Weekly Roundup

  • 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:

     

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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

     

  • Weekly Roundup – 21-Nov-21

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) was one of the locos that was open to visitors from the 1st Williton Beaver Scouts troop on the evening of Monday 15th November 2021. The children had a great time and hopefully took away an increased knowledge of railways and a raised awareness of safety. Many thanks to Tom C for his role as tour guide. Photo by Emma Powell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The DEPG was host to the 1st Williton Beaver Scouts troop on the evening of Monday 15th November 2021, and a group of youngsters (boys and girls) attended at Williton Depot to take a look at the locos and learn a thing or two about railways. The cabs of D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ and D6575 (33 057) were opened up, with the ‘Western’ being manned by Mark Ireland and the ‘Crompton’ being manned by Tom Courtney. The little Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) was also a fascination for the children and they all visited each of the cabs and participated in a group photo at the end of the event.

    Throughout the evening, the children were reminded of the risks of being close to a railway and hopefully they will have taken away some of that messaging, along with an enormous amount of enjoyment as a result of their visit. Many thanks to the Beaver Scout leaders Emma (Capa) and Jay (Meeko) for their work with the Beaver Scouts and for their donation to DEPG funds. Thanks also to Mark and Tom for being on hand and for answering hundreds of questions !

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – outdoor activities were curtailed by drizzly rain on Saturday so efforts were focused on tasks that could be performed in the loco shed. Gordon and Leroy did some maintenance work on the ‘B’ engine to keep it in good condition (we are unable to run it while the transmission is out of the loco) and Andy continued his work on the temporary disconnection of multiple underfloor cable runs, so that welding repairs can be progressed on the cab support structure.

    Colin F was assisted by Richard in the task of trial fitting the newly-refurbished valance sections and ensuring that the edges and curves lined up, and the result at ‘B’ end was fantastic, with a very nice blend from section to section. The photos tell the story. The same work was also carried out at ‘A’ end, but previous repair work on the ‘A’ cab, either in BR days or when at Merehead, had resulted in some deviations from drawing and some adjustments will need to be made to ensure that the new valances line up as they should. Colin is on the case, so the ‘A’ end valances will be adjusted and will soon be completed. Many thanks to Colin for such excellent work !

    D1010 – the restored valances were trial fitted at ‘B’ end at Williton on Saturday 20th November 2021 and the result was excellent, thanks to the careful and authentic work by Colin F. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – on the other side of ‘B’ end, the restored valance sections were trial fitted and after some small adjustments, everything was worked out and fitted nicely. Pictured at Williton on 20th November 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 was restored to her normal, dignified appearance by the trial fitment of the refurbished valance sections at ‘B’ end of the locomotive at Williton on 20th November 2021. Many thanks to Colin F and the team at Williton who used materials bought using the funds generated by the D1010 Restoration Appeal to complete this work in a matter of weeks. What a fantastic effort ! Photo by Terry Deacon © 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 changed 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 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 – major progress was made on this loco on both Tuesday and Saturday as the component parts that will become the rolling chassis were re-fitted to the newly-painted frames. The efforts culminated in the late afternoon of Saturday 20th November when two of the six springs were re-fitted to the frames, taking us much closer to the key milestone of re-uniting the frames and wheels to create the rolling chassis. Many thanks to the whole team on D9518 and special thanks to Colin, Simon and Terry for their massive effort !

     

    D9518’s newly painted frames in the blue and black colour scheme of the National Coal Board (NCB). This livery was worn by the locomotive when she worked her last coal train at Ashington Colliery in 1986. The superb paint finish is the result of many hours of work by the whole team and by Colin G in particular. Pictured at Williton on 20th November 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s refurbished springs, 6 in total, ready to be re-installed on the locomotive frames. These springs are exactly the same specification as those for a BR Class 08 or 09. Pictured at Williton on 20th November 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 springs are very heavy, so assistance was provided in the form of the Williton fork lift truck driven by the WSR’s Liam Pope, who was able to manoeuvre the truck in a tight space and get the spring into the right position – with a bit of help from Colin G. Pictured at Williton on 20th November 2021 by Terry Deacon © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s newly painted frames now carry two of the six springs that will soon allow the re-fitting of the wheels and the creation of a ‘rolling chassis’. Great work by all ! Pictured at Williton on 20th November 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 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 likely 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.

