the DEPG Newsletter is being mailed and should be dropping through your letterboxes later this week. For members who have opted for fully paperless membership, the pdf version will be sent to you by email. If you are a member and you have not received your newsletter, please use our CONTACT FORM to let us know. The same form can be used if you want to go fully paperless. Thanks !

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have added three new products to our webstore, all of which have a seasonal bias, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    BR (WR) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ is framed by the A39 road bridge as it approaches Williton Station with a ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ working on Sunday 12th December 2021. Photo by Martin Ball © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 05-Dec-21

    DEPG volunteer Mike Evans pictured while manning the stand at the Newton Abbot Railway Studies and Modellers Show which took place at the Passmore Edwards Library in the town on Saturday 4th December 2021. The show was a great success and helped spread the word about who we are and what we do. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The DEPG sales team attended an event that was held at the Library in Newton Abbot, now known as the Passmore Edwards Centre after the philanthropist who sponsored the building when new in 1904, which became an attraction for people across the southwest on Saturday 4th December when the Newton Abbot Railway Studies and Modellers Show was held for the first time. The event was very well patronised and our DEPG stand on the ground floor was busy from the start through to the finish, raising the awareness of the DEPG and raising funds from the sale of DEPG-branded merchandise.

    The very impressive Passmore Edwards Centre in Newton Abbot opened in 1904 and was extensively renovated in 2012. It now provides a a multi-purpose facility which is based around its continuing role as a library. Photo by Smalljim via Wikipedia © CC BY-SA 3.0

     

    The show was supported by Mike Evans, a regular volunteer at Williton who exchanged his normal Saturday work on D9518 to get to the show early and set up using stock delivered by sales team regular Chris Shields, who was exhibiting upstairs at the show with his local model railway society. The day started well and booklets, mugs and calendars were being snapped up, but then Mark Townsend joined the team behind the stand and immediately raised the bar by making the first sale of our new D1010 Limited Edition OO-gauge models made by Dapol and featuring ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ in her original livery of all-over maroon with yellow bufferbeams, which was appropriate as the models were arranged at his initiative.

    The ‘DCC-ready’ models of D1010 in her first livery are being supplied in commemorative sleeves and each of the 25 models includes a Certificate of Authenticity. Preference is being given to DEPG members, so JOIN NOW to increase your chances of getting one of these limited edition models.

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs that are currently taking place, our loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 last wore her original livery in 2001 – for more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    Meanwhile, back at Williton, DEPG member and WSR Diesel Traction Inspector John Leach held another session of his Secondman Training Course with a classroom lecture in the morning and a practical shunting exercise in the afternoon, by which time the lucky participants were able to enjoy a downpour combined with hail and sleet, just to keep things real !

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) shows red and white marker lights and headcode blinds to indicate shunting duties while providing practical training for trainee Secondmen at Williton on 4th December 2021. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 (ROF 1) was also involved in the shunting training for trainee Secondmen at Williton on 4th December 2021, pictured here with the DEPG Brake Van B952527 during a (rare) bright and sunny moment. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    MANY THANKS TO ALL OF OUR VOLUNTEERS FOR WORKING HARD TO PROMOTE THE DEPG AND PROVIDE TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES ! Well done all !

     

    VERY IMPORTANT DATES FOR YOUR DIARY – the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala will take place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other WSR gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – Leroy continued with the needle-gunning of D1010’s bodyside in preparation for corrosion repairs and a primer and undercoat repaint which will take place during the coming months. The most important task right now is to resolve all of the areas of corrosion before the full repaint, so that the loco is properly protected for the long term.