     

    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 some more attention to her paintwork from Roy and Carol, but there is a lot more paintwork to be tackled so we need volunteers to step forward to work on this little loco during each of the next few weeks. Please come along and join the effort to complete this work (no prior experience required, just regular DIY skills will be sufficient).

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1) received further attention to her paintwork at Williton on Saturday 20th November 2021, but there is plenty more to do so come along and help ! Photo by Emma Powell © 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 been hearing great things about a recent 128-page book by Andrew Vines entitled ‘DIESEL HYDRAULICS – a colour retrospective’ and published by Wild Swan. We will include a review of this book next week and hopefully provide more insight into the contents and the quality, but if you can’t wait for that, go ahead and grab a copy from the Western Locomotive Association by clicking this link or clicking on the photo below (note – this is an external link and will take you to the WLA website).

     

    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 railways made an important contribution to the town in the years 1846 through to 1970, and at their peak, the railway works employed 1,000 people and covered a massive area. All that changed when the works closed in 1970, although some parts of the works site remained in use as a stabling and refuelling point until 1981, in fact several of the surviving ‘Westerns’ including D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ were stored in the old Works from late February/early March 1977 until dispersal to their new owners. Here’s a photo from the days of the stabling/refuelling point days, with at least two ‘Westerns’ on shed plus at least one of the ubiquitous BR-Brush Type 4, Class 47s. Many thanks to long-term member and supporter Prof. Will Powrie for sharing this photo with us.

    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. This loco went to the National Collection upon withdrawal from service in February 1977 and now resides at the NRM in York. Photo by Will Powrie © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The library in Newton Abbot became the custodian of the many railway documents and photographs from the area and they are putting on a show to widen the awareness of their Railway Studies Collection. We are pleased to confirm that the DEPG will be in attendance !

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

     

    DEPG NEWS – the next Board meeting will take place on 27th November 2021 at Williton.

     

    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.

     

    OTHER NEWS – after our previous reports of progress being made at Okehampton, we are very pleased to see that the line has indeed re-opened and has got off to a great start, so let’s hope that patronage continues to grow and the line becomes a great success !

    GWR Class 150 ‘Sprinter’ diesel-hydraulic multiple unit number arrives at the newly-reopened Okehampton station with the 0632 from Exeter St. Davids on Saturday 20th November 2021. Photo by Network Rail

     

    WSR NEWS: The ‘WINTERLIGHTS‘ services have got off to a great start, 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. All of the railway charities are working together with the WSR to support these services and ensure they are a success, which is exactly how it should be !

    The BR(WR) 4-6-0 7828 ‘ODNEY MANOR’ brings the ‘WINTERLIGHTS’ special into Crowcombe Heathfield station on Saturday 20th November 2021. Photo by Harry Morris © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 14-Nov-21

    Remembrance day 2021 and Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 carries a wreath for all those railway workers who lost their lives in conflicts around the world. The inscription is in the memory of all those who are “still on patrol”. Pictured at Williton on 13th November by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The DEPG was among the thousands of organisations across the country who took time out today to remember those who lost their lives in conflicts around the world. Railways played an important part in supporting large scale military action as well as being essential to the logistics network at home, so they became a strategic military target in their own right, with awful consequences for those who were caught up in the conflict. Those times and events seem so far away now, but we remind ourselves about them at least annually to make sure that they will never be repeated.