    D1010 undergoing needle gunning from a highly visible Leroy at Williton on 4th December 2021. The needle gun is very noisy but very effective, which it needs to be when the subject of attention is 21m long (68 ft) and has two sides, a roof and two ends that need this treatment. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Last week, we featured a photo that showed evidence of a repair that took place in BR days, basically a long scrape, for most of the length of the loco plus a diagonal gash below one radiator grille. After a few emails from our regular readers, we quickly established that a photo of D1010 showing this damage is featured on Page 3 of our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    D1010 (by then just 1010) ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ was pictured at Plymouth Station on Saturday 18th March 1972 and shows clear evidence of a bodyside scrape plus other damage below the radiator grille at the far end. The damage matches up with what was found under the layer of filler at Williton on 27th November 2021. Photo by Roger Geach © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Roger’s photo from March 1972 shows a gouge that starts at the nearest end, which also has damage to the corner of the cab front, and runs along the body, culminating in a diagonal scrape just below the radiator grille at the far end, matching up exactly with what was found under the layer of filler at Williton on 27th November 2021. We have still not established when, where and how the damage took place. if you know, please let us know so that we can update the D1010 timeline and share the information with our members and supporters. Thanks !

     

    The loco went into Swindon Works on 15th June 1972 and stayed there for more than five months while undergoing repairs that included correction of buffers that had been pushed back. She was eventually released to traffic on 1st December 1972. Just months later, other members of the Class that suffered far less damage in minor shunting collisions were not so lucky – they were condemned as being beyond economic repair, were immediately stripped of usable parts and sent to scrap, so our loco had a very narrow escape !

     

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 wore this livery again back in 2001, for one season. For more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    As announced last week, we are now offering a special LIMITED EDITION of 25 DAPOL OO-gauge models of D1010 in her original livery, with all proceeds from the sale of these models going to the D1010 Restoration Fund. Priority will be given to DEPG members until Friday 17th December, after which any remaining models will be offered to the general public. Expressions of interest can be emailed to contact@depg.org or via our CONTACT FORM

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the duty loco at Bishops Lydeard and has been operating regularly in support of the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that started on Friday 19th November 2021 in ‘top and tail’ mode, with steam haulage on the outward journey and diesel haulage on the return leg.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) arrives at Bishops Lydeard with the return leg of a ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ service on 4th December 2021. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) – this loco was in use for shunting training at Williton this weekend (as described earlier).

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) at Williton during a shunting training session with a ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ service standing at the ‘up’ platform while the steam locomotive runs around via the ‘down’ platform. Pictured on 4th December 2021 by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  a major milestone was reached on this loco last Saturday 27th November 2021 when the frames were lowered onto the wheelsets to create the rolling chassis and make D9518 mobile once again. The team is now engaged in re-fitting all of the small parts to the frames and working on the parts that make up the braking system. The plan is to get the rolling chassis moved into the DEPG loco shed before the Christmas break, so work proceeds apace !

    D9518’s newly re-created ‘rolling chassis’ undergoing the assembly of the many small parts that will allow the braking system to be re-installed. Pictured in the ‘Swindon Shed’ at Williton on 30th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s brake slack adjuster components pictured after cleaning and repair at Williton on 30th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    One of D9518’s brake slack adjusters being re-assembled by Colin F at Williton on 30th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway for the rest of this year and is receiving regular use on Permanent Way trains, which is good for the loco and good for the DEPG. The loco is going to remain at the K&ESR until older sister D9504 completes her heavy overhaul and is returned to traffic, so it could be some time yet. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco was in use on Saturday 4th December to prepare the yard for the shunting training that was performed using Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057). The task involved the loco having to go outdoors and get wet, so it is a good thing that Graham and Paul T were able to add their efforts last weekend to those of Roy and Colin F by getting a coat of paint on her upper surfaces before she went outdooors.  We need more help on this loco so please come along and join the effort to complete this work (no prior experience is required, just regular DIY skills will be sufficient).

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) was in action preparing the yard for the shunting training that took place at Williton on Saturday 4th December 2021. Her paintwork remains a ‘work in progress’. Photo by Jon Tooke © CC BY-NC 3.0

    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 !

     

    BOOK REVIEW – we  feature a book review from regular contributor Neale Long in relation to the recent 128-page book by Andrew Vines entitled ‘DIESEL HYDRAULICS – a colour retrospective’ and published by Wild Swan. If you are interested in this book, you can get a copy from the Western Locomotive Association for £23.95 by clicking this link.

    Here’s Neale’s opinion about this book:

    “The latest edition to the very long list of publications relating to diesel-hydraulic Locomotives is this sumptuous 128-page volume in full colour (except for the last photograph) compiled by Andrew Vines. In terms of overall quality in respect of content and reproduction, this publication is a truly wonderful evocation of mainline diesel hydraulic operation and must rank as one of the best publications on the subject produced in recent times.

    The book commences with a neat and tidy introduction by the author, who lists several well known diesel-hydraulic historians/enthusiasts who assisted him with various details. The names of Mark Alden, Steve Harrod, Martin Street, Neil Phillips, Hugh Dady and Robert Carroll need no introduction and indicate the skill and care undertaken in the production of the book. All these inputs add greatly to the very high quality of this superb tome. Then what follows is a quite dazzling selection of mainly unpublished photographs, organised into twelve chapters and epilogue :

      1.  Main Lines West
      2.  People
      3.  Wessex 
      4.  Milk and Parcels
      5.  To the Midlands and beyond
      6.  Workshops Depots and Stabling Points
      7.  South Devon
      8.  Freight
      9.  Southern Routes
      10.  Stations Large and Small
      11.  Beginnings and Endings in the Duchy 
      12.  Fifty years on
      13.  Epilogue (monochrome study of D827 & D832 on the blocks at Paddington)

    There are really so many beautiful and rare images not previously published, but in order to try and give a flavour, I will pick out a handful in order to whet the appetite for this gorgeous book. Few will be aware of a long-closed freight branch near Truro called Newham, but this volume depicts D1054 ‘WESTERN GOVERNOR’ deputising for the more normal Class 22 in what is without doubt a rare image.

    People will be aware of ‘Hymek’ workings in West Wales, but images of milk traffic on the truncated Carmarthen-Aberystwyth line are distinctly rare, so the image of D7100 at Pencader Junction is particularly welcome. The image of ‘Hymek’ D7043 at Ilfracombe will I’m sure be similarly appreciated by diesel-hydraulic enthusiasts, as will the image of D9525 shunting the Square Grip Reinforcement sidings at Keynsham. Pictures of D600 ‘Warships’ are always of interest, and this volume contains a lovely portrait of D600 in blue livery, shunting passenger stock at Penzance. Photographic reproduction is excellent and each image is accompanied by clear, concise and accurate captions.

    Commendably, the author included a handful of images depicting the various preserved locomotives which keep the diesel-hydraulic story alive. Quite rightly, Andrew Vines pays tribute to all those groups involved, which is very thoughtful. From the Group’s perspective, D7017 is depicted at Roebuck Farm in 2009 and D7018 is featured at White Waltham on a Radyr-Acton coal train, the author acknowledging the huge effort required to return her to traffic following her major failure in 1995, again a very thoughtful caption.

    Overall, this really is a superb book of the highest quality. The relative paucity of material of locomotives at work in South Wales and Gloucester area is the one very, very tiny drawback to this brilliant piece of work by Andrew Vines, but despite this minor quibble, I can unhesitatingly recommend this wonderful book to all those interested in the subject.”

    Many thanks to Neale for providing us with this report. Click this link to buy your copy from the WLA website.

     

    On the subject of publications, our DEPG 2022 CALENDAR have been selling well, so ACT NOW to get your copy WHILE STOCKS LAST !

    Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year and are now presented in this 12-page A3-size glossy heavyweight calendar:

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

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

     

    ON SHED – our participation in the RAILWAY STUDIES AND MODELLERS SHOW at Newton Abbot library has made us aware of the extensive collection of railway photographs and documents that comprise their Railway Studies Collection and are available online. One of our regular photographic contributors, Barry Gay, has shared a number of his own photographs of Newton Abbot depot that we will feature under this heading for the next few weeks, starting with this one:

    This view of Newton Abbot loco sheds shows that BR had an abundance of locos in 1971. There were two Class 42 ‘Warships (807 ‘Caradoc’ and 869 ‘Zest’) plus D1048 ‘WESTERN LADY’ plus Class 22 6334, one ‘Class 45/46 ‘Peak’ and no less than SIX BR-Brush Class 47s on shed on 11th July 1971. Photo by Barry Gay © CC BY-NC 3.0

    Many thanks to Barry for sharing his photos with us all !

     

    DEPG NEWS – the DEPG participated in a meeting of the Partnership Development Group last week, the minutes of which will be available soon. The synopsis of the DEPG Board Meeting that was held on Saturday 27th November is being prepared and will be shared with members ASAP.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have added three new products to our webstore, all of which have a seasonal bias, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG Christmas Card, A5 size, £1.50 each or get a pack of 5 for the price of 4. All proceeds to the D1010 Restoration Fund.

     

    WSR NEWS: The ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ and ‘SANTA EXPRESS’ services continue to earn valuable winter income for the WSR with almost all seats fully booked this side of Christmas, so this is excellent news for which we congratulate all involved, both staff and volunteers, for delivering two winners!

    Tickets are available for WINTERLIGHTS services that run between Christmas and New Year so there’s no need to miss out.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) at the rear of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ special as it passes the ‘North Pole’ (aka Crowcombe Heathfield station) on Saturday 4th December 2021, in the presence of a reindeer and some penguins who are no doubt on vacation from their usual homes in or close to the southern hemisphere, as many of them seem to be at this time of year. Photo by Josh Brinsford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 28-Nov-21

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) is supporting the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services and qualified DEPG secondman Tom Courtney was also on duty on the cold and wintry evening of Friday 26th November 2021, pictured while the loco waited between turns at Bishops Lydeard by DEPG Chairman and loco driver Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The WSR’s ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ services are evidently a big success and those that have already taken the journey have been delighted with the brightly coloured illuminations combined with the lineside displays that appear at nine locations along the route between Bishops Lydeard and Crowcombe Heathfield. The train, which is steam-hauled to Crowcombe Heathfield and diesel-hauled on the return leg, slows to walking pace as it passes the lineside features, so that passengers can take a good look and enjoy the sights.

    The train crews need to observe special rules for operating these trains during their one-hour out-and-back running time, balancing the need to allow passengers to get the benefit of the displays with the need to maintain punctuality while running at night. The crew of the diesel locomotive are also responsible for travelling ‘light engine’ along the route before and after the public services, to activate and deactivate the remotely-sited lineside displays, so MANY THANKS TO ALL OF THE VOLUNTEERS AND STAFF WHO ARE WORKING LATE TO MAKE THESE EVENTS POSSIBLE ! Well done all !

     

    VERY IMPORTANT NEWS THIS WEEK is that the WSR have announced the dates for their 2022 gala events, with the 2022 Diesel Gala taking place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022, so keep these dates free and make a plan to attend ! Click this link to wsr.org.uk to view the dates for other gala events that are planned for 2022.

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – more progress was made on the bodywork of D1010 this weekend, with Gordon and Ian F working on opposite sides of the loco, removing many layers of paint and uncovering areas that need repair before repainting can begin. The photo below shows a gash and a scrape on the bodyside near the ‘B’ end that dates back to BR days and was repaired at Swindon in 1972. Maybe a reader could throw some light on this and provide us with information as to what caused the damage, where and when ?