     

    Brightening up the mood, the WSR has been busy preparing for the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that will run from Bishops Lydeard to Crowcombe Heathfield on Friday and Saturday evenings initially and then most evenings up to and after Christmas. Although there will be many who frown at such things, the facts are that they are a massive success with the public and the tickets have been snapped up to the extent that the WSR added more dates after Christmas to make the most of the demand. The net result will be a healthy income that will support the railway through the winter season, so please support these services and the daytime ‘Santa Express‘ services if you can. Thanks !

    WSR Mark 1 coaching stock set undergoing testing on Friday 12th November at Minehead station, in preparation for the ‘Winterlights‘ special workings. Photo by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    In preparation for the ‘Winterlights‘ workings that start on Friday 19th November, the WSR have completed the fitting of the many thousands of coloured lights that will be illuminated along the length of the train. The power will be provided by two self-contained generator sets that have been temporarily housed within former Southern Railway ‘Parcels & Miscellaneous Van’ (PMV) vehicle number 1464, which has been repainted for the occasion by the WSR wagon team:

    Ex-Southern Railway ‘Parcels and Miscellaneous Van’ (PMV) number 1464 has been repainted by the WSR wagon team and fitted with temporary self-contained generator packages at Minehead in preparation for the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that start on Friday 19th November 2021. Photo by Seb Welsh © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – more progress this weekend as the dry weather allowed the loco to be towed out of the shed for further work on the bodyside using the noisy but effective ‘needle guns’. This time, we had two volunteers on needle-gunning (Leroy and Ian F) while Gordon used the angle grinder and the power sander to prepare the surface for priming and painting.

    D1010 – the bodyside surface preparation was the focus for Leroy and Gordon at Williton on Saturday 13th November 2021. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – on the opposite side, Ian F set up another needle gun and started removing the multiple layers of paint that had been applied since the days at Didcot. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 13th November 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – the restored front-side valances were prepared for trial fitment by Colin F, seen here while drilling the holes for the attachment bolts. The assemblies should be ready for trial fitting next weekend. Pictured at Williton on Saturday 13th November 2021 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 changed to black. D1010 last wore this livery in 2001 – for more information on liveries, see our booklet ‘D1010 – FROM MEREHEAD TO MINEHEAD‘.

     

    D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ last wore her original livery of maroon with a yellow buffer beam in 2001, as seen in this view of the loco at Williton depot. Photo by Bob Tiller © 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 going to return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

    Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) – this loco is the duty loco at Bishops Lydeard and will be operating in support of the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that start 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.

    Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymek’ sisters D7017 and D7018 were in touch with one another at Williton on 6th November 2021. Photo by Martin Bell © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – continued progress was made on this loco on both Tuesday and Saturday as the component parts for the rolling chassis were gathered, cleaned, inspected and painted in preparation for re-fitting to the frames. The electrical control cubicle also received attention from John C who has taken on the challenge of restoring the functionality and appearance of a complex assembly that has not seen any use for 35 years !

    D9518’s cab assembly waits in line for attention while the Voith L217 hydraulic transmission boasts a smart new coat of grey primer. Pictured at Williton on 13th November 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s electrical cubicle is receiving an overhaul from John C at Williton. This is a project in itself and will take some time, given the age of the parts and the period out of use. This inside view was captured on 13th November 2021 by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518’s electrical cubicle will undergo a thorough and careful overhaul in the hands of John C at Williton. This view dated 13th November 2021 shows the exterior condition and hints at the work that is needed to restore this assembly and replace the missing parts. Photo by Andy Royal © 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, which is good for the loco and good for the DEPG. The loco is likely 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.

     

    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 very useful loco was in use on Saturday 13th November 2021 to haul D1010 out of the shed for attention to her bodywork. Although D1010 is capable of moving under her own power, it is wasteful and time-consuming to warm up and run a 1,350 hp engine when a 302 hp shunting loco is available for the purpose.

    In between shunting turns last Saturday, the little loco received some attention to her paintwork from Carol, but there is a lot more paintwork to be tackled so we need volunteers to step forward to work on this little loco during each of the next few weeks. Please come along and join the effort to complete this work (no prior experience required, just regular DIY skills will be sufficient).