    D1010 – the very thorough work by Ian F with the needle gun has revealed a diagonal gash near the ‘B’ end and a longitudinal scrape that dates back to BR days. The repairs are sound but unsightly, so they will be dressed and filled before the loco is repainted. Pictured at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Meanwhile, with ear defenders in place, Colin F and Paul C were hard at work with the trial fitment of the valances at the ‘A’ end of the locomotive, dealing with some complications that resulted from damage that occurred at Merehead Quarry back in the late 1970s, when the loco was pushed into the buffer stops by a loaded stone train that was being shunted into the same siding. The loco was repaired at Merehead before she made the journey to Didcot in 1986, and has stood the test of time except for the non-standard valances that were fabricated at Merehead and have recently been replaced by brand new items made by Colin F using the original authentic valances from ‘B’ end as a pattern.

    D1010 – brand new but authentic valances have been made by Colin F and trial fitted on the driver’s side of ‘A’ end, and after some adjustment, they line up very nicely. Pictured at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – to complete the set, the new valances have been trial fitted on the secondman’s side of ‘A’ end, and have also been adjusted to line up very nicely, although this corner of the loco did present a lot more of a challenge. Pictured at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    With his work on the valances now complete, Colin will now turn his attention to the cab structure and will start repairing the corrosion damage that has resulted from many years of water ingress since D1010 last received a major overhaul at Swindon Works in August 1969, during which she changed from maroon to blue livery.

    On completion of the bodywork repairs, the loco will be repainted into the colour scheme that she wore when she first entered service in October 1962, overall maroon with a yellow buffer beam. The loco ran in this livery until March 1963 when the more familiar small yellow warning panel was added and the bufferbeam was changed from yellow to black. D1010 last wore this livery in 2001 – for more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Westerns’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the duty loco at Bishops Lydeard and has been operating regularly in support of the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that started on Friday 19th November 2021 in ‘top and tail’ mode, with steam haulage on the outward journey and diesel haulage on the return leg.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) – this loco is at Williton undergoing planned maintenance tasks that will include an engine oil change and a thorough inspection to ensure that she remains in good shape and is soon able to resume her support duties on the WSR.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7017 – no change this week.

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – no change this week.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 –  a major milestone was reached on this loco on Saturday 27th November 2021 when the frames were lowered onto the wheelsets to create the rolling chassis and make D9518 mobile once again !

    The work was performed on the lifting pad situated in the open area on the west side of the Swindon Shed at Williton, the cold and wintry conditions having to be endured by the team as they raised the frames using the four portable 25-tonne jacks that were acquired from Bristol Bath Road depot many years ago. The series of photographs below show the progress from frames and wheels to a rolling chassis, a major step forward for the restoration project, so WELL DONE TO ALL INVOLVED AND TO ALL WHO DONATED TO THE RESTORATION FUND. Thank you very much !

    D9518’s newly painted frames in the blue and black colour scheme of the National Coal Board (NCB), being moved towards the concrete lifting pad outside the Swindon Shed at Williton on 27th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s newly painted wheelsets lined up and ready as the frames await the fourth lifting jack so that the lift can take place. Pictured outside the Swindon Shed at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s frames await the arrival of the fourth portable lifting jack, which has just come into view, being carried by the Williton Fork Lift Truck driven by Liam Pope at Williton on Saturday 27th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s frames are in the air and her wheels are in position, ready for the frames to be lowered. The lifting jack control desk is visible in this picture, taken in challenging lighting conditions and freezing cold winds at Williton on 27th November 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s frames are lowered onto the wheelsets at Williton on 27th November 2021, the low sun casting very long shadows and causing considerable trouble for the photographer, Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 is back on her wheels, the ‘rolling chassis’ being the result of a fantasic team effort in freezing cold conditions at Williton on 27th November 2021. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this progress has been made possible by the efforts of volunteers and the donations of the many ‘Teddy Bear’ supporters who have contributed to the D9518 Restoration Appeal. Thank you all very much !

    This loco is the subject of a fundraising appeal so please follow this link to find out more. We need your help ! In addition to funds, we also need plenty of HANDS. If you love the ‘Teddy Bears’ and you are not already a member of the DEPG, please join us so that you can become one of the team that is going to return D9518 to full operational condition as ‘NCB No. 7‘.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 – this loco is based at the Kent & East Sussex Railway for the rest of this year and is receiving regular use on Permanent Way trains, which is good for the loco and good for the DEPG. The loco is going to remain at the K&ESR until older sister D9504 completes her heavy overhaul and is returned to traffic, so it could be some time yet. We look forward to seeing D9526 back at Williton in time for the WSR’s 2022 Diesel Gala that takes place from Thursday 9th through Saturday 11th June 2022.

    Here’s a great picture of D9526 that has featured on our 2021 calendar throughout the month of November. For all of you who missed out on the 2021 calendar, here’s a sample of what you could have been enjoying. Make sure that you get your 2022 calendar while stocks last !

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9526 pauses at Crowcombe Heathfield while en route to Bishops Lydeard on 7th October 2018. This delightful photo was featured in the DEPG 2021 calendar for the month of November. Photo by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this little loco received a lot of attention this weekend as she was subjected to the attention of both Paul T and Graham, armed with needle guns and power sanders, with the objective of getting her external surfaces cleaned of old paint and debris and getting a coat of primer on to her before she gets evicted from the loco shed so that D9518’s rolling chassis can enter. We need more help on this loco so please come along and join the effort to complete this work (no prior experience is required, just regular DIY skills will be sufficient).

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) received further attention to her paintwork from Paul T and Graham at Williton on Saturday 27th November 2021, but there is plenty more to do so please come along and help ! Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    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 !

     

     

    BOOK REVIEW – we do have a book review that has been kindly provided by Neale Long for the recent 128-page book by Andrew Vines entitled ‘DIESEL HYDRAULICS – a colour retrospective’ and published by Wild Swan, but we don’t have space for it today so we will defer this to next week. Meanwhile, if you can’t wait for that, go ahead and grab a copy from the Western Locomotive Association by clicking this link.

    And speaking of new publications, if you haven’t obtained your copy already, experts are predicting that our DEPG 2022 CALENDAR is GOING TO BE IN SHORT SUPPLY so ACT NOW to get your copy WHILE STOCKS LAST !

    Here’s a summary of the 12 high-resolution photos that have been so kindly donated by our members and supporters this year and are now presented in this 12-page A3-size glossy heavyweight calendar:

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

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

     

    ON SHED – On Saturday 4th December, the DEPG will participate in the RAILWAY STUDIES AND MODELLERS SHOW that takes place at Newton Abbot library, during which their extensive collection of railway photographs and documents will be showcased. The show is aimed at widening the awareness of their Railway Studies Collection and we are pleased to confirm that the DEPG will be in attendance !

    Over the next few weeks, we are going to feature some very interesting photographs of Newton Abbot from the diesel-hydraulic period, but first let’s return to the photo that we shared last week, for which we have now received a lot more information from the photographer, Prof. Will Powrie.

    Class 52 1023 ‘WESTERN FUSILIER’ stands at the stabling point at Newton Abbot on 8th August 1976 with engines that were probably long overdue for attention, with BR-Brush Class 47 47122 behind and to the left and Class 52 1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ visible to the right. Photo by Will Powrie © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Will has provided us with the background to his photograph, as follows:

    “Regarding the photo of D1023 on Newton Abbot shed on Sunday 8th August 1976, the Class 52 in shot behind / to the right of ‘WESTERN FUSILIER’ is none other than D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER‘. We had arrived into Newton Abbot behind D1001 ‘WESTERN PATHFINDER’ on 1B05, the 08.45 Paddington-Plymouth; and after about an hour’s wait at Newton Abbot returned as far as Reading with D1054 ‘WESTERN GOVERNOR’ on 1A45, the 13.40 Plymouth-Paddington.