    Andrew Barclay 578 (ROF 1) was in action on Saturday 13th November 2021, seen here while returning to her temporary resting place inside the shed while her paintwork remains incomplete. DEPG Chairman Martin Howard is in control and ensures clearance from the access platforms that have been used when working on D1010. Photo 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 – following the launch of their new railway magazine recently, the editors of ‘TRACKSIDE‘ magazine contacted us to check the status of our two ‘Hymeks’ D7017 and D7018 in support of an article that they have just published in their November edition, featuring the class. Launching a magazine into a very crowded sector is a very brave thing to do, but it is certainly worth buying a copy to judge the quality and relevance for yourself. It is a very good sign that the editor contacted us when preparing their feature and we wish them every success with their new initiative.

    The November edition of ‘TRACKSIDE‘ magazine includes a feature on the Beyer-Peacock Class 35 ‘Hymeks’ and the four survivors including D7017 and D7018.

     

    And speaking of new publications, 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 – we will skip this feature this week, but next week, in anticipation of an event that DEPG will be attending in Newton Abbot on Saturday 4th December 2021, we will feature a photo of Newton Abbot diesel depot that shows the significance that was attached to this location in the heyday of the diesel-hydraulics. The depot closed to steam in 1965 and closed to diesels in 1970 but continued as a stabling and refuelling point until 1981. The library in Newton Abbot became the custodian of the many railway documents and photographs from the area and they are putting on a show to widen the awareness of their Railway Studies Collection. We are pleased to confirm that the DEPG will be in attendance !

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

     

    DEPG NEWS – the next Board meeting will take place on 27th November 2021 at Williton.

     

    OTHER NEWS – last week, we shared a photo from member and regular volunteer Mike Evans showing a GWR Class 166 ‘Networker Turbo’ diesel-hydraulic multiple unit making a call at Okehampton station, in advance of the line re-opening to the public (scheduled for 20th Noveber 2021). Regular contributor Jon Tooke commented as follows:

      “Regarding the Networker (Thames) Turbo at Okehampton station the other day as seen by Mike, it was there on a route gauging run to clear them for working on the line.

    I understand that when the line reopens on Saturday it will be pairs of 150s and the 158s as the mainstay with the Turbos 165s and 166s to be used if demand dictates.

    Platform 2 at Okehampton will not be used again and the track beyond the station towards Meldon Quarry has been officially mothballed, the points have been clipped and padlocked and the groundframe has been removed.

    What remains of the Dartmoor Railway have a small museum in the station building.”

    Many thanks to Jon for providing this additional informtion, and also for obtaining the following photographs:

    GWR Class 150 ‘Sprinter’ diesel-hydraulic multiple unit number 150 219 stands at the soon-to-be-reopened Okehampton station on a dull day in November 2021. Photo by SPT © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    GWR Class 150 ‘Sprinter’ diesel-hydraulic multiple unit number 150 243 stands on brand-new track at the soon-to-be-reopened Okehampton station on a dull day in November 2021. Photo by SPT © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    WSR NEWS: Last week, it was announced that well-known professional photographer and long-term DEPG member Don Bishop was stepping down from the chairmanship of the WSR Gala Planning Team after 26 years at the helm. This fantastic effort deserves recognition from those of us who have enjoyed the many events that have been delivered during his time in the chair. Don will continue to organise photograhy charters and hopefully 2022 will see the return of these popular events, in addition to the galas that will now be organised under the chairmanship of Seb Welsh. Many thanks to Don, and we also extend our congratulations to Seb and we look forward to supporting the Gala Planning Team whenever we can.