    On that Sunday (5 August), D1010 worked 1B93, the 09.00 Bristol Temple Meads-Paignton and 1B99, the 19.30 Paignton-Bristol Temple Meads (22.15). This train was a Sunday special organised by the Bristol division of the Western Region – it was not in the all-line public timetable. It seems that D1010 ran light diesel from Paignton to Newton Abbot, and must have spent much of the middle part of the day there before heading back to Paignton to pick up the return working to Bristol.

    The next day (Monday 9 August), D1010 took over 1A25 (the 1800 [Sunday] Penzance-Paddington overnight), from Bristol Temple Meads (00.51) to Paddington. It then worked 1M10 0645 Paddington-Birmingham New Street and 1V28 10.25 Birmingham New Street-Paddington (the only Class 52 to work a Paddington-Birmingham train that week), and the 1A82 18.03 Paddington-Oxford before then spending most of the rest of the week on freight or newspaper trains.

    On the Friday (August 13th), however, D1010 worked a ‘Troopex’ heading north from the west of England – this has been reported as starting at either Plymouth or Okehampton, destination either Crewe or Bolton, with D1010 working to Bristol, Birmingham or Crewe! D1010 was noted passing Taunton at 19.52 that evening heading southwest with the empty stock, by an observer who was told that D1010 had brought the train all the way from Crewe. This seems unlikely, but maybe one of your readers can shed some light on it?

    D1023 went light diesel from Newton Abbot to Paignton later that afternoon (Sunday 8 August) to work 1A85 17.10 Paignton-Paddington. Monday 9 August saw D1023 on the 1A97 07.49 Radley-Paddington then 1B65 13.30 Paddington-Penzance; and on Tuesday 10 August it worked 1A19, the 10.55 Penzance-Paddington Cornish Riviera Limited to Plymouth, before going forward on 1A35 13.45 Plymouth-Paddington. From Paddington, D1023 made its way to Acton via Old Oak Common, where it took over the overnight 6V65 Sittingbourne-Burngullow Clayliner empties. After working 1A45 12.20 Penzance-Paddington as far as Plymouth on Wednesday 11 August, D1023 spent most of the rest of the week on Clayliner duties between St Blazey and Bescot.”

    Many thanks to Will for this detailed account of the workings of these two celebrity locomotives !

    Put the date of Saturday 4th December 2021 in your diary if you are within travelling distance of Newton Abbot, and come along to the show and also explore the resources of the Railway Studies Collection.

     

    DEPG NEWS – the delayed synopsis of the October Board Meeting was emailed to those members for whom we hold email addresses. Please let me know if you are a member but didn’t received your copy of the synopsis. The Board held the November meeting last Saturday 27th and a synopsis will be prepared and shared with members ASAP.

     

    DEPG WEBSITE – we have added three new products to our webstore, all of which have a seasonal bias, so click the photos or the links below to find out more !

    DEPG beanie hat, one size, silver embroidery on black – a good quality and warm hat for £12.50 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    DEPG fleece jacket with collar, unlined, zip pockets, black with silver DEPG logo, £25 incl VAT plus P&P.

     

    DEPG Christmas Card, A5 size, £1.50 each or get a pack of 5 for the price of 4. All proceeds to the D1010 Restoration Fund.

     

    WSR NEWS: The announcement of the 2020 gala dates is great news and allows the railway press to spread the word and allows supporters to make plans to attend, all of which will result in higher attendances and the enjoyable feel of a well-supported event. Meanwhile, the ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services continue to earn valuable winter income, with BR(WR) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR leading the train and Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) at the rear on the climb from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield, where the train reverses. Tickets are available for services that run between Christmas and New Year.

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) stands at the rear of the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ special just beyond Crowcombe Heathfield station and is preparing to haul the train on the return leg to Bishops Lydeard. Pictured on Saturday 27th November 2021 by Adam Snow © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

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