    The WSR Gala Planning Team pictured in the DEPG messroom at Williton on 18th April 2019, with Don Bishop ‘in the chair’. Photo by Robin Moira White © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

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  • Weekly Roundup – 07-Nov-21

    Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Co (BRCW) Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) arrived at Minehead station on Friday 5th November with an Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) working from Bishops Lydeard. Photo by Tim Edmonds © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    In preparation for the ‘Winterlights‘ workings that start on Friday 19th November, the WSR Operations Department arranged for Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) to perform some Empty Coaching Stock (ECS) moves so that the appropriate vehicles could be prepared for fitment of the many thousands of lights that will be illuminated along the length of the train. The power will be provided by two self-contained generator sets that have been temporarily housed within former Southern Railway ‘Parcels & Miscellaneous Van’ (PMV) vehicle number 1464, which has been repainted for the occasion by the WSR wagon team:

    Ex-Southern Railway ‘Parcels and Miscellaneous Van’ (PMV) number 1464 has been repainted and fitted with temporary self-contained generator packages at Minehead in preparation for the ‘Winterlights‘ trains that start on Friday 19th November 2021. Photo by Rich Hiscox © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    The ‘Winterlights‘ trains will be ‘top and tailed’ with a steam loco on the Minehead end and a diesel on the Taunton end, to simplify operations and avoid the need for the loco to run around at Crowcombe Heathfield. The duty diesel loco will be Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6566 (33 048) while sister loco D6575 (33 057) takes a well-earned break for planned maintenance at Williton.

    The appeal of the ‘Winterlights‘ trains has been such that the WSR have added more services, including dates between Christmas and New Year to increase the number of available tickets from 5000 to 9000, so this is great news and we are proud to be able to play our part. We will also be supporting the (daytime) ‘Santa Express’ workings in the same way as we did last year. These services have also been highly appealing to a hungry market, with all tickets sold out already. It’s going to be a busy season !

     

     

    On Friday 22nd October, the DEPG hosted a visit to Williton by 28 members of the THE RAILWAY CORRESPONDENCE and TRAVEL SOCIETY (RCTS), a group that was established in 1928 and now boasts more than 3000 members and can safely claim to be the most senior of the railway societies in the UK. In connection with that visit, we would like to share the following feedback from former WSR chairman Mark Smith as follows:

    “I enjoy keeping up to date with what you are up to at Williton, and on Friday 22nd October that all became very useful indeed.

    The Railway Correspondence and Travel Society held their annual weekend in Taunton this year, and on Friday afternoon the first formal visit of the weekend was to Williton, first to the DEPG and then to the WS Restorations depot down the yard.

    28 participants assembled and were made welcome by your chairman Martin Howard and assisted by Mark Bladwell and Leroy Ford.

    I would describe the RCTS as a long established, serious minded organisation. 

    I attended to oversee their transfer from DEPG to WS Restorations and because I was to be guest speaker at their formal evening dinner the following night.

    I knew from the conversations that afternoon that they really appreciated having four locomotive cabs accessible to view, with the DEPG team on hand to answer their questions and explain the Groups ambitions and something of the work that is required to keep the fleet in working order.

    This was confirmed the following evening by numbers of people who queued up at the end of the proceedings to say their own thank yous. The preparations and access made possible by the DEPG were mentioned and contributed to their enjoyment immensely.

    I understand there was a decent contribution to DEPG funds, but importantly a good deal of goodwill was also generated.

    Thank you.

    Best regards

    Mark

    Hon member DEPG, WSR plc (retired)”

     

    Many thanks to Mark for supporting the RCTS visit and for providing this very useful feedback. We are really pleased to hear that the event went well and we thank all those involved with organising it. Much appreciated !

     

    LOCO NEWS:

    Class 52 D1010 ‘WESTERN CAMPAIGNER’ – the Autumn Work Week at Williton presented an opportunity to make more progress on D1010 and that opportunity was grabbed with both hands !

    Throughout the last week, our restoration volunteer Colin F has been hard at work on the restoration of the eight valance sections that form the skirt around the buffer beams at each end of the loco and contribute to the style and grace of the iconic design. Where possible, Colin has used the original metalwork and repaired it as necessary, but in some cases, there was not enough ‘good’ metal remaining, so Colin fabricated new sections by copying the original build methods.

    The result is a complete set of eight authentic valances with eight footholds, all awaiting glass bead blasting and painting. Well done and many thanks to Colin for his hard work and diligence !

    Leroy was also on hand throughout the week, making steady progress on the removal of the ‘Prestolith’ filler on the loco bodyside, but on Thursday 4th November, he prepared the ‘A’ end engine for a run to exercise the loco systems and ensure that all was well before preparing the engine for the winter. NOTE – the engine at ‘B’ end is operational but cannot be started because the transmission has been removed from the loco for repairs, and the dynastarter couples to the engine via the transmission.

    The photos below show the progress, and there are links to two short video clips from Leroy that show the ‘A’ end engine running (best played LOUD!):

    D1010 – a restored front valance was trial fitted to ‘B’ end to check that the new metal profiles matched up with the original lines. More trial fitment work will take place and adjustments made where necessary, before glass bead blasting, priming and painting. All of the restoration work has been painstakingly performed by volunteer Colin F. Pictured at Williton on 1st November 2021 by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – a brand-new front side valance undergoing fabrication at Williton on 6th November 2021. This new part has been built to the authentic design of the original part by Colin F and will replace the non-standard part that was fitted to ‘A’ end in 1986. Photo by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 – original footholds recovered from the original side valances from ‘B’ end, now repaired and ready for glass bead blasting and painting before being installed in the restored side valances. Pictured at Williton on 1st November 2021 by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    With the help of Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH number 578 (ROF 1), a dust-covered D1010 emerged into the autumn sunshine on Tuesday 2nd November 2021 in preparation for her last engine run of the year (the engine run took place on Thursday 4th). Image courtesy of Railcam UK and the WSR ©

     

    D1010 engine run at ‘A’ end at Williton on 4th November 2021, part 1, captured on video by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 engine run at ‘A’ end at Williton on 4th November 2021, part 2, captured on video by Leroy Ford © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D1010 emerged again on Saturday 6th November so that Leroy could start needle-gunning the bodysides in preparation for a first coat of primer. The result was a lot of paint and filler removed in a short amount of time, so well done Leroy ! Photo 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 going to return D1010 to full operational condition.

     

     

    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 – anti-freeze checks were carried out by Paul T and he confirmed that the engine and cooling system is protected down to -31C therefore the loco can be stabled in the yard without risk of frost damage. The loco will be covered by a tarpaulin throughout the winter months and until we can get her into the Swindon shed for bogie disconnection and lifting.

     

    Class 35 ‘Hymek’ D7018 – Paul also tested the anti-freeze on this loco and confirmed that it was also protected down to -31C. As this loco is still resplendent in her two-tone green and grey paint finish, she cannot be covered over without risk of paint damage. Covered storage for our heritage locomotives remains an important subject that needs a long term solution.

     

    Class 14 ‘Teddy Bear’ D9518 – more progress was made on this loco during work week as additional volunteer resources were available. The first task was to relocate the major assemblies on number 2 road in the loco shed, so that the loco rebuild can be concentrated in one area. Then, several large and heavy items were cleaned, checked and painted by Terry, Gary, Nick, Chris, Mark, Mike and Carol, as shown in the photos below:

    D9518 major assemblies have been relocated to number 2 road inside the loco shed at Williton. From left to right, the cab assembly, the Voith L217 hydraulic transmission, the cooler group with the brake frame behind it, and finally the Paxman 6YJXL 26-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine. Pictured on 2nd November 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 brake frame, fully restored to a very high standard and ready to be re-installed on the loco frames. Pictured at Williton on 2nd November 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 cab assembly has been stripped of internal parts and is undergoing a complete rebuild, which is a major task in itself. Pictured at Williton on 2nd November 2021 by Martin Howard © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 frame components receive a clean-up from long-term member and volunteer Gary L at Williton on 3rd November 2021. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    D9518 frame components receive a coat of primer from Carol, in between light rain showers at Williton on 3rd November 2021. Class 33 ‘Crompton’ D6575 (33 057) takes a rest on number 1 road in the background. Photo by Andy Royal © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

    All of this rapid 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, which is good for the loco and good for the DEPG. The loco is likely 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.

     

    Class 47 47077 ‘NORTH STAR’ – this loco remains stuck at Bishops Lydeard waiting for instructions for her move to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. This loco was re-fuelled on Tuesday 2nd November and will undergo a programme of regular engine runs to ensure that she remains in good condition.

     

    Andrew Barclay 0-4-0DH 578 – this loco received attention from Colin, Martin and Paul and was in use on several days of the week, shunting locos and wagons in the yard. There is a lot more paintwork to be tackled, so we need volunteers to step forward to work on this little loco during the next few weeks. Please come along and join the effort to complete the work on this little loco (no prior experience required, just regular DIY skills will be sufficient).

     

    Many thanks to all of our volunteers who gave up so much of their time last week to work on the cleaning, painting, maintaining, restoring, managing and fund raising for our fleet of heritage locomotives !

     

     

    BOOK REVIEW – this week, we include a detailed report by long-term member and regular contributor Neale Long, who has purchased the book from our online store and reports as follows:

    ‘WESTERN VENTURE’ by Roger Geach and Michael Mercer, published by Budleigh, October 2021.

    “The latest in the long line of books published on ‘Western’ Class 52 Diesel Hydraulic locomotives is this fine 75-page soft back album, dedicated to these hugely popular machines by Roger Geach and Michael Mercer. Featuring monochrome images of all 74 class members at work throughout the region on a wide range of duties, the album is based upon the photographs taken by well-known railway photographer Barry Nicolle, supplemented by additional  images by photographers Roger Geach, Leslie Riley, Eric Bullen and Mike Martin. Consisting of eight chapters preceded by introductions and acknowledgement, the book aims to portray the Class 52’s as mixed traffic locomotives and does so with a fine selection of photographs of the Class in action in the 1970’s. The album consists of eight chapters and over 120 images. The chapters are:                            

    • The 74 ‘Westerns’
    • Swindon Works
    • Early memories of the ‘Westerns’ by Steve Marshall
    • My perspective, by Michael Mercer
    • Sunday morning to Penzance, by Roger Geach
    • Western Rover 1975, by John Harvey
    • My last Western Summer, by Steve Philpot
    • The Survivors

    The bulk of the images are contained in the first two chapters and are largely previously unpublished, mainly from the lens of railway photographer Barry Nicolle. The second part of the book consists of five articles from well-known enthusiasts, describing their particular memories of ‘Wizzos’, be it from the photographic, haulage or spotting perspective. All the articles are well written and provide a sense of what presence these superb locomotives had (and still have!) and very much complement the fine selection of images published.

    The images perfectly illustrate the varied nature of work that the class undertook during the 1970s, with increasing use on freight as passenger work was slowly lost during their final years. All the usual locations are featured, ie Paddington, Reading, Exeter, Plymouth and Cornwall, but what makes this selection of images stand out are that a good number of them are taken around Barry Nicolle’s then home town of Cheltenham and nearby Gloucester, which makes a change from the more usual views of London, Devon & Cornwall. It is often forgotten that the Class 52’s worked over all parts of the Western Region, not just in the usually depicted areas.

    The reviewer, who was born and raised in Gloucester, can testify to this, and to this day the Class are fondly remembered by enthusiasts in the area. Your reviewer remembers the sight of many a Class 52 stabled on Horton Road, and pleasingly this album features this location, plus a picture of D1016 ‘WESTERN GLADIATOR’ leaving the now-closed Gloucester Eastgate station on a train that I became very familiar with, the Sundays-Only (SuO) 1515 Paddington – Cheltenham, was particularly nostalgic.

    The chapter on Swindon Works is somewhat depressing with the images of locomotives awaiting scrapping, but as the authors quite rightly state, it was how things were at the time. The album ends on a positive note, however, with images of all seven of the fortunate survivors. All the photographs are accompanied by accurate and concise captions  which help the reader to further understand how the class managed their remaining years.

    Overall, authors Roger Geach and Michael Mercer have done an excellent job in compiling a fine photographic album  which meets its aim of depicting the class as a mixed traffic locomotive that put in many years of hard work on British Rail’s Western Region. The reminiscences complement the photographs very well and will appeal to not only admirers and modellers of the Class 52s, but also to those interested in the British Rail Western Region in general. The album does what it says and helps those who were not fortunate to see the Class 52’s in service to see what they were actually like and to remind those who were fortunate, what great days they were and what a presence these wonderful locomotives had.

    I would unhesitatingly recommend this album without any reservation.”

     

    Many thanks to Neale for providing us with this book review.

    All proceeds from the sale of this book go to the D1010 Restoration Fund, as per the agreement with Roger Geach. Please get your copy while stocks last.

     

    And speaking of new publications, experts are predicting that our DEPG 2022 CALENDAR is GOING TO BE OUT OF STOCK SOON so ACT NOW to avoid PANIC BUYING and 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 – this week, we feature a photo of our Class 47 taken by Roger Geach 47 years ago. Our loco, 47 077 ‘NORTH STAR’ (D1661, 47613, 47840) was based at Old Oak Common depot (in Kensal Green, NW London, alongside the mainline to Paddington) and was often rostered for the express services to the far south-west. In this photo, ‘NORTH STAR‘ is hauling the 1B25 0930 Paddington to Penzance service through Dobwalls, 3 miles west of Liskeard, Cornwall, 47 years ago. Many thanks to Roger for sharing this image with us.

    BR Crewe-built Class 47 47 077 ‘NORTH STAR’ (D1661, 47613, 47840) heads the 1B25 0930 service from Paddington to Penzance as it heads south-west passing Dobwalls, Cornwall on 10th October 1974. Photo by Roger Geach ©

     

    DEPG NEWS – The Autumn ‘work week’ ran from Saturday 30th October through to Saturday 6th November, welcoming volunteers both old and new, and getting things done in the spirit of the occasion. The weather was a reasonable mix that allowed tasks to be conducted outdoors most days, as already pictured above. Another benefit of work week is that it allows infrastructure tasks to be undertaken, with improvements to facilities taking place alongside the loco-related project work.

    A full report will be included in the next issue of the DEPG Newsletter, which will be distributed to DEPG members during the first week of December, so JOIN NOW to ensure that you get your copy.

    MANY THANKS to all who attended ‘work week’ and contributed to getting so much work done. Great job all !

     

    OTHER NEWS – last week, we featured the 45th anniversary of the ‘WESTERNS SOUTH WESTERN‘ railtour that made its way to Meldon Quarry, just beyond Okehampton on the remains of the old LSWR line from Exeter to Plymouth, and we mentioned that the line was due to re-open to passengers on 20th November 2021, after a gap of almost 50 years.

    Member and regular volunteer Mike Evans was working in the area of Okehampton and grabbed this photo of a GWR Class 166 ‘Networker Turbo’ diesel-hydraulic multiple unit making a call at the station, perhaps for training purposes or platform clearance checks. If you know why it was there, please let me know so that I can share the story. Many thanks to Mike for keeping us informed.

    GWR Class 166 ‘Networker Turbo’ diesel-hydraulic multiple unit number 166 201 stands at the soon-to-be-reopened Okehampton station on 4th November 2021. Photo by Mike Evans © CC BY-NC 3.0

     

     

    WSR NEWS: preparations are well underway for the new ‘Winterlights‘ services, the first of which is scheduled to run on Friday 19th November. Prior to that, there will be several training runs to make sure that all of the staff and volunteers are fully prepared and ready to ensure that everything goes to plan. Then, two weeks later, the ‘Santa Express‘ daytime services restart, so it really is going to be a busy time for all involved. We wish the WSR every success with these services and we are very happy to be involved with them.

     

     

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